For current expansion progression, choose modern World of Warcraft; for an earlier ruleset, choose a Classic version. Blizzard lists Windows and macOS as supported computer platforms and requires a keyboard and mouse. One subscription provides access to modern WoW and WoW Classic, but Blizzard lists the current expansion, Midnight, as an additional purchase. The right choice then depends on which kind of Azeroth you want to play.
Check your platform first
Blizzard identifies Windows and macOS as supported computer platforms for WoW and specifies that a keyboard and mouse are required. Check Blizzard Support’s current system requirements for your particular computer before downloading: the official platform information available here does not establish a reliable PC-versus-Mac performance comparison. Blizzard’s World of Warcraft site
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Know what a subscription includes
Blizzard’s subscription description says one subscription provides access to World of Warcraft and WoW Classic. For modern WoW, it includes past expansions; the product page identifies Midnight as the latest expansion and says it is an additional purchase. Blizzard describes the listed Classic versions as available with a subscription or game time. Regional prices and purchase bundles can vary, so check the local Battle.net shop before paying. World of Warcraft subscription and expansion information
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Choose by the experience you want
| Edition or mode | Best fit | What distinguishes it |
|---|---|---|
| Modern World of Warcraft | Current expansion progression and contemporary content | A subscription provides access to past expansions; Midnight is an additional purchase, according to Blizzard. Blizzard product page |
| Classic Era | A clean start in original-style Azeroth | Blizzard describes a reset content timeline and clean-slate economy. Blizzard Classic information |
| Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition | Outland, its races and expansion-era features | Blood Elves and Draenei are playable; flying mounts open access to Outland’s remote regions. Blizzard Classic information |
| Mists of Pandaria Classic | A return to Pandaria | Blizzard describes it as a return to the lands of Pandaria. Blizzard Classic information |
| Season of Discovery | Classic play with room to experiment | Runes add abilities not available in ordinary WoW Classic and can enable unusual class roles. Blizzard Season of Discovery information |
| Classic Hardcore | A high-stakes survival challenge | Characters have one life; Spirit Healers do not resurrect them after death. Blizzard says access is included with an active subscription. Blizzard Hardcore information |
Understand what “Classic” means
WoW Classic is a family of distinct versions, not one uniform ruleset. The modes differ in content, mechanics and the kind of progression they offer: Era emphasizes a fresh start, Burning Crusade revisits Outland, and Season of Discovery changes familiar play with runes. Blizzard says character progress remains on its own iteration. Choose the version you intend to play rather than assuming a Classic character can transfer to another version. Blizzard Classic information
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Make the choice
- Choose modern WoW if you want the current expansion and contemporary progression; budget separately for Midnight.
- Choose Classic Era for a reset timeline and clean-slate economy.
- Choose Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition for Outland, Blood Elves, Draenei and flying mounts.
- Choose Mists of Pandaria Classic if returning to Pandaria is the draw.
- Choose Season of Discovery if you want runes to change familiar class abilities and roles.
- Choose Classic Hardcore only if you want one-life stakes and accept that Spirit Healers will not restore a dead character.
Availability and expansion naming can change. Confirm the current regional Battle.net listing and device requirements before purchasing or installing.
Quick Recap
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Rank #4
- Join Illidan's immortal army
- Wield a mythic weapon
- Battle to level 110
- Boost to Level 100 instantly
Rank #3
- Master the Path of the Monk - Learn the mystic powers of the Monk, World of Warcraft's newest playable class. Destroy foes with the Windwalker's devastating attacks, replenish allies with the Mistweaver's spiritual energies, and shrug off enormous damage with the Brewmaster's unyielding strength.
- Battle to level 90 - Ascend to new heights of power as you explore the verdant reaches of the Jade Forest, war with the terrible Yaungol on Kun-Lai Summit, and unlock the secrets of the Mogu'shan Vaults.
- Unleash the Mighty Pandaren - Set out as a member of the enigmatic Pandaren -- World of Warcraft's first neutral race -- and join the ranks of either the Horde or Alliance as you enter the conflict brewing on Pandaria's shores.
- Discover a Lost Continent - Explore the ancient kingdoms of Pandaria and mount your defense against a newly awakened evil stirring in the continent's dark corners.
Rank #2
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- Azeroth Awaits! Join millions of players and enter a world of myth, magic, and endless adventure.
- With a single game time purchase you can access World of Warcraft and WoW Classic, including 20th Anniversary Edition, Cataclysm Classic, Season of Discovery, and Hardcore Realms.
- Embark on your epic adventure in Azeroth for 60 days with this pre-paid game timecard.
- Simply enter your code at battle.net/code then assign this game time to any new or existing World of Warcraft account to keep the adventures going. No game purchase required.
- Includes access to World of Warcraft and WOW Classic. The most recent modern WOW expansion is sold separately.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
