World of Warcraft: The War Within beta testing sign-ups are now open

If you’ve been itching to dive into World of Warcraft’s new underground expansion, The War Within, you have the chance to do so before its release, with beta test registrations now open.

The War Within, announced at last year’s BlizzCon, marks the first installment in World of Warcraft’s new three-part Worldsoul saga, which is expected to take place over the next few years. The War Within, in particular, takes players deep into the heart of Azeroth, where they will explore new subterranean realms, interacting with ancient cultures like the Earth Dwarves – a new allied race – and the terrifying Nerubians of Azj-Kahet.

Other new features announced include small-scale experiences for 1-5 players known as Delves, Warbands – allowing players to share their bank and reputation between their alts – dynamic new flight for mounts, new dungeons and raids, hero talents and more.

And now, Blizzard has announced that it will soon begin beta testing of The War Within ahead of its full release later this year – and interested parties can sign up for a chance to participate via its website. Blizzard notes that more invites will be sent out regularly throughout the testing period, so it doesn’t seem like anyone will have to worry if they don’t participate in the first batch.

Once invitations are received, players – per Blizzard’s announcement – will need to do the following to begin beta testing for The World Within:

• Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date
• Run the Battle.net desktop app: It may need to update if you haven’t run it recently. If you don’t have the app installed, start here
• Once Battle.net is installed and updated, select World of Warcraft from the list of games
• In the Game Version drop-down menu above the Play button, choose The War Within option (listed under In Development), then click Install.
• Allow the installation to complete, click Play and select all available test servers
• Create a new test character or use character copy to import your existing Dragonflight character
• Enter the game and test the available content

There’s no arrival date yet for World of Warcraft’s The War Within expansion, but Blizzard’s roadmap from last year indicated a likely release sometime this “summer.” All Blizzard’s beta test announcement says is that it will be released “no later than December 31, 2024.”