June 20th, 2016 
Mark If you are new to the game, you probably have tons of questions. Don’t panic! We’ve gathered tons of useful information here to help you to forge your own legend in a world of myths and magic. Just click any of the topics below to jump to the information you need to help you get started:
- What is World of Warcraft
- Downloading and Installing the Game
- Getting Started
- How to Play
- A World Awaits…
World of Warcraft is an online game where players from around the world assume the roles of heroic fantasy characters and explore a virtual world full of mystery, magic, and endless adventure. After creating a character, you will send them on adventures throughout the mythical world of Azeroth and beyond, and you will be meeting and interacting with other characters played by other players like you. If you want to dig a bit deeper, check out our Game Guide!
Downloading and Installing the Game
First of all, you will need to create a free Battle.net account if you don’t already have one, and download our Battle.net App, that allows you to launch any Blizzard game you own. Once Battle.net App is launched, click on the World of Warcraft logo then on the big blue INSTALL button, and there you go! Follow any additional onscreen instructions and if you encounter any problems, don’t hesitate to check our Support Site.
The following 5 steps will define your overall gameplay experience, so it is important that you understand and feel comfortable with each choice you’ll need to make.
Once you have launched the game, you will be prompted to choose a Realm. 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; so if you want to play with your friends, ask them first what Realm they are playing on! Otherwise, just choose between the different types available, based on the kind of gameplay experience they offer:
| Player Versus AI Enemies | |
| Normal | The standard realm type; recommended for beginners. Role-play is optional, and all player-versus-player fights have to be consensual. |
| Normal-RP | On this type of realm, role-play is practically mandatory, but player-versus-player combat still has to be agreed upon by both parties. |
| Player Versus Player | |
| PvP | 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. |
| PvP-RP | As with regular PvP realms, cross-faction combat is an ever-present threat, and role-play is the norm. |
Step 2: Choose your Faction: Alliance or Horde?
Now you have chosen a Realm, you need to create your avatar and choose your faction. Which faction you choose is important because only characters of the same faction can communicate with each other. Once again, if you want to join some friends, ask them which faction they are playing. Otherwise, choose whichever faction appeals to you the most!
Step 3: Create your Character
After your Faction, you need to choose your Race and your Class based on the gameplay experience you are searching for. By clicking on each Race and Class, you can see on the right part of the screen a short description that will help you choose according to your preferences.
Choose wisely, because the class of your character is the only choice that can never be modified afterwards!
Step 4: Customize your Character
It’s time to make adjustments to your character’s appearance. Feel free to switch between male and female (they are treated equally in every regard in World of Warcraft) and other cosmetic features to fine-tune your character’s appearance.
Step 5: Name your Character
Choose your name! Keep in mind that offensive names are not allowed (read our naming policy to learn more).
If you want to know more about getting started, check out our dedicated page on our Game Guide!
First of all, as soon as you enter the game, you will be accompanied by an in-game tutorial at each step of your progression to help you along the way. As you will see, the core gameplay concepts are intuitive and simple by design, so once you’ve picked up on the basics, you’ll be slaughtering monsters and achieving quests in no time. Also, you will find all useful information about the User Interface, your Character’s Abilities, your Inventory, Quests and adventures, and socializing with other players on our Game Guide and profession page. The only thing left to do is to have fun!
Once your journey has begun and you start to gain higher levels, you and your friends will take on and overcome challenges far beyond your wildest dreams and become the heroes Azeroth has been waiting for. Will you be brave enough to thwart and defeat Dragons, armies of Undead, Old Gods, Demons, and legions of other enemies who just want to lay waste and destruction upon the lands of the living? If so, you can learn more about end game content, its Dungeons, Raids, and Player-vs-Player Combat, in our Game Guide!
Also, there's always an event to participate in somewhere in the World of Warcraft: check out our In-game Events page!
You will as well find loads of tutorials, hints, details, and much more on fan sites like Wowhead.
Also, don't forget you can invite your friends to play with you! By doing so, you will both receive epic rewards to help you along your journey to glory!
Welcome again, young adventurer, and gather your strength and courage, because Azeroth needs you!
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