World of Warcraft: Forever launches worldwide on November 4, 2026. Rather than simply recreating classic WoW, Forever expands the original Azeroth with new questlines, zones, dungeons, and raids while keeping the familiar level 1–60 progression experience.
At launch, WoW Forever will introduce 9 new dungeons ranging from around level 13 to level 60. These new instances will join classic dungeons such as Deadmines, Scarlet Monastery, and Blackrock Depths as part of the leveling route.
Planning your WoW Forever adventure? Get your WoW Forever Coins on GamsGo to prepare for your in-game needs as you progress through the game. Forever also changes dungeon experiences, loot, and group rules, affecting which dungeons are worth running while leveling.
How Many New Dungeons Are in WoW Forever?
WoW Forever will launch with 9 new five-player dungeons on November 4, 2026, covering levels 13–60. All nine dungeons will be available from launch, alongside existing Classic WoW dungeons.
According to Blizzard's official October 20 dungeon overview, six new dungeons are located in the Eastern Kingdoms, while three are in Kalimdor. Players can explore them throughout the leveling journey rather than waiting until the endgame.
Updated October 29, 2026: The beta has ended, and Blizzard has confirmed the dungeon names, recommended levels, and locations. Boss tuning and loot details may still change before launch.
The level ranges above are based on currently available information. WoW Forever is still in beta, so boss tuning, quests, and loot may change before launch. The final details should be confirmed with the November 4 release build.
According to third-party roadmap summaries, Blizzard is also expected to add two more dungeons in spring 2027 and another two in summer 2027. Their names have not yet been announced.
| Dungeon | Recommended Level | Location | Main Enemies / Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Hall of Thanes | 13–18 | Beneath Ironforge | Dwarven royal tombs, invaders, and undead |
| Ruins of Lordaeron | 15–20 | Tirisfal Glades | Scourge remnants and necromancers |
| Excavation Site: Wetlands | 24–29 | Wetlands, above Whelgar's Excavation | Rampaging Titan constructs |
| City of Dalaran | 28–33 | Alterac Mountains, Dalaran | Unstable magic, arcane constructs, and demons |
| The Drowned City | 35–40 | Coast of Stranglethorn Vale | Trolls, naga, and pirates |
| Krol'dok Stronghold | 40–45 | Riverglades, a new zone | Ogre clans |
| Alcaz Prison | 48–53 | Alcaz Island, Dustwallow Marsh | Defias Brotherhood and naga |
| Blackmaw Hold | 55–60 | Northern Azshara | Furbolg city and corruption |
| Shaper's Terrace | 58–60 | Un'Goro Crater | Titan facilities, mechanical enemies, and wildlife |
Recommended levels are a quick reference for planning your dungeon route. Check current WoW Forever rules and in-game requirements before entering.
How Are WoW Forever Dungeons Different from Classic WoW?
Before planning your dungeon route, it is important to understand a few rule changes. These systems make dungeon progression in WoW Forever very different from Classic WoW.
Experience: Dungeon Quests vs. Repeat Runs
WoW Forever encourages players to combine dungeon runs with open-world questing instead of relying entirely on repetitive dungeon grinding. However, recent beta updates have made dungeon leveling more rewarding.
In the October 8 beta update, Blizzard increased experience from dungeon creature kills by approximately 20% and fixed a bug that reduced XP for lower-level players grouped with higher-level teammates. These adjustments make repeat dungeon runs more viable than in earlier beta builds.
For efficient leveling, complete available dungeon quests on your first run, then decide whether to repeat the dungeon based on your group's clear speed, XP gains, and useful loot. Repeated runs can still be worthwhile, especially if you're targeting specific gear or crafting recipes.
Loot: Boss Drops Are Upgraded to Blue Quality
Blizzard has reworked dungeon boss loot across both new and classic dungeons. Boss-specific items are now upgraded to rare, blue-quality gear, while many new items have been added and weaker existing rewards have been improved. Open-world quest rewards have also received updates.
Two additional changes are worth noting:
- Blueprints: Dungeon bosses can drop blueprint recipes used to unlock advanced camp items that provide one-hour buffs. This gives level 60 players a reason to return to lower-level dungeons.
- Transmog appearances: Green and blue bind-on-pickup gear dropped by dungeon bosses can unlock appearances for all eligible party members, so players do not need to compete for an item purely for its appearance. Healing gear also includes additional damage stats, making solo questing easier for healers wearing dungeon equipment.
If you are also comparing other gaming products while preparing for launch, you can browse GamsGo’s game top-up offers for currently supported titles.
