by Peter Jewicz

Created on: April 08, 2009

So you'v decided to start playing wow? First off your going to need a way to get the game. You can either go to a retail store and buy it, or buy it directly offline. If your not sure you want to make the commitment to WoW no problem, you can sign up for a trial account and download the trial version off the game. If you like it you can upgrade your trial at any time and not lose anything.

Ok, now that you have the game installed run it and you'll get to choose a realm. There are 3 types of realms

Normal- These realms are mainly focused on questing and leveling. PvP ( player vs player) combat is only allowed in certain areas or if you set it yous to active.

PvP ( player vs. Player)- these realms main focus are on player vs player combat. On these realms you can be attacked by any enemies and its harder to level and quest in peace due to this.

RP (RPPVP)- RP are roleplaying realms. On these realms you must act in character when speaking, it;s for those who wish to submerse themslefs in the fantasy world. RPPVP is a roleplaing realm combined with a pvp realm, so both realms rules apply.

When you pick a realm pick one you feel comfortable with. If you just want to quest go with normal, if you want to be attack or attack at anythime then go pvp, if you want to really get into the game go RP. Also, if you have a friend you want to play with make sure you choose the same realm they have or you won't be able to interact with them. You can have your character switch realms but it costs money.

After you choose the realm you'll be at the character creation screen. First you have to choose a race which is affiliated with a side in the battles that rage in the game.

Alliance- human, gnome, dwarf, night elf, dreani,

horde- orc, tauren, undead, troll, blood elf

If you have a friend your going to be playing with make sure you pick a race that is on the same side as him as horde can't interact with alliance and vice versa.

Every race has a few unique abilities. They won't have too big of effect in the end game but there still nice to have.

After race you get to choose a class. Read the description on each class and pick one that appeals to you. Don't be afraid to experiment with different class and race combos, even if you get a few levels. The game will be a lot more enjoable if you have a class you like.

Customize your character to your liking and pick a name. After you have it all done log in using your character. You'll see a short intro video and then the game will be in your control. At the bottom of the screen tips will pop up ( and will continue to for the next couple levels). These are invaluable to new players and will tell you allmst everythig you need to know. If there is something you can't figure out, don't be afriad to ask another player as most will be happy to help you out.

Addons- In WoW you can install addons to help your game. One i personally use is quest helper. This addon shows where all quest objectives are so you can finish quests faster. There are many good addon sites so choose one ( google search if you have to) and search quest helper on your chosen site. Download the addon to any folder then go to that folder and extract the data from it to the following location: C:/programfiles/worldofwarcraft/interface/addons ( this is the default location for the installation of wow, if yours is in a different place find it and out it in the addons folder of it). If you did it right, on the character selection screen there will be a small box in the lower left hand corner that says addons. If not try re downloading it.

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