INTRODUCTION
Whether you’ve always loved slaying dragons in your imagination or you’re just starting out your journey in the captivating sphere of online gaming, World of Warcraft (WoW) can offer you a thrilling adventure you will absolutely love to embark on. As one of the most successful and popular Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) in history, WoW has its unique charm and intrigue that only need a little getting used to. This comprehensive beginner-friendly guide will walk you through the basics, and before you know it, you’ll be fully immersed in the World of Warcraft!
WHAT IS WORLD OF WARCRAFT?
World of Warcraft is a compelling online game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It’s a part of the Warcraft fantasy universe, which started back in 1994. WoW emerged in 2004, presenting an open, interactable world where thousands of players could explore, fight, complete quests, and socialize.
In WoW, players create an avatar to represent themselves within the game, choosing a race (like troll, human, or orc) and a class (such as hunter, mage, or warrior). The diverse classes provide different gameplay experiences, from controlling the primal forces of nature as a Druid to hacking away at your enemies as a Warrior. You’ll be part of two main factions – the Alliance, the “noble” races, or the Horde, the world’s “outcasts and survivors.”
HOW TO GET STARTED IN WORLD OF WARCRAFT
1. Choose your server: Once you download and launch the game, you will be prompted to select a Realm or server. Each has a unique community, and some are specialized for Player versus Player (PvP), Player versus Environment (PvE), or Role-Playing (RP).
2. Create your character: Next, you’ll create your avatar, choosing their race, class, gender, and appearance.
3. Enter the World: With your character ready, you’ll start in your race’s “starting zone,” guided through the game’s basics via introductory quests.
4. Level Up: As you progress, killing monsters and completing quests, you’ll gain experience which allows your character to level up, enhancing abilities and unlocking new skills.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
For access to the World of Warcraft, you’ll need:
1. A PC or Mac with the necessary system requirements.
2. A stable internet connection.
3. The game client, which can be downloaded through Blizzard’s Battle.net platform.
4. An active subscription, which provides access to the main game and its many expansions except the latest release.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Enjoy the levelling process: WoW is about the journey, not the destination. Take your time to soak in the lore and sights.
2. Join a guild: Guilds are WoW’s version of groups/clubs where people make friends and tackle challenging game content.
3. Use the automated Looking for group (LFG) feature to find parties for dungeons.
4. Regularly visit class trainers in major cities to learn new skills.
5. When in doubt, use the in-game help menu or ask other players.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
1. WoWhead guide: A popular online encyclopedia covering everything WoW-related.
2. Official WoW forums: Great for asking questions and interacting with the community.
3. Wowpedia: Another wiki-style guide to the world of Warcraft.
4. TradeChat YouTube Channel: Contains numerous beginner guides and lore explanations.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. NPC (Non-Player Character): A computer-controlled character that provides quests or services.
2. DPS (Damage Per Second): The amount of damage a class or character can deal.
3. Healing: The act of restoring health to oneself or allies.
4. Tanking: The act of drawing attention from enemies so others can deal damage safely.
5. Aggro: Refers to monsters’ aggression levels; the player with the most aggro is targeted.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
After familiarising yourself with game basics, try out a dungeon or PvP battleground. You might also enjoy exploring the distant corners of WoW’s expansive world. As you become comfortable, consider sinking into the rich lore, taking up professions or trying out a different class. Remember, the World of Warcraft is a vast, exciting universe, and there’s no rush. Happy adventuring!
