If you think that the Alliance leader is still Terenas Menethil, and the phrase “LEEEEROOOY JEEENKIIIINS!!!” doesn’t make you smile, then it’s one or the other. You’re either thinking about returning to the vastness of Azeroth or just about to take your first steps in its conquest. This aspiration is commendable, so take this guide beginners and not really that will help you not to deviate from the path beaten by other players and not get confused in all the vicissitudes of character leveling.
Creating account
Before going on a journey, you need to make sure you’ve got all you need. If you’ve already purchased other Blizzard games (Diablo III, Hearthstone, Overwatch, Starcraft II, and Heroes of the Storm), feel free to move on to the next step. If you have never had a Blizzard account, you can create one on the official website.
Creating your account, Blizzard will ask you to come up with your BattleTag. The BattleTag is a virtual name that exists within Blizzard games to hide your real name from others. For example, in Overgear#1337 “Overgear” is a BattleTag, and “1337” is a unique digital number that the website randomly generates upon your registration.
Installing WoW
To install the game you need the Blizzard launcher. After installing the launcher, go to your account and start downloading the game itself.
The interesting thing about Blizzard games is that you don’t have to wait until the download is complete. During the download, you can already launch the game and start exploring a new world.
Character Creation
Realm Choice
You have finally launched the game and see the main screen. But there’s no character yet. What do you do next? Before you create a character, choose a Realm you will play in.
Realm is the World or server where you will level up your character. Even though interaction between characters from different Worlds is possible, for a greater immersion in the atmosphere of the game it is better to choose the most densely populated ones. For the Horde EU players they are: Draenor, Kazzak, Twisting Nether. For the Horde US players they are: Area 52, Illidan, Thrall. For the Alliance EU players they are: Silvermoon, Ravencrest, Antonidas. For the Alliance US players they are: Stormrage, Sargeras, Proudmoore. If someone you know is already playing the WoW or you are just going to start a journey with someone you know, then choose the same server.
To find the servers you need more easily and quickly, sort them by population. Do not pay attention to the line “full” in front of the desired server. This only means that some locations and interface items will load a few seconds longer than usual.
Faction
To select a faction is one of the most important decisions in character creation. There are only two factions in the game: Alliance and Horde. Each of the factions has its own storyline, unique locations to level up your character, and the players from different factions practically don’t cross paths during peacetime.
Alliance
Alliance is a union of mortal races in Azeroth. They are driven by deep commitment to their people, nobility and honor. The Alliance began to arise during the Second War when the Seven Kingdoms decided to join forces under the military leadership of Anduin Lothar against the invasion of the Horde. During the war, Humans, Dwarves, Night Elves, Gnomes, Draenei, Worgen and Pandaren all marched with the Alliance. King Anduin Wrynn is now ruling these nations.
Horde
A coalition of disparate races bound by desperation and necessity. The Horde values strength, stands for freedom and does not hesitate to commit aggression. Technically, the Horde’s leader is Thrall, but in fact this faction is extremely freedom-loving, so there is no clear hierarchy of power. Decisions are made by the strongest one at the moment. The Horde includes Orcs, Undead, Tauren, Trolls, Blood Elves, Goblins, and Pandaren (yes, Pandaren fight on two fronts).
Races
Each race has its own background, storylines and a set of unique abilities and bonuses. Creating a character, you should pay special attention to them, especially bonuses.
Human
The founders of the Alliance consider the eastern lands of Azeroth to be their homeland. Despite the fact that many of them are prone to lust for power, fanaticism and cruelty, most of them are victims of circumstances who are forced to defend against the endless attacks of Orcs and Undead.
- The Human Spirit (You gain 2% more of all secondary stats (Haste, Critical Strike, Mastery, Versatility) from all sources.)
- Every Man for Himself (Removes all stun effects. This effect shares a 90 sec cooldown with other similar effects.)
- Diplomacy ( Reputation gains increased by 10%.)
Dwarf
One of the most ancient races of Azeroth, descendants of Titans. Skilled blacksmiths and warriors, they live mainly in the mountains, where they founded their capital – Ironforge.
- Explorer (You find additional fragments when looting archaeological finds and you can survey faster than normal archaeologists.)
