World of Warcraft: Forever is set to bring a host of new features to the WoW Classic universe, but one of the most anticipated changes—the ability for Shamans and Warlocks to act as tanks—will not be available at launch. In an interview with GameSpot, Josh Greenfield, a senior game designer, revealed that while some features from the Season of Discovery have been incorporated, classes that weren’t originally tanks aren’t yet ready for that role.
What is WoW: Forever?
WoW: Forever is the latest addition to the World of Warcraft universe, bringing a fresh take on the classic MMORPG. Blizzard is working to revitalize the experience, preserving the essence of the original game while introducing significant changes. The goal is to create an environment where players can explore new mechanics and playstyles, while always staying true to the roots of what made WoW so popular.
Changes to Classes
During the Season of Discovery, Blizzard experimented with new roles for certain classes, allowing classes such as the Rogue and Mage to take on non-traditional roles—as tanks and healers, respectively. This approach helped alleviate the shortage of tanks in the game, allowing more players to participate in raids and dungeons. However, for WoW: Forever, some of these ideas were adjusted, with Greenfield stating that more radical changes—such as a Warlock tank or a Mage healer—were not implemented for launch.
What Remains of "Season of Discovery"?
Some content from the Season of Discovery has been confirmed for WoW: Forever, including new class quests and the endgame currency Undermine Reals. However, other significant additions, such as the Scarlet Enclave raid and the Kharazan Crypts dungeon, will not be available at launch. This mix of old and new content promises to offer a diverse experience for players.
Beta and Release
Currently, the WoW: Forever beta is underway, allowing players who pre-ordered the new Skyborne elf race to try out the new features. The official launch is scheduled for November 4, and expectations are high among the community, which is eagerly awaiting these changes. During BlizzCon 2026, many players were already able to get a sneak peek at what’s to come.
Expectations for the Future
Although Blizzard has decided not to include Shamans and Warlocks as tanks at launch, Greenfield made it clear that this does not mean these changes are final. He mentioned that, while many innovations are welcome, the idea is to preserve the essence of the classes. Therefore, players can expect new roles to be explored over time, as the game evolves and adapts.
Community Engagement
Community engagement has always been one of Blizzard’s strengths, and WoW: Forever will be no exception. The developers are attentive to player feedback and strive to implement changes that meet the community’s expectations and needs. This is essential for keeping the game relevant and engaging, especially in a competitive landscape like that of MMORPGs.