WoW Forever beta dates
The pre-purchase announcement and the Forever page list the beta as September 17 to October 21, 2026. The roadmap graphic says October 22, so treat the 21st as the safe end date.
Per the roadmap, you can play up to level 30. One Blizzard article says beta starts November 17; that's a typo, since every other official page says September 17.
Source / rights
Image / usage information: (c) Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Official World of Warcraft: Forever media from Blizzard announcement pages (downloaded 16 Sep 2026); shown with source link, no ownership asserted. · Image source ↗
Every way into the beta
| Option | Price | Guaranteed? | How access is granted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skyborne Epic Pack | $59.99 / €59.99 | Yes | Account flagged automatically, no code |
| Warcraft Forever Collection | $79.99 / €79.99 | Yes | Account flagged automatically, no code |
| Collector's Edition (physical) | $150 in the US | Yes | Code by email, redeemed on your WoW account; one per account |
| Beta Opt-In | Free | No | Account flagged automatically if selected |
| Skyborne Heroic Pack | $29.99 / €29.99 | No beta | Heroic doesn't include beta access |
How to sign up for the WoW Forever beta
- Open the World of Warcraft: Forever page on the official WoW site.
- For a free chance, use the Beta Opt-In button. If you want a guaranteed spot, buy the Epic Pack or the Warcraft Forever Collection instead.
- Digital upgrade owners and selected opt-in accounts are flagged automatically, so there's no code to enter.
- Collector's Edition owners get a beta code by email. Redeem it on your WoW account; each account can only use one.
- Once testing starts, the beta client shows up in the Battle.net app. Install it from there and log in.
Do you need a subscription for the beta?
No. Blizzard Support says Game Time isn't required for beta, only beta access. So even with a lapsed sub, you can play if you bought Epic or got picked from the opt-in.
What can you play in the beta?
The roadmap caps the beta at level 30. Beyond that, Blizzard hasn't published a list of which zones, dungeons or systems are up for testing.
Beta rules worth knowing
- There are no dedicated beta forums right now. Keep an eye on the US WoW Forever forum for updates.
- Breaking the Code of Conduct can get your beta access revoked.
- Blizzard Support can't add you to the beta and can't help with the beta client.
- The beta client can go offline at any time, so don't expect stable uptime.
- No official source mentions an NDA.
FAQ
Will my beta characters carry over to launch?
Blizzard hasn't said yet. Beta ends October 21, Early Name Reservation opens October 27 and launch is November 4, so lock in your name for the live game either way.
How do I know if I got picked from the opt-in?
Selected accounts don't get a code; they're flagged directly. If the beta client appears in your Battle.net app once testing starts, you're in.
I bought Heroic. Can I still get into beta?
Heroic on its own doesn't include beta. Upgrade to Epic or the Collection and you get guaranteed access, plus two extra Invite-A-Friend codes.
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