RACES & NEW AREAS
New faces. Roads not taken.
Meet the Skyborne, check the new race/class combinations, and explore the announced additions to original Azeroth.
Skyborne: the new playable race
Skyborne begin on Zephras Isle and choose Horde or Alliance at character creation. Both sides can choose Druid, Hunter, Rogue or Warrior. Horde Windshapers can also be Shaman; Alliance High Order Skyborne can also be Mage. The official edition information makes this race and starting experience an optional paid unlock.
Check the full faction roster
Blizzard’s roster adds Human Hunter, Gnome Priest, Dwarf Shaman, Orc Mage, Troll Warlock and Undead Paladin to familiar choices. Use the current official race/class table before making a character, rather than assuming the old faction limits apply everywhere.
No additional launch class confirmed here
Blizzard currently lists nine available classes: Warrior, Paladin, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Shaman, Mage, Warlock and Druid. A new race/class combination is not a new class. Future surveys or player wishes do not establish a launch roster.
Zephras Isle
This new level 1–12 starting area introduces the Skyborne’s elemental homeland and its crisis. Our advice is to read its story on a first visit rather than expecting an old starting-zone route to fit.
Riverglades and Mount Hyjal
The Found Photos recap describes new adventures in Riverglades and Mount Hyjal, alongside additions to existing places. We treat announced settings as confirmed destinations while leaving precise route and tuning claims to later verification.
Familiar places, fresh stories
The world recap also explores original Azeroth through revised starting experiences, travel and unfinished story threads. Look for new content when revisiting an old zone. Classic artwork on this site is labelled as atmosphere, not a screenshot proving what a new Forever area looks like.
Sources behind this guide
Blizzard: meet the Skyborne ↗Blizzard: races and classes ↗Blizzard: Found Photos panel recap ↗Blizzard: Forever announcement and editions ↗Blizzard: What’s Next panel recap ↗Beta systems may change. Recommendations are preparation advice, not a claim that we have completed or tested every encounter.