WoW Forever Release Date, Beta & Launch Schedule
World of Warcraft: Forever launches globally on 4 November 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PDT (11:00 p.m. UK time). It’s included with a normal World of Warcraft subscription or game time. You don’t need to buy a separate game.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 12 September 2026 | Forever announced at BlizzCon 2026 |
| 17 September 2026 | Beta begins |
| 21 October 2026 | Stress Test on live hardware; characters wiped afterwards |
| 23 October 2026, 10:00 a.m. PDT | Beta closes after a 24-hour farewell celebration |
| 27 October – 3 November 2026 | Name reservation window |
| 4 November 2026, 3 p.m. PDT | Global launch |
| 9 December 2026 | Raids unlock (Barrow Deeps, Hyjal Summit, Onyxia’s Lair) |
How the beta works
The beta opened with a level 20 cap, which Blizzard said would rise to 30 later in testing. Week one included:
- The Skyborne race and their starting zone, Zephras Isle
- Hall of Thanes (levels 13–18) and Ruins of Lordaeron (levels 15–20)
- All zone content up to level 20
More zones, dungeons and the new battleground open as the beta goes on. Blizzard has scheduled a public Stress Test for 21 October on live hardware, with a full character wipe afterwards: see WoW Forever Stress Test: 21 October.
How to get beta access
- Opt in to beta testing on your Battle.net account and hope for an invite.
- Buy the Skyborne Epic Pack (or the Warcraft Forever Collection), which includes guaranteed beta access. Access applies within about 30 minutes of purchase.
See our editions guide for exactly what each pack includes.
What to do before launch
- Pick your ruleset. Forever has no realms: you choose Normal, PvP or Roleplaying, with Hardcore coming after launch. Rulesets explained →
- Reserve your name during the reservation window (27 Oct – 3 Nov). Early name reservation is included with every upgrade pack. Name reservation guide →
- Read up on the new dungeons so you know which ones to queue for while levelling.
Sources: Blizzard: Forever beta now live, Blizzard: Carve a New Path, Blizzard: Raid Overview, Blizzard: Stress Test heads-up, Warcraft Wiki. Dates can change, and we’ll update this page if they do.
Frequently asked questions
When does WoW Forever release?
WoW Forever launches globally on 4 November 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PDT, which is 11:00 p.m. UK time.
Is WoW Forever included with a WoW subscription?
Yes. WoW Forever is included with a normal World of Warcraft subscription or game time, so you don't need to buy a separate game.
How do I get into the WoW Forever beta?
You can opt in to beta testing on your Battle.net account and hope for an invite, or buy the Skyborne Epic Pack or the Warcraft Forever Collection, which include guaranteed WoW Forever beta access. Access applies within about 30 minutes of purchase.
When does the WoW Forever beta end?
Blizzard closed the WoW Forever beta at 10:00 a.m. PDT on 23 October 2026, after a final 24-hour celebration.
When do raids unlock in WoW Forever?
Blizzard says Barrow Deeps, Hyjal Summit and Onyxia's Lair unlock on 9 December 2026.
