How to Add Addons to Classic WoW

Addons in World of Warcraft are user-made programs that modify or expand your user interface. That can include display reworks, added notifications, and many other convenient features. Addons can help with many parts of the game, from providing guidance during boss fights to streamlining your trading operations. In WoW Classic, addons are arguably even more important than in the retail version, as they compensate for the outdated interface that is a major source of frustration for players. Installing addons can be a bit confusing, especially for the newcomers. This guide includes everything you need to know to start using addons today. Follow the link to Subscribe and receive 10% off promo code for all TBC Boosting services.

Addon Sources

While some addons have their own sites, most of them may be found on CurseForge, WoWInterface, or GitHub (or all three at once). Those repositories are the safest, most convenient options for acquiring addons. CurseForge and WoWInterface make it easy to search for known addons or browse the categories. Their search functions allow you to filter results by version, which is critical, as Shadowlands addons would do you little good in Classic. GitHub is less newcomer-friendly, but its transparently presented code and updates make it appealing for those wishing to tinker with addons or make their own. Whether you plan to install addons manually or not, all three sites are useful to know.

Installing and Updating Addons

If you wish to install an addon by hand, simply follow those steps:

1. Download the addon’s archive from any of the sites;
2. Unpack the archive, extracting all files to your AddOns folder, creating another folder inside it. For Classic Era, the destination is World of Warcraft/_classic_era_/Interface/Addons, while Burning Crusade Classic uses World of Warcraft/_classic_/Interface/Addons;
3. Launch the version of WoW you got the addon for. You will find the Addons button in the bottom left corner of the character select screen. If all went well, you should be able to activate it from there. Otherwise, you may need to reinstall the addon.

You will need to repeat this process with later versions to update the addon. The only difference is that you could do it while WoW is open. Updates are an important concern. While some addons may stay unchanged for years, others receive frequent improvements. Also, WoW Classic is not changeless. Tweaks like the effective removal of spell batching or the release of rebalanced content in the Season of Mastery require adjustments from many addons. You will need to update in a timely manner to keep them useful. CurseForge and WoWInterface let you set addons as favorites through your profile, which would help you notice and download new versions.

Addon managers help streamline noth installation and updates. You can use them to find, download, and set up addons from all connected addon repositories. Afterwards, all updates are handled automatically without you needing to pay attention. Managers are a tempting alternative to the manual method, especially if you are using many addons at once. The following are widely believed to be the best versions on the market, though they all have weaknesses as well as strengths:

• Overwolf: Simple to start using and integrated directly with CurseForge but missing the addons that are not on that site. Unless you start paying a subscription, you will have to deal with lots of ads;
• WowUp: Using a wider range of repositories and very lightweight. Only available on Windows and lacks some of the options of its competitors;
• Instawow: Harder to install, but connected to the widest possible range of repositories and provides greater control, especially over updates;
• Cursebreaker: Uses the command line interface, which may be a problem for those not used to it. Apart from that, runs very efficiently, uses the same sources as Instawow, and tracks script versions as well as addons themselves.

Best Addons to Get

There are hundreds of addons to choose from. Which ones are best depends on your needs and preferences. The following list is just some of the most popular examples that you should probably look into first if you wish to get into addons:

• Auctionator Classic would help you trade in the Auction House by providing price recommendations and automating item postings;
• Deadly Boss Mods is invaluable for dungeons and raids, giving real-time information regarding boss mechanics and saving you from having to memorize them;
• Details! Damage Meter Classic offers in-depth information about the effectiveness of your combat actions, helping you adjust your tactics on the fly;
• Questie adds the nearest possible equivalent of quest markers from the retail version;
• VendorPrice copies another retail feature by letting you know the approximate vendor price of various items you find without having to look it up or travel back and forth.