How to play a WotLK 3.3.5a private server

Getting onto a Wrath of the Lich King private server takes about fifteen minutes and four steps: an account, a 3.3.5a client, one line of config, and a login. Here is the whole thing, with the errors that trip most people up.

1. 1. Create your realm account

   A private server does not use your Battle.net login. You register directly on the realm's site. On WoWClick you pick a username (3-16 letters or numbers) and a password of 6-16 characters — the 3.3.5a client refuses anything longer, and it ignores capitalisation.

   Create your WoWClick account →

2. 2. Get a 3.3.5a (build 12340) client

   Wrath of the Lich King servers only accept client build 12340. Modern retail or Classic clients will not connect. The WoWClick launcher downloads a clean 3.3.5a client and configures it, so you do not have to hunt for a torrent or patch anything by hand.

   Download the WoWClick launcher →

3. 3. Point the realmlist at the server

   The client decides which server to contact from a single line in Data/enUS/realmlist.wtf. It must read "set realmlist" followed by the realm address, with no other logon lines left in the file. Save it read-only if a patch keeps overwriting it. The launcher writes this for you.

4. 4. Log in, hit level 80, queue 1v1

   Run Wow.exe (not the launcher.exe that ships with the client), enter your account name and password, and create a character. On WoWClick you spawn at level 80 with a full PvP set, so there is no levelling or gear grind. Type .q1v1 in chat to join the solo arena queue and you are matched with the next player waiting.

Common problems

Why does it say the information is not valid?

That message means the account name or password was rejected. Passwords longer than 16 characters get truncated by the client, and the account must exist on this realm, not on another server. Re-register and keep the password short.

Why is my client stuck on connecting?

Almost always a realmlist problem: a stale logon line in realmlist.wtf, or the file being edited in the wrong locale folder. There is one realmlist.wtf per locale — edit the one matching your client language.

Do I need to keep the retail game installed?

No. A 3.3.5a install is completely separate and does not touch a retail or Classic installation.

Is playing on a private server free?

On WoWClick, yes — no donations, no shop, no pay-to-win. Other realms vary.