BlizzCon 2026: All the Announcements from Saturday, September 12 – Diablo V, StarCraft, WoW Forever…

An Opening Ceremony Mapping Out Several Years of Blizzard Games

The opening ceremony at BlizzCon 2026 was not only used to present the next updates for Blizzard's currently active games. The publisher also unveiled several projects intended to shape its franchises over the long term.

The schedule presented therefore ranges from content available immediately or in the coming weeks to games planned for 2029 and 2030.

Blizzard notably confirmed Diablo V, the return of StarCraft in a different genre, World of Warcraft: Forever, and several significant developments for Diablo IV, Warcraft, Overwatch and Hearthstone.

Blizzard's official recap of the opening ceremony brings together the main announcements from Saturday.

Diablo V: Blizzard Reveals the First Classes and Its New Sanctuary

Diablo V is officially in development, and Blizzard is currently targeting a spring 2029 release. But Saturday's announcements were not limited to this launch window: the Diablo V: Forging the Next Era panel provided the first concrete details about the world, classes and itemization.

The new episode takes place in a Sanctuary that has already been defeated. Diablo has won, the former heroes have failed, and the Lord of Terror now rules from Westmarch, transformed into an infernal outpost.

The Player Takes the Role of the Heir of Westmarch

Blizzard says that players will take on the role of the Heir of Westmarch. Fleeing through the kingdom's ruins, they will be accompanied by a growing caravan of survivors. The studio also mentions a mysterious link between the protagonist and Diablo, which is expected to play an important role in the story.

Demon Hunter, Monk and Plague Knight: Three First Classes Revealed

Blizzard presented the first three classes in Diablo V:

• Demon Hunter: the demon hunter returns with two crossbows and highly mobile gameplay;
• Monk: the Monk returns with martial combat and sacred powers;
• Plague Knight: a new class based on disease, pestilence and their use as a source of power.

Blizzard stresses that these are only the first classes revealed and that others will be announced during development.

Itemization Looking Back to Diablo II

The studio wants to bring back items that are more readable, memorable and defined by a strong identity. Several ideas were presented:

• itemization inspired by Diablo II;
• stat requirements for some equipment, currently under consideration;
• an inventory where bulky items can once again occupy multiple slots;
• the return of gear sets;
• a deep crafting system;
• runes and runewords inspired by Diablo II.

These systems are still in development and may change before release. Blizzard plans to begin publishing regular Diablo V updates starting in 2027.

Official sources: Diablo V announcement and Diablo V: Forging the Next Era panel recap.

StarCraft Returns with an Open-World Shooter

The other particularly unexpected announcement concerns StarCraft.

The new project is officially named STARCRAFT, and Blizzard describes it as an open-world shooter set in the Koprulu sector. It is currently scheduled for spring 2030.

This choice represents a significant change for a franchise historically associated with real-time strategy.

It is therefore important not to present this game as the official announcement of “StarCraft III.” Blizzard has not unveiled a third mainline RTS: the project announced during the ceremony belongs to another genre.

Many questions remain open. Blizzard has not yet specified the size of the open world, platforms, the number of explorable planets, possible co-op features or its business model.

Game.fr analysis: this change of genre could allow Blizzard to explore the Koprulu universe on a different scale and reach a new audience. The key question will be how the studio preserves StarCraft's identity within an open-world shooter structure.

World of Warcraft: Forever: New Zones, Dungeons, Raids and a Classic Philosophy

World of Warcraft: Forever is one of Saturday's major announcements. Blizzard presents it as a third permanent World of Warcraft experience, alongside modern WoW and WoW Classic.

Forever returns to early Azeroth while opening paths that did not exist in the original game. Blizzard announces a worldwide launch on November 4, 2026. The beta begins on September 17 for players with an edition that grants access, including the Skyborne Epic Pack and the Warcraft Forever Collection.

Access to the game at launch will be included with a World of Warcraft subscription or game time. Optional packs add access to the Skyborne race, its starting experience on Zephras Isle, cosmetics and, depending on the edition, beta access.

