World of Warcraft: Forever
WoW Forever Legacy Points: unlock and spending cap
Legacy unlocks with your first point. At launch each character can spend 16 points, even when your account has earned more. Alternate characters are not required to reach that spending cap.
Open the Legacy interface
A common first point comes at level 25. Reaching 150 in a non-gathering primary profession or exploring the entire world map can also unlock it. Once available, use the shield-shaped Legacy icon or the default Y key.
Sources: [1]
Separate earning from spending
The launch system has 65 challenges, each awarding 1 account-wide point for non-Hardcore characters. Each character chooses perks independently across Professions, Adventure and Resourcefulness. The 16-point spending cap is not a limit on total points earned.
Plan without mandatory alts
Blizzard lists up to 29 points from a single character: 3 from leveling, up to 6 from professions, 12 from PvP, 2 from Adventure and 6 from dungeons and raids. This demonstrates that alts are optional, not that every source is quick or equally easy.
Sources: [1]
Keep Hardcore and cosmetics separate
Hardcore is planned for later. Its challenges can carry outward to other rulesets, but non-Hardcore progress does not carry into Hardcore. Earned points also advance cosmetic rewards, including a rifle toy, Spectral Bear Cub, tabard and mount; that track is distinct from spending on perks.
Sources: [1]