How to start playing World of Warcraft in 2026

World of Warcraft has been online since 2004, so it can feel like a lot. The good news is that you can try it for free and Blizzard gives new players a guided path. This guide covers the install, the free trial, what you pay for and your first steps. Prices and details were checked on October 9, 2026 and can change.

Key takeaways

• The free trial works on modern WoW and ends at level 20.
• After level 20 you need a subscription or Game Time.
• The current expansion, Midnight, is a separate purchase. The level cap is now 90.
• Normal realms are the easy default. Roleplay realms use the same rules without open-world PvP.

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Step by step: install and play

1. Create a Battle.net account and install the Battle.net desktop app (Windows or Mac).
2. Pick World of Warcraft in the app, choose your account and click Install.
3. Click Play and choose a realm. Pick the same realm as your friends if you want to group with them.
4. Create a character. In the starting zone, Exile's Reach, you learn movement, quests and your first abilities.
5. Follow the quest markers. The game guides you from zone to zone.

What does the free trial include?

The trial is capped at level 20. Blizzard says it covers level 20 dungeons and quests, and it is open to new accounts and to older accounts with no active time. It has limits: according to older Blizzard notes there is a small gold cap, no Auction House or trading, and restricted chat and guilds. The trial does not apply to WoW Classic.

What do you pay for?

One subscription covers modern WoW and the Classic versions. Subscription prices come from press guides, not a Blizzard page we could open, so check the Battle.net Shop before you pay. Regional prices differ.

Normal or roleplay realm?

On a Normal realm you can switch on War Mode at level 20 for open-world PvP and turn it off at a rest spot. Roleplay realms use the Normal rules without open-world PvP and expect in-character chat.

Beginner tips

• Use Newcomer Chat to ask questions. You lose access at level 50.
• Join a guild after the trial. It makes dungeons easier.
• Never pay anyone outside Blizzard for gold, boosts or accounts. It breaks the rules and can get you banned.

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Next, check whether your PC can run the game in our system requirements guide, or compare versions in Retail vs Classic vs Forever.