WhatToBuy
Every World of Warcraft player knows the ritual: you get a new piece of gear, and then the real fight begins. You open the auction house, type in a dozen different item names, compare prices, and hope you are buying the right enchant or gem for your specialization. It is tedious, error-prone, and a massive time sink. WhatToBuy eliminates that entire process by turning your shopping list into a single-click experience. This addon takes the guesswork out of gearing, letting you focus on what matters: playing the game.
One Click from Recommendation to Purchase
The core promise of WhatToBuy is simple. You pick an enchant, gem, or consumable from a curated list, and the addon finds it at the auction house instantly. No more alt-tabbing to a browser guide, no more manual searches. The addon generates recommendations for any specialization of your class, with dedicated modes for Mythic+ and Raid content. This means whether you are pushing keys or progressing through a raid tier, your shopping list is tailored to the content you are actually running.
Organized by Slot and Category
WhatToBuy does not just throw a wall of text at you. Enchants are grouped by equipment slot, making it obvious what you need for your helm, cloak, rings, or weapon. Separate groups exist for gems and consumables, so you can quickly grab everything for a full re-gear session. If a section is not relevant to you, simply collapse it. The interface is compact and uses familiar WoW styling, so it feels like a native part of the game rather than a clunky third-party tool.
Detailed Tooltips and Bag Awareness
One of the most useful features is the item tooltip integration. Hover over any recommended item to see its stats and effects. The addon also displays popularity data and, crucially, the number of that item you already have in your bags. This prevents accidental duplicate purchases and helps you prioritize what you actually need to buy. The window remains open even when you leave the auction house, so you can plan your shopping list while out in the world.
Interface and Accessibility
Accessing WhatToBuy is flexible. You can click the dedicated minimap button, use the addon menu beside the minimap, or simply type /wtb to browse anywhere in the game. The minimap button is draggable, and its position is saved between sessions. The interface is available in both English and Russian, while item names always use your game client's language, ensuring you see exactly what you are looking for in the auction house.
Seamless Auction House Integration
When you are ready to buy, the process is fluid. At the auction house, a WhatToBuy button appears. Choose a category and click the Search button next to an item. The addon automatically uses Auctionator if it is installed and available; otherwise, it falls back to the default WoW search. You can also manually select the default search if you prefer. After the search populates, you finish the purchase exactly as you normally would. This hybrid approach ensures the addon works for everyone, regardless of their auction house preferences.
Switching Specializations on the Fly
Playing multiple specs? Click the specialization name at the top of the WhatToBuy window to shop for another spec. This only changes the shopping list, not your active specialization in-game. Each time you open the window, your active specialization is selected again by default, so you never have to worry about accidentally buying gear for the wrong spec. It is a thoughtful touch for players who frequently switch between tank, healer, and DPS roles.
Data Source and Compatibility
WhatToBuy uses bundled snapshots from Archon.gg for its recommendations. These are not live updates, but rather curated snapshots taken at specific points in time. The current snapshot is from August 29, 2026. This means the recommendations reflect the meta at that time, but availability and prices will always depend on your specific auction house server economy. The addon is designed to work across multiple versions of the game, including Retail, Classic, TBC, WotLK, Cataclysm, and MoP. This broad compatibility makes it a versatile tool for any player, no matter which version of World of Warcraft they call home.
Installation and Setup
If you are wondering how to install, the process is straightforward. You can download WhatToBuy from popular addon repositories and place the folder in your Interface/AddOns directory. For an even smoother experience, consider using the foxygame.net launcher, which offers a one-click install for WhatToBuy and automatically manages updates. The launcher's addon catalog ensures you always have the latest version compatible with your game client, removing the hassle of manual downloads.
Final Thoughts on WhatToBuy
WhatToBuy for World of Warcraft is a quality-of-life addon that delivers exactly what it promises. It streamlines the shopping process, provides solid recommendations based on your spec and content type, and integrates cleanly with the default auction house. The ability to see bag counts, collapse sections, and switch specs quickly makes it a superior choice over manual searching. While the snapshot-based data means you should verify the meta for your specific patch, the convenience factor is undeniable. For anyone tired of the auction house grind, this addon is a worthy addition to your UI.
Ultimately, the time saved by using WhatToBuy is significant. Instead of spending thirty minutes researching and searching for the perfect enchant, you can do it in under a minute. The addon respects your time and your gold, ensuring you buy the right items at the best available prices. Give it a try, and you will wonder how you ever managed without it.
--- **Update Sep 12, 2026:** Added 1 file for version 12.1.0, 12.0.7, 12.0.5, 12.0.1, 12.0.0.