Combat: Crowd Control and Threat Matter More
According to Blizzard's design notes, dungeons do not use level scaling, so each dungeon keeps the difficulty associated with its intended level range.
Combat is more tactical, with crowd-control abilities such as Polymorph, Banish, roots, and traps playing a larger role. Tanks can generally hold threat on only around three to four enemies at a time, making large pulls less practical. The overall pace of dungeon combat is also slightly slower.
Because of this, groups benefit from bringing classes with reliable crowd control, such as Mages, Rogues, Warlocks, and Hunters. All 9 new WoW Forever dungeons are designed for five-player parties, so building a balanced group with a Tank, a Healer, and three DPS players is a practical starting point. Discuss crowd control and target priorities before each pull to reduce the risk of a wipe.
WoW Forever does not include a random Dungeon Finder. Players need to form groups manually in the open world, major cities, or around campfires.
Blizzard also does not allow grouping across different rulesets or factions. As a result, server communities, guilds, and friends lists are more important than they are in modern WoW. Tanks and healers are still likely to have the easiest time finding groups.
New and Classic Dungeons by Level Range
WoW Forever keeps all of the classic dungeons. The new dungeons are added alongside them rather than replacing existing content. If you are preparing for launch and comparing related World of Warcraft deals, it is also useful to understand which dungeons fit each stage of the leveling route.
The table below follows third-party Forever leveling route summaries and places each new dungeon next to classic dungeons from a similar level range. Recommended levels for classic dungeons can vary slightly between sources, so they are grouped here by general leveling bracket rather than exact requirements.
Based on the current level ranges, there are no new Forever dungeons covering roughly levels 20–24, 33–35, 45–48, or 53–55. Classic dungeons can help fill these gaps.
Combined with Forever's updated XP rules, a practical leveling route is to complete each relevant new and classic dungeon once for quest XP and important gear, then return to open-world questing instead of repeatedly farming the same instance.
9 New WoW Forever Dungeons Explained
The Hall of Thanes (Levels 13–18): Dwarven Royal Tombs
- Location: Beneath Ironforge
- Recommended Level: 13–18
- Faction: Alliance-focused story, but Horde players can also enter
Story Background: The Hall of Thanes is a sacred dwarven burial site hidden deep beneath Ironforge. Rumors suggest the tombs have been disturbed, with Dark Iron dwarves infiltrating the ancient halls while ghosts and undead roam the corridors.
Faction and Access: This dungeon is tied to an Alliance-focused storyline, and its entrance is located in Ironforge, making it easy for Alliance players to reach. Horde groups will need to sneak in or fight their way through the city.
Leveling Advice: The Hall of Thanes is one of the earliest new dungeons available in WoW Forever. Its level 13–18 range lines up with the point where players are leaving their starting zones and finishing their first low-level quest hubs.
For dwarves and gnomes leveling through Dun Morogh, the dungeon fits naturally into the route. It is best to pick up all available Ironforge quests and run it early rather than returning after you have outleveled the content, when the quest XP will be much less valuable.
It also gives Alliance players another early-game dungeon option in a level range close to The Stockade, helping fill a gap in the early leveling route.
Ruins of Lordaeron (Levels 15–20): The Forsaken Reclaim Their Capital
- Location: Tirisfal Glades
- Recommended Level: 15–20
- Faction: Horde-focused story, but Alliance players can also enter
Story Background: Ruins of Lordaeron follows the Forsaken as they attempt to reclaim their former capital. Remnants of the Scourge still occupy parts of the ruins.
Faction and Access: Horde players fight alongside the Forsaken during this storyline, while Alliance players will need to find their own way into the area.
Leveling Advice: Ruins of Lordaeron works as a Horde-side counterpart to The Hall of Thanes. For undead characters leveling through Tirisfal Glades, it is much more convenient than making the long trip to Ragefire Chasm in Orgrimmar.
With a recommended range up to level 20, two levels higher than The Hall of Thanes, it also fits well as the final new dungeon to clear before moving beyond the early leveling brackets.
Excavation Site: Wetlands (Levels 24–29): Mystery of the Titan Constructs
Excavation Site: Wetlands is located near Whelgar's Excavation Site in the Wetlands and is recommended for players around levels 24–29.
- Location: Wetlands, above Whelgar's Excavation
- Recommended Level: 24–29
Story Background: A strange mist is spreading down from the mountains, while flashes of light can occasionally be seen on the horizon. Titan constructs guard something hidden in the highlands, setting up the mystery at the heart of this dungeon.
