NEWS · STRESS TEST · UPDATED OCTOBER 19, 2026
Play WoW Forever free on Wednesday, October 21 at 7 p.m. CEST
Date change
Blizzard has moved the test from Monday the 19th to Wednesday, October 21, at the same time (7 p.m. CEST)*. If you already pre-installed it, there is nothing else to do. * Mexico: 3 p.m. · Chile and Argentina: 6 p.m.
On Wednesday, October 21 at 7 p.m. (CEST, Spain)* Blizzard opens WoW Forever to everyone for a few hours, for a stress test on the launch servers. No subscription or invite needed: a World of Warcraft account is enough. And you can pre-install it today. * Mexico: 3 p.m. · Chile and Argentina: 6 p.m.
What a stress test is
That day Blizzard will take the beta offline and open WoW Forever on the regional servers it will use on launch day, for a few hours. It wants them packed to see how much they can take: it asks you to create a character, quest, trade, chat and group up, to find now the issues that would otherwise show up on November 4. The “WoW: Forever – Stress Test” version is already in the Battle.net app.
Heads up: when the test ends all characters are deleted, names included, and the beta reopens. It is for playing a while and helping out, not for starting your real character.
How to download it, step by step
- Create your Battle.net accountIt's free. If you already have one (even if you haven't played in years), it works. Create an account
- Install the Battle.net appDownload it from Blizzard's official site and log in with your account. Download Battle.net
- Pick World of WarcraftIn the app's game list, open World of Warcraft.
- Change the game versionAbove the blue button, open the “Game Version” dropdown and choose WoW: Forever – Stress Test.
- Click “Pre-install”Let it download now. That way, on the 21st you won't lose a minute while everyone else waits for their download.
- Wednesday the 21st at 7 p.m. CEST, playWhen Blizzard opens the servers (3 p.m. in Mexico; 6 p.m. in Chile and Argentina), the button will change to “Play”. Pick a realm, create your character and see you in Azeroth.
Can't see the option? Close and reopen the Battle.net app so it updates, and check that you have the right region selected.
What we know and what we don't
Confirmed
- Wednesday, October 21 at 7 p.m. CEST for Europe (it was Monday the 19th before). In Mexico, 3 p.m.; in Chile and Argentina, 6 p.m.
- It lasts a few hours, on the launch servers; meanwhile the beta is offline.
- Anyone with a WoW account can join, no subscription needed.
- When it closes, every stress test character is deleted, names included.
- The “WoW: Forever – Stress Test” version is already in the Battle.net app and can be pre-installed.
- The regular beta also ends on October 21 and the game launches on November 4.
Not confirmed yet
- How many hours exactly: Blizzard only says “a few hours”.
- The level cap (it's 30 in the regular beta).
- Queues: it's a stress test, so expect queues and some lag. Be patient.
Play with Muchamiel?
See you in there!
Muchamiel will be jumping in to play with the community. Follow him live to know when he starts, and join the Discord to find a group, because leveling with the crew is a whole different game.
Come prepared
Source: official stress test announcement (Blizzard), Blizzard's forum post and the Battle.net app itself.