WoW Forever launch checklist

Be ready for launch on 4 November 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PST in 15 steps, from your Game Time and ruleset to your first dungeon; tick them off as you go and ForeverDB remembers where you are (Blizzard, 12 Sep 2026).

Before launch

  1. Check your Game Time or subscription: WoW Forever is included with a World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time; the editions are optional (Blizzard, 12 Sep 2026). Price and editions
  2. Choose your ruleset: Normal, PvP or Roleplaying (Hardcore comes after launch). You can only group with players on the same ruleset (Blizzard, 21 Sep 2026). Rulesets explained
  3. Pick your class: Start from the role you want to play, then check the tier lists players vote on. Which class to play
  4. Pick your race and faction: Forever changed most racials, and the Skyborne can join either faction (Blizzard, 22 Sep 2026). Which race to play
  5. Plan your talents: Lay out your talents level by level in the talent calculator, and send the plan to the Companion addon. Talent calculator
  6. Reserve your name: Early Name Reservation runs from 27 October to 3 November for eligible upgrade purchases, first come, first served (Blizzard, 21 Sep 2026). Name reservation
  7. Install the Companion and Helper addons: The Companion adds a rotation assistant, quest helper and gear tips to any interface; the Helper plans dungeons and keeps your wishlist. ForeverDB Companion ForeverDB Helper
  8. Pick two professions: Choose a pair that works together, and see what each can make. Which professions to pick
  9. Plan your leveling route: Know your first zones and your class's leveling guide before the doors open. How to level fast
  10. Find a guild or your group: Guilds are recruiting by ruleset and faction already. Guild recruitment

Launch day

  1. Update the game and your graphics drivers: Blizzard asked beta testers to make sure their graphics drivers are up to date (Blizzard, 17 Sep 2026). Beta errors and fixes
  2. Know the launch time where you live: 3:00 p.m. PST on 4 November is 23:00 UTC (Blizzard, 12 Sep 2026). Countdown in your time zone
  3. Check the server status before you log in: If you can't get in, see whether Blizzard's login server is up and what Blizzard has posted. Server status

Your first week

  1. Keep your gear up to date: The best gear for your level, from quests, dungeons and crafting. Best in slot at your level
  2. Run your first dungeon: Roles, what to expect, and which dungeons suit your level. Your first dungeon Dungeons and raids

Sources

Go deeper on ForeverDB

Launch hub