Leveling Advice: This is the first new dungeon available after level 20 and the first Titan-themed stop in the WoW Forever dungeon route. Shaper's Terrace later returns to the same broader Titan theme.
For Alliance players, the Wetlands already sits along the natural route from Dun Morogh and Loch Modan toward Arathi, making this dungeon easy to fit into normal leveling. Horde players may need to weigh the travel time before making the trip.
The level 24–29 bracket also has several classic dungeon options, including Shadowfang Keep and Blackfathom Deeps. Depending on where you are leveling, you can choose the most convenient one or complete both once for quests and gear.
City of Dalaran (Levels 28–33): An Entire City Turned Into a Dungeon
Location: Dalaran in the Alterac Mountains
- Recommended Level: 28–33
Dalaran Overview: Located in the Alterac Mountains, Dalaran is a recommended area for players around levels 28–33. After the Third War, the Kirin Tor sealed the city behind a powerful magical barrier while reconstruction was underway. With the barrier now gone, Dalaran has become increasingly dangerous as unstable enchantments, hostile arcane constructs, and demonic energy spread throughout the city.
Dungeon Features: This dungeon turns the entire city of Dalaran into a large-scale dungeon zone. Blizzard has also said that players will be able to explore more open sections of the city, so the route may be longer and more complex than a typical low-level dungeon.
How to Unlock City of Dalaran: Players must complete a faction-specific attunement questline before entering this dungeon. Alliance players can start with "An Alarming Request" from Emissary Jacques in Southshore, while Horde players begin "Key to the City" and "Prison Break-In" from Magus Wordeen Voidglare in Tarren Mill. After completing the required quests and earning the Kirin Tor's trust, players can access the dungeon through Dalaran's sewers.
Dungeon Tips: On your first run, give your group plenty of time and focus on completing every available quest instead of treating it like a quick farm. Against arcane constructs and demon-type enemies, Warlock Banish and Mage crowd control can be especially useful. Since the recommended level range overlaps with the early sections of Scarlet Monastery, Dalaran can also serve as a strong alternative dungeon for players leveling around level 30.
The Drowned City (Level 35–40): A Troll City Rising from the Sea
Location: Off the coast of Stranglethorn Vale
Recommended Level: 35–40
Story Background: The Drowned City is a newly emerged troll city rising from the waters off the coast of Stranglethorn Vale. The area is now occupied by trolls and naga, while a pirate ship has crashed directly into the city, adding another layer of danger and chaos to the dungeon.
Dungeon Features: The Drowned City was available as a playable dungeon demo at BlizzCon, making it one of the new dungeons with more hands-on information currently available.
Dungeon Tips: Levels 35–40 are a key part of the leveling journey in Stranglethorn Vale, and players from both factions are likely to pass through the zone. This gives The Drowned City the potential to become one of the more active mid-level group dungeons during the early launch period. With trolls, naga, and pirates all involved, expect a wider mix of enemy types than usual. Prioritize interrupts against spellcasting naga and troll enemies to keep pulls under control.
Dungeon Entrance: The Drowned City is located off the coast of Stranglethorn Vale, west of Grom'gol. Players must dive underwater to reach the entrance. Inside, the open-air dungeon features changing weather, with mist and rain gradually building into a storm before the final encounter.
Krol'dok Stronghold (Level 40–45): An Open-World Ogre Stronghold in Riverglades
Location: Riverglades, a new zone introduced in Forever
Recommended Level: 40–45
Story Background: Krol'dok Stronghold is an open-world dungeon located in Riverglades. The area is controlled by an ogre clan known for abducting travelers and raiding nearby settlements. Strange chanting can also be heard from the stronghold at night, hinting that something more dangerous may be happening inside.
Dungeon Features: Unlike traditional enclosed dungeons, Krol'dok Stronghold is an open-world dungeon. Blizzard has described it as an alternative for players who want a break from repeatedly running Scarlet Monastery.
Dungeon Tips: After level 40, dungeon gear tends to stay useful for longer, so this is a good place to fill important equipment gaps. If your weapon is several levels behind, or if your Tank or Healer is starting to struggle in dungeons, prioritize upgrades here. Since Riverglades is a new zone, keep an eye on the local questline as well, because some dungeon quests may be tied directly to the surrounding area.
Alcaz Prison (Level 48–53): The Legendary Island Prison Finally Opens
Location: Alcaz Island, northeast of Dustwallow Marsh
Recommended Level: 48–53
Story Background: Alcaz Prison is an island prison once used by the Defias Brotherhood to hold nobles for ransom. The prison is now caught in a conflict between the Defias and the naga, and players can finally enter the area. Alcaz Island is also tied to the long-running story surrounding Varian Wrynn’s captivity, making it especially interesting for longtime Alliance players.
