World of Warcraft: Forever will let PC players use a controller when it launches on Nov. 4, with an alpha gamepad option that has already appeared in the beta. The setup changes the on-screen button prompts and provides ways to manage combat, menus and party pings without relying entirely on a keyboard.
Forever is scheduled to launch at 3 p.m. PST as a third ongoing version of WoW alongside retail and Classic. Controller support is a PC feature, not an announcement of a console version.
Enabling Gamepad Support and Using Actions
To turn on controller support, open Options from the main menu and check Gamepad (Alpha). Button icons will change to match the controller. An Xbox Wireless Controller matches the on-screen prompts, according to Xbox Wire’s experience with the beta.
During combat, the triggers and bumpers change which actions are mapped to the controller’s buttons. The controller interface also provides access to familiar menus, including bags, quests and character information.
For quick party communication, hold the right analog stick to open a ping menu with Attack, Warning, On My Way and Assist commands. A keyboard or voice chat can still be useful when a ping does not convey enough detail.
Handheld Play and Interface Space
In Xbox Wire’s beta test, Forever also ran on an ASUS ROG Xbox Ally, though the handheld is not officially supported. The test used the touchscreen and on-screen keyboard to reach the main menu and enable Gamepad (Alpha).
On a smaller display, Edit Mode can help clear space around the action. Try reducing the Chat Frame, moving the player and target frames toward the bottom of the screen, and enabling Compact Action Bar.
Forever returns to the Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor with a level cap of 60, while adding areas such as the Riverglades and Mount Hyjal. It will also introduce the Skyborne elves and their floating Zephras Isle. The game is included in the existing World of Warcraft subscription without an additional purchase.
Which part of the controller setup would make the biggest difference to how you play? For more on Forever’s launch and its evolving controls, follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram.
