World of Warcraft: Forever beta – how to join and what to test until October 21
The World of Warcraft: Forever beta runs from September 17 to October 21, 2026 (Pacific Time). This guide explains how to get in and what is worth testing before the launch on November 4.
How to get into the beta
Players who opted in can be selected, and invitations go out regularly. Eligible purchasers of the Skyborne Epic Pack and the Warcraft Forever Collection also get beta access. If you are selected, your Battle.net account is already flagged for beta access. Access can take up to 30 minutes to appear, and you may need to restart the launcher.
How to install
- Update your graphics drivers and the Battle.net desktop app.
- In Battle.net, select World of Warcraft.
- In the Game Version drop-down above the Play button, choose World of Warcraft: Forever Beta (under In Development) and click Install.
- When the installation finishes, click Play and select a test realm.
- Create a new test character when it becomes available.
Beware of fake invitations
Blizzard warns about phishing. To confirm that an invitation is real, log in to Battle.net and check that a World of Warcraft: Forever beta license appears under Your Game Accounts.
What is in the beta
The level cap starts at 20 and will be raised to 30 later in the test. In the first week, the test includes:
- the Skyborne race and the Zephras Isle;
- the Hall of Thanes dungeon (levels 13 to 18);
- the Ruins of Lordaeron dungeon (levels 15 to 20);
- all zone content up to level 20.
More zones, dungeons and a new battleground will open later. Blizzard also plans a “Server Slam,” a period of several hours when anyone can access the beta. Details will be shared closer to the date.
