Beta Overview
The World of Warcraft: Forever beta runs from September 17, 2026 through October 21, 2026 PST, going live right after Blizzard's live WoW Forever Q&A. It opens at a level 20 cap, which rises to level 30 after about two weeks and stays there until the beta ends.
Beta characters are wiped before launch, so use these weeks to test classes, talents, and races, then start fresh on day one. Name reservation opens October 27 – November 3, 2026 PST for upgrade pack owners, and WoW Forever launches on November 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PST. See launch times for every region on the release date page.
How to Get Access
There are four ways in. Two upgrade packs guarantee access, the free opt-in gives you a chance to be selected, and players can trade McDonald's Australia reward points for a key. You do not need an active subscription or Game Time to play the beta.
| Route | Beta Access | How |
|---|---|---|
| Skyborne Epic Pack | Guaranteed | Pre-purchase in the Battle.net Shop. |
| Warcraft Forever Collection | Guaranteed | Pre-purchase in the Battle.net Shop. |
| Beta opt-in | Chance to be selected | Sign up for free on the official WoW Forever website. |
| McDonald's Australia | Guaranteed while keys last | In the Australian MyMacca's app, go to Rewards & Deals, then Partner Rewards, and redeem 1,000 points for a beta key. Enter the code under Account, then Redeem Code, on your Battle.net account; an Australian Battle.net account is not required. One key per MyMacca's account and per WoW account, redeem and activate by October 20, 11:59 p.m. AEDT. |
Every upgrade pack also includes the Skyborne race and name reservation. Compare what each pack includes on the release date page.
Schedule in the Americas
Players in the Americas join the global beta with their Battle.net account, on the same servers as everyone outside China. Here is the full run in Pacific time, from the first login to launch day.
| Milestone | Pacific Time |
|---|---|
| Beta opens | September 17 at 10:30 a.m. PDT, right after Blizzard's live Q&A |
| Level cap rises to 30 | About two weeks after the beta opens |
| Invite-A-Friend Launch Codes sent | From October 20, 2026, by email to upgrade pack owners |
| Beta closes | End of October 21, 2026, Pacific time |
| Name reservation | October 27 – November 3, 2026, up to three names |
| Launch | November 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PST |
The beta closes about two weeks before launch, so there is time to settle on a main and a name before reservation opens. Launch times for every other region are on the release date page.
Download and Play
Once your account has access, the beta installs through the Battle.net desktop app.
- Open the Battle.net app and select World of Warcraft.
- Open the game version menu above the Play button and choose the WoW Forever beta.
- Select Install, then Play when the download finishes.
If the beta does not appear in the version menu, restart the Battle.net app and confirm you are signed in to the account that holds your pack or activated key.
What to Try First
The early levels are the best place to feel how Forever plays differently from Classic.
- Your class. Talents, spells, and racials are all revised. Sketch a build in the talent calculator and check new ranks in the spellbook.
- Your race. Every race has two active and two passive racials. Compare them on the races page.
- Your Legacy Points. Plan where your first points go with the Legacy Trees planner.
- Your main for launch. Still deciding? Roll a random character for a fresh idea, or compare the class guides.
Common Questions
How do I get into the WoW Forever beta?
Pre-purchase the Skyborne Epic Pack or the Warcraft Forever Collection for guaranteed access, opt in for free on the official website for a chance to be selected, or, in Australia, redeem 1,000 MyMacca's points for a beta key.
Is the WoW Forever beta free?
Opting in is free, and so is a McDonald's Australia key if you have the points. You do not need an active subscription or Game Time to play the beta.
How long does the WoW Forever beta last?
The beta runs from September 17, 2026 through October 21, 2026 PST, about five weeks, and closes two weeks before the November 4, 2026 launch.
When does the beta open in the Americas?
It opened on September 17 at 10:30 a.m. PDT, right after Blizzard's live Q&A, and closes at the end of October 21, 2026, Pacific time.
What is the beta level cap?
The beta opens with a level 20 cap. After about two weeks it rises to 30 and stays there until the beta ends. Levels 31 to 60 open at launch.
Will my beta character carry over to launch?
No. The beta is a test with a full wipe, so characters, levels, and items stay behind. Everyone starts fresh on November 4, 2026, and upgrade pack owners can reserve names from October 27 – November 3, 2026.
Does the Skyborne Heroic Pack include beta access?
No. Beta access comes with the Skyborne Epic Pack and the Warcraft Forever Collection. The Heroic Pack still unlocks the Skyborne race and name reservation.
When does WoW Forever launch?
WoW Forever launches worldwide on November 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PST. Name reservation for upgrade pack owners runs October 27 – November 3, 2026 PST.