Key dates currently announced
- Beta window: September 17 through October 21, 2026.
- Early Name Reservation: October 27 through November 3, 2026, for eligible upgrade purchases; names are first-come, first-served and are not guaranteed.
- Launch: November 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Pacific time, according to Blizzard's official Forever page.
Before the beta closes
- Finish testing the classes, professions, and dungeons you care about, and save notes with the beta build/date.
- Record known issues and report reproducible bugs through official channels.
- Do not assume beta characters, item values, or balance will carry over unchanged unless Blizzard confirms it.
Prepare for name reservation
- Decide on a primary character name and several alternatives.
- Review Blizzard's naming rules; restricted terms, impersonation, and confusing name patterns may be rejected.
- Check that your account and edition meet the eligibility requirements before the reservation window opens.
Access and edition notes
Blizzard states that WoW: Forever access at launch is included with an eligible World of Warcraft subscription or game time. Some early beta access, Skyborne access, and the Zephras Isle starting experience are tied to specific upgrade editions. Verify the exact edition benefits on the official page before purchasing.
Sources: Blizzard — WoW: Forever official page; Blizzard — Create a Name of Your Own in WoW: Forever.