WoW Private Server Clients - Download Guides for Every Expansion

WoW Client Downloads for Private Servers

To play on a World of Warcraft private server, you need the correct game client for the expansion that server runs. Each expansion uses a specific patch version, and your client must match the server's version exactly. This guide provides an overview of client downloads for every major WoW expansion used in the private server community.

Understanding WoW Client Versions

Unlike retail WoW, where Blizzard automatically updates your client, private servers run on fixed patch versions. The most common versions are:

• Vanilla: 1.12.1 (Patch 1.12 — Drums of War)
• The Burning Crusade: 2.4.3 (Patch 2.4 — Fury of the Sunwell)
• Wrath of the Lich King: 3.3.5a (Patch 3.3 — Fall of the Lich King)
• Cataclysm: 4.3.4 (Patch 4.3 — Hour of Twilight)
• Mists of Pandaria: 5.4.8 (Patch 5.4 — Siege of Orgrimmar)
• Legion: 7.3.5 (Patch 7.3 — Shadows of Argus)
• Battle for Azeroth: 8.3.x (Patch 8.3 — Visions of N'Zoth)
• Shadowlands: 9.0.x or 9.2.x (varies by server)

Client Download Guides by Expansion

Vanilla WoW 1.12.1 Client

The classic World of Warcraft experience. The Vanilla client is small (around 5 GB) and runs on virtually any modern hardware. This is the version used by Vanilla private servers for the original 2004-2006 content including Molten Core, Blackwing Lair, and Naxxramas. Download the Vanilla 1.12.1 Client →

TBC 2.4.3 Client

The Burning Crusade added Outland, flying mounts, and iconic raids like Karazhan and Black Temple. The 2.4.3 client is roughly 7-8 GB and remains well-supported across the private server scene. Download the TBC 2.4.3 Client →

WotLK 3.3.5a Client

The most popular client in the private server community. Wrath of the Lich King's 3.3.5a version includes all content through Icecrown Citadel and the Ruby Sanctum. The client is approximately 15 GB. Download the WotLK 3.3.5a Client →

Cataclysm 4.3.4 Client

Cataclysm reshaped the old world and introduced new zones, dungeons, and raids including Firelands and Dragon Soul. The client is around 20 GB. Download the Cataclysm 4.3.4 Client →

MoP 5.4.8 Client

Mists of Pandaria brought the Monk class, pet battles, and the continent of Pandaria. The 5.4.8 client is roughly 25 GB and is needed for MoP private servers. Download the MoP 5.4.8 Client →

Legion 7.3.5 Client

Legion introduced the Demon Hunter class, artifact weapons, and the Broken Isles. The 7.3.5 client is around 45 GB and is used by Legion private servers. Download the Legion 7.3.5 Client →

BFA Client

Battle for Azeroth expanded with Kul Tiras, Zandalar, and Azerite armor systems. BFA clients are large (50+ GB) and used by a smaller number of private servers. Download the BFA Client →

Shadowlands Client

The latest expansion available on private servers. Shadowlands clients are 60+ GB and connect to servers running covenant content, Torghast, and Castle Nathria. Download the Shadowlands Client →

How to Set Up Your Client

Once you have downloaded the correct client for your chosen expansion:

1. Extract the files to a location with enough storage space
2. Find the realmlist file. This is typically located at Data/enUS/realmlist.wtf (for enUS clients) or in the WTF folder
3. Edit the realmlist to point to your server's address. The server's website will provide the exact realmlist address to use
4. Launch WoW.exe (not the Launcher) and log in with your server account credentials

Common Issues

• Version mismatch: If you see a "wrong version" error, your client patch does not match the server. Download the exact version the server requires.
• Realmlist not working: Double-check the realmlist address. Some servers use set realmlist while others use just the address.
• Client crashes on launch: Delete the Cache and WTF folders, then try again. Also ensure you are running WoW.exe, not the Battle.net Launcher.
• Addon errors: Make sure your addons match the expansion version of your client.

Enhance Your Experience

Once connected to a private server, enhance your gameplay with addons. Browse our WoW addon listings to find the best addons for your expansion. You can also explore all private server listings to find the right server for your playstyle.