How to Start Playing Conquest of Azeroth
CoA is free to play since the July 3, 2026 launch — create an account, claim your Master Warchest and Vanity Sync rewards, and join the Vol'jin realm.
Free to Play at Launch
Conquest of Azeroth launched free to play on July 3, 2026. Unlike the beta period when access required shop bundles or keys, anyone can create a free Project Ascension account, install the launcher, select Conquest of Azeroth, and join the Vol'jin live realm immediately.
No subscription, no access key, and no shop purchase is required to play CoA. Optional Ascension shop items provide cosmetics, donor perks, and cross-mode benefits — they do not gate core gameplay or class access.
If you participated in the beta, your account carries over. Beta access flags are no longer required; all Ascension accounts can enter CoA at launch.
Launch Rewards: Master Warchest and Vanity Sync
Every player who joins Conquest of Azeroth receives the Master Warchest and Vanity Sync bundle for free. These rewards arrive on the first character you create and can be sent to any character on your account through the in-game mail or account interface.
The Master Warchest provides starter gear, consumables, and utility items to accelerate your early leveling journey. Vanity Sync unlocks transmog and cosmetic collection features so you can customize your new class identity from day one.
Create your first character on Vol'jin to claim these rewards. They are account-bound — alts you create later can receive the bundle if you have not already redeemed it on another character.
Creating Your Account
Visit ascension.gg and register a free Ascension account with email and password. Download the Ascension launcher, log in, select Conquest of Azeroth from the dropdown menu, and allow the client patch to complete.
At character select, choose Vol'jin as your realm. Pick one of twenty-one original classes — this choice is permanent per character. Read class pages on this wiki or use the Class Picker tool before committing.
Refer to our How to Connect guide for step-by-step launcher installation and troubleshooting if you encounter patch or login errors.
Optional Shop and Donor Perks
Project Ascension's web shop sells optional cosmetic bundles, donor points, and cross-mode perks. None of these are required to play Conquest of Azeroth. Shop purchases support server development and unlock vanity items, titles, and convenience features.
During beta, some players purchased alpha or beta bundles that included early access. Those purchases typically grant cosmetic rewards and launch access — verify your account dashboard for bundle contents tied to your purchase history.
Avoid third-party key sellers. Purchase only through ascension.gg or the in-game auction house for legitimate in-game items.
Inviting Friends
CoA is designed for a unified realm population on Vol'jin. Share the free launcher download link with friends — they need only a free Ascension account to join you. No invite codes or access keys are required at launch.
Guild recruitment, Discord communities, and in-game chat are the best ways to find groups for dungeons, raids, and PvP. The launch population on Vol'jin supports full endgame content from day one.
- Step 1: Create free account at ascension.gg.
- Step 2: Install launcher, select Conquest of Azeroth.
- Step 3: Join Vol'jin, create character, claim Master Warchest.
- Step 4: Pick a class, start questing in Expanded Azeroth.
Related in This Section
Core systems, class selection, and your first steps in CoA.
How to ConnectInstall the Ascension launcher, select CoA, and log in to Vol'jin.
Leveling GuideEfficient routes from level 1 through 60 in Expanded Azeroth.
Endgame GuideDungeons, raids, Mythic+, Manastorm, and gearing at max level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need beta access to play CoA now?
No. CoA launched free to play on July 3, 2026. Beta access keys and shop bundles are no longer required to enter the Vol'jin realm.
What are the Master Warchest and Vanity Sync rewards?
Free launch bundles every new player receives on their first character. Master Warchest includes starter gear and consumables; Vanity Sync unlocks cosmetic and transmog features. Both are account-wide and can be sent to any character.
Will I keep my beta characters?
Character retention policies were announced before launch. Check official Ascension Discord and news for wipe details. Launch characters on Vol'jin persist as the live realm population.
Is there a subscription fee?
No. Conquest of Azeroth is free to play. Optional shop purchases provide cosmetics and donor perks only.
Can I play CoA and classless on the same account?
Yes. One account, one launcher, one client. Switch between Conquest of Azeroth, classless, and other modes from the launcher dropdown. Characters remain on their respective realms.
Are third-party key sites safe?
No. CoA is free at launch — there is no need to buy access keys. Purchase cosmetics only through the official Ascension shop.