Racial abilities give you a reason to see the journey through new eyes. In Forever they are reworked to feel stronger, more distinct, and more meaningful, without pushing every race toward the same strengths.
Six new race and class combinations arrive at launch, with more planned for future updates, and the Skyborne join as a ninth playable race.
Two Actives and Two Passives for Every RaceChanged
Each race now pairs two active abilities with two passive ones. The final pre-launch tuning pass on October 26 put racial identity first: several role- and class-focused racials returned in place of generic bonuses, so some races are slightly more effective in certain roles. Weapon specializations such as Sword Specialization and Axe Specialization stay out, so future loot is never judged by a required weapon type.
Dwarves keep Stoneform's removal of Bleeds, Poisons, and Diseases, but its defensive bonus now reduces Physical damage taken instead of raising Armor. Artisan's Precision adds 1% hit chance with spells and attacks, and Big Game Hunter increases damage against Beasts.
Undead keep Will of the Forsaken to remove Charm, Fear, and Sleep, though it no longer grants immunity to them. Cannibalize now restores Mana as well as Health, and Touch of the Grave gives attacks a chance to drain life from enemies.
| Classic Baseline | WoW Forever Overhaul |
|---|---|
| Each race had its own uneven mix of active and passive racials. | Every race has two active and two passive racials built around its identity, with some races slightly stronger in certain roles. |
Six New Race and Class CombinationsNew
Six new pairings open at launch, one each for Priest, Hunter, Shaman, Mage, Warlock, and Paladin. Blizzard plans more combinations in future updates.
The Undead Paladin and Dwarf Shaman also bring each class to the faction that never had it.
| Classic Baseline | WoW Forever Overhaul |
|---|---|
| The original fixed race and class pairings. | Gnome Priest, Human Hunter, Dwarf Shaman, Orc Mage, Troll Warlock, and Undead Paladin arrive at launch. |
The Skyborne: Choose Your Faction at Character CreationNew
The Skyborne are elemental elves from Zephras Isle whose shared ancestry has led to very different visions for the future. When you create one, you choose whether it joins the Horde or the Alliance.
Both factions can play Warrior, Hunter, Rogue, and Druid, with new Skyborne druid forms. Horde-aligned Skyborne embrace elemental traditions and can play Shaman; Alliance-aligned Skyborne pursue their arcane legacy and can play Mage. Their racials follow the same split: both share Walk on Air, Wind Blessed, and Elemental Insight, while Horde Skyborne gain Skysight and Alliance Skyborne gain Read Leyline.
| Classic Baseline | WoW Forever Overhaul |
|---|---|
| Eight playable races, each tied to one faction. | A ninth race whose players choose Horde or Alliance at character creation, starting on Zephras Isle. |
Choosing Your Race
- Compare active racials first: they offer the biggest differences in utility, from Stoneform to Will of the Forsaken.
- Plan a Skyborne around your friends: the faction choice at character creation also decides whether Shaman or Mage is open to you.
- Skyborne access comes with the Skyborne Heroic Pack or any higher upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which classes can Skyborne play?
Warrior, Hunter, Rogue, and Druid on either faction, plus Shaman for Horde Skyborne and Mage for Alliance Skyborne.
Are more race and class combinations coming?
Yes. Blizzard plans more combinations in future updates beyond the six at launch.
Where to Go Next
More WoW Forever Changes
- Class and Talent Changes7 confirmed changes
- World and Leveling Changes8 confirmed changes
- Dungeon, Raid, and PvP Changes7 confirmed changes
- Profession and Camping Changes3 confirmed changes
- Realm, Name, and Legacy Changes6 confirmed changes
- Visual and Control Changes6 confirmed changes
- Browse the complete searchable change database →