Why Aren't New WoW Races Included in WoW: Forever?
World of Warcraft: Forever is intentionally designed as a separate continuity from retail World of Warcraft. Unlike the main game, it does not plan to incorporate modern races introduced in later expansions such as Goblins, Vulpera, or Haranir. The developers emphasize building the game’s world on the foundational lore rooted in the original Warcraft real-time strategy games, focusing on events following Warcraft 3: Forsaken Kingdom. This approach enables WoW: Forever to tell unique stories without retreading narratives already explored in the current WoW expansions.
How Does This Impact the Gameplay Experience?
By not adding newer races, WoW: Forever confines its character choices and world-building to the original Warcraft era. This means players won't experience the broad racial diversity seen in later expansions, which may feel limiting to some but maintains a closer connection to Warcraft’s roots. Additionally, the game sets itself apart by lowering the stakes compared to retail WoW; players are described as "a hero" rather than "the hero," aiming for a more grounded narrative and subtle involvement in larger in-game events. This perspective encourages a different player experience centered on personal contribution within a shared world rather than epic world-saving roles.
What Should Players Expect Moving Forward?
WoW: Forever will focus on expanding its own universe, potentially revisiting locations from later expansions but reimagining them to fit its timeline rather than recreating them exactly. This commitment to differentiate itself means new content will prioritize original storytelling without dependence on the modern WoW canon. Moreover, Blizzard is actively working on combating real-money trading within WoW: Forever to protect the in-game economy and player accounts. For players, this means engaging with a Warcraft experience that respects the franchise’s origins, offers fresh narratives, and maintains a fair, balanced environment.
Key Takeaway for WoW: Forever Players
Choosing to omit modern WoW races and focus on foundational lore significantly influences WoW: Forever’s identity. Players seeking a classic Warcraft atmosphere and storytelling aligned with the original RTS games will find value in this direction. However, those attached to the diversity and storylines of recent expansions might find the experience more limited. Understanding these design choices can help players set appropriate expectations for character creation, story engagement, and overall gameplay, emphasizing WoW: Forever's role as an alternate timeline rather than a mirror of retail WoW.