World of WarcraftBeginner’s Guide

Chapter I
Getting Started

This section will walk you through your first steps towards discovering World of Warcraft’s vast range of mystery and adventure. You will learn all you need to know to dive right into the game, from character creation basics to a handy class selection guide.

Your character is your avatar in World of Warcraft. You’re not limited to one character, though; you’re free to create dozens of characters if you want to experience all the different race and class combinations. Many players refer to their most frequently played character as their “main” and all other characters as their “alts.” Why create more than one character? Since each class plays differently, it’s fun to experiment with other styles of gameplay.

Step 1: Choose your realm

World of Warcraft has millions of active players. If all these players were in the same game world at the same time, things would get more than a little crowded (plus which, the computers running the game would probably form a workers’ union and go on strike). To keep the gameplay experience stable, smooth, and consistent, World of Warcraft’s population is divided into several different realms. Each realm is an identical copy of the game world, but generally, players from the same realm can only play and interact with each other*. Think of each realm like its own parallel universe or mirror dimension, each home to thousands and thousands of unique player characters.

Realms come in four different flavors based on the kind of gameplay experience they offer:

  • NormalPlayer Versus Enemies The standard. Role-play is optional, and all player-versus-player fights have to be consensual.
  • PvPPlayer Versus Player For players who seek out a challenge. Role-play is still optional, but opposite faction players can attack you almost anywhere, and at all times. Be on your guard.
  • Normal-RPPlayer Versus Enemies – Role Playing On this type of realm, role-play is practically mandatory, but player-versus-player combat still has to be agreed upon by both parties.
  • PvP-RPPlayer Versus Player – Role Playing As with regular PvP realms, cross-faction combat is an ever-present threat, and role-play is the norm.
Recruit a friend

If you are planning to play with a friend, make sure to create characters on the same realm so you can adventure together. The Recruit-A-Friend referral system provides considerable in-game bonuses to linked friends and family members. Visit the Recruit-A-Friend page to learn more about this feature.

Character Creation Interface
  • Gender selection
  • Race selection
  • Class selection
  • More info
Step 2: Choose your race

The original World of Warcraft has eight races to choose from and subsequent expansions increase this number to twelve. Your character’s race determines your overall visual appearance, grants special benefits in the form of racial abilities, and also locks you into one of two factions: Alliance or Horde.

Which faction you choose is important because only characters of the same faction can communicate with each other. So, for example, if you created a night elf, that character would only be able to chat and play with the other Alliance characters in the realm. A tauren, on the other hand, could only play with the realm’s other Horde characters.

Step 3: Choose your class

Faction and race are mostly social choices: they determine what your character looks like and who you can interact with. Your choice of class is a gameplay decision: it determines what your character can and can’t do, and what kind of experience you will have playing that character.

Not all races can play as all classes; for example, dwarf characters cannot be druids. Generally speaking, your class has a much bigger impact on the way you will experience World of Warcraft, so if the choice comes down to either a specific race or a specific class, pick the class that you prefer.

Some classes are designed specifically for one role, while other classes can perform several. The best example for a “pure” healer, for example, is the priest class (although shadow priests are a notable exception), while druids are a good example of a “hybrid” class that can effortlessly fill the role of tank, healer, or damage dealer.

Main Class Roles
Tanks

Tanks fight by outlasting their enemies. They are rugged, durable characters that can soak up a lot of damage before they go down. In groups, a tank’s role is to get the monsters to attack him instead of other, more vulnerable members of his group.

Healers

Healers have spells and abilities that allow them to quickly regenerate their own health and that of other players. They are especially useful in groups, because even though tanks are as tough as a brick wall, they need healers to keep them alive long enough for the damage dealers to finish the job.

Damage Dealers

Damage dealers excel at quickly inflicting a lot of damage. Where tanks are marathon runners, damage dealers are sprinters, trying to defeat their targets as quickly as possible while avoiding damage as best they can.

Step 4: Lookin’ Good!

Once you’ve picked a race and a class, it’s time to make adjustments to your character’s appearance. Feel free to switch between male and female; the sexes are treated equally in every regard in World of Warcraft, so playing as a man or a woman is a purely cosmetic choice.

Each race has additional visual traits you can adjust, such as earrings, tattoos, hair style, and more. You can choose from several different ornate beard styles for a dwarf, for example, or choose between horns of varying lengths and shapes for a tauren character. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the “randomize” button to have the game generate a few random configurations until you see one you like, or you can fine-tune your character’s appearance yourself.

Lastly, you need to pick a name for your character. Keep in mind that offensive names are not allowed; as a matter of etiquette, please choose an appropriate name. Some names will have already been taken by other players, so explore different name options until you find one you’re happy with.

Step 5: Enter the World of Warcraft

Congratulations, you’ve created your first character! Review your choices, and if you’re happy with them, click the button to set foot in a world of mighty heroes and high adventure. Your journey is about to begin….

