The World of Warcraft: Forever beta opens today, September 17, right after Blizzard's live Q&A. If you bought a digital pack, there's nothing to do. If you bought the physical Collector's Edition, there is: access comes as a code sent by email, and it has to be redeemed. It's the most repeated question of the day, and the answer is in Blizzard's support article.
Which edition needs a code and which doesn't
Blizzard's support article on beta access separates two cases:
| How you got the beta | Do you redeem a code? | Where access shows up |
|---|---|---|
| Skyborne Epic Pack (digital, Battle.net Shop) | No | The account is flagged automatically |
| Warcraft Forever Collection (digital, Battle.net Shop) | No | The account is flagged automatically |
| Free opt-in and selection | No | The account is flagged automatically |
| Physical Collector's Edition (Blizzard Gear Store) | Yes | Code by email |
The Skyborne Heroic Pack still doesn't include the beta, as covered in the beta guide.
Where the Collector's Edition code arrives
According to Blizzard Support, access from the physical edition is a redeemable code sent by email to the same address you used for the purchase on the Gear Store. That's not your Battle.net email unless they happen to match. The official announcement puts it this way: your Beta Access Code redemption instructions will be delivered by email.
Blizzard hasn't said how long that email takes after the order. If you don't have it yet, check in this order:
- The inbox of the email you ordered with on the Gear Store. If you checked out as a guest or with another address, it's that one, not the Battle.net one.
- Promotions, Updates and Spam folders. It's a store email and filters set it aside easily. Search for "Gear Store", "Beta Access" or "Forever".
- The order confirmation email. It confirms the order exists and which address it's tied to.
- Gear Store customer service, if it still doesn't show up. The store sends the code, and game support states it cannot grant beta access or replace lost codes.
How to redeem the code
Follow the instructions in the email itself. Blizzard codes are redeemed while signed in to Battle.net, through the redeem-a-code option in the app or in account management. Before you click, mind the fine print in the official announcement:
- One redemption per WoW game account, and you need a WoW game account.
- It can't be redeemed on an account that already has beta access. If you already bought a digital pack to get in sooner, the code is no use on that account.
- Double-check which account you're signed in to. Blizzard warns it can't help with codes redeemed on the wrong account.
- The code can't be resold or exchanged, and access ends with the beta: September 17 through October 21, Pacific time.
What's in the Collector's Edition
Besides the code, the box includes a 13-inch Dwarf and Bear statue, a Zephras Isle mousepad, art prints, collectible pins and a companion journal. The digital part is a Warcraft Forever Collection code, with the Skyborne Epic Pack, Warcraft III: Reforged and its Forsaken Kingdom campaign.
How to install the beta in Battle.net
The official route is the same for everyone, code or not:
- Open the Battle.net app with the account that has access.
- Go to World of Warcraft and open the Game Version dropdown, above the Install button.
- Pick the Forever beta and install it. It's a separate install: it doesn't replace your current WoW.
Blizzard says the client becomes available once testing begins. If you don't see the option, close Battle.net completely, reopen it and make sure it's the right account. If you bought a digital pack, check your Transaction History to see that the order shows as Complete. No active game time is needed for the beta.
The trick to download it before the button shows up
Since yesterday, players and creators have been sharing a way to force the download without waiting for the dropdown. It is not a procedure documented by Blizzard: we include it because it's useful on opening day, and it's shown by Cheesebag and DwarfLord, among others.
On Windows, press Win + R, paste this line and confirm:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Battle.net\Battle.net.exe" --game=wow_classic_beta --installIf Battle.net is installed on another drive, change the path. Some people need to remove the quotation marks for it to work. The installer that opens shows "Forever".
Three warnings before you try it:
- It only downloads. You can't play until Blizzard opens the servers.
- It doesn't grant access. People who tried it say the account already needs to have the beta.
- It's big. Players report around 15 GB if WoW is already installed and around 65 GB for a clean install.
With the beta open, the Battle.net dropdown should be enough and the trick stops being needed.
Quick questions
Does the beta code go to my Battle.net email or the store email?
The store one. Blizzard Support says it's sent to the same address you used for the purchase on the Gear Store.
Do I have to wait for the box to arrive to play the beta?
No. The code arrives by email and the box ships by courier. They're two separate deliveries.
Can I use the code if I already bought a digital pack?
Not on that account. The official announcement says the code cannot be redeemed on WoW game accounts that already have beta access.
Can Blizzard give me another code if I lose it?
No. Support states it can't replace lost codes or fix codes redeemed on the wrong account.
Do I need a subscription to play the beta?
No. Blizzard says game time isn't required, only access.
Once you're in, what you can play and the level caps are in the beta guide, and to start picking a character there's the race and class randomizer and the name generator.
