Systems guide

WoW Forever Addons

What Blizzard has confirmed about the Forever UI architecture, addon restrictions and the built-in tools intended to replace some must-have Classic addons.

Mixed evidence, labeled by source. This page combines Blizzard-confirmed information with gameplay captures, media reporting, and community research. Verification badges show the evidence level for individual entries; official confirmation takes precedence where sources differ.

Modern API approach

Forever uses the modern WoW addon/API direction rather than Classic Era’s more permissive combat API model.

Addons are still supported

UI customization remains possible. The restriction is about what addons can compute or expose during combat, not a blanket addon ban.

Built-in damage meter

The developers have confirmed a built-in damage meter so players do not need an addon for basic damage tracking.

Cooldown manager planned

A built-in cooldown manager is planned. Blizzard has not committed to a fixed rollout date for every built-in UI feature during Beta.

Will Classic addons work?

Do not assume that an addon working in Classic Era will work unchanged in Forever. Forever shares the modern UI direction and its restrictions, so combat-heavy addons can lose access to information they previously relied on.

Cosmetic reskins, layout tools and non-combat UI customization are much more likely to fit the intended model, but compatibility should be verified per addon and per build.

Built-in tools reduce mandatory addon pressure

•Damage meter: confirmed as a built-in feature.
•Cooldown manager: planned by the team.
•Swing Timer: mentioned in the Q&A as a possible future built-in addition.
•UI reskinning and general customization remain part of the supported WoW UI philosophy.