he World of Warcraft Public Test Realms (PTRs) are used to test upcoming content patches in a public environment before they are released to live realms. The Blizzard Quality Assurance team gathers information from the public test through the game, as well as through feedback from the Test Realm forum.

There are no PTRs available at this time. Please check www.wow-europe.com for updates on when the next Test Realms will be up.

What is a Test Realm?
A Public Test Realm (PTR) is a realm used to test the patches before they're released to public realms.

How many Test Realms are there?
There are two PTRs -- 1 PvP and 1 Normal.

Are Test Realms always available to play on?
No, Test Realms are not always available.

How often are the Test Realms available?
The Test Realms typically become available to players a week or two before every patch. For content patches, the Test Realms may be available for a longer time.

Who can play on the Test Realm?
Players who create an active World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade account before the Test Realms go live can play on the Test Realms.

How do I know if a Test Realm is available?
A news item will be posted on the Public Test Realm forum letting players know when the public Test Realms become available.

Once the Test Realms are up, how do I play on them?
Please follow the instructions located here to download the files necessary to log in to the Test Realm. You will copy a character to the PTR to play with it..

How many times may I copy my characters to the Test Realms?
The number of copies you can make may vary per testing phase. Please note that deleting a character from the PTRs will not allow you to perform an additional character copy.

Is my character on the Test Realms permanent?
No. Characters and all associated items can be deleted during testing, and all characters will be wiped on completion of the testing phase.

Can I create a new character on the Test Realms?
Yes. But we encourage you to copy one of your own characters to the Test Realm, so you can experience the new content going in next patch.

Is the version of the game on the Test Realms the same as the one that is currently running on the public realms?
No. The Test Realm is running a version of the game that contains all of the content going in next patch.

Where can I find out information on what I am testing?
To find out what is on the Test Realm, click here and read the Test Realm patch notes.

Related Links:

Character Copy
     Go here to copy your character onto the Test Realms

Test Realm Patch Notes
     Find out what is up on the Test Realms

Public Test Realm Forum
     Discuss the content of the Test Realms in this forum