Between larger events, the routine grind resumed. More crafting took place, resulting in Soft-Soled Wool Boots, the first Woolen Bag, and Heavy Woolen Gloves. With resources secured, the priest challenged Hogger solo at level 13-and emerged victorious without potions or backup, a testament to WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Gold solid preparation and effective class play.

Wrapping Up the Week

Following the Hogger encounter, attention returned to Westfall for familiar territory: Harvest Golems, Defias mobs, and low drop-rate quests. Progress was slow but steady, eventually reaching level 15 and nearly level 16.

After one last set of turn-ins in Stormwind, level 16 was achieved-closing out another week of progress in the Hardcore Crafted Locked challenge. Despite a shorter session, key advancements were made: profession setups finalized, crafting chains established, and essential materials gathered for long-term goals.

With new stability and focus, the next phase promises more consistent updates and deeper content. The foundation for forging Sulfuras has been set-every ore mined, every bracer hammered, and every quest completed brings the challenge one step closer to its fiery endgame. Have enough WoW Classic Fresh Gold to help you complete the challenge.

World of Warcraft can feel overwhelming if you're just getting started-or coming back after years away. With so many versions, expansions, and acronyms floating around, it's easy to feel lost. Retail WoW, Classic WoW, Hardcore, Season of Discovery, Cataclysm Classic, and even anniversary events… where do you even begin?

This guide breaks everything down into simple steps so you can start your journey in Azeroth without confusion. We'll cover the free trial, subscriptions, choosing between Retail and Classic, making your first character, and what to expect from the game in 2025.

The Free Trial

World of Warcraft offers a free trial that lets you play up to level 20 with no expansions. While limited, it's a great way to test different classes, explore starter areas, and get a feel for the game.

With the trial, you can:

Level to 20 with any class or specialization.

Use the Dungeon Finder for early group content.

Try seasonal event bosses.

Experience Skyriding, the new dynamic flying system, which unlocks at level 10.

The downsides are big: no trading, no guilds, no Auction House, and very limited social features. The trial also doesn't work for Classic WoW. Think of it as a way to dip your toes in before subscribing.

Subscriptions and Expansions

A WoW subscription costs $15/month, with discounts for 3-, 6-, or 12-month plans. Longer subs often come with bonus mounts or pets, but if you're new, start with just one month.

When you subscribe, you unlock:

All previous expansions, up to level 70.

Both Retail WoW and Classic WoW are available at no extra cost.

To play the newest expansion, The War Within, you'll need to purchase it separately. Only the Epic Edition includes 30 days of game time; the other editions do not.

You can also fund your subscription with in-game WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Gold using the WoW Token, which can be bought on the Auction House. This allows you to turn gold into WoW Classic Fresh Gold game time or Battle.net balance.