More Than 1,000 Quests and Four Featured Destinations

Blizzard announces more than 1,000 new quests during the level 1–60 progression. The highlighted regions include:

• Hyjal;
• Shen'dralas;
• Riverglades;
• Zephras Isle, the Skyborne starting zone.

The Skyborne are a new playable race. During character creation, they can join either the Horde or the Alliance. Horde Skyborne will have access to the Shaman, while Alliance Skyborne can become Mages; Warrior, Hunter, Rogue and Druid will be available to both factions.

Nine New Dungeons and Two Raids

Forever will offer nine new dungeons, including the Halls of Thanes, Ruins of Lordaeron, City of Dalaran, Blackmaw Hold, Drowned City, Krol'dok Stronghold, Alcaz Prison and Shaper's Terrace.

Two raids have also been announced: Barrow Deeps, planned as a 10-player max-level challenge, and Hyjal Summit, featuring 20-player encounters.

For PvP, the Darkspear Islands will host a 15-versus-15 battleground.

No Flying Mounts or Level Scaling

Blizzard says it wants to preserve several principles from the original WoW: the importance of travel, preparation, cooperation and class identity. The studio therefore confirms no flying mounts and no level scaling.

At the same time, several modern options will be available: optional transmogrification, Classic and modern visual presets, a choice between SD and HD character models, restored Classic animations for HD models, and official controller support.

A Roadmap Already Announced for After Launch

New raids are scheduled to unlock starting on December 9, 2026. Blizzard then plans to add more raids, dungeons, PvP content, quests, a Hardcore mode and a rework of an iconic raid.

Saturday's panel also introduced systems such as Legacy and Camping, but their detailed mechanics were covered during Sunday's Deep Dive. We therefore cover them in our recap of the announcements from Sunday, September 13.

Official sources: World of Warcraft: Forever – What's Next and edition and beta access information.

Diablo IV: Hell's Legacy, Amazon and Nintendo Switch 2

Diablo IV remains central to Blizzard's strategy despite the announcement of its successor.

The opening ceremony confirmed three important developments: a new anniversary season, the arrival of the Amazon, and a Nintendo Switch 2 version.

Season of Hell's Legacy Begins on September 15

Season of Hell's Legacy celebrates the Diablo franchise's thirty-year history.

The season brings several historic figures from the series back into the spotlight, including Deckard Cain and the three Prime Evils: Mephisto, Baal and Diablo.

Players will be able to face these enemies and recover fragments of their power in content inspired by several periods of the franchise.

The rollout is scheduled to begin on September 15, 2026.

The Amazon Returns to Diablo IV in 2027

The Amazon will return to Diablo IV during the first half of 2027.

Originating from Skovos, the class is built around four major paths announced by Blizzard:

• Champion;
• Skirmisher;
• Ranger;
• Commander.

The Amazon will be able to wield bows and javelins, with the latter becoming a new weapon type in Diablo IV.

Blizzard plans to release the class as a Class Pack and still needs to clarify some commercial details.

Diablo IV Comes to Nintendo Switch 2

Diablo IV: Age of Hatred Collection will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 15, 2026.

The collection includes the base game, Vessel of Hatred and Lord of Hatred.

Blizzard also specifies that the Nintendo Switch 2 version supports keyboard and mouse when connected via USB. The Joy-Con 2 mouse function is not supported, however.

The official Diablo opening ceremony recap provides details about these announcements.

An Animated Diablo Series Is in Development at Netflix

Blizzard is also using BlizzCon to expand Diablo beyond video games.

The publisher and Netflix are working on a new animated series set in the Diablo universe.

At this stage, no release date has been announced. Blizzard has not yet revealed the cast, animation studio or plot details.

The project is part of Blizzard's broader effort to expand some of its universes across other media.

World of Warcraft: Midnight Prepares Eclipse, Talebound and The Last Titan

The announcement of Forever does not mean that modern WoW is slowing down its development.

Blizzard also revealed several details about the future of World of Warcraft: Midnight and the conclusion of the Worldsoul Saga.

Eclipse Is Set to Conclude Midnight's Major Content

Eclipse, update 12.2, is intended to be Midnight's final major chapter.

Xal'atath continues her advance toward Azeroth's World-Soul and leads players into the planet's depths.