- Stoneform (Removes all poison, disease, curse, magic, and bleed effects and reduces all physical damage taken by 10% for 8 sec)
- Might of the Mountain ( Critical strike bonus damage and healing increased by 2%)
- Frost Resistance ( Reduces Frost damage taken by 1%)
Night Elf
Used to be an immortal nation (before the destruction of the World Tree). Before the coming of the Burning Legion, they led a quiet life of hermits and had little contact with humans. Mainly skilled in druidry and military craft.
- Nature Resistance (Reduces Nature damage taken by 1%)
- Wisp Spirit (Transform into a wisp upon death, increasing speed by 75%)
- Quickness (Increases your chance to dodge melee and ranged attacks by 2%, and your movement speed by 2%)
- Shadowmeld (Activate to slip into the shadows, reducing the chance for enemies to detect your presence. Lasts until cancelled or upon moving. Any threat is restored versus enemies still in combat upon cancellation of this effect)
- Touch of Elune (Increases your Haste by 1% during the night.Increases your Critical Strike by 1% during the day)
Gnome
A shout-out to cyberpunk from the universe of WoW. Gnomes are brilliant and eccentric inventors obsessed with technology. Their motto “do first, think next” led to a nuclear disaster in their capital, Gnomeregan. This tragedy claimed thousands of lives, but the gnomes don’t get down and keep taking risks inventing.
- Arcane Resistance (Reduces Arcane damage taken by 1%)
- Engineering Specialization (Engineering skill increased by 15)
- Escape Artist (Escape the effects of any immobilization or movement speed reduction effect)
- Expansive Mind (Maximum resource increased by 5%)
- Nimble Fingers (Haste increased by 1%)
Draenei
The native race of Kil’jaeden and Archimonde, after whose betrayal they were forced to leave their homeworld. After many years of wandering, they founded a settlement in a new world – Draenor. Draenei are distinguished by immense magical potential, wisdom, and longevity.
- Gift of the Naaru (Heals the target for 20% of the caster’s total health over 5 sec)
- Gemcutting (Jewelcrafting skill increased by 10)
- Heroic Presence (Increases your Strength, Agility, and Intellect by 425. Scales with level).
- Shadow Resistance (Reduces Shadow damage taken by 1%)
Worgen
A race of werewolves who retained their mind. They were once druids of night elves.
- Aberration (Reduces Shadow and Nature damage taken by 1%)
- Altered Form (Enables Worgens to switch between human and Worgan forms)
- Darkflight (Activates your true form, increasing current movement speed by an additional 40% for 10 sec)
- Flayer (Skinning skill increased by 15 and allows you to skin faster)
- Running Wild (Drop to all fours to run as fast as a wild animal)
- Two Forms (Turn into your currently inactive form)
- Viciousness (Increases critical strike chance by 1%)
Orc
The largest race of Azeroth that came to this world from Draenor. For a long time, they were under the pernicious influence of the Burning Legion. Currently, they have completely freed themselves from the demonic Fel and returned to their shamanic roots.
- Blood Fury (Increases melee and ranged attack power for 15 seconds)
- Hardiness (Duration of Stun effects reduced by an additional 20%)
- Command (Damage dealt by pets increased by 1%)
Undead
The revived dead who used to be people, orcs, taurens, etc. during their lifetime. They support the evil and are against the good and everyone alive. They coexist with the Horde because the representatives of the Alliance serve the Light which is a solid reason for the Undead to destroy them. In general, motivation of the Undead often changes and depends directly on their leader who changes quite often as well.
- Cannibalize (When activated, regenerates 7% of total health and mana every 2 sec for 10 sec. Only works on Humanoid or Undead corpses within 5 yds. Any movement, action, or damage taken while Cannibalizing will cancel the effect)
- Shadow Resistance (Reduces Shadow damage taken by 1%)
- Touch of the Grave (Your attacks and damaging spells have a chance to drain the target, dealing 1932 to 2244 Shadow damage and healing you for the same amount)
- Will of the Forsaken (Removes any Charm, Fear and Sleep effect. This effect shares a 30 sec cooldown with other similar effects. Additionally, you can breathe underwater indefinitely)
Tauren
A bull-like, peaceful race leading a nomadic lifestyle. They inhabit the central regions of Kalimdor. Just like orcs, they are extremely freedom-loving and therefore don’t have centralized control and are divided in clans, the most influential of which is the Bloodhoof clan.