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Comments (251)

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Autumnnyte
Whisperwind
Autumnnyte
6/2/2013
how do you change your camera perspective...im like looking through my charcters eyes..i dont like it
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Kuurgulof
Ysondre
Kuurgulof
6/8/2013
@Autumnnyte: Mouse wheel
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Soakke
Ysera
Soakke
6/2/2013
This is a nice guide
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I'm on Cenarius
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Very Very new to the game. I Need help in all areas. Lol
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Erawen
Silver Hand
Erawen
4/21/2013
Can anyone tell me how I can hit faster with my sword? I am a level 13 hunter.
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Roughtrade
Antonidas
Roughtrade
4/27/2013
@Erawen: first off you are a hunter, so u should b using a gun or crossbow, as for the speed of the weapon u can't change it, each weapon has a diff speed it is set to shown on the right side of the weapon info it will say speed then time amount like Speed 3.06
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Ölüm
Shadow Council
Ölüm
5/29/2013
@Punkmasterp: your wrong for you can increase your attack speed with haste. It also recudes your gcd(general cool down) and improves your regeneration speed on various recources ie for a hunter focus. hope this helps. :)
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Dwaren
Dragonblight
Dwaren
4/4/2013
can anybody on the realm dragonblight help me?
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Holymother
Hyjal
Holymother
3/25/2013
If its not together it will not let u use it as a name
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Drheelzgood
Burning Legion
Drheelzgood
3/12/2013
How do I create character names with multipul words, like "Lord of the smelly waste lands"? I tried to name my character but it runs all the words together.
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Canniibal
Moon Guard
Canniibal
5/8/2013
@Drheelzgood: You can't put spaces in your name. They have to be one word.
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Ölüm
Shadow Council
Ölüm
5/29/2013
@Drheelzgood: what you are looking for is something called Title. a title can be earned by completing an achievement check your achievement page and as you look through it there are various achievements that give a reward some are mounts others are titles.
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Samsuke
Shu'halo
Samsuke
2/18/2013
How do I get a Glyph?
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Ninjelf
Darrowmere
Ninjelf
3/4/2013
@Samsuke: You can buy glyphs off the auction house or make glyphs if you have inscription.
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Hâlt
Frostwolf
Hâlt
2/2/2013
Hello. This message is directed at any new players wanting to get a head start in World of Warcraft via the Recruit A Friend(RaF) option.

Well first thing is first. I am looking to recruit a new player for RaF. What is a new player? A new player is anyone who has never payed for any game time. By joining me in RaF we will both receive 3x exp making leveling a breeze. It would take a matter of a week at most to get to lvl 90.

Below you will find a Pro's and Con's list to letting me recruit you for RaF.

Pros:
-I have a flexible schedule and can play multiple hours a day.
-I have multiple high level's (85-90) making gold very easy to come by.
-I am friendly :3
-I am an adult meaning I will be mature and respectable (most of the time =P)
-I have been playing WoW off and on for multiple years meaning I know an awful lot about it(not everything mind you but a lot).
-I am knowledgeable of almost every class in WoW and races that go good with what class.
-I am willing to play on either horde or alliance (although on horde I would be able to supply gold more easily)
-I can help pay for crafting materials, mounts, gear, etc.
-I play both PvE(player versus environment) and PvP(player versus player)
-If there is something I didn't list that you are curious about you can ask me in e-mail which will be supplied at the end of this post.

Cons:
-There are a couple of classes that I haven't played yet such as the Monk(I am hoping to make a monk during the RaF)
-I am not swimming in gold, but I have plenty for all pre-80 training and mounts and make hundreds daily.
-My schedule is flexible but I can't play all day(but I can be on for most of it.)
-I am in school(college) so there will be time that I have to do a homework assignment rather than play.(Can take anywhere from 10 minutes to multiple hours, these assignments are usually every other week though)

Addition Notes:
-For our first character I would like to make a Pandaren. I would like this character to be Horde(as it is my main faction).
-I would like to use the 30 days of RaF 3x exp to get as many character to lvl 90 as we can.
-After the first character, race, and faction will be up to you.

I hope to see you in game soon!
If you would like to do RaF with me or you have any additional questions please contact me at: alexkerher@gmail.com (I check this e-mail multiple times a day so expect short reply times.)

