Blizzard has published a starter guide for World of Warcraft: Forever. It is aimed at newcomers, but it also explains how this version of World of Warcraft handles presentation, server rules, character names and its new race. Forever comes with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time. Players choose it from the game versions list in the Battle.net app, and it runs on Windows and Mac. Controller support is available in beta.
Experience presets and rulesets
The first time you log in, World of Warcraft: Forever asks you to choose an Experience Preset. This happens before you pick a ruleset, and there are two options:
- Classic: Standard Definition character models, no quest points of interest or objective blobs, one-bag and transmog turned off, keyboard keys that turn the camera, and the classic screen layout.
- Enhanced: High Definition models, quest markers and objective areas shown, one-bag and transmog turned on, strafe movement on the keyboard, and a centralized UI layout.
Blizzard suggests Enhanced if you’re unsure. The preset only sets your starting options, and each one can be changed later under Game Menu > Options. The selection screen won’t appear again after that first login.
Next comes the Ruleset, which you pick before creating a character. Four are available at launch: Normal, PvP, Roleplay and Roleplay-PvP. A Hardcore ruleset, where death ends a character’s journey, is planned for later. Blizzard says it will share details and timing for Hardcore at a later date.
The ruleset choice matters if you plan to play with friends. Grouping, guilds, dungeons and raids only work between characters on the same ruleset and faction, so agree on both before you create characters.
Skyborne, character models and names
The new Skyborne race picks a faction at character creation, and that choice decides its class options. Horde Skyborne follow elemental traditions and can be Shamans. Alliance Skyborne follow their ancestors’ arcane path and can be Mages. Both start on Zephras Isle, a level 1–12 zone. Playing Skyborne requires the Heroic Pack or a higher digital upgrade.
Each new character can use either HD or SD models and animations. The choice is cosmetic only, and you can change it later in the Options menu or at a Barbershop.
Forever also uses a two-name system with a main name and a secondary name. The full combination must be unique within your region. You can hide the secondary name on your nameplate, but it still shows in chat.
Professions, campsites and the wider world
Each character can learn two primary professions plus all three secondary ones: Cooking, Fishing and First Aid. Professions also let you contribute features at campsites. These are open-world gathering spots where players can rest, share profession-made benefits, trade and find groups.
For later levels, the guide names the Riverglades, Shen’Dralas and Mount Hyjal as places your journey may lead. Dungeons are spread across a range of levels.
The rest of the guide covers the basics: questing, combat, death and resurrection, gear, vendors and bag space. It’s worth reading if you’re new to Azeroth or returning after a long break. The full guide is on the official World of Warcraft site.
Source: World of Warcraft official news.