- Brawn (Critical strike bonus damage and healing increased by 2%)
- Cultivation (Herbalism skill increased by 15 and you gather herbs faster than normal herbalists)
- Endurance (Increases your Stamina by 197. Scales with level
- Nature Resistance (Reduces Nature damage taken by 1%)
- War Stomp (Stuns up to 5 enemies within 8 yds for 2 sec)
Troll
Trolls are considered the ancestors of night elves. As well as elves, they are excellent druids and hunters. But unlike their descendants, they are distinguished by extreme bloodthirstiness and cruelty. Trolls honor their ancient traditions of cannibalism and voodoo.
- Regeneration (Health regeneration rate increased by 10%. 10% of total Health regeneration may continue during combat)
- Beast Slaying (Experience gains from killing Beasts increased by 20%)
- Berserking (Increases your haste by 15% for 10 sec)
- Da Voodoo Shuffle (Reduces the duration of all movement impairing effects by 20%)
Blood Elf
Descendants of night elves who have undergone change due to arcane magic and transition to a daytime lifestyle. They are addicts of the WoW universe which manifests itself in their dependence on magic.
- Arcane Torrent (Remove 1 beneficial effect from all enemies within 8 yards and restore 3% of your Mana, 15 Energy, Rage, Focus, 1 Holy Power, 1 Chi, or 20 Runic Power)
- Arcane Acuity (Increases critical strike chance by 1%)
- Arcane Affinity (Enchanting skill increased by 10)
- Arcane Resistance (Reduces Arcane damage taken by 1%)
Goblin
Masters of engineering and alchemy who live off trade and have a similar temperament with dwarves.
- Time is Money (Cash in on a 1% increase to haste)
- Best Deals Anywhere (Always receive the best possible gold discount, regardless of faction)
- Better Living Through Chemistry (Alchemy skill increased by 15)
- Pack Hobgoblin (Calls in your friend, Gobber, allowing you bank access for 1 min)
- Rocket Barrage (Launches your belt rockets at an enemy, dealing (1 + Level * 2) fire damage)
- Rocket Jump (Activates your rocket belt to jump forward. Other effects which slow the rate of falling cannot be used within 10 sec after using this ability)
Pandaren
Peaceful humanoid pandas. Despite their cute appearance, they are extremely agile and strong. They value honor, discipline and friendship above all. No idea what they have to do with war – their existence is merely aleatory.
- Bouncy (You take half falling damage)
- Epicurean (Your love of food allows you to receive 100% more of the stats from Well Fed effects)
- Gourmand (Your Cooking skill is increased by 15)
- Inner Peace (You earn twice as much rested experience)
- Quaking Palm (Strikes the target with lightning speed, incapacitating them for 4 sec, and turns off your attack)
Apart from the main classes, additional allied races will be available in the Shadowlands expansion without any required unlocks. For the Alliance, these are Void Elves, Lightforged Draenei, Dark Iron Dwarf, Kul Tiran, Mechagnom. The Horde will join Nightborne race, Highmountain Tauren, Mach’gar Orcs, Zandalari Trolls and Vulpers.
Class
I advise you not to pay attention to the meta choosing a character class. Rather focus on your preferences because until you get to the high-level content where it really matters what character you’ve got, you will have to level up, and this process is much more pleasant in a class that is interesting for you.
Warrior
Bloodthirsty warriors, weapons masters. Depending on the specialization (there’re three: Arms, Protection, Fury stance) they can perform different roles in battles. Warrior is the only class that can hold two two-handed weapons. To perform special attacks, warrior uses a special resource generated during the battle – rage. No prizes for guessing that the main warrior’s attribute is strength and he can arm himself with his favorite weapons besides wands, idols, totems and manuscripts.
Any race can become a warrior.
Paladin
A polymorphic class, capable of performing several roles at once. Paladins can heal if you choose the “Holy” specialization, tank – if you take the “Protection” branch and inflict damage – in case of “Retribution”. Thanks to their Blessing of Protection and Hammer of Justice, paladins can increase the characteristics of allies. They use mana as a resource for spells, wear plate armor, and arm themselves with one-handed / two-handed axes, swords, blunt weapons and a shield.
