Do you have to buy WoW Forever?
No separate purchase is needed. Playing the full game from November 4 requires an active WoW subscription or game time — the same payment that covers modern WoW and Classic. If you already subscribe, you can play Forever at launch.
Upgrade packs are optional. Buy one only if you want the Skyborne, early name reservation, beta access or the cosmetics.
Heroic vs Epic vs Collection
Prices are the US Battle.net prices reported at announcement; check your regional store for the current total and currency.
| Subscription only | Skyborne Heroic Pack | Skyborne Epic Pack | Warcraft Forever Collection | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (US, reported) | Subscription or game time | $29.99 | $59.99 | $79.99 |
| Play WoW Forever | Yes | Needs subscription | Needs subscription | Needs subscription |
| Skyborne race + Zephras Isle | — | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Name reservation (Oct 27–Nov 3) | — | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Beta access | Opt-in only | — | Yes | Yes |
| 30 days of game time (added at launch) | — | — | Yes | Yes |
| Warcraft III: Reforged + Forsaken Kingdom | — | — | — | Yes |
The physical Collector’s Edition ($150 in the US store) contains the Collection’s digital content plus a statue and other collectibles.
Which one should you buy?
- Just want to play: keep or start a subscription. Nothing else is required.
- Want to play a Skyborne or reserve your name: the Heroic Pack is the cheapest way.
- Want to play the beta now: the Epic Pack gives beta access within about 30 minutes, and its 30 days of game time cover your first month.
- Want Warcraft III too: the Collection adds Warcraft III: Reforged and Forsaken Kingdom.
Does the beta need a subscription?
No. Blizzard’s support article on alpha and beta access confirms that game time is not required for the beta; you only need the beta entitlement on your account. The 30 days included with the Epic Pack and Collection are added when the full game launches.
