World of Warcraft: Forever is getting its first public testing period before the game’s full launch in November. The beta gives players an early chance to explore Blizzard’s reimagined Azeroth and test its new content and systems. Here’s everything you need to know about when the WoW Forever beta starts and how to sign up.
When Does the WoW Forever Beta Start?
The WoW Forever beta begins September 17, 2026, and runs through October 21, 2026. Blizzard has confirmed that the beta begins and ends in PDT. The full version of WoW Forever launches on November 4, 2026, so the beta will give players several weeks to try out the game before release.
How to Sign Up for the WoW Forever Beta
Players can opt in to the beta for free through the official WoW Forever website. To do so:
- Visit the official WoW Forever website.
- Sign in to your Battle.net account.
- Click Request Beta Access at the bottom of the page.
- Follow the instructions to submit your account for beta testing.
Note that opting in does not guarantee beta access. Blizzard will select players from the opt-in pool, so you may not receive an invitation even after signing up. If you want guaranteed access, you’ll need one of the editions that includes the beta.
Which Editions Include Beta Access?
| Edition | Beta Access |
|---|---|
| Skyborne Heroic Pack | No |
| Skyborne Epic Pack | YES |
| Warcraft Forever Collection | YES |
The Skyborne Epic Pack includes beta access starting September 17, along with the benefits from the Heroic Pack, 30 days of Game Time starting at launch, cosmetics, pets, tabards, and additional launch-week friend codes.
The Warcraft Forever Collection includes everything in the Epic Pack, as well as Warcraft III: Reforged, the Forsaken Kingdom campaign, and additional cosmetics.
The physical World of Warcraft: Forever Collector’s Edition also includes a digital code for the Warcraft Forever Collection, meaning it includes beta access.
WoW Forever Beta FAQ
A: No, you don’t need to pre-order WoW Forever to join the beta. You can opt in for free and potentially receive an invitation. However, free beta registration does not guarantee access.
Q: What editions guarantee beta access?
A: The Skyborne Epic Pack and Warcraft Forever Collection include guaranteed beta access. The Collector’s Edition also provides access through its included Warcraft Forever Collection code.
Q: Does the Skyborne Heroic Pack include beta access?
A: No, the Heroic Pack does not include beta access. Instead, it includes the Skyborne race and its Zephras Isle starting experience, among other bonuses.
Q: When does the beta end?
A: The beta is scheduled to run until October 21, 2026, giving players a little over a month to test the game before the November 4 launch.
Q: When does WoW Forever fully launch?
A: WoW Forever launches globally on November 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. PDT. The full game will be included with an active WoW Subscription or Game Time.
The WoW Forever beta gives players a chance to see what Blizzard has done with its expanded version of original Azeroth before the full experience arrives in November. If you don’t want to pay for beta access, the free opt-in is still worth trying, while the Epic Pack is the straightforward option if you want guaranteed entry.
Published: Sep 14, 2026 10:11 am