How to sign up for World of Warcraft: The War Within alpha and beta tests

Are you ready to experience The War Within, the tenth expansion of World of Warcraft and the first expansion in the three-expansion arc called the Worldsoul Saga? Me too! And thanks to Blizzard’s 2024 roadmap, we know we can look forward to alpha and beta tests dropping in the spring and summer of 2024, respectively. But how do you get access to the alpha and beta tests? Luckily, the process remains easy and does not require a key.

In order to register, you’ll first need to go to the official signup page. Once there, click the button labeled “Sign Up!” and you’ll get directed to a Battle.Net login page (if not signed in on that browser) and then to another page where you’ll select “Request Beta Access”. Clicking that should result in the message “Thanks for opting in! If selected, you’ll receive an email from us.” and then it’s just a matter of patiently waiting.

Additionally, beta access is granted to anyone who has pre-purchased the Epic Edition of The War Within from the Battle.Net Shop. Blizzard states that beta (and early release) access dates are subject to change based on their release schedule. This is pretty par for the course; you’re ultimately accessing the same test servers as everyone else.

What is not required for alpha or beta access is for you to purchase a beta key, so beware of suspicious emails — this is likely a scam! Even if you receive a notification via email from an address that looks like Blizzard, avoid clicking any links within your email. Instead, if you receive an email notification, double-check against the Battle.Net launcher. The alpha or beta clients will appear under the World of Warcraft page under the Version dropdown, similar to the PTR clients. You can restart the launcher if you’re certain you should have access, but again, do not click links in emails, text messages, or social media — even if they might seem legit.

The War Within is bringing some incredible new features, such as Delves, Warbands, Hero Talents, and more, set against the backdrop of Khaz Algar. If you’re ready and raring to dive in, head over to the official WoW site for the beta sign-up button. Testing starts in the first half of 2024!

Originally published December 19, 2023. Updated April 15, 2024.