Can You Play World of Warcraft on Steam? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is: no, you cannot directly purchase and play World of Warcraft (WoW) through Steam. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the game on a device like the Steam Deck. This article will break down the intricacies of accessing WoW, exploring why it’s not on Steam, and answering frequently asked questions to help you get started. While WoW isn’t on Steam, there are still methods to play it using Steam’s ecosystem, which we’ll discuss in detail below.
Why Isn’t World of Warcraft on Steam?
Blizzard Entertainment, the developer and publisher of World of Warcraft, operates its own distribution platform called Battle.net. This platform allows Blizzard to have complete control over the distribution and sales of their games, thus eliminating the need to rely on third-party platforms such as Steam. By maintaining their own infrastructure, they manage all aspects of the player experience, from purchasing the game to patching and customer support.
Blizzard’s Rationale
The decision to keep WoW on Battle.net primarily stems from business strategy and complete control of their game distribution. Unlike many smaller developers who benefit from Steam’s extensive reach, Blizzard’s established user base and the large library of games under their umbrella provide a robust platform for them to stand alone. However, recent developments show a slight shift in this position.
Blizzard Games on Steam
While World of Warcraft remains exclusive to Battle.net, Blizzard has started to bring some of its other titles to Steam. For example, Overwatch 2 is now available on Steam, marking a significant change in their distribution strategy. This move is partly driven by the desire to “break down the barriers” between gaming communities. However, even these titles require linking a Battle.net account to your Steam profile.
Playing WoW on Steam Deck: A Workaround
Although WoW isn’t natively on Steam, you can still play it on your Steam Deck. This involves installing the Battle.net launcher and then accessing WoW through it. Here’s a detailed process:
- Switch to Desktop Mode: Start by holding down the Steam Deck’s power button and selecting “Switch to Desktop”.
- Download Battle.net: Open your preferred web browser and head to the official Battle.net download page. Download the Windows installer. Do not open the .exe file just yet.
- Add Non-Steam Game: Launch Steam, click on “Add a Game” in the bottom-left corner, and then select “Add a Non-Steam Game”. Browse and select the downloaded Battle.net installer .exe file.
- Install Battle.net: Go back to your library in Steam and click on the new Battle.net shortcut. This will launch the installer, and you can follow the steps to install the Battle.net application.
- Add the Battle.net Launcher as a Game: Once Battle.net is installed, repeat the previous step to add the Battle.net launcher .exe file (located in the directory where you installed Battle.net) as a non-Steam game to your Steam library.
- Install World of Warcraft: Launch the Battle.net application through the Steam shortcut, log into your account, and then download World of Warcraft as you normally would on a Windows PC.
Using a Controller for WoW on Steam Deck
One of the challenges in playing an MMORPG on a console-like device is the control scheme. WoW is designed around keyboard and mouse input; however, it is possible to adjust to a controller by remapping the controls. Steam’s controller configuration can be a major help, with the Steam Input system allowing you to create custom profiles tailored to your preferred playstyle. Some community-made controller profiles are also available, making it easier to pick up and play. However, do note that some functions might remain clunky without mouse and keyboard support, especially around looting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Playing WoW on Steam
1. Is World of Warcraft free to play?
Yes, World of Warcraft is free to play up to level 20. After that, a subscription is required to access higher-level content.
2. How much does a WoW subscription cost?
In the United States, the recurring monthly subscription cost for World of Warcraft is $14.99 USD, with discounts available for multi-month subscriptions (e.g., a three-month subscription is around $13.99 per month).
3. Can I link my Steam account to my Battle.net account?
Yes, you can link your Steam account to your Battle.net account. In your Battle.net settings, look for Steam in the Connected Accounts section and click “Connect.”
4. Will World of Warcraft ever come to Steam?
Currently, World of Warcraft is not planned for release on Steam. While some Blizzard games are now available on Steam, WoW remains a Battle.net exclusive.
5. Can I play World of Warcraft without a mouse?
Yes, it’s possible to play WoW using only a keyboard, or very little mouse movement, although some actions (like looting) are cumbersome. However, through extensive keybinding it is possible to play without the use of a mouse.
6. Why is WoW so expensive?
Several factors influence the WoW Token prices, such as in-game gold overabundance, new items or sales in the Blizzard store, and major releases of other Blizzard titles.
7. Can you share games between Steam and Battle.net?
No, games purchased on Steam cannot be shared or transferred to a Battle.net account, and vice-versa. Each platform maintains its own license and games are locked to the platform you bought them on.
8. Can you permanently buy World of Warcraft?
No, World of Warcraft is not available for permanent purchase. It is an ongoing subscription service.
9. Is Steam Cloud gaming available for WoW?
The Steam Cloud is not relevant for WoW since the game is not on Steam. Steam Cloud is used to store cloud saves of games available on the platform itself.
10. Why is World of Warcraft only on PC?
One of the main challenges in porting a complex MMORPG like WoW to consoles is the game’s intricate control scheme. The multitude of abilities, actions, and menus are much easier to handle with a keyboard and mouse.
11. How do I renew my WoW subscription?
You can renew your subscription directly through your Battle.net account, where you can set up recurring payments using various payment methods.
12. How can I access old WoW content?
Classic versions of the game are available through World of Warcraft Classic, where you can experience the game from earlier expansions.
13. Why is my Steam not working correctly?
Many Steam issues can be caused by a firewall, anti-virus, or problems with your router or internet connection. Troubleshooting these elements is usually the first step when experiencing issues with Steam itself.
14. Is Overwatch 2 any good on Steam?
Overwatch 2 has received negative feedback on Steam, with a low user review score. However, reviews may vary depending on individual opinions of the game.
15. How do I link my Activision account to Steam?
You can link accounts from platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, Blizzard, and Nintendo to an Activision account. Log in to your Activision account, navigate to the “Linked Accounts” section, and follow the instructions to connect your chosen platform.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t directly play World of Warcraft on Steam, using a workaround, you can enjoy it on your Steam Deck and leverage the versatility of Steam Input for controller support. Despite not being on the platform directly, the ability to access WoW through a little set-up makes it a viable option for fans wanting to enjoy the game on the go. By understanding the limitations and procedures, you can still have a complete World of Warcraft experience on your device.