World of Warcraft subscription pricing
World of Warcraft (WoW) is a monthly subscription game run by Blizzard Entertainment. The standard subscription costs $14.99 per month in the United States, though the price varies by region and currency. You can also pay for longer periods upfront: three months costs $41.97 (about $13.99 per month), and six months costs $77.94 (about $12.99 per month). The longer you commit, the lower your per-month cost.
Blizzard also offers a WoW Token, which is an in-game item you can buy with real money and sell to other players for in-game gold. This lets you pay your subscription using gold you earn by playing, though the gold-to-token exchange rate changes based on player demand. A token costs $19.99 and covers 30 days of game time.
These prices cover access to the base game and all expansions released so far. You do not need to buy expansions separately — they are included once you own the base game and maintain an active subscription.
Key Takeaways
- The standard monthly subscription is $14.99 in the US, with discounts available if you pay for three or six months upfront.
- A WoW Token lets you convert in-game gold into 30 days of game time, though the exchange rate fluctuates based on player supply and demand.
- Your subscription includes access to the base game and all expansions; you do not pay separately for new content releases.
- Blizzard occasionally runs promotions that reduce the first month's cost for new or returning players.
What your subscription includes
Your monthly fee covers access to all playable content in World of Warcraft, including the base game and every expansion released to date. You can create multiple characters on the same account and play across all available worlds (called realms). Your subscription also includes access to customer support through Blizzard's website and in-game ticketing system.
The subscription does not include cosmetic items, character boosts, or convenience services. Those are sold separately through the in-game shop. A character boost (which levels a character to the current expansion's starting level) typically costs $60, and cosmetic mounts or pets range from $10 to $25 each. These purchases are optional and do not affect gameplay.
Payment methods and billing cycles
Blizzard accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal through their Battle.net account system. When you set up a subscription, you choose your billing cycle: monthly, three-month, or six-month. Your payment method is charged automatically on the renewal date unless you cancel beforehand.
You can cancel your subscription at any time through your Battle.net account settings. If you cancel mid-cycle, your access continues until the end of the current billing period — Blizzard does not issue refunds for partial months. If you want to pause your account without cancelling, you can let your subscription lapse and return later without losing your characters or progress.
Regional pricing differences
World of Warcraft pricing varies outside the United States. In Europe, the monthly subscription is €12.99 (roughly equivalent to $14 USD). In the United Kingdom, it is £9.99. Players in other regions pay in their local currency, and the exact amount depends on exchange rates and regional pricing policies set by Blizzard.
If you play on a realm in a different region than your account's home region, you may encounter different pricing when you renew. Check your Battle.net account settings to see which region your account is registered to, and contact Blizzard support if you need to change it.
Free trial and returning player offers
Blizzard offers a free trial that lets you play up to level 20 without a subscription. The trial includes access to the base game's starting zones and is a way to test whether you enjoy the game before paying. Trial accounts have some restrictions — you cannot join guilds, use the auction house, or send mail to other players — but you can explore the world and complete quests.
If you have played WoW before and let your subscription lapse, Blizzard sometimes sends promotional emails offering a discounted first month (often $1 or $5) to bring you back. These offers are not may provide and vary by account history. Check your email or log into your Battle.net account to see if any promotions are available to you.
Comparing subscription length options
| Billing Period | Total Cost | Cost Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $14.99 | $14.99 |
| 3 months | $41.97 | $13.99 |
| 6 months | $77.94 | $12.99 |
| WoW Token (30 days) | $19.99 | $19.99 |
The six-month plan offers the biggest savings per month, but requires committing to half a year of payments upfront. If you are unsure whether you will play consistently, the monthly option gives you flexibility to cancel without losing money. The WoW Token is the most expensive option per month, but it is useful if you have accumulated in-game gold and want to convert it to game time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play World of Warcraft without a subscription?
You can play the free trial up to level 20, but you need an active subscription to progress beyond that or access most of the game's content. There is no permanent free-to-play version of World of Warcraft, though Blizzard has experimented with limited free access during promotional periods.
Do I lose my characters if my subscription expires?
No. Your characters and progress are saved permanently on your account. When you resubscribe, you can log back in and continue exactly where you left off. You can let your subscription lapse for months or years without losing anything.
Can I use in-game gold to pay for my subscription?
Yes, through the WoW Token system. You buy a token with real money ($19.99), then sell it on the in-game auction house for gold. Other players buy that token with gold to add game time to their account. The gold price fluctuates based on supply and demand, so the amount of gold you receive varies.
What happens if I cancel mid-month?
Your access continues until the end of your current billing period. Blizzard does not refund partial months, so if you cancel on day 15 of a 30-day cycle, you keep access for the remaining 15 days and then your subscription ends.
Are there any hidden fees or charges beyond the subscription?
The subscription itself has no hidden fees. However, cosmetic items, character boosts, and convenience services sold in the in-game shop cost extra. These are entirely optional and do not affect your ability to play the game or compete with other players.