Launch calendar

Timeline

1. 

   21 Oct 2026

   Beta ends

   Closed beta: 17 Sep to 21 Oct 2026. Beta characters do not carry over: everyone starts at level 1 at launch.

2. 

   27 Oct – 3 Nov 2026

   Early name reservation

   Create up to three characters with any upgrade pack. First come, first served. No opening hour was announced.

3. 

   4 Nov 2026 · 3:00 pm Pacific

   World of Warcraft: Forever launches

   One global launch moment. Level cap 60, nine new dungeons, 1000+ new quests. Included with a WoW subscription or Game Time.

4. 

   4 Nov – 11 Nov 2026

   Invite-A-Friend week

   A launch code lets a friend play from 4 to 11 Nov. The Heroic Pack has 1 code, the Epic Pack and Collection have 3. Codes do not include Skyborne or Game Time.

5. 

   9 Dec 2026

   Raids unlock

   Barrow Deeps (10 players), Hyjal Summit (20) and Onyxia's Lair (40). One difficulty.

6. 

   Winter 2026

   Day not announced

   Hardcore ruleset

   A closed ruleset. A character who dies can move to Normal, PvP or RP.

7. 

   11 Jan 2027

   Warcraft Forever Collection: last day

   The limited Collection leaves the shop after 11 Jan 2027.

8. 

   Spring 2027

   Day not announced

   Spring 2027 content

   Two new raids (10 and 20 players), two new dungeons, a new area, a legendary questline and a PvP refresh.

9. 

   Summer 2027

   Day not announced

   Summer 2027 content

   A revamped classic raid plus one new raid, two new dungeons, more world content, and profession and Legacy updates.