How to Access World of Warcraft Forever Beta on September 17 - VICE

Blizzard has announced that a World of Warcraft Forever beta will begin on September 17. Here is how to access the WoW Forever beta, when the new experience officially launches worldwide, and which editions include beta access.

The WoW Forever beta release date is Thursday, September 17, 2026. If you are doing a double take at that date, we don’t blame you. It’s really soon! Blizzard Entertainment made the surprise announcement during BlizzCon 2026.

The legendary MMO creator confirmed that eligible players will be able to explore the reimagined version of Azeroth ahead of its official launch. Although World of Warcraft Forever officially launches on November 4, 2026, the beta will give players nearly seven weeks to experience it early.

At the time of writing, the only way to access the WoW Forever beta is by pre-purchasing either the Skyborne Epic Pack or the Warcraft Forever Collection. According to Blizzard, pre-orders of these packs will give players “an early explorer’s view of Azeroth when Beta opens September 17, 2026.”

If you miss out on the WoW Forever beta, there is no need to worry! World of Warcraft Forever officially launches on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Blizzard has also confirmed that you will not need to purchase it separately if you already have an active World of Warcraft subscription or game time.

Overall, anyone with an active World of Warcraft subscription or game time will be able to access WoW Forever when it launches. However, players who want to join the beta on September 17, reserve a name early, or unlock the Skyborne race will need to purchase one of the eligible upgrade packs.