World of Warcraft subscription costs $14.99 per month in the United States

Blizzard Entertainment, the company that makes World of Warcraft, charges a monthly fee to play the game. In the US, that fee is $14.99 per month if you pay month-to-month. You can also prepay for longer stretches — three months costs $13.99 per month when billed together, and six months costs $12.99 per month when billed together. The longer you commit upfront, the lower your monthly cost becomes.

The subscription covers access to all the game's content, including the base game and all expansions released so far. You do not need to buy expansions separately. Once you pay the monthly fee, you can log in and play as much as you want that month.

Prices vary outside the United States. Canada charges in Canadian dollars, Europe charges in euros, and other regions have their own pricing. If you play from a different country, check the World of Warcraft account page to see the cost in your currency.

Key Takeaways

  • A World of Warcraft subscription costs $14.99 per month when you pay month-to-month in the United States.
  • Paying for three or six months upfront reduces your monthly cost to $13.99 or $12.99 respectively.
  • Your subscription includes access to the base game and all expansions — you do not buy expansions separately.
  • Prices are different in Canada, Europe, and other regions, so check your account page for your local cost.
  • You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time without penalty.

How to set up your first subscription

To start playing World of Warcraft, you need a Battle.net account, which is Blizzard's login system. Go to battle.net and create an account if you do not have one already. You will need an email address and a password.

Once your account exists, go to the World of Warcraft page on the Battle.net website and select "Start Your Free Trial" or "Buy Now" depending on whether you want to try the game first. If you choose to buy, you will be asked to enter a payment method — a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. After you enter your payment details and confirm, your subscription begins when ready and you can read and launch the game.

The first time you log in, the game will read all the files it needs. This can take an hour or more depending on your internet speed. You do not need to do anything during the read — just let it run in the background.

What happens when your subscription expires

When your subscription period ends, your account does not automatically renew unless you set it up that way. If you chose month-to-month billing, Blizzard will charge you again on the same day each month unless you cancel. If you prepaid for three or six months, your access ends on the last day of that period and you will see a reminder before it happens.

If your subscription expires and you do not renew it, you can still log into your Battle.net account and see your characters, but you cannot play the game. Your characters and everything you own in the game stays saved. If you come back later and pay for a new subscription, you can pick up where you left off.

Other costs beyond the subscription

The monthly subscription covers all gameplay, but World of Warcraft has an optional in-game store where you can buy cosmetic items with real money. These are things like character skins, mounts (special animals you ride), and pets that follow you around. None of these items affect how well you play — they are purely visual. You can play the entire game without spending anything beyond the monthly subscription.

Character boosts are also sold separately. A character boost lets you skip the early levels and start at a higher level. This costs around $60 one time per character, but it is not necessary — you can level characters for free by playing normally.

Free trial and refund options

Blizzard offers a free trial that lets you play up to level 20 without paying anything. The trial has some restrictions — you cannot join guilds, trade with other players, or use the auction house — but it is enough to see whether you like the game before you spend money.

If you buy a subscription and change your mind within a short window, Blizzard may refund your payment. The exact window depends on your region and payment method, so contact Blizzard Support through the Battle.net website if you think you are within the refund period. They will review your request and let you know whether a refund is possible.

Managing your subscription and payment method

You can change your subscription length, pause your subscription, or cancel it anytime through your Battle.net account settings. Log into Battle.net, go to Account Settings, and look for the Subscription section. From there you can switch from month-to-month to a longer prepaid plan, or vice versa.

If you need to update your payment method — for example, if your credit card expires — go to the same Account Settings page and update your payment details. Your next charge will use the new payment method you entered.

If you want to cancel, you can do that in Account Settings as well. Your access will end at the end of your current billing period. You will not be charged again after that date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play World of Warcraft without paying?

You can play the free trial up to level 20, which is enough to learn the basics and decide if you like the game. After that, you need a subscription. There is no way to play the full game without paying the monthly fee.

Do I have to pay for expansions separately?

No. Your monthly subscription includes access to all expansions that have been released. You do not buy them separately or pay extra for them.

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

Your access ends at the end of your current billing period. Your characters and everything you own stays saved in your account. If you come back and pay for a subscription later, you can play those same characters again.

Is the subscription cheaper if I pay for a longer period?

Yes. Month-to-month is $14.99 per month. Three months prepaid is $13.99 per month. Six months prepaid is $12.99 per month. The longer you prepay, the lower your monthly cost.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind?

Blizzard may refund your subscription within a certain window depending on your region and payment method. Contact Blizzard Support through the Battle.net website to ask about a refund. They will review your request and let you know if it is possible.