Is the WoW War Within 20th Anniversary Collector's Edition worth buying?

The WoW War Within 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition had its contents revealed by Blizzard recently, with the pre-orders now being available. It’s certainly not a cheap box, but it is to celebrate the 20th anniversary of World of Warcraft as well as the upcoming start of the Worldsoul Saga. However, it’s unnecessary for someone who wants to play the expansion later this year.

From how much the WoW War Within 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition costs and what it contains to other options you have at your disposal, we’ve got you covered. Also do bear in mind that this is the opinion of one writer, and your thoughts on the cost versus features may vary.

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WoW War Within 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition contents, explained

A visual representation of The War Within Collector's Edition (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

The WoW War Within Collector’s Edition is priced at $180 USD, and at this time, is not listed as a “limited edition” item. That said, they could run out at some point, so if it’s something you definitely want to purchase, that’s worth keeping in mind.

This expansion initiates the new WorldSoul Saga, and though you do not need this edition of the game to play, it's the most extravagant option. The bundle comes with the following physical and digital items:

• World of Warcraft: The War Within Epic Edition Game Key
• The War Within Hardcover Art Book
• Gryphon Rider Statue
• Collector’s Pin (Anduin, Alleria, Thrall)

Epic Edition Digital Game Content

• Enhanced Level 70 Character Boost
• Three Days Early Access
• 30 Days Game Time
• Algarian Stormrider Mount
• Stormrider’s Attire Transmog Set
• Deepdweller’s Earthen Hearthstone Effect
• Squally, the STorm Hatchling Pet
• Sandbox Storm Gryphon Toy
• 1,000 Trader’s Tender
• Beta Access to The War Within

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Is WoW War Within 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition worth it in 2024?

Just look at that intricate detail! (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

How you feel about the WoW War Within 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition also depends on how much you love World of Warcraft. It does come with all the digital collector’s edition items, so you get a fancy new mount, cosmetics, and a level boost if you have a character you’d rather focus on in the upcoming content, instead of your current main character. The cosmetics and Trader’s Tenders are all very nice, but if you just care about those, there is a better option.

When it comes to the physical items, the Gryphon Rider statue is really the part that stands out the most. It’s a dwarven commander with a stormhammer on a gryphon. The statue itself is 9.5 x 9 x 13 In, so it’s a significant size. I have always loved collector’s art books too, so that’s another positive.

At the end of the day, I think that when you combine the cost of the various items in this bundle—the Epic Edition is $90 USD on its own—if you’re a long-time fan and want to celebrate the rich history of World of Warcraft, the WoW War Within 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition is worth having.

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Considering purchasing Digital Heroic Edition/Epic Edition instead

Not everyone is hung up on the physical items, though. I know many World of Warcraft players who would love the WoW War Within Collector’s Edition but don’t really care about the stuff that comes in the box. They’re more interested in digital content.

There’s the Digital Heroic Edition ($69.99) and the Epic Edition ($89.99), which was listed above. The Heroic Edition is an option for people who don’t care so much about playing early, being in the beta, or any of that sort of thing. The Heroic Edition features the following:

• World of Warcraft: The War Within available at launch
• World of Warcraft: Dragonflight
• Enhanced Level 70 Character Boost
• 750x Trader’s Tender
• Algarian Stormrider mount
• Upgradeable Stormrider’s Attire transmog set

It’s also worth noting that the Algarian Stormrider mount has access to customization options that are unique to it, and access to special racecourses. If you want just the cosmetic stuff, this is your best bet. If you want early access, the Epic Edition would be the go-to purchase.

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World of Warcraft has more going on than just The War Within. Blizzard Entertainment recently revealed the coming of WoW Remix: Mists of Pandaria in the 10.2.7 patch.