To start World of Warcraft, download the Battle.net app, subscribe (or use the free trial to level 20), then create a character by choosing a faction (Alliance or Horde), a race, and a class. New accounts begin in Exile's Reach, a starter zone that teaches movement, combat, quests, and your first dungeon before dropping you into the current expansion.

  1. Install Battle.net and download World of Warcraft from the app.
  2. Pick a version: free trial (level 1-20) or a subscription for the full game and current expansion.
  3. Create a character: choose faction, race, and class. Beginners do fine on any faction.
  4. Learn in Exile's Reach: follow the quest chain to level ~10 and run your first dungeon.
  5. Level up: follow the yellow quest markers, use the map, and hit your ability keys 1-9.
  6. Grab flight paths and an inn in each new town to set your home and fast-travel.

What class should a beginner pick?

Start with a class that's forgiving and simple to press. Hunter is the classic new-player pick: you fight at range with a pet that tanks for you, so mistakes hurt less. Warrior and Paladin are sturdy melee options, and Frost Mage is a strong ranged caster with built-in slows.

Don't overthink it. Every class is viable, characters are free to delete, and you'll unlock more slots to experiment. Pick whatever fantasy sounds fun and learn one or two buttons at a time.

How long does it take to reach max level?

A first-time player leveling through story quests usually reaches the current max level in roughly 60-100 hours of playtime, though it varies a lot by class, questing pace, and whether you use rested experience. There's no rush; the modern game funnels you through a single expansion so the path stays clear.

Once you hit max level, the real game opens up: dungeons, raids, PvP, professions, and reputation grinds.

What should I do first at level 10-20?

Keep questing along the main storyline, but start using the Dungeon Finder to queue for group content and learn your role (tank, healer, or damage). Pick up two professions if you enjoy crafting or gold-making. Set your hearthstone to a hub town, and read your spellbook so you understand what each ability does.

Talk to guild recruiters or join a beginner-friendly guild in chat. Playing with others is the fastest way to learn WoW's systems.

If you'd rather skip the grind and jump straight to the fun endgame, PewPewShop offers coaching and rent-a-pro help from vetted, long-standing human players who can guide you through leveling, your first dungeons, or gearing up, at your own pace and playing right alongside you.