The free October 21 stress test has ended. The next way to play WoW Forever without a subscription is to redeem an Invite-A-Friend code for November 4 to 11. Outside that window, you need a regular WoW subscription or Game Time.
Quick answer
| Option | When | What you need | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stress test (ended) | Wednesday, October 21 | Any WoW account | A few hours |
| Invite-A-Friend code | November 4 to 11 | A code from a friend who bought a pack | 1 week |
| Full game | From November 4 | WoW subscription or Game Time | As long as you pay |
1. The October 21 stress test
Blizzard opened the test servers to any WoW account, with no subscription, invitation or beta access. It was planned for October 19 and Blizzard moved it to Wednesday, October 21. This window has ended.
- Time: 2:00 p.m. PDT in the Americas (5:00 p.m. EDT) and 19:00 CEST in Europe.
- Announced length: a few hours.
- What was wiped: every character, name and guild when it ended.
Full regional times and install steps: our October 21 stress test guide.
2. Invite-A-Friend codes (November 4 to 11)
Skyborne Heroic Pack buyers get 1 code; the Epic Pack and Warcraft Forever Collection include 3. Blizzard said they would start arriving by email on October 20. A friend redeems the code in Battle.net and plays WoW Forever with no subscription from November 4 to 11. It does not grant beta access.
Step by step, and who to give it to: WoW Forever Invite-A-Friend codes.
3. After that: a regular WoW subscription
WoW Forever has no box price: it is included with a WoW subscription or Game Time, the same one that covers modern WoW. Packs are optional and add the Skyborne race, name reservation and cosmetics. Prices and differences in Is WoW Forever free? Price and subscription.
What to do with your free time
- Try a class before paying. If unsure, read the best class to start with.
- Check your PC against the requirements.
- Plan your first talents in the calculator.
Before launch, check the correct region and WoW account in our current installation guide.
Sources and data status
Sources reviewed October 29, 2026. Beta details can change; each reference is labeled by source type.
- Official source: Blizzard: WoW Forever Stress Test October 21 (Kaivax, official forums) ↗
- Official source: Blizzard: Pre-purchase WoW Forever upgrades (Invite-A-Friend) ↗
- Official source: Blizzard: how to install and access WoW Forever ↗