Major additions include the The Mantle Vault zone, the The Worldcore raid and the legendary spellcaster weapon Midnight's Edge.

Talebound Offers a New PvE Mode

Talebound is an action-RPG-oriented PvE mode playable solo or with friends.

Players will explore themed stories featuring enemies, bosses, puzzles, treasures and relics.

Blizzard announces an initial preview on the PTR in October. This is therefore not yet the mode's final launch date.

The Last Titan Will Be Revealed in More Detail in 2027

The Last Titan, the final chapter of the Worldsoul Saga, is set to return players to Northrend.

Blizzard plans to share more information in early 2027.

The official Midnight panel recap provides more details about Eclipse, Talebound and the MMO's upcoming developments.

Warcraft III: Reforged – Forsaken Kingdom: Around 30 Hours of Content and a New Hero

Forsaken Kingdom covers the period between Arthas's return to Lordaeron and the emergence of Undercity. Blizzard says the entire experience represents around 30 hours of gameplay and nearly one hour of in-game cinematics.

A Four-Mission Prologue Before the Main Campaign

The Last Days of Lordaeron prologue contains four missions showing the kingdom's fall from a new perspective. The Forsaken Kingdom campaign then continues the story around Sylvanas and the Forsaken's rise.

The main campaign uses a semi-open solo RPG structure, inspired in spirit by Rexxar's campaign in The Frozen Throne, with exploration, hero progression and an expanded inventory.

The Forsaken Paladin Is Warcraft III's First New Hero in More Than Twenty Years

The Forsaken Paladin joins the Tavern as a new multiplayer hero. Blizzard describes it as Warcraft III's first new hero in more than twenty years. It is available at no additional cost in multiplayer to players with access to Warcraft III: Reforged.

Patch 3.0 and New Definitive Edition Graphics

Patch 3.0 introduces a new Definitive Edition graphics mode. Blizzard says it has reworked more than 600 units, as well as environments, lighting, effects and structures.

Players can switch between Classic and Definitive Edition graphics, while cross-play between the different visual versions remains supported.

Forsaken Kingdom requires Warcraft III: Reforged and can be purchased separately by players who already own the game. Patch 3.0 and the Definitive Edition improvements are available at no additional cost to Warcraft III: Reforged owners.

Official sources: Forsaken Kingdom presentation and What's Next panel recap.

Overwatch: Doctrine, Watchpoint: Grímsvötn and Sombra Moves to Support

Blizzard presented Overwatch's immediate future, with Season 5 scheduled to launch on October 6, 2026.

Doctrine Becomes Hero 54

Doctrine is a new Support hero inspired by vampire imagery. Her gameplay focuses on manipulating life force and notably involves bat-like drones.

A limited trial period is being held around BlizzCon before her full arrival with Season 5.

Watchpoint: Grímsvötn, a New Escort Map

The season also adds Watchpoint: Grímsvötn, a new Escort map set in an Icelandic volcanic prison where Doomfist frees Doctrine.

Sombra Changes Roles

Blizzard confirms major reworks for Sombra and Roadhog. The most dramatic change concerns Sombra: she is set to move from the Damage role to Support with Season 5.

The season will also conclude The Reign of Talon, Overwatch's first annual story arc. Blizzard has also teased Hero 55 and announced the continuation of Dokiwatch.

A Mythic Voucher Offered to Players

By playing a match after the opening ceremony, players can obtain a Mythic Voucher that lets them choose an eligible Mythic bundle from Seasons 1 through 14. Blizzard says the voucher can be earned and used until October 5.

A new Overwatch Spotlight is planned for early 2027.

Official source: Overwatch announcements from BlizzCon 2026.

Hearthstone: Monk, Reign of the Black Empire, Black Market and Aberrations

Hearthstone used Saturday to unveil several new features arriving between September 2026 and 2027.

Reign of the Black Empire Releases on October 20

The new expansion Reign of the Black Empire is announced for October 20, 2026. It takes players back to an ancient period of Azeroth dominated by the Old Gods.

The expansion introduces Assemble, a new mechanic that allows players to combine two cards to create a more powerful one.

Updated Journal and Black Market

Blizzard also presented a rework of the Journal, designed to bring progression, stories, quests, bosses and temporary events together.

