In early summer, World of Warcraft began public alpha testing for Dragonflight, its tenth expansion pack. With the end of summer, World of Warcraft has officially transitioned into the beta testing phase, marking a major milestone on the development track for Dragonflight.
During alpha testing, each of Dragonflight’s five new zones had a focused testing period, followed by several weeks of open testing where players could try out various classes, professions, and dungeons across any of the zones. The beta testing phase takes that one step further, with less restriction on content and more fleshed-out areas, sidequests, and experiences.
Players who had access to the alpha testing will continue to have access during beta, but other players may have the chance to participate over the next several months as well. Community veterans, streamers, and fansites who have not had access can opt into the beta through the official Dragonflight website. Outside special circumstances, only players with an active World of Warcraft subscription or game time will be selected to receive beta access.
Once a player has beta access, they can install the client through the Battle.net launcher, which will allow them to log in and play Dragonflight. Players can confirm their beta access via the Game Version dropdown menu on the World of Warcraft section of the launcher. Though some players may receive email confirmation of their acceptance into the program, not all players will–the best way to check if one has access is through the Battle.net launcher itself.
Players are excited to see Dragonflight enter its beta testing phase. In addition to the droves of new players getting the chance to try out the dracthyr Evoker, experience the Dragonriding system, and explore the Dragon Isles, more information about the story and atmosphere of World of Warcraft: Dragonflight are being made open to the public. Much of what has come out of the alpha has been well-liked, and much of the less-popular elements have already seen changes, such as the two-dimensional portrayal of the dragon-killing Djaradin giants.
Historically speaking, beta testing periods have lasted an average of about 130 days, or just over 4 months. With less than 120 days left in the year, World of Warcraft’s beta testing period for Dragonflight will have to veer on the shorter end if it plans on meeting its expected 2022 release. World of Warcraft has said its testing plans for Dragonflight were more concise than previous expansions. If that is the case, perhaps Dragonflight will be able to successfully hit shelves within the next four months.
World of Warcraft is available now on PC, with Dragonflight launching later this year.
Source: World of Warcraft
