WoW Forever Skyborne have different classes depending on their faction
Blizzard's new video explores the Shen'dorei's origins, their Walk on Air ability, and faction-specific class choices.
World of Warcraft: Forever's new playable race, the Skyborne, has a lot more going on than a new set of character models. Blizzard's latest video goes over the race's history, its connection to the elemental spirits, and the choices players will make when creating a character.
Known among themselves as the Shen'dorei, these exiled elves have spent thousands of years isolated from the rest of Azeroth. Now, with their home facing a growing threat, a new generation must decide how to protect their people, and what kind of future they want to build.
The Skyborne Are Divided Over the Future of Their Home
The Skyborne's story begins nearly 10,000 years ago, when their ancestors were exiled from Eldre'Thalas. After fleeing Kalimdor, they crossed an uncharted ocean to Zephras Isle. When their pursuers threatened their new home, the Spirit of the Four Winds lifted their mountain refuge into Skywall, where the Shen'dorei could rebuild their civilization under the protection of the elemental spirits.
That sanctuary is now in danger. The Wind Spirits have vanished, and the magic keeping Skywall safe is beginning to fail. With their home no longer secure, the Skyborne must look beyond the place that has sheltered them for generations.
Their society is split between two paths with their own history, and the choice also affects some quests and stories.
Windshapers, Horde, believe the Skyborne owe their survival to the elemental spirits. They want to restore that relationship and bring back the forces that once protected their home.
High Order, Alliance, do not rely on the spirits and want to master Skywall's magic themselves to secure their people's independence.
Alliance and Horde Skyborne Have Different Classes
Choosing a faction changes more than your allegiance. It also determines the classes your Skyborne can play.
Both factions share access to four classes:
Warrior
Hunter
Rogue
Druid
Alliance-aligned High Order
Mages drawing on arcane magic
Horde-aligned Windshapers
Shamans, thanks to their connection to spirits and elements
That means Alliance Skyborne cannot become Shamans, and Horde Skyborne cannot become Mages. The restrictions reflect the different traditions each group follows instead of simply giving both factions identical options. Skyborne Druids also have new forms designed specifically for the race, so you will have another visual difference from the existing playable races.
Character customization also gets unique tattoos, feathers woven into their hair, and exclusive hairstyles and hair colors to give your Shen'dorei a really cool look.
Walk On Air Lets Skyborne Glide Through Azeroth
One of the race's best abilities is Walk on Air. It uses the Skyborne's connection to the wind spirits to slow their descent after jumping. So instead of simply plummeting toward the ground, you can glide down and use cliffs or other high points as alternative routes through the world.
Skyborne also have a race-specific mount called the Galestrider, a majestic crane that fits their natural affinity for the air. Their people have also created Skycutters, airborne vessels that allow them to travel between planes and eventually bring the new generation to Azeroth.
The Skyborne Bring a New Perspective to Azeroth
Despite their long history, the Skyborne are just starting their story on Zephras Isle, following a generation forced to leave its sanctuary and find a place in Azeroth, and the choice between the Horde and Alliance determines the path each character follows.
World of Warcraft: Forever launches on November 4, 2026, with the Skyborne among its new playable options. Blizzard's latest video offers a closer look at what sets the race apart, from its divided society to its gliding ability and faction-specific classes. For players planning their first Skyborne character, the biggest decision may come before they even leave Zephras Isle: should you follow the Windshapers and their elemental traditions, or the High Order and its pursuit of arcane mastery?
And if you are curious about PvP in Forever, check it out in our overview as well!