The Black Market will be available from September 15 to October 13. Players can spend temporary currency earned in ranked matches to obtain packs, cards and cosmetics.

Aberrations Arrive in Battlegrounds

Battlegrounds will welcome a new type of minion called Aberrations on September 22. Their mechanics notably revolve around discard synergies and the gradual awakening of a deity linked to the Old Gods.

The Monk Class Arrives in March 2027

In the longer term, the Monk will become a new playable class in Hearthstone in March 2027. Blizzard presents the class as agile and adaptable, with Chen Stormstout among the figures associated with its arrival.

Official source: Hearthstone BlizzCon 2026 recap.

Heroes of the Storm: Xal'atath Joins the Nexus

One of the most unexpected announcements concerns Heroes of the Storm.

Xal'atath becomes a new playable hero. She is expected to be available on the public test realm starting September 14, before joining the live servers on September 28, 2026.

Blizzard explicitly thanks the players who have continued to keep Heroes of the Storm alive over the years and suggests that more new content could still arrive.

However, caution is warranted: Blizzard has not announced a comprehensive relaunch program for the MOBA or a regular schedule of new heroes.

To revisit the game's history, you can also read our archive article dedicated to Heroes of the Storm.

What Should We Remember from Saturday, September 12, at BlizzCon 2026?

The first day of this BlizzCon mainly showed that Blizzard is preparing its franchises across several very different time horizons.

In the immediate future, players have appointments with Diablo IV, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm and Warcraft III.

World of Warcraft: Forever will then become one of the major projects of late 2026, with a beta in September and a launch in November.

Finally, Diablo V and STARCRAFT are already establishing Blizzard's long-term schedule, with respective windows in spring 2029 and spring 2030.

Game.fr analysis: this first day relies heavily on Blizzard's heritage, but the publisher is not simply reproducing its older games. WoW Forever changes the structure of the original Azeroth, StarCraft completely changes genres, and Diablo V imagines a situation in which the main antagonist has already won the war.

Sunday's Follow-Up: WoW Forever and Diablo IV in Greater Detail

The second day of BlizzCon did not attempt to repeat Saturday's succession of major reveals. Instead, it mainly served to expand on the day-one announcements.

The World of Warcraft: Forever Deep Dive detailed Camping, professions, the Legacy System, realmless infrastructure, itemization and several progression choices. The Diablo IV: What's Next panel presented Waking Nightmares, historical items, Rebirth, Mythic developments and new information about the Amazon.

Sunday also featured QuestWatch, the Murloc March, several esports finals and the closing of BlizzCon.

Now read the complete Day 2 recap: BlizzCon 2026: All the Announcements from Sunday, September 13.

FAQ – BlizzCon 2026, Saturday, September 12

What are the main announcements from BlizzCon 2026 on Saturday?

The three main reveals are Diablo V, planned for spring 2029, STARCRAFT, an open-world shooter planned for spring 2030, and World of Warcraft: Forever, whose launch is announced for November 2026.

Was Diablo V really announced?

Yes. Blizzard officially announced Diablo V during the opening ceremony at BlizzCon 2026. The game is in development, and its current release window is set for spring 2029.

Is the new StarCraft StarCraft III?

No. The announced project is named STARCRAFT and takes the form of an open-world shooter set in the Koprulu sector. Blizzard did not present the game as a real-time strategy StarCraft III.

When does World of Warcraft: Forever release?

Blizzard has announced a launch on November 4, 2026. The beta is scheduled to begin on September 17, with access conditions varying according to the available offers and packs.

What new features were announced for Diablo IV?

Blizzard notably announced Season of Hell's Legacy, Diablo IV's arrival on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 15, and the return of the Amazon during the first half of 2027.

Is a Diablo series really planned for Netflix?

Yes. Blizzard and Netflix have confirmed the development of a new animated series set in the Diablo universe. No release date has been announced yet.

Is Heroes of the Storm being relaunched?

Blizzard announced Xal'atath as a new hero, available on the PTR on September 14 and then on live servers on September 28. However, the publisher has not announced a full relaunch or a lasting schedule of new content.