Do you still have to pay for WoW expansions?
To answer this question directly, you do not have to pay for World of Warcraft expansions if you have a subscription or game time, as all previous expansions are included and you can play all the content and maps up to level 60. The only expansion that requires a separate purchase is the latest expansion, currently Dragonflight, unless you have an active subscription, which grants access to all previous expansions, including Shadowlands.
Understanding WoW Expansion Costs
The cost of World of Warcraft expansions has evolved over the years, with the base game and subscription model offering access to a vast amount of content, including all expansions up to the latest one, which is available for purchase separately. This model allows players to engage with the game without needing to purchase each expansion individually, making it more accessible and cost-effective for both new and veteran players.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is World of Warcraft expansion free?
All expansions except the most recent are included when you buy the base game or have a subscription, but you do still have to buy the base game or pay a subscription fee.
2. Do you have to pay for expansions in WoW?
You’ll get access to the expansion packs and servers without having to pay per expansion if you have a subscription or game time.
3. How many WoW expansions are free?
All previous expansions are free with a subscription or game time, allowing you to play all content and maps up to level 60.
4. Is Shadowlands free now?
Yes, World of Warcraft: Shadowlands is now free for subscribers, as it has been included in the basic monthly subscription with the release of Dragonflight.
5. Does WoW still require a subscription?
Yes, a subscription or game time is required to play World of Warcraft beyond level 20.
6. Can I play WoW without buying Dragonflight?
Yes, you can play World of Warcraft without buying Dragonflight by having a subscription or game time, which gives you access to all previous expansions.
7. What happens if you don’t buy Shadowlands?
If you don’t buy Shadowlands, you can still access all of the level 50 and below content, but you’ll be limited to level 50 when Shadowlands launches.
8. How much did WoW expansions cost?
World of Warcraft expansions began at $39.99 with the launch of The Burning Crusade in 2007 and have increased over time, with Dragonflight launching at $49.99.
9. Is it worth buying Shadowlands now?
Given that Shadowlands is now included in the basic monthly subscription and Dragonflight offers a more positive experience, it might not be necessary to buy Shadowlands separately unless you’re particularly interested in its content.
10. How to get WoW Shadowlands for free?
Eligible Battle.net accounts that do not currently have the Shadowlands expansion and had any expansion license attached to the account in the past will receive Shadowlands Base Edition and a Level 50 Character Boost for free.
11. Does Dragonflight require a subscription?
Yes, a WoW Subscription or Game Time is required to play World of Warcraft, including the Dragonflight Expansion Trial.
12. How long can you play WoW without paying?
You can play World of Warcraft for free up to level 20; beyond that, you need Game Time or a Subscription.
13. Can I still play WoW if I cancel my subscription?
After canceling your subscription, your WoW account will remain playable until your current game time expires, and you can set up a new subscription at any time.
14. What parts of WoW are free?
The Free Trial includes all playable content in World of Warcraft through level 20, with access to any dungeons or quests completable by a level 20 character.
15. Why is WoW so expensive?
WoW Token prices are influenced by factors such as an overabundance of gold in the game, new items or sales on the Blizzard store, and major releases in other Blizzard games.