How WoW: Forever plays with a controller, and why you still need a keyboard

World of Warcraft: Forever players can use a controller to access spells and abilities through switchable action bars, though typing in chat still requires a keyboard. Built-in controller support was already part of the beta, as we reported earlier. Official details now explain how the controls work and what remains unfinished.

According to Blizzard’s guide, the game supports XInput-compatible controllers. To switch from keyboard and mouse, press Escape to open the game menu, choose Options, then select Gamepad under Gameplay. A November 2 Xbox Wire article calls the option Gamepad (Alpha).

Each set contains four action bars. Holding the left trigger, right trigger or both changes the active bar; releasing them returns to the default. Hold both bumpers and press left or right on the directional pad to switch between three sets, with 84 spell and ability slots across them. Using the Xbox button names in Blizzard’s guide, the left bumper selects a friendly target and the right bumper selects a hostile one.

Controller support is still experimental. Blizzard calls it a functional beta and says interface updates are ongoing. Some screens do not yet show controller options at the bottom. Players can open chat with the controller, but typing requires a keyboard; keyboard-free play is a longer-term goal. The PC version is due to open on November 5 at 01:00.