By Jacob Miller | Sep 23, 2026
World of Warcraft: Forever offers a fresh spin on the classic formula compared to other versions of the long-running MMO. Set in an alternate version of Azeroth that skipped the events of later expansions, the game lets players explore areas that weren't part of the original 2004 release, including zones like Mount Hyjal and the magical floating city of Dalaran. It also introduces Skyborne as a brand-new playable race available to both major factions. The game is set for a full global launch on November 4 at 6:00 PM Eastern time.
Developers Explain Why Shared Tagging Won't Return
While World of Warcraft: Forever has borrowed several features from the game's Midnight expansion, shared monster tagging won't be one of them. The topic came up after a public conversation between two well-known World of Warcraft content creators, prompting a Blizzard developer to clarify that the studio intends to stick with a first-come, first-served system for tags and loot drops, much like earlier Classic versions of the game that Forever draws heavy inspiration from.
Currently, Midnight includes shared tagging, a system designed to prevent players from monopolizing enemies needed for quest progress. While convenient, this approach can reduce the amount of natural player interaction the game encourages. According to the developer, the studio wants players to instead rely on cooperation and communication to work through any friction they encounter while questing, rather than removing that friction entirely through shared tagging.
Blizzard acknowledged there are other ways to ease potential frustration without introducing shared tagging, and confirmed the feature won't be added to Forever anytime soon. A principal game designer at the studio echoed this stance, adding that the development team remains open to making adjustments if players run into significant issues completing quests or objectives. Since the game is still in beta, some elements remain subject to change based on ongoing player feedback.
Controller Support Inspired by a Rival MMO
Despite holding firm on tagging mechanics, World of Warcraft: Forever is introducing a feature clearly influenced by one of its biggest competitors in the genre. The beta now includes official controller support, allowing up to 32 actions to be mapped using a combination of trigger buttons alongside the D-pad or face buttons. The setup closely resembles the cross hotbar system found in a rival MMO, a feature that title has used since its earliest days. It remains unclear whether this controller functionality will eventually extend to Midnight or other versions of the game.
With World of Warcraft: Forever offering players a new way to rediscover Azeroth, Blizzard has made it clear that fostering social interaction remains a top priority for the experience. Whether further adjustments come before the game's November launch remains to be seen.
