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Following its BlizzCon 2026 announcement, World of Warcraft: Forever's beta has gone live, introducing four new zones (Riverglades, Mount Hjyal, Shen'dralas, and Zephras Isle) and aiming for a "Mandela Effect" where players can't distinguish new content from the classic original. Blizzard designers detailed plans for expanded class roles, though Shamans and Warlocks won't be able to tank at launch, unlike in past Classic experiments. Players have reacted with a mix of excitement and controversy, including debate over whether the new Skyborne starting zone fits tonally with original Classic zones, and discovery of unusual new items that break decades of established rules, such as giving mages a reason to use swords.