Global launch
November 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PST
Access is included with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time.
First published Updated
Launch Guide
When does WoW Forever release?
Everything we can confirm about when Forever launches, how to get into the beta, and which editions unlock what. Every figure here is stated by Blizzard; nothing is inferred.
Confirmed Confidence: Confirmed. Stated directly by an official source. checked 2026-10-11
Beta window
September 17 – October 21, 2026
Blizzard lists the beta as available through October 21, 2026. The cap opened at 20 and was raised to 30 on October 1; no exact shutdown time is stated on the official game page.
Do I have to buy it?
No — Forever is included with the WoW subscription
You can play Forever without buying an upgrade pack. Purchasing at least the Heroic pack is what unlocks the new Skyborne race and its starter zone.
How to get beta access
Buy the Skyborne Epic Pack or the Warcraft Forever Collection
Beta access comes with those two options. The Heroic pack does not include beta access, and a free Battle.net opt-in gives a chance, not a guarantee.
Unlocking the Skyborne race
Requires at least the Skyborne Heroic Pack
The new playable race and the Zephras Isle starting experience are gated behind a paid upgrade, not the base subscription.
Beta level cap
Level 30 (raised from 20 on October 1)
Blizzard raised the live test cap to 30 in the October 1 update. This is still below the level-60 launch cap.
Timeline
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Announced & pre-orders open
Revealed at BlizzCon; upgrade packs go on sale.
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Forever beta opens
Level cap 20 at the start.
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First big tuning pass
Broad class changes and a temporary respec cost.
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Beta closes
Last day of beta access (PST).
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Global launch
3:00 p.m. PST; included with subscription.
Which edition unlocks what
Prices and pack contents can change; always confirm on the Battle.net Shop before buying. The key decision: you only need to pay if you want beta access or the Skyborne race.
Included with subscription
No extra cost with an active subscription / Game Time
The base way to play Forever. No upgrade needed to log in at launch.
- Base game access at launch
- The new zones, dungeons and raids
- New talents and class changes
Skyborne race unlocked: No
Skyborne Heroic Pack
~$29.99 (see Battle.net Shop)
Unlocks the new Skyborne race and its starting zone, but not the beta.
- Skyborne race + Zephras Isle starting experience
- In-game cosmetics
- Early name reservation (per Blizzard)
Skyborne race unlocked: Yes
Skyborne Epic Pack
Beta access~$59.99 (see Battle.net Shop)
The pack that includes beta access, plus everything in Heroic.
- Forever beta access (Sept 17 – Oct 21)
- Skyborne race + Zephras Isle starting experience
- 30 days of game time
- Mount, cosmetics and housing decor
Skyborne race unlocked: Yes
Warcraft Forever Collection
Beta accessLimited-time (was available to pre-purchase)
The digital bundle that includes beta access and the Epic pack contents.
- Skyborne Epic Pack contents (including beta access)
- Warcraft III: Reforged
- Warcraft III Reforged: Forsaken Kingdom
Skyborne race unlocked: Yes
While you wait for launch
Start planning your character now. See which class to pick, then build it in the talent calculator.
Sources
Every fact on this page is taken from a Blizzard announcement or the official pre-order page. We do not publish guessed dates or resale prices as fact.
Sources
launch Confirmed Confidence: Confirmed. Stated directly by an official source. Last verifiedFrequently asked questions
When does WoW Forever release?
World of Warcraft: Forever is listed for November 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PST.
When is the WoW Forever beta window?
The listed beta window runs from September 17 to October 21, 2026.
Do I need to buy WoW Forever to play at launch?
Forever is included with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time; paid editions add beta access or the Skyborne race.
Which edition includes beta access?
The Skyborne Epic Pack and Warcraft Forever Collection include beta access. The Heroic Pack does not.