WoW Forever stress test open to everyone on October 19: how to join

WoW Forever stress test schedule

The beta goes offline shortly before the test starts and should return shortly after it ends. The window may end earlier or run later than planned, depending on what Blizzard sees on the servers.

How to install the stress test, step by step

• Update your graphics drivers.
• Open the Battle.net app and let it update if needed.
• Select World of Warcraft from the game list.
• In the Game Version menu above the Play button, pick World of Warcraft: Forever Stress Test (under In Development), then click Install.
• Once installed and the test has begun, click Play, choose a test realm, create a new character and enter the game.

What to know before you jump in

• Nothing is kept: at the end of the test, all characters, names and guilds created are wiped from the test servers.
• No name reservation: creating a character during the test reserves nothing. Name reservation opens on October 27 for pre-purchase pack buyers (Skyborne Heroic, Skyborne Epic or Warcraft Forever Collection) until November 3, first come, first served.
• October 21 is the last full day of beta before the November 4 launch.
• What it is good for: trying your class and race, seeing the start of the game, and checking your PC and connection hold up under load before launch.

What to test to choose your class and race

Since characters are wiped, use the test to feel the game rather than to progress. Compare two classes over the first levels, look at your race's new abilities, and keep our pages at hand to decide before name reservation opens.