Races that can be Paladin:
Alliance:
Draenei, Dark Iron Dwarf, Dwarf, Human, Lightforged Draenei
Horde:
Blood Elf, Tauren, Zandalari Troll
Hunter
Hunters specialize in damage and redirecting threats to tanks. They use bullets and arrows to inflict damage. They can tame animals and have a large arsenal of traps. Also, they wear armor, use focus as a resource for abilities. In battle, they use bows, crossbows, daggers, fist weapons, guns, staves, one-handed / two-handed axes, swords, polearms.
The same as for warrior, any race can become a hunter.
Rogue
Cheaters of the world of Azeroth have no equals in close combat. Abundance of their poisons are the envy of any tauren botanist. Using their cunning techniques, they can become invisible in plain sight, blindside an enemy, and their injections leave no chance of survival. Unfortunately, rogues are unable to take a punch as they wear leather or cloth equipment. They have three specializations: Assassination, Outlaw and Subtlety. Rogues usually use daggers, but can also use bows, crossbow, rifle, one-handed swords or axes and fist weapon.
Races that can be Rogues:
Alliance:
Dwarf, Dark Iron Dwarf, Gnome, Human, Kul Tiran, Night Elf, Pandaren, Void Elf, Worgen, Mechagnome
Horde:
Blood Elf, Goblin, Mag’har Orc, Nightborne, Orc, Pandaren, Troll, Undead, Zandalari Troll, Vulpera
Priest
An important member of any group, capable of supporting the vitality of companions or inflicting massive damage from shadow magic to opponents. Among other things, priests are able to bring fallen allies back to life, remove negative effects from them, and impose good ones. Priests choose one of three branches of development: Discipline, Holy, Shadow. As a spells resource, they use mana or Insanity, depending on specialization. In battle, in addition to magic, priests use staves, wands, daggers, one-handed blunt weapons.
Races that can be Priests:
Alliance:
Draenei, Dark Iron Dwarf, Dwarf, Gnome, Human, Kul Tiran, Lightforged Draenei, Night Elf, Pandaren, Void Elf, Worgen, Mechagnome
Horde:
Blood Elf, Goblin, Mag’har Orc, Nightborne, Pandaren, Tauren, Troll, Undead, Zandalari Troll, Vulpera
Shaman
Conductors of the elemental magic in the world of Azeroth. Using the basic elements – water, earth, fire and air – they are able to heal and strengthen their allies, improve their resistance, and inflict damage. In battle, they often call in totems and elementals for help. Shamans have three specializations: Elemental, Enhancement, and Restoration. Regardless of the chosen leveling path, shaman uses mail armor and mana. In combat, they use daggers, fist weapons, staff, one-handed / two-handed ax, blunt weapons, and a shield.
Races that can be Shamans:
Alliance:
Draenei, Dark Iron Dwarf, Dwarf, Kul Tiran, Pandaren
Horde:
Goblin, Highmountain Tauren, Mag’har Orc, Orc, Pandaren, Tauren, Troll, Zandalari Troll, Vulpera
Mage
Skilled adepts of magical arts, the only ones who can create food and water from the air and create portals between locations. In battle, they specialize in inflicting colossal damage, controlling and supporting the entire group with defensive charms. Regarding equipment, they wear cloth armor, arm themselves with a dagger, one-handed sword, staff or wand. And in the specialization they have branches for the study of Arcane Magic, Fire and Frost.
Races that can be Mages:
Alliance:
Draenei, Dark Iron Dwarf, Dwarf, Gnome, Human, Kul Tiran, Lightforged Draenei, Night Elf, Pandaren, Void Elf, Worgen, Mechagnome
Horde:
Blood Elf, Goblin, Mag’har Orc, Nightborne, Orc, Pandaren, Troll, Undead, Zandalari Troll, Vulpera
Warlock
Former wizards and shamans who practice arcane magic. In the pursuit of power, warlocks renounced past knowledge in order to get new one. This knowledge became their specialization: Affliction, Demonology, Destruction. Their magic fueled by the power of the Fel is destructive and cruel, and in the number of “dirty” tricks they are second to only Rogues. For spells, they use mana, wear cloth armor, and arm themselves in the same way as magicians: a dagger, staff, wand and one-handed sword.