It is not okay to contact me if with adds, or if you are trying to recruit me for RaF(I have an account why would I want to).
I created all of the information in this post making it my property, please do not copy my post.(Meant for you trolls that want to copy word for word and just erase bits and pieces...)
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Slayeerr
Aggramar
Slayeerr
3/11/2013
@Hâlt: hi just started playing yesterday. could use your help if you wanted to. thanks in advance. my email is gtherrien@londonkia.com
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Elfomy
Eitrigg
Elfomy
1/23/2013
People who need help playing wow... If you pay for refer a friend we can make it easy and get to level 90 1 to 90 in 4 days... I've been playing for 7 years... I will supply GOLD/MOUNTS gear from LEVEL 1 to 90 and mounts and training for the 310% MOUNT, ill give you 400g to start with... 90 WARRIOR (Frostmourn) PVP. I'm Alliance - Alliance Ratio to horde - 0.54- alliance -1.00.. rank 2 server in the US. ... email me at qzeller@ymail.com (I check it daily..)
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Dåmagê
Ravencrest
Dåmagê
1/11/2013
I'm looking to help some new people get into wow. I am very social and friendly, i can help you setup and get you going. I will help you with whatever i can and share my knowledge with you. We can recruit a friend and get you leveled quick and easy. Email me at allproserrano@hotmail.com if interested. Thank you.
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Quinuul
Muradin
Quinuul
1/2/2013
Looking for a newb to recruit. I have a 90 on Horde and Alliance, so whichever you choose, I can set you up. I'm fairly knowledgeable and would teach you a lot, provided you need that - I'm very friendly. I could lvl a toon with you, give you starter gold, bags, pets and generally get you going. Please email me at calebmark@ymail.com (note this isn't my account's email). You can also text Caleb at (360) 241-6241 for quicker reply. :D
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Daxlee
Korgath
Daxlee
1/2/2013
@Quinuul: Hi, I am a newbie to WOW, and read your message. I would appreciate a tolerent and patient teacher. I am now in the process of reading of reading the How to Play instructional manual. If your willing please contact me. I have been struggling but somehow manage to get to leverl 4 as a Blood Elf Mage. Would also like to develop other characters. Again, please contact me
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Cyrafa
Cenarius
Cyrafa
11/24/2012
"the sexes are treated equally in every regard in World of Warcraft, so playing as a man or a woman is a purely cosmetic choice."

LOL totally Blizz.
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"Each realm is an identical copy of the game world, but generally, players from the same realm can only play and interact with each other*. "

Good to see they fail to mention the abomination that is CRZ, on a current page - which includes pandaren. Deceitful of them? Just a tad
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Narimoon
Lothar
Narimoon
10/11/2012
To be able to have two arms, how do I get it?
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Canniibal
Moon Guard
Canniibal
10/26/2012
@Narimoon: If you mean to be able to duel wield 2 two-handed weapons, you'll need to have the Fury Spec for a Warrior. It's one of the last talents you can pick, so if you're not at the level cap, it'll be difficult to get.
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Pristige
Vashj
Pristige
9/15/2012
I can not play what is going on?
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Rasztickk
Darrowmere
Rasztickk
9/15/2012
@Pristige: me to im to tring to download the game client and i waited 6 hours and its still at 60%
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Dwaren
Dragonblight
Dwaren
4/4/2013
@Rasztickk: you do realize it just has to be playable? not all the way done
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Itsgoingdown
Borean Tundra
Itsgoingdown
9/1/2012
i can not play and they need to give me back my $$ or my time....this is bs
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Canniibal
Moon Guard
Canniibal
10/26/2012
@Itsgoingdown: They won't refund you for time. Seeing as though they had the original WoW, then Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King, Cataclysm, and now Mists of Pandaria, they have to download a lot to make the game work right. It will take time.
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Cylleria
Cairne
Cylleria
8/30/2012
I am so disappointed with the new patch...my Mac is totally worthless with no hope up of a software update!! What is Blizzard going to do with all of the customers who cannot play now?
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Snowdemon
Draenor
Snowdemon
8/20/2012
Lol, my first character was a mage.. then I slowly drifted in the path of Melee, lol.
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Huntalot
Khaz'goroth
Huntalot
7/29/2012
Hey we got a guild thats teach and help noobs, so if you a a noob a newbie, or like they say sometimes a ( new player ) just feel free to pm me i dont know how that works tho.. : / well here is my email in case that dosent work, claudiomrojas@gmail.com you may have to start a new charater or transfer your, to an oceanic server, but is cool ppl play here at all times ,,cheers
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Rhuzabedi
Dawnbringer
Rhuzabedi
8/3/2012
@Huntalot: I've been playing about a week and just had some clusterf*** with a virus, and can't find a way to start playing again. What do I do?
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Deix
Proudmoore
Deix
9/30/2012
@Rhuzabedi: Some options
These are recommended:
A) Re-install your game
B) Run an anti-virus program
A little more drastic:
C) Get a new computer
D) Call the tech support number and explain to them your problem.

Good luck, and I'll hopefully see you in the World of Warcraft!
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Blûr
Kil'jaeden
Blûr
7/18/2012
God I love killing noobs
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Dayarrow
Shadowsong
Dayarrow
7/23/2012
@Blûr: God you are a noob.
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Stormholy
Scarlet Crusade
Stormholy
7/25/2012
@Dayarrow: lol blur you were a noob once? why say that? HAHA
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Douseemyelf
Turalyon
Douseemyelf
7/14/2012
If anyone ever needs help u can contact me on turalyon realm I would be happy to introduce new players to the world of azeroth
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Calombastorm
Khaz'goroth
Calombastorm
11/3/2012
@Douseemyelf: I chose a guild when I started but after a year they are nowhere and do nothing, can I change my guild and if so how ?