Gifting a World of Warcraft (WoW) subscription is more than just a digital present—it’s an invitation to adventure, community, and countless hours of immersive gameplay. Whether celebrating a birthday, holiday, or simply showing appreciation, giving someone access to Azeroth can be a meaningful gesture. But how exactly does it work? Can you really gift a full WoW subscription? What are the options available, and what pitfalls should you avoid? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about gifting WoW game time, from official methods to creative alternatives.
Understanding WoW Subscriptions and Game Time
World of Warcraft operates on a subscription model. To play beyond the free starter edition, players must maintain active game time. Traditionally, this is done through a recurring monthly payment via a credit card or other linked payment method. However, Blizzard Entertainment—the developer behind WoW—offers flexible ways to purchase and transfer game time, including options that function as gifts.
The key distinction lies in how “game time” is delivered. Unlike a standard subscription tied to one account, game time can be purchased as a redeemable product, making it possible to give to another player. These are often sold as “WoW Game Time” cards or digital codes, which can be applied to any eligible Battle.net account.
How Gifting Works: The Official Method
Blizzard allows users to gift WoW game time directly through its online store. You can buy specific durations—such as 30, 90, or 180 days—and send them via email or as a printable gift card. The process is straightforward:
- Log into your Battle.net account or visit the Blizzard Shop.
- Navigate to the \"Game Time\" section under World of Warcraft.
- Select the duration you’d like to gift.
- Choose whether to send it by email or generate a code.
- Complete the purchase using a supported payment method.
The recipient receives instructions to redeem the game time on their own WoW account. It's important to note that while you can gift game time, you cannot directly gift a full subscription plan unless it's structured as prepaid time.
Alternative Ways to Share Game Access
If direct gifting isn’t feasible due to regional restrictions, account limitations, or technical issues, several alternative approaches exist.
- Gift Cards with Blizzard Balance: Purchase a Blizzard Balance gift card from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart. The recipient can use the balance to buy game time or other in-game services.
- Shared Payment Methods: For trusted relationships (e.g., family), adding your payment method to their account temporarily allows you to cover subscription costs.
- Physical Game Time Cards: Available at select stores, these resemble gift cards and include a PIN for redemption on Battle.net.
Each method has trade-offs in convenience, speed, and control over usage.
Regional and Account Limitations
Not all regions support game time gifting. Some countries have restrictions based on licensing or financial regulations. Additionally, accounts must meet certain criteria:
- Must not be locked or suspended.
- Must have two-factor authentication enabled in some cases.
- May require phone verification before accepting gifted time.
Always check Blizzard’s regional availability page before making a purchase.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Digital Gift (via Blizzard) | Instant delivery, secure, personalized message option | Limited to supported regions, requires recipient email |
| Blizzard Balance Gift Card | Flexible use across games, widely available | Recipient might spend on non-WoW items |
| Physical Game Time Card | Tangible gift, no personal info needed | Requires retail access, risk of lost PIN |
| Shared Payment Method | Full control over renewal, automatic billing | Privacy concerns, potential misuse |
Real Example: Helping a Friend Stay in Azeroth
Sarah wanted her best friend Mark to rejoin her in WoW after he had stopped playing due to financial constraints. She didn’t want to handle his account directly but still wished to support him. After researching options, she purchased a 90-day game time gift through the Blizzard Store, entering Mark’s Battle.net email address. Within minutes, he received a festive email with a redemption link and a personal note from Sarah. Mark was able to restore his subscription instantly and rejoined her raid group the same weekend. The gesture strengthened their friendship and revitalized his interest in the game.
“Gifting game time isn’t just about paying a fee—it’s about opening a door to shared experiences.” — Lena Park, Community Manager at Blizzard Entertainment
Step-by-Step Guide to Gifting WoW Game Time
Follow this timeline to ensure a smooth gifting experience:
- Week Before (Planning): Confirm the recipient plays WoW and needs game time. Ask discreetly if unsure.
- Day of Purchase: Log into the Blizzard Shop or visit a retailer for a physical card.
- Select Duration: Choose 30, 90, or 180 days based on budget and intent.
- Delivery Method: Enter the recipient’s email for digital gifts or keep the code secure for in-person delivery.
- Send with Message: Add a personal note explaining the gift and how to redeem it.
- Follow Up: Check in after delivery to confirm successful redemption and celebrate together in-game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I gift a WoW subscription to someone in another country?
Yes, but only if both your region and the recipient’s region support cross-regional gifting. Not all countries allow this due to licensing agreements. Always verify compatibility on the Blizzard website before purchasing.
Does gifted game time auto-renew?
No. Gifted time adds to the recipient’s existing balance but does not set up automatic renewal. They will need to purchase additional time or enable auto-renew manually when it runs out.
What happens if the recipient already has active game time?
The gifted time stacks. For example, if they have 15 days left and receive a 30-day gift, their total becomes 45 days. There’s no expiration on unused time beyond the standard 180-day cap in some regions.
Checklist: Gifting WoW Game Time Successfully
- ✅ Confirm recipient plays or wants to play WoW
- ✅ Verify their Battle.net email address is correct
- ✅ Check regional eligibility for gifting
- ✅ Choose between digital, physical, or balance-based gift
- ✅ Select appropriate duration (30/90/180 days)
- ✅ Include a personal message if sending digitally
- ✅ Follow up to ensure redemption and celebrate in-game
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Login
Gifting WoW game time transcends transactional value. It reconnects old friends, supports new journeys, and fosters belonging within one of gaming’s most enduring communities. With the right approach, your gift doesn’t just extend a subscription—it reignites passion, enables exploration, and strengthens bonds forged in epic battles and quiet tavern conversations.








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