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Which version of WoW should you play?
Updated October 4, 2026. Prices are U.S. list prices; check the official shop before you buy.
Pick Retail (the modern game) if this is your first time. It has the most help for new players, the fastest leveling, and the most people to group with. One subscription unlocks every version, so you can try Classic later at no extra cost.
The versions side by side
| Version | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Retail | The current game with the Midnight expansion. | New players. Modern features, solo-friendly, newest story. |
| Classic (progression) | An older expansion re-released and moving forward step by step. | Players who want the older feel with a group focus. |
| Classic Era / Anniversary | The original 2004-style game. | Slow, social leveling. Very hard to do alone. |
| Hardcore | Classic rules with one life. If your hero dies, it stays dead. | Experienced players who want tension. |
Blizzard changes which Classic realms are open from time to time. The Battle.net app shows the current list in the version menu above the Play button.
Why Retail first
- A real tutorial. New accounts start in a guided starter zone.
- Faster leveling. You reach group content in hours, not weeks.
- Group finder. The game builds dungeon groups for you.
- Solo options. Follower Dungeons let you run some dungeons with computer-controlled allies, and Delves are made for 1 to 5 players.
When Classic makes sense
Pick Classic if a friend plays it, or if you want a slower game where every level feels earned. Expect to need a group for many quests, and to read quest text to find where to go.