World of Warcraft subscription pricing
World of Warcraft charges a monthly subscription fee to play. As of now, the standard subscription costs $14.99 per month in the United States. Blizzard Entertainment, the company that makes the game, also offers a 6-month prepaid option at $77.94 (which works out to $12.99 per month) and a 12-month prepaid option at $155.88 (which works out to $12.99 per month). Prices vary by region and currency.
You can also buy game time using in-game currency called gold. The cost in gold changes based on the real-money price of gold on the auction house, but this option typically costs between 200,000 and 300,000 gold per month depending on your server and current market rates. This is the only way to pay for subscription time without spending real money, though it requires you to already have significant gold saved up.
The subscription gives you access to all World of Warcraft content included in the current expansion. You do not need to buy the expansion separately if you maintain an active subscription — the expansion is included. However, you do need to own the base game, which is free to download and play up to level 20 as a trial account.
Key Takeaways
- A one-month World of Warcraft subscription costs $14.99 in the United States, with discounts available if you prepay for 6 or 12 months.
- You can pay for subscription time using in-game gold instead of real money, though the gold cost fluctuates based on the auction house market.
- The subscription includes access to all current expansion content, but you must own the base game (which is free to download and try).
- Prices differ by region and country, so your cost may be higher or lower depending on where you live.
- Trial accounts can play for free up to level 20 without a subscription, letting you test the game before paying.
What the subscription includes
An active subscription gives you access to all World of Warcraft zones, dungeons, raids, and quests in the current expansion and all previous expansions. You can create and play characters at any level, join guilds, participate in player-versus-player combat, and use the auction house to buy and sell items. You also get access to customer support and can report other players for rule violations.
The subscription does not include cosmetic items like mounts, pets, or character skins. Those are sold separately through the in-game shop using real money. Battle Pass-style seasonal content also requires a separate purchase beyond the subscription. However, many cosmetic items can be obtained through gameplay without spending extra money.
How to pay and manage your subscription
You set up subscription payments through your Battle.net account, which is Blizzard's login system for all their games. You can add a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account to your Battle.net profile and choose whether to renew monthly or prepay for multiple months. Blizzard will charge your payment method automatically on your renewal date unless you cancel.
To cancel your subscription, log into your Battle.net account, go to the Account Settings page, find the World of Warcraft subscription section, and select Cancel Subscription. Your access ends at the end of your current billing period — you do not lose access immediately. If you cancel mid-month, you keep playing until your paid time runs out.
If your payment fails, Blizzard typically gives you a grace period of a few days to update your payment method before your account is suspended. You can still log in and update your payment information during this time. Once you update it, your subscription resumes immediately.
Regional pricing and currency differences
World of Warcraft subscription prices are set in local currency for each region. The United States uses USD, Europe uses EUR, and other regions use their local currency. A subscription that costs $14.99 USD may cost £10.99 GBP in the United Kingdom or €12.99 EUR in Europe. Currency exchange rates and regional pricing policies mean the real-world cost varies significantly depending on where you live.
If you travel or move to a different region, your subscription price may change when you renew. Some players use VPNs to access cheaper regional pricing, but Blizzard's terms of service prohibit this, and doing so can result in account suspension or termination.
Trial accounts and free-to-play limits
You can download World of Warcraft and play for free up to level 20 without a subscription. Trial accounts have restrictions: you cannot join guilds, use the auction house, or send mail to other players. You also cannot create more than one character on a trial account. This trial period lets you learn the game and decide whether to buy a subscription.
Once you reach level 20 or decide you want to play beyond the trial limits, you must purchase a subscription. The subscription unlocks all level caps and removes trial restrictions immediately. You do not need to buy the expansion separately — it comes with the subscription.
Comparing subscription length options
| Subscription Length | Total Cost | Cost Per Month | Savings vs. Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $14.99 | $14.99 | None |
| 6 months prepaid | $77.94 | $12.99 | $12.00 total |
| 12 months prepaid | $155.88 | $12.99 | $24.00 total |
Prepaying for 6 or 12 months saves you $2 per month compared to paying month-to-month. The longer you commit upfront, the lower your per-month cost. However, if you cancel early, Blizzard does not refund unused prepaid time — you lose access when your account is suspended, but you do not get money back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play World of Warcraft without paying a subscription?
Yes, up to level 20. The trial account is free and has no time limit, but it comes with restrictions like no guild access and no auction house use. Once you reach level 20 or want to remove trial restrictions, you must pay for a subscription.
What happens if I stop paying my subscription?
Your account is suspended and you cannot log in. Your characters remain on the server and are not deleted. If you resubscribe later, your characters and items are still there. You can resume playing immediately after your payment goes through.
Can I use in-game gold to pay for my subscription instead of real money?
Yes. You can buy game time tokens from other players using gold. The gold cost changes daily based on the auction house market, but it typically ranges from 200,000 to 300,000 gold per month. You must have enough gold saved before you can buy a token.
Do I need to buy the expansion separately?
No. The current expansion is included with your subscription. You do not pay extra for expansion content. However, cosmetic items and seasonal battle pass content are sold separately through the in-game shop.
Is the subscription price the same everywhere?
No. Prices are set in local currency for each region. The United States, Europe, and other regions have different prices in their local money. If you move or travel to a different region, your price may change when you renew.