Blizzard Announces WoW Forever Launch Date and Diablo V Release Window

Blizzard Entertainment reveals World of Warcraft: Forever launches November 4, Diablo V arrives Spring 2029, and StarCraft returns as an open- world shooter in 2030.

Blizzard Entertainment used its 2026 convention to outline a multi-year roadmap that extends well into the next decade. The company revealed release windows for two major new franchises and significant updates for its existing live-service titles. Players can now track specific dates for upcoming launches and seasonal content across the studio's primary franchises.

Blizzard outlines release dates for WoW Forever and Diablo V

The headline announcement focuses on World of Warcraft: Forever, which sets a global launch date of November 4, 2026. A public beta test begins earlier on September 17 to allow players to test the new iteration before the full release. Blizzard also confirmed that Warcraft III Reforged will receive a major 3.0 update alongside a new campaign titled 'Forsaken Kingdom'.

Blizzard outlined long-term plans for its other core intellectual properties with distant release windows. Diablo V is scheduled to launch in Spring 2029, marking the next major entry in the action RPG series. The studio also revealed that StarCraft will return as a story-driven, open-world shooter arriving in Spring 2030.

Current titles receive immediate attention with Diablo IV Season of Hell's Legacy beginning on September 15. The game will also arrive on the Nintendo Switch 2 on that same date, expanding its platform availability. An Amazon class pack for Diablo IV is planned for the first half of 2027, while Hearthstone prepares to introduce the Monk class in 2027. Overwatch Season 5 is currently live, featuring the new Support Hero Doctrine and the Watchpoint: Grimsvötn map.

Blizzard president Johanna Faries addressed the audience, emphasizing the role of community and creativity in the company's future. She stated, "My hope is that our coming together can remind the world why community like this matters so much, why artistry matters, why creativity matters, and why making and playing games will matter always." The studio also confirmed a partnership with Netflix for an animated Diablo series.

These announcements establish a clear timeline for Blizzard's product pipeline from late 2026 through 2030. The confirmed dates for World of Warcraft: Forever and the Diablo IV Switch 2 launch provide immediate milestones for players. The studio has committed to specific release windows for its next-generation titles and live-service expansions.