Blizzard Watch WeeklyOct 5, 2026 9:00 am CT

Blizzard Watch Weekly: There’s lots to do this week (if we can get away from the WoW: Forever beta)

By Elizabeth Harper

It was another quiet week as we continue to binge on the WoW: Forever beta, but big things are on the horizon! This week new hero Doctrine is coming to Overwatch, Hallow’s End starts in WoW, and Holly Longdale is doing a keynote speech at PAX Aus. And just around the corner, WoW patch 12.1.5 is launching. Soon we may look back on these quieter weeks fondly.

So to help you (and also me) stay on top of the latest, here’s what’s been happening in the world of Blizzard games, and what’s coming up.

What happened last week?

World of Warcraft: Forever is still hot news, and we covered what happens to your characters when the beta ends.
Blizzard has been posting class previews for Forever, with two videos so far: the first covers Warriors, Shaman, and Rogues and the second covers Hunters, Mages, and Paladins. And if you haven’t caught it, they’re also doing a weekly video podcast about the game’s continuing development.
We finally have a release date for WoW patch 12.1.5, and it’s a week later than we expected: the patch launches on October 13. Yep, that’s next week, and I am eagerly anticipating the new Labyrinth.
This month’s World of Warcraft Trading Post launched without a preview, but here’s what’s up for grabs in the Trading post for October, including masks that will be perfect for Hallow’s End.
This week’s Hearthstone Tavern Brawl is A Dark Recipe brawl, which gives you pre-made decks to fight out the ultimate battle between the Old Gods (of Hearthstone). However, this isn’t a preview of the upcoming Reign of the Black Empire expansion, but instead an old brawl that uses the old versions of Old God cards. It’s a fun blast from the past.

What’s happening this week (and beyond)

Be sure not to miss Holly Longdale at PAX Aus this week! Her keynote speech will be followed by a WoW: Forever Dungeon Deep Dive panel, and it’s streaming live on Twitch on October 8 from 9pm to 10:30pm eastern.

Live until it isn’t: World of Warcraft: Forever beta test
Through October 6: Brewfest in World of Warcraft
October 6: Overwatch Season 5 with new hero Doctrine
October 8 (9pm eastern): Holly Longdale keynote at PAX Aus
October 9 – November 11: WoW Hallow’s End
October 13: WoW patch 12.1.5
October 20: Hearthstone: Reign of the Black Empire expansion
November 4: WoW: Forever launches
November 17: World of Warcraft D&D book launches

Other things we’re playing, watching, and more

In the latest episode of our actual play of The Séance of Blake Manor we have tracked down a surprising (worrying) number of people admitting to murderous plans… but still have no clue as to who’s responsible for the missing Evelyn Deane. But we do make our way through a lot of enlightening conversations and get an intriguing spirit photo taken. You can watch all of the episodes of Blake Manor (so far) on YouTube or catch us streaming indie games live Thursday at 8pm eastern (and follow us on Twitch to get notifications), and watch Liz and Liz’s latest run through the manor here:

This week we have two freebies in the Epic Games Store, and one of them is a classic. You can pick up the iconic System Shock 2 (remastered) and the not iconic but still fun Buried Stars for free this week (get them before Thursday to grab this deal).