WoW Forever Beta Starts This Week: How to Get In

Ready to step back into Azeroth for a brand-new adventure? Blizzard just dropped the details on the World of Warcraft Forever beta, and it kicks off this week. If you're itching to explore the original continents with a fresh twist, here's everything you need to know to get in.

First, the basics: WoW Forever is a new permanent version of Classic WoW announced at this year's BlizzCon. It's set after Warcraft III Reforged: Forsaken Kingdom but before Molten Core, and caps at level 60. Expect new stories, a new class, and over 1,000 new quests. The full launch is November 4, but the beta runs from Thursday, September 17, to October 21, 2026. No official start time yet, but Blizzard often rolls out updates between 11 AM and 2 PM ET, so keep an eye out then.

So how do you actually get in? There are a few paths, but only one guarantees access: preordering specific packs. The Skyborne Epic Pack costs $59.99 / £51.99, and the Warcraft Forever Collection costs $79.99 / £69.99. Both are available on the Battle.net store and include beta access. Alternatively, you can opt-in on the WoW Forever website, though that's not guaranteed. If you just want to play at launch, you don't need these packs—your regular WoW subscription or game time covers it. But if you want the new Skyborne race, you'll need to upgrade.

One nice perk: early name reservation runs from October 27 through November 3, 2026, and it's included with any upgrade purchase. You can create and customize up to three characters, with names reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. So if you've got a name you love, don't sleep on it.

During the beta, the level cap starts at 20 and will increase to 30 after a few weeks. The full game will cap at 60, but this gives you a taste of the new content without spoiling everything. And there's plenty to look forward to: the Skyborne race, new dungeons, new raids, and an additional PvP battleground.

Whether you're a Classic veteran or a curious newcomer, WoW Forever aims to be a permanent home alongside modern and Classic WoW. With over 1,000 new quests and a fresh class, there's a lot to explore. Will you be preordering for beta access, or waiting for launch? Let us know in the comments!