WoW: Forever launch-week checklist

Blizzard: global launch on 4 Nov at 3:00 p.m. PST, which is 07:00 on 5 Nov in Beijing; the China site says 5 Nov, worldwide.

Source: Blizzard news (2026-09-12): global launch 4 Nov, 3:00 p.m. PST (Wowhead blue tracker copy) · China Forever site: global launch on 5 Nov 2026

Names use a 6+6 format: two parts of up to 6 characters each (12 total), separated by a space. Up to 3 characters across all rule sets; on PvP rule sets an account with Alliance characters can't make Horde ones (and vice versa), and a faction may be locked temporarily if populations tip. The China page gives two end dates (4 and 5 Nov): plan for the 4th.

Source: China WoW site: Forever name reservation (2026-10-22)

Blizzard's steps: latest graphics driver, update Battle.net, choose WoW: Forever in the game version menu and install, then pick a rule set. The notice doesn't mention a pre-download, so install a day or two early.

Source: China WoW site: Forever name reservation (2026-10-22)

Each class guide has three first steps, a talent code, videos and articles.

Forever runs a new client: an add-on loads only if its .toc lists Interface 16001, so Classic Era or Titan versions won't work as they are. See the add-on list below.

Source: Each add-on's own .toc file (## Interface lists 16001, the Forever client) · China WoW site: notice on paid add-ons (2026-09-24)

Don't tune your bars mid-fight in the starting zone: place your spells, mount and hearthstone first. Macros: pick from the class macro library.

Find a guild on the recruiting board before launch and meet where your guild leader says.

• Press, quoting BlizzardBlizzard (Clay Stone, 23 Oct): there will always be some layering; fixes promised for being split after boats / zeppelins and when large groups enter or leave capitals.
• BlizzardDev notes, 24 Sep: creating or changing a party may move players to another world instance; 1 Oct: party leaders are no longer moved when a party is created or changed.
• BlizzardDev notes, 16 Oct: you can't accept the 'refresh world' prompt in combat. Client text: 'The world around you will refresh in … Make sure you are out of combat and in a safe place, or click here to refresh now.'
• Not announcedHow many layers, how many players per layer and any hop cooldown: not announced.

In practice: one person leads and stays put, everyone joins that party, and when the 'world will refresh' prompt shows, get out of combat somewhere safe first; avoid leaving and rejoining.

Source: Blizzard forums: WoW Forever beta development notes (Sep 24 / Oct 1 / Oct 16) · GameSpot, 23 Oct (Blizzard statement by Clay Stone; Yahoo reprint) · Forever client 1.60.1.70532 UI strings (wago.tools GlobalStrings: SHARD_TRANSFER_*)

The first dungeons are at 13–18: Ragefire Chasm for the Horde, the Hall of Thanes for the Alliance. Their quests are spread around the capitals.

Source: foreverchanges.pro beta dungeon pages (level bands, quests)

Prepare signatures the Classic way; check in game at launch.

Ragefire's 5 quests paid the Horde 12,750 XP in the beta, about a level at 13 (foreverchanges; may change).

Source: foreverchanges.pro beta dungeon pages (level bands, quests)

Profession routes and the cooking guide use Forever client data.

The leveling route lists zones and dungeons by level band.

The three level-60 raids open on 10 Dec. Blizzard: every player needs the faction attunement quests and the Drakefire Amulet (carried, not equipped) for Onyxia's Lair, and suggests starting early.

Source: China WoW site: raid overview, sizes and attunement (2026-10-21)