Races that can be Warlocks:
Alliance:
Dark Iron Dwarf, Dwarf, Gnome, Human, Void Elf, Worgen, Mechagnome
Horde:
Blood Elf, Goblin, Nightborne, Orc, Troll, Undead, Vulpera
Monk
Monk, like Paladin, is a hybrid class that can perform different roles depending on the specialization: Brewmaster – tank, Mistweaver – healer, Windwalker – melee. Brewmaster and Windwalker use energy as a resource, Mistweaver uses mana. Also, all types of monks use a special resource – Chi energy – and wear one type of armor – leather. In battle, they use blunt and polearms, one-handed axes, swords, and staves.
Races that can be Monks:
Alliance:
Draenei, Dark Iron Dwarf, Dwarf, Gnome, Human, Kul Tiran, Night Elf, Pandaren, Void Elf, Mechagnome
Horde:
Blood Elf, Highmountain Tauren, Mag’har Orc, Nightborne, Orc, Tauren, Pandaren, Troll, Undead, Zandalari Troll, Vulpera
Druid
The main werewolves of the game world, capable of taking form of numerous animals. Druids are the only class with 4 specializations, and each of those requires mana and an additional resource: Balance (astral power), Feral (Energy and Series of techniques, similar to a rouge), Guardian (Fury, similar to warrior) and Restoration (requires only mana). All 4 specializations wear leather armor and change their main characteristics depending on the specialization. In battle, along with claws, they use daggers, fist weapons, staves, polearms and one-handed / two-handed blunt weapons.
Races that can be Druids:
Alliance:
Kul Tiran, Night Elf, Worgen
Horde:
Highmountain Tauren, Tauren, Troll, Zandalari Troll
Demon hunter
Followers of Illidan, determined to use the power of the Fel for whatever they think is good. Feeding on the souls of defeated demons, Demon Hunters pursue one single goal – to destroy the Burning Legion. They have only two specializations: Vengeance (tank) and Havoc (dealing damage, the main resource is fury). Demon hunters wear leather armor, and are armed with twin blades, but can also use daggers, fist weapons, one-handed swords, and axes.
Only Night Elves and Blood Elves can become a Demon Hunter, and they start the game immediately from level 98. In Shadowlands they will start at level 10.
Death Knight
Death Knight is the common name for several orders of necromancers. They use a unique rune-based magic system. There are three types of runes, according to the name of their specialization: Blood, Frost, Unholy. Like soldiers, they perform two roles – one of a tank and one of a fighter. Death Knights wear plate armor, wield one-handed / two-handed sword, ax, bludgeoning, and polearms.
All Races Can Be Death Knights if you preorder the Shadowlands. DKs start at level 55, but in Shadowlands their journey begins at level 10.
Character Customization
In Shadowlands, the game offers a wide range of options for character customization, up to the choice of leaves at Night Elves haircuts, scars, different eyes color, and else.
Here you can also choose a name to refer to your character. It has to be adequate and unique for your server.
Gameplay
When you first enter the world, you will be asked to watch a short video about your race. As soon as the video ends and you can play as the character, various hints will pop up as the game progresses. But if you missed everything, then in a nutshell…
Camera and Moving
The character is always in the center of the screen. To zoom in or out, use the mouse wheel. USE WASD keys to move. In order to rotate the camera without walking back, hold down the LMB and turn the mouse in the direction you want to look in. You will have to run a lot during the game, so in order not to train your fingers, use auto-run (Num Lock by default).
Combat
Before you engage someone, pay attention to their level. If their level number is red or there’s a skull, try to avoid this collision. If the level number is yellow, you can try your luck. If it’s white – the enemy is within your powers.
To aim at the enemy, click on him with the mouse. When the target is highlighted, you can use a spell on it or attack using hotkeys (by default they are 123456789).
After the death of the enemy, there’s their body left. You can frisk it for some valuable resources.
Questing
You’ve probably already noticed some characters with an exclamation mark over their heads. These are tasks for completion of which you will receive experience, gold and, perhaps, items.
- To take the task, talk to the character, listen to what needs to be done and press “accept”.
- Use the minimap (M) to track the task and understand where you need to go to complete it.
- Don’t confuse a yellow exclamation mark with a green one.
