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Three ways to play World of Warcraft
Retail, Classic and Forever are separate games with separate characters. Here's what each one is, and who it's for.
Checked November 14, 2026
Retail
WoW: Midnight
The modern game, always moving forwardToday's World of Warcraft, with level cap 90, new patches every few months and competitive seasons.
- Mythic+, raids, Delves, housing
- Season 2, patch 12.1.5
- Midnight is a separate purchase
WoW Classic
The original expansions, replayedFaithful versions of past eras. Different realms are at different points in WoW's history.
- Mists of Pandaria Classic
- Burning Crusade Anniversary
- Classic Era and Hardcore (level 60)
WoW Forever
Classic+, launched November 4, 2026Vanilla Azeroth rebuilt with new zones, dungeons, raids and a new race. The level cap stays at 60 and the world grows outward.
- Skyborne race, Riverlands, Mount Hyjal
- Raids unlock December 9
- Included with your subscription
Side by side
| Retail | Classic | Forever | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | The current expansion, Midnight | Past expansions recreated as they were | Vanilla WoW expanded with new content |
| Level cap | 90 | 60 to 90, depending on the realm type | 60, permanently |
| Pace | Fast: seasons and frequent patches | Slow phases, then the next expansion | Regular updates that add content at every level |
| Feel | Modern systems, group finder, flying | Old-school: travel, reputation, community | Classic feel, no flying, no level scaling |
| Cost | Subscription plus the Midnight expansion | Included with a subscription | Included with a subscription; the Skyborne race needs an upgrade pack |
| Best for | Mythic+ and raid pushers, collectors, players with limited time | Nostalgia and players who want a fixed, known game | Classic fans who want new adventures |
One subscription covers all three, and your Retail characters don't carry over to Classic or Forever. Still not sure? Ask the AI advisor which version fits how you play.