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World of Warcraft can feel overwhelming if you're just getting started-or coming back after years away. With so many versions, expansions, and acronyms floating around, it's easy to WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Gold feel lost. Retail WoW, Classic WoW, Hardcore, Season of Discovery, Cataclysm Classic, and even anniversary events… where do you even begin?

This guide breaks everything down into simple steps so you can start your journey in Azeroth without confusion. We'll cover the free trial, subscriptions, choosing between Retail and Classic, making your first character, and what to expect from the game in 2025.

The Free Trial

World of Warcraft offers a free trial that lets you play up to level 20 with no expansions. While limited, it's a great way to test different classes, explore starter areas, and get a feel for the game.

With the trial, you can:

Level to 20 with any class or specialization.

Use the Dungeon Finder for early group content.

Try seasonal event bosses.

Experience Skyriding, the new dynamic flying system, which unlocks at level 10.

The downsides are big: no trading, no guilds, no Auction House, and very limited social features. The trial also doesn't work for Classic WoW. Think of it as a way to dip your toes in before subscribing.

Subscriptions and Expansions

A WoW subscription costs $15/month, with discounts for 3-, 6-, or 12-month plans. Longer subs often come with bonus mounts or pets, but if you're new, start with just one month.

When you subscribe, you unlock:

All previous expansions, up to level 70.

Both Retail WoW and Classic WoW are available at no extra cost.

To play the newest expansion, The War Within, you'll need to purchase it separately. Only the Epic Edition includes 30 days of game time; the other editions do not.

You can also fund your subscription with in-game WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Gold using the WoW Token, which can be bought on the Auction House. This allows you to turn gold into game time or Battle.net balance.

Important note: EU and NA accounts are separate. Pick the region with the best ping for you and stick with it.

Retail vs. Classic: Which to Choose?

The big question new players ask: Retail or Classic?

Retail WoW (the modern version) has 20 years of quality-of-life upgrades, faster leveling, more activities at endgame, and improved visuals. This is where new players should start.

Classic WoW is the game as it was in 2004-slower, more difficult, and missing modern conveniences. Some players love it for buy WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Gold the nostalgic, old-school feel.