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Choose modern World of Warcraft for current expansion progression, or a WoW Classic version for an earlier era and its distinct rules. Blizzard identifies Windows and macOS computers as supported platforms, with a keyboard and mouse required. The best edition depends less on your computer brand than on what kind of game you want to play.
Check your platform before choosing a version
Blizzard’s official game pages identify Windows and macOS as supported computer platforms and specify that a keyboard and mouse are required. They do not provide enough detail here to make a reliable PC-versus-Mac performance comparison. Before downloading, check Blizzard Support’s current system requirements for your exact computer: World of Warcraft system requirements.
Understand what a subscription includes
Blizzard’s subscription description says one subscription provides access to both World of Warcraft and WoW Classic. In modern WoW, the subscription includes past expansions; Blizzard names Midnight as the latest expansion and says it is an additional purchase. Classic versions are available through a WoW subscription or game time. For current regional prices and the exact purchase options, check your local Battle.net shop; availability and bundles can change. Blizzard’s World of Warcraft page · Blizzard’s WoW news and updates
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| Edition | Choose it if you want | What distinguishes it |
|---|---|---|
| Modern World of Warcraft | Current expansion progression and contemporary content | A subscription includes past expansions; Midnight is an additional purchase. Blizzard |
| Classic Era | A fresh start in original-style Azeroth | A reset content timeline and clean-slate economy. Blizzard |
| Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition | Outland, Blood Elves and Draenei, and expansion-era features | Blood Elves and Draenei are playable, and flying mounts open remote regions of Outland. Blizzard |
| Mists of Pandaria Classic | A return to Pandaria | Blizzard describes it as a return to the lands of Pandaria. Blizzard |
| 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 |
| Classic Hardcore | A high-stakes survival challenge | Characters have one life; Spirit Healers do not resurrect a character after death. Access is included with an active subscription. Blizzard |
Know what carries over—and what does not
Classic is a family of separate game versions, not one shared ruleset. Blizzard says character progress remains on its own iteration, so do not select a Classic version expecting that character’s progress to transfer into another one. Blizzard
#1 Best Overall
Make the choice
- Pick modern WoW if your priority is current expansion progression; check whether Midnight’s separate purchase is right for you.
- Pick Classic Era for a clean-slate economy and reset timeline.
- Pick Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition for Outland, its playable Blood Elves and Draenei, and flying mounts.
- Pick Season of Discovery if you want to experiment with rune-based abilities and class roles within a Classic framework.
- Pick Classic Hardcore only if the one-life rules are part of the appeal.
Whichever version interests you, confirm that it is currently listed for your region in Battle.net before purchasing or setting up play time.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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
![Blizzard Entertainment - Wolrd of Warcraft 60 Days of Game Time [eGift Card] - $29.99](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41QpeBx10wL._SL160_.jpg)
- 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.
