The wait is almost over—WoW Forever releases next week! Here is everything we suggest doing to prepare yourself for what could be Blizzard’s biggest launch yet.
Pre-Forever To-Do List
- Pre-install/Updates
- Choose your main
- Early name reservation
- Pick a ruleset
- Get your addons ready
Pre-Load the Client/Update Your Drivers
Make sure Battle.net is updated, check for graphics card driver updates, and install any pending system updates well ahead of time. You can even pre-install WoW Forever already—here’s how:
For Windows, open command prompt (Windows key + R) and type the following (replace C: with whatever drive you have Battle.net.exe installed in):
“C:\Program Files (x86)\Battle.net\Battle.net.exe” –game=WoWF –install
For Mac users, open a Terminal window and type (given Battle.net.app is installed in the default location):
/Applications/Battle.net.app/Contents/MacOS/Battle.net –game=WoWF –install
Battle.net should then start installing the 12GB file (so make sure you have space for it!)
Choose Your Main
It’s an obvious one. Before you can jump into the game, you need to know what you’re playing. Luckily, we’ve made that one easy. Check out our Choosing Your Main guide if you’re still struggling to make the decision!
Choosing Your Main GuideEarly Name Reservation
If you have purchased the Skyborne Heroic Pack, Skyborne Epic Pack, or the Warcraft Forever Collection, you’ll have access to early name reservation. This runs from 27th October until 3rd November. For more information, check out our guide on Early Name Reservation.
Early Name Reservation GuidePick a Ruleset
Instead of traditional realms, WoW Forever will function through mega-realms, separated by five different rulesets:
- Normal
- PvP
- Roleplay
- RP-PvP
- Hardcore (expected to arrive early 2027)
There are a few key points to keep in mind here. Once you choose a ruleset, your character will be permanently locked to that ruleset. However, you can still make new characters on different rulesets. If you choose a PvP ruleset, you will also be locked into one faction choice.
Choosing a ruleset determines what your experience will be like in WoW Forever. Do you enjoy the thrill of permanent character death, or is your focus to fight for your faction? Find more information in our Realms guide.
WoW Forever Realms GuideGet Your Addons Ready
Don’t wait until launch day to sort your addons! If you already had a setup you were happy with in the Beta, you can migrate your addon folder to the live game.
In your World of Warcraft install, locate the _classic_beta_ folder. Copy the Interface and WTF folders from this location and paste into the _forever_ folder.
Many addons for WoW are also compatible with Forever, so check your addon managers and make sure everything is up to date before launch.
Now, all that’s left to do is sit back and wait for the adventure to start!