Blizzard’s upgrade announcement says code emails begin on 20 October 2026. That is a start date, not a promise that every inbox has received them. No exact sending hour is given.
Which inbox, and how many emails?
For Battle.net purchases, check the email registered to your Battle.net account, including spam. Each code arrives separately: Heroic includes one; Epic and the Warcraft Forever Collection include three. Check that the order is complete. Gift orders do not qualify.
Blizzard’s support guide also covers physical Collector’s Editions. Gear Store codes go to the purchase email via Legends. Local-retailer editions in Korea, Australia and New Zealand are excluded.
Can my friend use one?
The code works on one WoW account. Accounts that have bought a Forever upgrade cannot redeem it. Check the account before redeeming: support says it cannot move a code claimed on the wrong account.
Launch week, not a beta invitation
The advertised access window is 4–11 November 2026, without a subscription or game time. These are Blizzard’s published calendar dates; the announcement labels them PST.
It does not include beta access, the Skyborne race and starting quests, or other versions of WoW. It is not general game time. Redeem through Battle.net or its app by 11 November; access ends that day.
Before you send it
Send the code privately to the intended friend. If you are arranging a first evening together, agree on your faction and ruleset too. A shared invite is only the start of getting the group together.
Keep the official support guide handy for upgrade combinations, missing codes and purchase restrictions.