Game access

Source: View source Version: Announcement / support guidance (2026-09-17) Review: Source checked Last reviewed: 2026-09-17

Access guide · reviewed 17 September 2026. Requirements below describe Blizzard's published guidance. This page does not report live server availability.

Game access brings together the subscription, upgrade, and beta questions to answer before beginning World of Warcraft: Forever. Use System requirements to check your computer and Release roadmap for the announced schedule.

Launch access and upgrades

The base game is included with WoW Subscription or Game Time. Upgrades add entitlements; compare the particular benefit you want instead of treating every pack as a beta purchase.

Digital upgrade	Main access benefits
Skyborne Heroic Pack	Skyborne and Zephras Isle; early name reservation; one Invite-A-Friend launch code.
Skyborne Epic Pack	Heroic benefits plus beta access, 30 days of Game Time beginning 4 November, and three launch codes in total.
Warcraft Forever Collection	Epic benefits plus Warcraft III: Reforged and its Forsaken Kingdom campaign.

The table summarizes access benefits, not the complete cosmetic bundles. Early name reservation covers up to three characters, 27 October–3 November; a particular name is not guaranteed. Eligible launch-code recipients can play without a subscription during 4–11 November. Housing decor included with upgrades belongs to modern WoW.

Beta access

Active Game Time is not required for beta; an account with beta access is required. Blizzard lists eligible Epic/Collection upgrades and the physical Collector's Edition, or selection after official opt-in. Opt-in does not guarantee selection.

Digital upgrades and selected opt-ins flag the account automatically. For a physical Collector's Edition bought through the Gear Store, Blizzard describes an emailed beta code that must be redeemed on the intended account.

When the beta option is missing

1. Confirm that Battle.net is using the account that received access.
2. Close and restart the Battle.net App.
3. For a digital purchase, check that the order is complete in your transaction history.
4. Check current service information; beta can be offline. Support cannot grant an invitation.

These steps follow the support article. Installation availability and successful gameplay are separate checks; a download alone does not establish that servers are open.

Before choosing an upgrade

• Decide whether you want launch access, a race entitlement, beta participation, or specific cosmetics. Compare each goal separately.
• Use the current regional shop for prices, upgrade options, purchase and refund terms, and the complete reward list.
• Read the product label beside each reward. A bundle can include another Warcraft game's content without adding that feature to Forever.

Icy Veins' edition comparison and subscription overview are further reading. This guide uses Blizzard's entitlement and support text for the requirements above.

Next steps

Follow the Beginner guide, agree on a ruleset with your group, and compare Classes and Race and class combinations. Character names explains the announced naming system.