The World of Warcraft: Forever beta opens on Thursday, September 17, the day after tomorrow. It's the first time anyone outside BlizzCon can play Blizzard's Classic+, and the first chance to pull real data from the client. There are two ways in: buy an edition that includes it, or opt in for free and wait. Here's what's confirmed, what the press reports and what's still unknown.
Beta dates: September 17 to October 21 or 22
The beta starts on September 17, 2026 (Pacific time) and runs for just over a month. The exact closing day depends on which official document you read:
- The fine print on the pre-purchase page says it's available through October 21.
- The roadmap image Blizzard showed at BlizzCon says October 22.
The gap may just be time zones, but Blizzard hasn't clarified it. Treat the 21st as the safe date. After that come name reservation (October 27) and launch (November 4); the full calendar is in the roadmap, explained.
Who gets guaranteed access
According to Blizzard's announcement and pre-purchase page, the beta is included in two of the three packs:
| Pack | Beta | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Skyborne Heroic Pack | No | 29.99 according to Wowhead |
| Skyborne Epic Pack | Yes, guaranteed | $59.99 according to Blizzard Watch |
| Warcraft Forever Collection | Yes, guaranteed | $79.99 according to Blizzard Watch |
The official page doesn't show prices in its text, which is why we credit each outlet. One warning: Wowhead's opt-in article suggests "the Skyborne Pack" is enough to get in. Blizzard's shop is more precise and it's the one that counts: the Heroic Pack doesn't include the beta. What else each edition includes is in the FAQ.
You don't need to buy beta access to play Forever: the full game is included with a WoW subscription from November 4.
How to opt in for the beta through Battle.net
The free route is the opt-in. It guarantees nothing: Blizzard picks who gets invited, and Blizzard Watch notes invites usually go out in waves. The steps, according to Wowhead and Blizzard Watch:
- Go to the official WoW Forever page.
- Sign in with the Battle.net account that has World of Warcraft.
- Press the Beta Opt-In button and, on the next page, Request Beta Access.
- Wait. If you're selected, you'll find out by email or straight in the Battle.net app.
Icy Veins adds how to check: in the Battle.net app, under games, look for Forever Beta in the version dropdown (the outlet places it under the World of Warcraft Classic entry). If it's there, you can install it.
Two common-sense tips: opt in with the account you actually play on, and be wary of any site or message promising beta keys in exchange for your details. Based on what Blizzard has published, both buying a pack and opting in grant access to your Battle.net account: there's no code to redeem.
Level cap: 20 at launch, 30 later
Blizzard told Wowhead the beta opens with a level 20 cap and will raise it to 30 later on. Once it's at 30, it stays there until the beta ends. There's no date for the increase.
Don't expect level 60 or raids: that part is held back for launch and for December 9. In the Wowhead interview, the team also said everyone will start at level 1 at launch, so don't count on keeping anything you do in the beta.
What you'll be able to test
Blizzard hasn't published a list of beta content. What you can do is cross the level cap with the official level ranges. Based on what's been announced, this is what fits between levels 1 and 30; that doesn't mean Blizzard has confirmed it for the beta:
- Revamped starting zones, with new quests and NPCs: starting zones page. The new lighting shows in places like Elwynn Forest, Mulgore, Darkshore, The Barrens and Ashenvale.
- Wetlands, with new quests in the 20-30 range.
- New dungeons below 30: Hall of Thanes (13-18), Ruins of Lordaeron (15-20) and Excavation Site (24-29). City of Dalaran starts at 28 but goes up to 33.
- The reworked classes in their early talents. Blizzard hasn't said at what level each point is earned in Forever; if it works like Classic (one per level from 10), level 20 reaches the 11-point milestone talent and level 30 the 16- and 21-point ones. You can plan your tree in each class calculator.
- The six new race and class combinations, such as the Undead Paladin or the Orc Mage.
The Skyborne are the big question. Zephras Isle is a level 1-12 zone and fits perfectly, but Blizzard hasn't said whether the race will be in the beta, or whether opt-in players can create one without the pack. Blizzard Watch leaves it open too.
Wowhead has already warned that it will rebuild its talent calculator with beta client data, so many talent numbers and names will change in the coming days.
NDA and streaming
We haven't found any published official rule on confidentiality or streaming the beta. Neither the announcement, the pre-purchase page, nor the Wowhead, Blizzard Watch or Icy Veins articles mention one. Until Blizzard says something, we won't call it allowed or forbidden: if you get access, check the terms shown when you enter the client.
The September 17 Q&A
On the same day the beta opens, the WoW team holds a live Q&A on the BlizzCon announcements, Forever included:
- When: Thursday, September 17 at 10:00 a.m. PDT, which is 1:00 p.m. EDT and 6:00 p.m. BST.
- Where: the official Warcraft Twitch and YouTube channels, with a VOD afterwards, according to Icy Veins.
It's the best chance to settle what this article leaves open. Whatever gets answered will show up in News and in this guide.
What we still don't know
- The exact closing day: October 21 on the pre-purchase page, October 22 on the roadmap.
- When the cap goes from 20 to 30.
- Whether the Skyborne are playable, and with which kind of access.
- Which specific zones and dungeons are open.
- Whether there's an NDA or streaming rules.
- How many opt-in invites go out, and in how many waves.
- System requirements and platforms for the Forever client: Blizzard hasn't published them.
Frequently asked questions
When does the WoW Forever beta start?
On Thursday, September 17, 2026. Blizzard hasn't given a specific opening time.
When does the WoW Forever beta end?
On October 21 according to the pre-purchase fine print, or October 22 according to the roadmap image. Blizzard hasn't explained the difference.
Is the WoW Forever beta free?
Opting in is free, but it doesn't guarantee access. Guaranteed entry comes with the Skyborne Epic Pack or the Warcraft Forever Collection.
Are there WoW Forever beta keys?
Blizzard hasn't announced redeemable keys. Based on what's published, access goes straight to your Battle.net account, whether through a purchase or selection after opting in. Be wary of anyone selling or giving away "keys" in exchange for your details.
Does the Skyborne Heroic Pack include beta access?
No. According to Blizzard's pre-purchase page, the beta is only included in the Skyborne Epic Pack and the Warcraft Forever Collection.
What level does the beta go up to?
Up to 30. It opens capped at 20 and raises the cap to 30 later, according to what Blizzard told Wowhead.
Do beta characters carry over to launch?
Don't count on it. The team has said everyone starts at level 1 at launch, and no carryover has been announced.
Can I play the Skyborne in the beta?
It isn't confirmed. Their starting zone is level 1-12 and fits the beta, but Blizzard hasn't said whether they'll be available or to whom.
Can I stream the WoW Forever beta?
Blizzard hasn't published rules on an NDA or streaming. Check the terms shown when you enter the client.
What time is the WoW Forever Q&A on September 17?
At 10:00 a.m. PDT (1:00 p.m. EDT, 6:00 p.m. BST), on the Warcraft Twitch and YouTube channels.
