World of Warcraft: Forever gets controller support in alpha

World of Warcraft: Forever launches on November 4 for PC with built-in controller support. The feature, called Gamepad (Alpha), offers another way to explore Azeroth without having to sit at a keyboard all the time. That alpha label matters: this is not yet a fully fledged replacement for traditional PC controls.

Controlling action bars with triggers and bumpers

You enable controller support through Options. The on-screen icons then change to controller button prompts. Triggers and bumpers let you switch between the actions assigned to those buttons. This allows you to use multiple abilities without needing a separate physical button for every attack.

For communication, there is a ping system that you open by holding down the right stick. Its options include Attack, Warning, On My Way and Assist. These let you give teammates directions, but a keyboard or voice chat remains useful for more detailed discussions. Controller support primarily changes how you control your character and navigate the interface, not the need to communicate during group activities.

Handheld play is possible, but not officially supported

The hands-on test described also includes an ASUS ROG Xbox Ally. This Windows 11 handheld can run Battle.net, allowing the game to be played using its built-in controls. This handheld configuration is not yet officially supported. The touchscreen and on-screen keyboard were also used to access the settings.

On a small screen, the interface needs extra attention. Edit Mode lets you shrink the chat window and move the frames for your character and target. There is also a Compact Action Bar to reduce the screen space taken up by buttons. No performance figures, battery life results or specific graphics settings are provided for the handheld. The experience is therefore no guarantee of how well your own device will run the game.

Classic Azeroth with new areas

Forever returns to the world of WoW from 2004, but it is not an exact copy. Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor once again form the foundation, with new stories, locations and revised character options added to the mix. The key announced features are:

• The Skyborne, a new elven race on the floating Zephras Isle.
• New areas in the Riverglades and Mount Hyjal.
• Updated lighting and graphics.
• Additional race and class combinations, including a Forsaken Paladin.
• Access through the existing WoW subscription, with no additional purchase required.

The aim is to preserve the classic feel while adding more content to that world. Controller support is separate from this: it is an additional control option for the PC version, not an announcement of a console release.

What does this mean for you?

If you mainly play to complete quests and explore the world, controller support makes a PC connected to your TV or a Windows handheld more appealing. For complex group activities, we would keep a keyboard within reach. Hold off on buying hardware specifically for Forever until reliable performance data and clearer support details are available; a successful handheld test says little about long-term comfort or battery life.

Source: Xbox Wire