INTRODUCTION
MMO games, or massively multiplayer online games, have been a crucial part of the PC gaming landscape for years, and at their heart is one titan among giants: World of Warcraft. Whether you’ve dabbled in them before or are diving in for the first time, World of Warcraft is an amazing, immersive, and often complex game that can seem overwhelming at first glance. Don’t worry, this beginner-friendly guide is here to break it down for you.
WHAT IS WORLD OF WARCRAFT?
World of Warcraft (commonly referred to as WoW) is a fantasy-themed, massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) created and published by Blizzard Entertainment. It was launched in November 2004, as a continuation of Blizzard’s Warcraft series of real-time strategy games.
Within the game, players create their own characters and take on the role of an adventurer in a vast and diverse virtual world full of quests, dungeons, and player-versus-player (PvP) combat. As players complete different tasks and challenges, the characters gain experience and level up, allowing them to learn new abilities and skills.
HOW IT WORKS/HOW TO GET STARTED
Getting started with World of Warcraft involves a few crucial steps. First, you need to sign up for a Blizzard account and download the game client from the official WoW website. Once the game is installed, you can log in with your Blizzard account credentials.
Next, you’ll create your character. You get to choose from several different character races that belong to the two main factions: Alliance and Horde. Each race has its own unique abilities and traits, which can give you different advantages in the game.
Once your character is created, you then choose a class. Classes determine what role you will play in a group setting, like a tank (who absorbs damage), a healer (who restores health), or a damage dealer.
Then it’s time to start exploring. The game begins with a tutorial, helping you understand the mechanics of the game, combat systems, how to complete quests, and so on.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To run WoW adequately, you’ll need a halfway decent computer with at least the minimum specifications laid out by Blizzard. You’ll also need a stable internet connection. While the game can theoretically run on Wi-Fi, for the best experience, a wired connection is highly recommended.
You also need to purchase the game. World of Warcraft currently operates on a subscription model. There’s an initial purchase for the game and then a monthly fee to keep playing. You can also buy expansions, which offer new regions to explore, new classes to play, and new stories to follow.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Try Different Classes: Feel free to experiment and try multiple classes until you find the perfect fit.
2. Use the Game Chat: The in-game community can be an amazing resource. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice.
3. Don’t Rush: WoW is a huge game with new expansions adding more areas and quests. Take your time to enjoy the process of exploring and leveling.
4. Join a Guild: Joining a guild can be a great way to make friends and find groups for dungeon runs and raids.
5. Learn about your Role: Understanding your class role (tank, healer, damage dealer) is important, especially for group content.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Several online resources come highly recommended for WoW newcomers. These include WoWhead (for general guidance and walkthroughs), Icy Veins (for class guides), and the World of Warcraft Reddit community (for general questions). There are also numerous YouTube channels, such as Hazelnutty Games and BellularGaming, where beginner-friendly guides and game updates are regularly posted.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. NPC: Non-player character controlled by the game.
2. PvP: Player versus Player combat.
3. PvE: Player versus environment.
4. DPS: Damage per second. Refers to classes whose primary role is to deal damage.
5. Aggro: The focus of an enemy NPC. If you’ve ‘got aggro’, the enemy is focusing on you.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the basics of World of Warcraft, the rest is up to you! The world (of Warcraft) is your oyster—go out and explore. Maybe challenge yourself by joining a raid or participate in a PvP battleground. With every quest you complete, monster you defeat, or territory you explore, you’ll be gaining experience, improving your skills, and most importantly, having fun. Welcome to Azeroth, let your adventure begin!
