Do I Need Retail WoW Installed to Play Classic?
The short answer is no, you do not need the retail version of World of Warcraft (Modern WoW) installed to play WoW Classic. However, it’s crucial to understand that both versions utilize the same Battle.net desktop app for installation and management. This means you need the Battle.net launcher, but you do not need the retail game files actually installed on your computer to play classic. This distinction is crucial for anyone looking to dive into the nostalgia of Classic WoW without wanting to take up space with the more modern version.
What you do need is a World of Warcraft account with an active game subscription or game time applied. This subscription or game time allows access to both Modern WoW (up to a certain point depending on expansion ownership) and all available Classic versions (currently including Classic Era, Hardcore Classic, and Wrath of the Lich King Classic) with no additional purchase required for access to Classic content. Let’s dive into the details of how this all works, and address some common questions around this aspect of World of Warcraft.
Understanding the Architecture of WoW and Classic
The way World of Warcraft is structured has evolved over the years. Initially, everything was simply “World of Warcraft.” As expansions were released, they were added to the base game. Now, the “base game” encompasses everything up to the most recent expansion in the retail client, which is sold separately. However, Classic versions of the game do not follow this path. They are a separate entity accessible through the same launcher, but their installation is independent of the retail client.
Think of it this way: the Battle.net app is like the control panel, and the Modern (Retail) WoW, WoW Classic Era, WoW Hardcore Classic and Wrath of the Lich King Classic are distinct games that can be selected and installed from that panel. You will not find one singular folder housing all WoW content.
Battle.net Desktop App: Your Gateway to Both Worlds
The Battle.net desktop app is the single point of entry for all Blizzard games on PC, including World of Warcraft. When you install the Battle.net app, it allows you to install and manage games, update them, and also provides access to social features. It is within this app that you choose which game version you want to play, whether it be the newest retail version or a Classic iteration. You will need this application to play any iteration of WoW, but you do not need to have Modern WoW installed to play a Classic version.
Accessing Classic with an Active Account
To reiterate, the magic ticket to playing WoW Classic isn’t owning retail, it’s having an active World of Warcraft subscription or game time on your account. Whether your account is brand new or has existed for years, as long as you have paid for a subscription to the game, you have access to WoW Classic, in any of its currently running iterations.
This crucial point separates the retail purchase from accessing Classic. You do not need to purchase the base game and any expansion to access Classic content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify and delve into common queries around this topic, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Do I need to pay extra to play WoW Classic if I have a retail subscription?
No, WoW Classic is included with your World of Warcraft subscription. There is no additional fee to play Classic as long as you have active game time on your account.
2. If I only want to play Classic, do I need to buy any expansions?
No, you do not need to buy any expansions to play WoW Classic. Access to Classic is granted with game time or a subscription.
3. Can I play WoW Classic if I only have the base retail game?
Yes, even with just the base retail game and an active subscription or game time, you can access all versions of Classic. Owning expansions does not impact your access to Classic.
4. Do I need to install the full retail game to access Classic?
No, you do not need to install the retail version. You install Classic as a separate game through the Battle.net app.
5. How do I install WoW Classic if I don’t have retail installed?
Using the Battle.net desktop app, select the “World of Warcraft” entry, and use the dropdown menu to choose the Classic version (Classic Era, Hardcore, or Wrath of the Lich King) you would like to install. Click the blue “Install” button to start the installation process.
6. Can I have both retail WoW and Classic installed on my computer?
Yes, you can have both installed simultaneously. Each version resides in a separate folder and functions independently.
7. Does the free trial of Modern WoW also give me access to WoW Classic?
No, the free trial of Modern WoW is limited to level 20 and does not provide access to WoW Classic content. You need to purchase game time or a subscription to play WoW Classic.
8. Is WoW Classic a completely different game from retail?
Yes, WoW Classic is a different experience from Modern WoW. It features different game mechanics, progression systems, and more closely reflects the original World of Warcraft experience.
9. Can I transfer my character from retail to Classic?
No, character transfers between Modern WoW and Classic are not possible. They are separate games with different character databases.
10. Why do people choose to play WoW Classic over retail?
Many players prefer Classic for its slower gameplay, challenging leveling experience, and the nostalgia of playing the original version of the game.
11. What version of Classic is currently available?
Currently, players can access Classic Era, Hardcore Classic, and Wrath of the Lich King Classic.
12. Is WoW Classic free to play at any level?
No, WoW Classic requires an active subscription or game time to access. There is no free-to-play option for the Classic experience.
13. What’s the difference between WoW Classic and Wrath of the Lich King Classic?
Wrath of the Lich King Classic is the next expansion of Classic, while Classic Era represents the original game without any expansions. Wrath Classic includes all the content from the Wrath of the Lich King expansion.
14. If I stop my retail subscription can I still play classic if I have game time?
Yes. As long as you have some sort of game time on the account, whether a subscription or paid game time cards, you will have access to classic.
15. Will future Classic expansions require additional purchase?
No, future expansions of Classic, such as Cataclysm Classic will be included in your active game time or subscription. No additional purchase will be required to play these versions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you do not need the retail version of World of Warcraft installed to enjoy the classic experience. Having the Battle.net desktop app and a valid World of Warcraft account with active game time or subscription is all that is needed. Understanding this distinction allows players to enjoy the unique charms of WoW Classic without the overhead of retail game files, making it a much more streamlined experience. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic trip or a new gaming adventure, the realms of Classic are accessible to you with a simple subscription.