Build history
Before the first beta build lands, this page tracks the confirmed launch timeline and panel-reported roadmap. Once builds arrive, exact old → new data will appear below.
Road to launch
BlizzCon reveal
Forever announced as a third WoW experience with 1,000+ quests, nine dungeons, two new raids and the Skyborne.
OfficialBeta window
Eligible upgrade editions receive beta access. Panel reporting says the beta leveling cap is 30.
Official dates / Panel capEarly Name Reservation
Eligible upgrade owners can create and customize up to three characters before launch.
OfficialGlobal launch
Launch at 3:00 p.m. PST; base access is included with active WoW Subscription or Game Time.
OfficialRaid opening reported
Panel reporting says Hyjal Summit, Barrow Deeps and Onyxia’s Lair open together on December 9.
Panel ReportHardcore
A dedicated Hardcore option/server is planned for the winter post-launch period.
Panel ReportFirst major content wave
Panel reporting points to two additional raids, two dungeons, more quests and additional zones.
Panel ReportMajor update
A further major content update with a new raid was shown on the panel roadmap.
Panel ReportRecorded build changes
No beta build deltas yet
Beta starts September 17. The changelog database is ready to preserve old values instead of silently overwriting them.