World of Warcraft: Forever adds the Skyborne as a new playable race

World of Warcraft: Forever is introducing the Skyborne, a new playable race with its own level 1 to 12 starting experience on Zephras Isle. The race is split between two faction paths at character creation, letting players join either the Horde as Windshaper Skyborne or the Alliance as High Order Skyborne.

The setup is pretty straightforward: the Skyborne come from a wind-touched civilization tied to Skywall, and Zephras Isle is now in trouble after its protective air spirits vanished. The starter zone follows that crisis while players figure out where their version of the race fits in Azeroth.

• Skyborne start on Zephras Isle and play through levels 1 to 12 there.
• Horde Skyborne can be Druids, Hunters, Rogues, Shamans, or Warriors.
• Alliance Skyborne can be Druids, Hunters, Mages, Rogues, or Warriors.
• Both versions get new Skyborne-specific druid forms.
• The race has its own customization options, voices, emotes, and /dance.

The faction choice also changes some racial flavor. Windshaper Skyborne lean into elemental traditions and get Shaman access, while High Order Skyborne follow the arcane side of their ancestry and get Mage access. Both share some racial traits, including Walk on Air, which lets them glide downward for 10 seconds, plus a passive 1% haste bonus and increased damage against Elementals.

There are also separate active racials. Horde-aligned Skyborne get Skysight, which grants an Elemental Blessing that increases run speed by 10%. Alliance-aligned Skyborne get Read Ley Line, which boosts health and mana regeneration by 100% while active.

Customization looks like a major part of the race, with different face, skin tone, hairstyle, ear, eye, tattoo, jewelry, feather, and facial hair options depending on body type. Players will also be able to change their look later at barber shops in cities.

Further reading: Official Blizzard Skyborne announcement