How to sign up for the Hearthstone beta

So you've heard a lot about Blizzard's latest game, the free, digital CCG Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft and you can't wait to get into the beta. But how do you get in on that sweet, beta testing action? Signing up to beta Hearthstone is pretty simple, but involves a few steps that may not be entirely obvious -- we'll walk you through them so you can have a chance to be one of the first to check out Hearthstone for yourself.

Whether you get into the beta or not, you can get a feel for Hearthstone by checking out the two match videos they've released so far -- one showing Jaina battling Thrall and the other showing Garrosh battling Uther. But for now there's nothing to do but sign up and be patient until the beta gets started. Read on for instructions!

Step 1: Log on to your Battle.net account. If you don't trust our link -- and you should always be careful about clicking links that ask for your password -- just type us.battle.net into your browser bar and click the log in option along the top of the screen.

Step 2: Head to the beta management page. If you used the link above, you're already there! Otherwise, once you log in, you'll have to click Account in the top bar and Beta Profile Settings on the right-hand side of the screen.

Step 3: Update your system specifications. If you haven't done this before, you'll be asked to create a beta profile by giving Blizzard some information about your computer. If you have done this before, but have upgraded your computer since, you'll probably want to update your information.

To do this, you're asked to download an application (for Mac or Windows) that checks out your computer and populates your profile. Once you've downloaded the application, unzip it, run it, and follow the (simple) on-screen instructions.

Step 4: Select any beta tests you'd like to be considered for. Once the application has run, it should open a Battle.net page showing your system information and allowing you to select any beta tests you'd like to be considered for. Make your choices and select Update Preferences to save.

While this doesn't guarantee you'll get in when the beta starts, signing up is your only way to have a chance. So good luck!