Dungeon Tips: From level 48 onward, dungeon runs become more important for preparing gear before reaching max level. When choosing upgrades from Alcaz Prison, look beyond immediate stat gains and consider whether key items can remain useful through level 55 and beyond, especially weapons, shields, and class-specific trinkets. Since bosses can also drop profession recipes, Alcaz Prison may still be worth farming even after you reach level 60.
Blackmaw Hold (Level 55–60): A Furbolg City Leading Toward the Raid
Location: Northern Azshara
Recommended Level: 55–60
Story Background: Blackmaw Hold lies behind the long-sealed gate in northern Azshara that players could never enter in classic WoW. Beyond it is a hidden furbolg city, where the inhabitants are struggling against corruption. Beneath the stronghold, a network of tunnels runs deep into the mountain and eventually connects to the Barrow Deeps.
Dungeon Features: Blackmaw Hold is directly connected to the Barrow Deeps raid in the story, making it an important stepping stone into endgame PvE content.
Dungeon Tips: At this level, dungeon runs become less about leveling and more about preparing for level 60 content. The raids are scheduled to open on December 9, five weeks after launch, and all require level 60. The two new level 55–60 dungeons give freshly capped characters a place to collect their first pieces of blue gear before raid progression begins. If you want to be ready before the first raid unlocks, Blackmaw Hold should be one of your main gearing priorities.
Shaper's Terrace (Level 58–60): The Final Stop Before Raiding
Location: Un'Goro Crater
Recommended Level: 58–60
Story Background: Shaper's Terrace is a Titan ruin hidden among the hills of Un'Goro Crater. The area is filled with ancient Titan structures, powerful energy crystals, and roaming wildlife, creating a dangerous endgame environment for players approaching level 60.
Dungeon Features: Shaper's Terrace is one of the final dungeons players can tackle before moving into raid content, and it is also among the highest-level new dungeons currently available.
Dungeon Tips: From level 58 onward, start planning your level 60 gearing path. Look for items that can serve as Pre-Raid Gear, identify which bosses are worth farming repeatedly, and focus on the key stats your class still needs. Since Shaper's Terrace overlaps with Blackmaw Hold in level range, the two can be alternated after level 58.
Together with classic endgame dungeons such as Blackrock Depths, Scholomance, and Stratholme, they form an important part of the early level 60 gearing route.
Special Mechanics: Before entering Shaper's Terrace, collect Power Crystals throughout Un'Goro Crater. These crystals can be used at consoles inside the dungeon, adding an extra layer of exploration and interaction to the Titan facility.
Leveling Route: When Should You Run Dungeons?
When Should New Players Start Running Dungeons?
You can start trying the first new dungeons at around level 13. For new players, the best time to enter a dungeon is when you have reached the lower end of its recommended level range, already picked up the related dungeon quests, and are leveling in a nearby zone.
Do not worry too much about learning the route in advance. During the early launch period, most players will be entering these new dungeons for the first time. Since Forever places more emphasis on crowd control and threat management, steady pulls and learning boss mechanics are more important than rushing for the fastest clear.
If you are also preparing your account and comparing WoW offers, it is worth planning these purchases around your actual leveling progress rather than buying everything at once.
The “One Full Clear” Rule
Completing each dungeon once for quests and loot is a reliable leveling strategy, but repeat runs can also be worthwhile after the recent dungeon XP adjustments.
For efficient leveling, follow these steps:
- Before entering: Pick up available dungeon quests from nearby quest hubs and capital cities.
- First clear: Complete a full run, finish your dungeon quests, and collect useful gear.
- After the run: Turn in your quests and compare the XP gained with your usual outdoor leveling route.
- Repeat runs: Return when your group can clear efficiently or when you need specific gear, recipes, or other valuable drops.
The best approach depends on travel time, dungeon difficulty, group efficiency, and available quests. A fast, coordinated group may benefit from repeat runs, while solo players or slower groups may progress more efficiently through open-world questing.
Dungeon Priorities by Level Range
- Levels 13–30: Focus on dungeon quests and convenient runs while leveling. Most gear upgrades will be replaced quickly.
- Levels 30–45: Start paying more attention to class stats and weapon upgrades, as dungeon gear remains useful for longer.
- Levels 45–60: Prepare for endgame by prioritizing longer-lasting upgrades and collecting useful profession recipes.
Level 60 to December 9: Focus on Blackmaw Hold, Shaper's Terrace, and classic endgame dungeons to build your first raid-ready gear set before raid content opens.
