WRITTEN ARTICLE · BETA UPDATES
WoW Forever beta client update 22 September: Mac fixes, controller navigation and the next weekly patch
Blizzard’s 22 September beta client build 69977 fixes Mac display and stability problems and gamepad navigation. How to update, what changed and when the next weekly update lands.
Artwork © Blizzard Entertainment
What build 69977 changes
Kaivax posted the Beta Client Update on the US forums on 22 September (shortly before 01:00 UTC on 23 September). It introduces WoW Forever 1.60.1 build 69977 and asks testers to exit the beta and update the client through the Battle.net app to test the following fixes.
- Fixed some display issues and stability issues on Macs.
- Controller navigation should now work properly in the character selection screen when you launch with a gamepad active.
- You can now interact with items that give you quests on a gamepad.
- Other fixes for issues that are not testable in-game.
How to get the new build
Blizzard’s post only says to exit the beta and update from the Battle.net app. The location of the beta entry in the app comes from Blizzard’s beta-launch article. If the update does not appear, restart the app before assuming the build has not reached your region.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Log out and fully exit the beta client. |
| 2 | Open the Battle.net app and select Forever Beta under In Development. |
| 3 | Let the update install, then launch and check the build number on the login screen. |
| 4 | Retest the issue you care about before changing addons or settings. |
The next weekly update is 24 September
Blizzard says its next full weekly update arrives on 24 September. Expect a longer set of notes than this client fix and, on past form, an updated known-issues post alongside it. We will review both when they appear.
If you are tracking a bug, note whether it is on Blizzard’s 18 September known-issues list before the update, then retest on the new build. That keeps a fixed issue distinct from one that simply did not reproduce.
Mac players: what to check after updating
The Mac fixes are described in general terms. Early player replies report mixed results, with some saying a green tint is gone while shadow artefacts remain. Those are unverified reports with no Blizzard response when we checked.
If the game still crashes or renders incorrectly, record your macOS version, Mac model and the exact scene, then try the Secondary Lighting workaround from our known-issues guide before reinstalling.
Controller players: two things to test
The two named fixes are character-selection navigation when launching with a gamepad active, and interacting with objects that give quests. Test both immediately after updating. Blizzard has announced official gamepad support but has not published a compatibility list, so note the controller model and platform in any report.
Where things stand
The statuses below are Blizzard’s descriptions from the post; the final column is what we suggest checking on your own setup.
| Area | Status after build 69977 | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Mac display and stability | Some issues fixed | Whether your specific artefact or crash persists. |
| Gamepad character selection | Fixed when launched with a gamepad active | Moving between characters and realm selection. |
| Gamepad quest items | Now interactable | Objects that start quests, not only NPCs. |
| Untestable fixes | Included, not itemised | Nothing to test; watch the 24 September notes. |
| Next weekly update | 24 September | A new known-issues list and patch notes. |
Related reading and guides
Sources and review notes
- Blizzard / Kaivax: Beta Client Update, 22 September (WoW Forever 1.60.1 build 69977)
- Wowhead: beta client update with controller and Mac fixes, 22 September
- Blizzard: the Forever beta is now live; access and first-week content
Written 23 September from Kaivax’s forum post and Wowhead’s report. The fix descriptions are Blizzard’s wording; the player replies about Mac results are unverified. We have not tested the build on a Mac or with a controller.
