Will Wrath of the Lich King Classic Be Free?
The short answer is: no, Wrath of the Lich King Classic is not free. While you don’t need to purchase the expansion separately, accessing Wrath of the Lich King Classic requires an active World of Warcraft subscription or game time. Think of it as a perk of your existing WoW subscription; you’re not paying extra for the content itself, but you do need a paid account to access it. Let’s delve deeper into what this means for players and clarify common confusions surrounding access to the popular classic expansion.
Understanding Access to Wrath of the Lich King Classic
The Subscription Model
World of Warcraft operates on a subscription-based model. This means that to play any version of the game beyond the free trial level, you must have either an active recurring subscription or pre-purchased game time. Wrath of the Lich King Classic falls under this model, requiring that you meet this basic requirement to play. There is no free-to-play option for Wrath of the Lich King Classic beyond the level 20 trial of the modern version of World of Warcraft.
What Your Subscription Gets You
Your World of Warcraft subscription provides access to:
- The modern version of World of Warcraft, with the ability to play characters up to level 20 for free.
- All content up to the current level cap (currently 60 without the latest expansion, Dragonflight), including expansions before the current one.
- WoW Classic Era servers (vanilla).
- Wrath of the Lich King Classic servers.
Essentially, one subscription unlocks all of these access points. Therefore, if you are already a subscriber, you can simply log in and play Wrath of the Lich King Classic without any further payments.
No Separate Purchase Necessary
It’s important to clarify that you do not need to purchase Wrath of the Lich King Classic separately. Unlike some games that offer expansions for an additional fee, accessing Wrath of the Lich King Classic is included with your World of Warcraft subscription.
Why the Confusion?
The concept of requiring a subscription may seem confusing given that Wrath of the Lich King Classic is a re-release of a older game expansion. Many people assume that classic versions might be free, or available as a one time purchase. The main reason for the requirement is that Blizzard keeps the game online and maintained by providing constant support, maintenance and updates, as well as the use of the servers. A subscription model ensures a stable and fair environment for all players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Wrath of the Lich King Classic truly free to play?
No, it is not free to play. You must have an active World of Warcraft subscription or game time to play Wrath of the Lich King Classic. The only free option is limited to the modern WoW experience up to level 20.
2. Does my subscription to modern WoW give me access to WOTLK Classic?
Yes. A standard World of Warcraft subscription grants access to all current versions of the game, including the modern version of WoW (level 20 cap without game time or subscription) the original Classic Era servers and Wrath of the Lich King Classic.
3. Do I need to buy Wrath of the Lich King Classic separately?
No. You do not need to purchase Wrath of the Lich King Classic as a separate product. It is included with your existing subscription.
4. Can I try Wrath of the Lich King Classic for free?
No, there is no trial version of Wrath of the Lich King Classic specifically. You can experience the game for free up to level 20 of the modern WoW only.
5. Can I transfer my retail WoW character to Wrath of the Lich King Classic?
No. Characters cannot be transferred between retail World of Warcraft and any version of WoW Classic. These are treated as separate environments with independent progression.
6. Is Wrath of the Lich King Classic a separate download?
Yes. Wrath of the Lich King Classic must be installed separately through the Battle.net desktop app from the modern version of the game or other WoW Classic versions.
7. How much does a WoW subscription cost?
A World of Warcraft subscription costs vary, and offers monthly discounts if bought in bulk:
- $14.99/month for a one-month subscription.
- $13.99/month for a three-month subscription.
- $12.99/month for a six-month subscription.
8. How long does it take to get to level 80 in WOTLK Classic?
The average time to get from level 1 to 80 in Wrath of the Lich King Classic is around 150-200 hours, with the leveling process from 70 to 80 being the most time-consuming.
9. Is there a level boost for WOTLK Classic?
Yes, Blizzard offers a Northrend Heroic Upgrade, which allows you to boost one character to level 70. However, this boost can not be used on Death Knight characters and you are limited to one per account.
10. Is Wrath of the Lich King Classic still popular?
Yes, Wrath of the Lich King Classic maintains a very active player base. While some may have moved on to other content, there is still a dedicated community enjoying the raids, dungeons and overall experience.
11. How do I see how many hours I’ve played in WoW?
You can see your total playtime in the game by typing the command /played in your chat window while in game.
12. What is the easiest class to play in WOTLK Classic?
Many players find Elemental Shaman to be one of the most accessible and easy classes to play in Wrath of the Lich King Classic due to its simple rotation.
13. Can I play WoW Classic without buying the Dragonflight expansion?
Yes, you do not need to buy the Dragonflight expansion to play WoW Classic or Wrath of the Lich King Classic. The subscription or game time grants access to all versions of the game except the most recent retail expansion (currently Dragonflight).
14. Is WoW dying in 2023?
No, despite having a declining player base from its peak, WoW is still a very popular MMO with a large and active community. It maintains its relevancy due to consistent content updates and its huge PvE and raid focus.
15. Where can I get Warcraft 3?
You can purchase Warcraft 3 Battle Chest on online retailers like Amazon.com.
Conclusion
While the question of whether Wrath of the Lich King Classic is free is easily answered with a definitive “no,” understanding the nuances of the subscription model is key. Players can rest assured that accessing the beloved content of Wrath of the Lich King is easily achievable, bundled within the convenience of an active World of Warcraft subscription. Instead of worrying about additional purchases, players can focus on the journey that awaits in Northrend. The content remains great and beloved by many, and a subscription allows you to experience it without any extra additional purchase requirements.