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How to Install and Join the World of Warcraft: Forever Beta

A beta license is required before you can install the official World of Warcraft: Forever beta. Here’s how to verify access, install the client, and choose a test realm.
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You need a beta license on your Battle.net account before you can install the official World of Warcraft: Forever beta or join one of its test realms. Check your account directly in Battle.net, then select the beta client from the World of Warcraft Game Version menu.

Check whether you have beta access

Blizzard offers two access routes: opt in and await possible selection, or obtain an eligible World of Warcraft: Forever digital bundle that includes beta access. Opting in is not a guarantee of an invitation; Blizzard says selections are made during the test. Bundle terms, prices, and availability can vary by region, so check the terms shown at checkout.

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Verify the license in Battle.net

If you received an invitation email, do not use the email alone as proof that you have access. Open Battle.net yourself, sign in, and look under Your Game Accounts for a World of Warcraft: Forever beta license. Blizzard warns that invitations may be imitated in phishing attempts. Its official announcement specifically advises checking the license in your account.

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Allow time for bundle access to appear

For eligible bundle purchases, Blizzard says the beta entitlement can take up to 30 minutes to appear. If it is still missing, restart the Battle.net desktop app and check Your Game Accounts again.

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Install the beta through Battle.net

  1. Update your graphics drivers, then open the Battle.net desktop app. Let the app update itself if prompted. If you do not have it installed, download it from Battle.net.
  2. Select World of Warcraft in the app.
  3. Open the Game Version menu above the Play button.
  4. Under In Development, choose World of Warcraft: Forever Beta.
  5. Click Install and wait for the client installation to finish.

Join a beta test realm

  1. With the beta client selected, click Play.
  2. Choose any available test realm in the realm list.
  3. Create a new test character when character creation is available.

The realm list and available content can change as Blizzard runs the test. The beta is not generally open to everyone; Blizzard has announced a separate Server Slam that will open servers for several hours, but its cited announcement does not specify the date or time window. Check Blizzard’s current news for an update before planning to join without a beta license.

What to expect from the beta schedule

In its announcement dated 2026, Blizzard said the beta would run through October 21, 2026, the last full day of testing. That date and the announced content plan are time-sensitive; confirm current details in Blizzard’s news before relying on them.

Blizzard’s initial plan set the level cap at 20, with a later increase to 30. The Week 1 content list included the Skyborne race and Zephras Isle, plus two dungeons:

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Week 1 dungeon Announced level range
Hall of Thanes 13–18
Ruins of Lordaeron 15–20

Blizzard said more zones, dungeons, and a battleground would open during testing. These are announced beta-plan details, not a guarantee that each item is available in the current build.

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If the beta is missing or will not launch

  • No beta option in Game Version: Verify that the license appears under Your Game Accounts. For bundle access, allow up to 30 minutes and restart the launcher before checking again.
  • Installation or launch trouble: Update graphics drivers and make sure Battle.net has finished updating. Then consult Blizzard’s announcement, which directs players to its Common Technical Issues and Solutions resource.
  • Invitation seems suspicious: Do not sign in through a link in the message. Go to Battle.net directly and verify the beta license on your account.

Blizzard’s announcement does not provide a full troubleshooting matrix. Avoid treating unofficial workarounds as Blizzard-supported fixes.

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