Prepare Your WoW Forever Coins for Leveling
Planning your leveling route is only part of preparing for WoW Forever. You'll also need to budget for essential supplies, gear upgrades, and other in-game expenses as your character progresses. Explore WoW Forever Coins on GamsGo to compare available offers and find an option that fits your budget.
WoW Forever Dungeon Preparation Guide
What to Prepare Before Entering a Dungeon
Pick up all available dungeon quests. This is one of the most important steps in WoW Forever, because the experience from completing dungeon quests is much more valuable than relying on mob kills alone.
Confirm party roles and crowd control before pulling. The Tank should control the pace and avoid pulling more enemies than the group can safely handle. The Healer needs to balance party survival with mana management, while DPS players should help with interrupts, crowd control, and priority targets. Assigning crowd control targets before combat can greatly reduce the chance of a wipe.
Bring enough supplies. Carry food, water, and recovery items, especially at lower levels when Healers have fewer abilities and more limited resources. Against spellcasters, well-timed interrupts and Line of Sight tactics are often safer than trying to brute-force every pull.
What You Can Do Before the November 4 Launch
World of Warcraft: Forever launches globally on November 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. PST. With the beta ending on October 21, players can now focus on preparing their characters and dungeon routes for the official release.
Reserve your character name early. Eligible players can reserve up to three character names across all Rulesets from October 27 through November 3. Early Name Reservation requires a qualifying WoW Forever upgrade purchase, and names are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Choose your faction, class, and role. Without a Random Dungeon Finder, players will need to form groups manually. Tanks, Healers, and classes with reliable crowd control may be especially valuable for dungeon progression.
Coordinate with friends and choose your Ruleset. Make sure your group selects compatible factions and Rulesets before launch to avoid unnecessary grouping restrictions.
Plan your leveling route. Review the recommended levels and locations of all 9 new dungeons, and identify which dungeon quests and gear upgrades are worth prioritizing.
Prepare for endgame. Avoid finalizing your Best-in-Slot gear list until the live version stabilizes. The first raids are scheduled to unlock on December 9, giving players time to reach level 60 and improve their equipment.
Conclusion
Prepare for WoW Forever by choosing your faction, class, and server in advance, coordinating with friends, planning your leveling route, and picking up dungeon quests. Finalize your BiS priorities after the live version has stabilized.
If you plan to begin a new journey through Azeroth on November 4, you can also keep an eye on upcoming World of Warcraft products and services on GamsGo. Final products, pricing, and regional availability will depend on the live product pages after launch.
Preparing for level 60 and your first raid? Alongside farming dungeons for better gear, plan your budget for consumables and other in-game expenses. Check out WoW Forever Coins on GamsGo to compare available offers and prepare for your next stage of progression.
FAQ
Are Classic WoW Dungeons Still Available in WoW Forever?
Yes, WoW Forever retains the original Classic WoW dungeons while adding 9 new ones. Players can revisit familiar dungeons and explore new locations, enemies, stories, and rewards throughout their leveling journey.
Will WoW Forever Have a Dungeon Finder?
WoW Forever does not feature the automatic dungeon matchmaking and teleportation system found in modern WoW. Players can use group-finding tools to find teammates, but they must organize their parties and travel to dungeon entrances themselves.
How Many Players Are Needed for WoW Forever Dungeons?
All 9 new WoW Forever dungeons are designed for five-player groups. A typical party consists of one Tank, one Healer, and three DPS players. Bringing classes with reliable crowd control and interrupts can make dungeon runs easier.
Is Dungeon Grinding Worth It in WoW Forever?
Yes, dungeon grinding can still be worthwhile, but it isn't always the fastest way to level up. Blizzard adjusted dungeon XP during beta, making repeat runs more rewarding. For efficient leveling, compare dungeon XP gains with open-world questing and prioritize runs that offer useful gear or rewards.
Do Dungeon Quests Give More XP in WoW Forever?
Yes, dungeon quests provide valuable XP rewards, especially during your first clear. However, Blizzard reduced the bonus XP from dungeon quests during beta. Completing available dungeon quests remains worthwhile, but repeatedly grinding dungeons may not always be the most efficient leveling strategy.
How Do You Find Dungeon Entrances in WoW Forever?
WoW Forever dungeon entrances are located throughout Azeroth, and players must travel to them manually. For example, Hall of Thanes is located beneath Ironforge, while The Drowned City's entrance is underwater off the coast of Stranglethorn Vale. Check each dungeon's location before organizing your group.
Related Articles:
