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 the nostalgic, old-school feel.

There are also spin-offs:

Hardcore Classic, with permanent death.

Season of Discovery adds twists like new roles and mechanics.

Progression servers like Cataclysm Classic, where expansions unlock in cycles.

If you're brand new, start with Retail. You can always try Classic later-it's included in your subscription.

Making Your First Character

Race and Faction

You'll choose between Alliance and Horde, but today, factions don't matter as much as they used to. Guilds, dungeons, and raids are cross-faction, so the main difference is starting zones and aesthetics.

Some races called Allied Races unlock later after completing simple quests on a level 40+ character. Each comes with a free mount.

Class and Specialization

WoW has the classic MMO "trinity": tank, healer, DPS. But every class can DPS, so you're never locked out of content. Some classes offer multiple roles-like Druids, who can tank, heal, or deal damage in melee or ranged forms.

Each class has specializations (specs) that feel completely different. For example, Hunters can play as ranged bow users, melee fighters, or pet-focused beastmasters. At level 71 in The War Within, you'll also unlock Hero Talents like Dark Ranger or Rider of the Apocalypse, giving even more variety.

Tip: Don't stress about balance or "the meta." Pick a class that feels fun-WoW's class fantasy is one of its strongest features.

Servers in 2025

Server choice barely matters today. You can:

Join guilds across realms.

Trade WoW Classic Fresh Gold and items through a new Warband account-wide bank.

Use a region-wide Auction House for consumables.

The few things still server-specific are character names, rare crafted gear orders, and certain Auction House categories.

PvP servers no longer exist, but you can toggle War Mode on WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Gold for sale or off at any time for bonus XP and world PvP.