- Green sign means fast movement between locations. Not as fast as through a portal though, but better than on foot.
- After successful completion of the task, the exclamation mark will change to a question mark – this is the NPS you must hand over your task to (the one who gives you the task and the one who accepts it is not always the same NPS)
Leveling
As you complete the assignments, you will grow your level. Don’t get ahead of yourself and complete tasks corresponding to your level. The experience bar is at the bottom of the interface – here you can track your progress.
If you leveling together your experience from killing will divide equally. For the quests you will get full experience both.
Equipment
Equipment is an important element of the game – the better you are dressed, the easier you can accomplish your tasks and skirmishes with enemies. As you progress through the tasks, you will collect enough equipment to feel comfortable. Press B – it will open your inventory. Put on the equipment that suits you, pay attention to the characteristics that it gives you, choose the best. Press C to view your character summary.
Stats
There are only four primary characteristics: strength, agility, intelligence and stamina. Each class or even spec has its own main characteristic, which needs to be emphasized most.
- Strength increases melee fight power for plate classes and parry chance for tanks.
- Agility increases melee and ranged attack power (for Rogues, Hunters, Demon Hunters, Enhancement Shamans, Feral and Guardian Druids). It also increases dodge chance of Vengeance Demon Hunters and Guardian Druids.
- Intelligence increases the spell power of all classes and specs which uses intelligence as a main attribute.
- Stamina increases your maximum health.
Professions
Professions are additional activities that can be done in parallel with the character leveling. Each profession is useful, so choose the one that you like the most. Professions are divided into primary and secondary. The main ones can be studied only two at once, secondary ones – all at once.
Primary professions:
- Alchemy
- Enchanting
- Blacksmithing
- Leatherworking
- Engineering
- Jewelcrafting
- Inscription
- Herbalism
- Mining
- Skinning
Secondary:
Interaction with players
An important component of any MMO game is live communication, making friends and spending time together. To find companions in the game there is a chat and guilds.
Chatting
There are several main channels in the game. /1 The main channel where players communicate and exchange information. /2 Trade channel, where you can exchange items. To offer your item in the chat, open the chat, then the inventory and, holding the shift key, click on the item from the inventory, then press Enter, and the message with your item will go to the chat.
In addition, chat has many different functions, e.g.: “whisper” if you do not want someone to hear your conversation, “roar”, “dance”, etc. To see all commands, write in the chat: “/help” or click on the dialogue bubble next to the chat.
Guilds
The guild facilitates the process of leveling up the character, allows you to participate in the political life of the server, accumulate common resources and defend your territories. Guilds are designed to provide communication between players and establish their interaction.
To get into a guild, you can create your own or join an existing one. Each guild has its own requirements for joining. If you meet them, you will be accepted. There are guilds for beginners who meet minimum requirements, this is a great start to mastering the political sphere of the WoW.
Each guild has its own attributes and emblem. Guild raids are massive battles against the backdrop of political events in the universe of the WoW. They are a special feature of larger guilds.
Auction House
Auction House is an in-game market where you can buy whatever you want or make some money. Here you can find/sell weapons, armor, trade goods, recipes and reagents. Sometimes this stock exchange helps a lot, if you have no time to grind some items.
Every big city have AH with common data, so, for example, Orgrimmar can trade with Dalaran and etc. Another one reason to pick Real wisely is the fact, that each Realm has its own AH data. It means that players can only access their Realm’s auction data in-game.
WoW Interface
WoW settings
WoW has a deep settings system: from basic-like graphics to color of your chat. You can bind literal every key or camera view. If it is not enough you can create macros. Macro is in-game tool to perform more than one action at a time. Creating macro is a huge topic, which we will learn soon. By the way game super optimized for bad PC and internet connection.
WoW addons
There are spots even in the sun and WoW interface is not perfect. Addons solve some interface problems and improve or simplify gaming experience. They can customize your interface, track your in-game progress, help to get achievements or kill bosses and etc.
Download addon from any official site. extract the file, move it to addons folder ( default is C:\Program Files\World of Warcraft\Interface\AddOns). Start WoW and make sure addons are installed.
The WoW universe is interesting, but complicated. However, this complexity has it its charm. If the first steps didn’t scare you, check out our other guides.
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