What to buy, and what not to
Editions and launch
You do not have to buy anything to play Forever: it is included with a WoW subscription or game time. The upgrade packs are optional, and only one feature is actually gated: the Skyborne race and its starting zone.
Blizzard Confirmed CGN checked October 9, 2026Prices are shown only on the Battle.net Shop and vary by region, so CGN does not list them.
- LaunchNov 4, 20263:00 p.m. PST, worldwide
- To playSub or game timeForever is included. Upgrades are optional.
- Gated featureSkyborne raceNeeds Skyborne Heroic Pack or higher
- Collection saleThrough Jan 11, 2027Limited time
The short version
- Playing Forever needs an active WoW subscription or game time, and the Battle.net desktop app. Nothing else.
- The upgrades are optional. They add cosmetics, mounts, beta access and early name reservation. The one thing that cannot be had without an upgrade is the Skyborne race and the Zephras Isle starting questline.
- Housing items that come with some editions only work inside Housing in modern WoW, which needs Midnight. Included items are not available in WoW Classic.
Blizzard Confirmed Blizzard ↗ · Blizzard ↗
Compare the digital editions
Each edition includes everything in the one before it.
| Skyborne Heroic Pack | Skyborne Epic Pack | Warcraft Forever Collection | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skyborne race and Zephras Isle | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Early Name Reservation (Oct 27 to Nov 3) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cerulean Prideclaw ground mount (needs the riding skill) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cosmetics and housing decor | Yes | Yes, plus more cosmetics, pets and tabards | Yes, plus more |
| Invite-A-Friend Launch Codes | 1 | 3 in total | 3 in total |
| Beta access (Sep 17 to Oct 21) | No | Yes | Yes |
| 30 days of game time from Nov 4 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Warcraft III: Reforged and the Forsaken Kingdom campaign | No | No | Yes |
| Forsaken and Human Figurine housing decor | No | No | Yes |
The Warcraft Forever Collection is limited-time and on sale through January 11, 2027.
Blizzard Confirmed Blizzard ↗ · Blizzard ↗
The Collector's Edition
- What it is: a physical edition sold through the Blizzard Gear Store, containing a digital code for the Warcraft Forever Collection.
- In the box: a 13-inch Dwarf and Bear statue, a Zephras Isle mousepad, art prints, collectible pins and a companion journal.
- Shipping: Blizzard says the restock orders are expected to ship and be delivered in February 2027, after launch, with a strict purchase limit of one copy per household on the Blizzard Gear Store.
- If you want the digital items sooner: you can buy the Collection on the Battle.net Shop; some purchases may qualify for a Battle.net Balance credit when you later redeem the Collector's Edition code by December 31, 2027. Not every upgrade path qualifies.
Blizzard Confirmed Blizzard, Sep 24, 2026 ↗
Beta access
- Beta dates: September 17 to October 21, 2026 (October 21 is the last full day).
- How you get in: by opt-in invitation, or with an eligible digital bundle (Skyborne Epic Pack or Warcraft Forever Collection). Bundle access can lag by up to 30 minutes and may need a launcher restart.
- Check you have it: your Battle.net account should show a World of Warcraft: Forever beta license under Your Game Accounts. Blizzard warns about phishing emails.
- Server Slam: Blizzard plans a window of several hours when anyone can enter the beta. No date has been announced.
Blizzard Confirmed Blizzard, Sep 17, 2026 ↗ · Blizzard, Sep 24, 2026 ↗
Invite-A-Friend launch codes
- What they are: codes you give a friend so they can play Forever during launch week, November 4 through 11, 2026 (PST).
- When you get them: by email starting October 20, 2026.
- How many: one with the Heroic Pack, three in total with the Epic Pack and the Collection.
- Limits: eligible invitees only, and gift purchases are excluded. Other restrictions apply, so read the support article before buying for this.
Blizzard Confirmed Blizzard ↗ · Blizzard ↗ · Blizzard, Sep 24, 2026 ↗
Launch time
Forever launches globally on November 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PST.
One Blizzard article says "PDT" in its opening sentence and "PST" later; every other page says PST, and November 4 falls after daylight saving time ends, so PST (23:00 UTC) is the right one.
Blizzard Confirmed Blizzard ↗ · Blizzard, Sep 24, 2026 ↗ · Blizzard ↗
Common questions
Do I need an upgrade to play?
No. A WoW subscription or game time is enough.
Do I need an upgrade to play the Skyborne?
Yes. Blizzard says the Skyborne race and Zephras Isle questline need the Skyborne Heroic Pack or higher.
Which one gets me into the beta now?
The Skyborne Epic Pack or the Warcraft Forever Collection. Opt-in invites also go out.
Is the early name reservation free?
It is a benefit of the upgrade packs, not a separate purchase, and it only applies to the account the pack was bought for.
Will the packs be on sale after launch?
The Collection is limited-time through January 11, 2027. Blizzard has not said how long the Heroic and Epic packs stay on sale.
What we don't know yet
- Prices, which the Battle.net Shop shows only after you pick a region.
- Whether the Heroic and Epic packs remain on sale after launch.
- Whether the Skyborne unlock is permanent or can be earned another way.
Sources on this page
- World of Warcraft: Forever (official product page) ↗ Blizzard
- Carve a New Path with World of Warcraft: Forever (pre-purchase and BlizzCon recap) ↗ Blizzard
- Pre-Purchase the World of Warcraft: Forever Collector's Edition ↗ Blizzard, Sep 24, 2026
- The World of Warcraft: Forever Beta Now Live ↗ Blizzard, Sep 17, 2026
Labels: Blizzard Confirmed Beta Build Beta Data Developer Interview Press Report Community Observation Survey / Concept Only Not Yet Known