WoW Classic Beginner's Guide
New to World of Warcraft Classic? Which Classic version to pick in 2026, what it costs, how to choose a class and tips for your first character.
World of Warcraft Classic lets you play older versions of WoW the way they were – slower, more social and more about the journey. In 2026 there are several versions running at once, and all of them are included with a World of Warcraft subscription.
Which version should I pick?
I want the originalClassic Era – the 2004-style game, permanently at level 60.
I want a challengeHardcore – one life per character. Add Self-Found for no trading.
I want a busy, progressing worldBurning Crusade Classic Anniversary – level 70, currently in the Zul'Aman phase.
I want more classes and modern systemsMists of Pandaria Classic – 11 classes incl. Monk and Death Knight.
I want something new at level 60World of Warcraft: Forever launches November 4, 2026 – a separate game.
Every version and its current phase is listed on our Classic versions page.
Getting started
1. Get a subscriptionOne World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time unlocks every Classic version, as well as modern WoW.
2. Install from Battle.netPick World of Warcraft in the Battle.net app on Windows or Mac and choose the Classic version you want.
3. Pick a realm with friendsRealms are separate worlds – choose the same one as your friends or guild.
4. Choose a classNine classes in Era and Anniversary, eleven in Mists of Pandaria Classic.
Tips for your first character
Read your questsClassic Era and Burning Crusade have no quest markers on the map by default – the quest text tells you where to go.
Group upElite quests and dungeons are much easier in a group – and it's how Classic friendships start.
Save for your mountRiding costs gold, so don't spend everything on the auction house while levelling.
On Hardcore, slow downDeath is permanent – avoid pulling too many enemies and always keep an escape plan.
Want to see what you're getting into first? Watch the official Classic trailers.
Sources
- Blizzard: World of Warcraft Classic FAQ
- Blizzard Watch: How to choose which version of WoW Classic is best for you
- Blizzard: Classic Hardcore realms go live August 24
- Blizzard: Hardcore Self-Found mode now live
- Blizzard: Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition launches on February 5
- Blizzard: Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary – The Gods of Zul'Aman now live
- Blizzard: Mists of Pandaria Classic now live
- Blizzard: Mists of Pandaria Classic – the Siege of Orgrimmar update arrives June 2
- Blizzard: Season of Discovery is now live
- Warcraft Tavern: Blizzard is wrapping up Season of Discovery development
- Wikipedia: World of Warcraft Classic
Reference page written by AI (Claude) and checked against the sources above. Games change with every patch – the patch this page was last checked for is shown at the top.