Reach max level
Follow the story and dungeons until level 80.
Confused about WoW? This page shows you the goal of the game, how to download/register and start, which class/spec to pick, and exactly what to do in your first hour, with a simple leveling and gearing plan.
Last updated: August 10, 2025
WoW is about long-term progression. You level to 80, improve your gear, and take on harder content with other players. Along the way you collect cosmetics, finish achievements, and master your class.
Follow the story and dungeons until level 80.
Improve your item level via Delves, dungeons, raids, or PvP.
Climb Mythic+ keys, progress raids, or rank up in PvP.
Mounts, transmogs, achievements, reputations, professions.
Join a guild/friends—group content is the heart of WoW.
Use your real email and enable two-factor login for security.
Install the launcher, then install “World of Warcraft”.
You can play to level 20 for free. Subscribe later if you enjoy it.
Choose the region closest to you; pick any realm. Join friends if possible.
Pick any race. Choose a beginner-friendly spec from the list below.
The tutorial island shows movement, combat, and a first dungeon.
Pick what sounds fun. You can always respec or make alts later.
Ranged, pet tanks early mobs; mobile and forgiving.
Durable melee with self-heals; straightforward rotation.
Very mobile, clear visual cues; good survivability.
Safe slows/roots and simple proc flow; learn from range.
Tanky “bear” form; perfect for learning dungeons.
Interface → Controls: Auto Loot. Interface → Names: show enemy nameplates.
Interface → Combat: abilities fire on key press (snappier).
Put main abilities on 1–5 / Q / E / R or mouse buttons.
Scroll out for visibility; reduce motion blur if needed.
Exile’s Reach dungeon teaches roles without pressure.
People are kinder and more helpful when you tell them.
Tutorial island for controls, UI, and first dungeon.
Follow the campaign; queue dungeons to practice your role.
Do the latest expansion story; at 71 you get a Hero Talent tree.
Short, flexible mini-dungeons (solo or friends) for steady gear.
Delves & world content for starter upgrades while learning.
Fill weak slots; practice interrupts/positioning.
Timed, scaling dungeons—start low, climb as you learn.
See fights in LFR, then join a guild to progress higher.
Battlegrounds → practice objectives and defensives; step into arenas later.
How much attention a mob/boss has on you. Tanks keep it.
Abilities that hit multiple targets at once.
The strongest possible item for a gear slot.
Stuns, roots, fears—anything that stops enemies acting.
Time before you can use an ability again.
Damage dealer, party sustain, and fight control roles.
An extra talent tree unlocked as you level in the latest expansion.
Private copy of a dungeon/raid just for your group.
Ability that stops an enemy cast—very important in dungeons.
Scaling “key” dungeons with a timer; higher keys, better rewards.
A random effect that “triggers” under certain conditions.
When the tank starts a fight by engaging enemies.
Reach max level, improve your gear, and beat harder content (Mythic+ dungeons, raids, or PvP). Along the way you collect mounts, transmogs, achievements, and professions—at your own pace.
You can play the Starter Edition free up to level 20. To go further, you need a subscription (and the latest expansion for its content).
Yes. Leveling, world content, Delves, and story are solo-friendly. Group content is optional but very popular.
You still pick Alliance or Horde, but grouping is much more flexible than it used to be. Choose the side you like, or where friends are.
Lower shadows, turn off extra post-processing, reduce view distance a notch, and prefer wired internet.