The short answer

WoW Forever launches on November 4, 2026 at 3 p.m. PST (23:00 UTC). Before then: check your GPU, decide on an edition, pick a class, race and ruleset, reserve your name between October 27 and November 3 if your pack includes it, and install the client in Battle.net before the servers open.

Full release countdown

Scheduled full release

Official launch: Nov 4, 2026 · 23:00 UTC

Full release requires a WoW subscription or game time.

Your checklist

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Before October 21 (beta)

Try the beta if you have access, or watch for opt-in waves GuideBeta runs September 17 to October 21Check your graphics card against the new GPU requirement GuideOlder than AMD GCN 1, NVIDIA Maxwell or Intel Skylake will not run itDecide whether you want an upgrade pack (Skyborne, name reservation) GuideThe base game is included with a WoW subscription

October 22 to November 3

Pick a class and a leveling build GuideUse the talent calculator to save a share linkPick a race: 56 race/class combinations, 16 of them new GuideSkyborne needs the Heroic pack or higherChoose a ruleset: Normal, PvP or Roleplaying (Hardcore comes later) GuideThere are no realms to pick, only rulesetsReserve your two-part character name GuideOctober 27 to November 3, for eligible upgrade ownersPlan your Legacy perks and first alt GuideLegacy points are shared across your accountChoose two professions and a campsite role GuideGathering pairs make the first levels cheaperInstall the addons you need and check they support Forever GuideQuestie and others list Forever support separately

Launch day: November 4

Install or update the WoW Forever client in Battle.net GuideAllow time for the download before the servers openCheck the launch time in your time zone Guide3 p.m. PST = 23:00 UTC = November 5, 07:00 in BeijingBookmark the error fixes in case the login queue misbehaves GuideBLZ51901016, name already exists, client will not startKnow your first zones and dungeons GuideStarting zones by faction, first dungeons from level 13

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What unlocks after launch

The first raids open on December 9, and the Hardcore ruleset follows later. Keep an eye on the roadmap and the build changes, which we update from every new game build.