World of Warcraft: Forever Beta End Date and Launch Timeline
As of October 15, 2026: The official World of Warcraft: Forever beta runs through October 21, 2026 PST — that is the last full day of testing. The game launches globally on November 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PST. Beta access comes with the Skyborne Epic Pack or the limited-time Warcraft Forever Collection, or by Blizzard invitation. This page uses only Blizzard News facts — it is not about private or fan servers.
Key dates (official)
| Milestone | Date (PST) |
|---|---|
| Beta start | September 17, 2026 |
| Beta end (last full test day) | October 21, 2026 |
| Invite-A-Friend Launch Codes emailed | Beginning October 20, 2026 |
| Early Name Reservation | October 27 – November 3, 2026 |
| Global launch | November 4, 2026, 3:00 p.m. PST |
| Invite-A-Friend launch-week window | November 4 – November 11, 2026 |
| Warcraft Forever Collection available through | January 11, 2027 |
Blizzard also plans a time-limited Server Slam during the beta so anyone can try Forever for several hours; exact Slam hours are announced closer to the window on Blizzard News.
What ends on October 21?
October 21 is the last full day of Forever beta testing. After that, Blizzard shifts to final launch preparations. Characters and progress on beta realms are for testing only — they do not carry into the live November 4 launch (standard Blizzard beta practice; confirm any exceptions on Battle.net support if Blizzard posts them).
Who can still join the beta?
- Players who purchased the Skyborne Epic Pack or Warcraft Forever Collection (beta access included).
- Players selected from the Forever beta opt-in; invitations go out during the test. Check Battle.net → Your Game Accounts for a Forever beta license.
Install steps (from Blizzard)
- Update graphics drivers.
- Open the Battle.net desktop app (update it if needed).
- Select World of Warcraft.
- In Game Version, choose World of Warcraft: Forever Beta under In Development → Install.
- Click Play, pick a test realm, create a test character.
What is in the beta?
When the test opened, the level cap was 20, later raised to 30. Week-1 content Blizzard listed included the Skyborne race and Zephras Isle, plus dungeons Hall of Thanes (13–18) and Ruins of Lordaeron (15–20), with more zones, dungeons, and a new battleground opening later in the test.
Launch and upgrades (summary)
- Forever access at launch is included with a WoW Subscription or Game Time.
- Optional upgrade packs (Heroic / Epic / Forever Collection) add cosmetics, Early Name Reservation, and (Epic / Collection) beta access plus 30 days of Game Time starting November 4.
- Invite-A-Friend Launch Codes from qualifying packs let friends play during launch week without a subscription for that window; codes do not include beta access.
Not a private server
Search results sometimes mix official Forever beta news with hobbyist self-hosted realms. This page covers only Blizzard’s official beta and launch dates. Playing on unauthorized private servers can violate Blizzard’s Terms of Use.
Frequently asked questions
When does the WoW Forever beta end?
October 21, 2026 PST is the last full day of official Forever beta testing, per Blizzard News.
When does World of Warcraft: Forever launch?
November 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PST globally. Access requires a WoW Subscription or Game Time (upgrade packs can add 30 days starting that day).
How do I get Forever beta access?
Buy the Skyborne Epic Pack or Warcraft Forever Collection (includes beta), or opt in and wait for a Blizzard invitation. Install the Forever Beta build from the Battle.net app under In Development.
What is Early Name Reservation?
From October 27 through November 3, 2026 PST, upgrade buyers can create and customize up to three characters with names reserved first-come, first-served. Desired names are not guaranteed.
Is WoW Forever a private server?
No. World of Warcraft: Forever is an official Blizzard title. This page only covers Blizzard’s beta and launch timeline.
When are Invite-A-Friend Launch Codes sent?
Blizzard says codes for qualifying purchases are emailed beginning October 20, 2026 PST. They cover launch week (Nov 4–11), not the beta.