Forum:Recommendations on PvP for newb?

I am brand new to WoW, been playing for about a month. (Just got my first toon to L48 last night -- woot!) I'm on a PvE server right now, but eventually (once I'm not so completely ignorant of nearly everything) I'd like to try a PvP server.

I'm really curious about the PvP... battlegrounds (?), and raids, and all that -- but I don't know anyone in the game to group with, and I don't want to aggravate people I don't know with my ignorance. But I still really want to try that stuff.

I've only grouped with people for instances -- which is helpful, but I seem to have a hard time finding groups who are running low-level places (not sure if I'm missing some more effective way to look besides the LFG channel), and if I DO find a group... well, we're running the instance. So it's not exactly the moment to pepper them with questions about raiding and PvP and etc.

I read the guide on "How not to be a noob" -- problem is, I'm such a newb that I couldn't understand it.

I'm still working on understanding the various stats, which ones I should care about and which ones don't matter... most of the discussions I find on that subject also presuppose way more knowledge with the game than I have.

So... my question is, can anyone recommend a starter's guide to PvP and raiding that would be intelligible to someone who really doesn't know anything?

(If it matters, my toon is an orc enhancement shaman, and usually people seem to want me as a healer, although I can do decent dps too.) (I just learned the distinction between tanking and dps this past weekend, before that I thought they were kind of the same thing -- so that's the kind of super-basic level I'm on.)

I'd appreciate any suggestions anyone has. Thanks! :)

--KaterinaSedai (talk) 16:15, September 17, 2009 (UTC)KaterinaSedai


 * I would start here with a list of questions of the most basic sort. Also, generally while PvPers raid and raiders PvP, the goal itemization and strategies are quite different so you really can't ask for a starter's guide about both at the same time. Also, you might want to read up on the differences between a PvP and PvE (normal) server. The battlegrounds and PvP zones aren't different between the two (mostly based on player behavior), but the contested zones are very different in the "normal" world.
 * For basic raiding, I wouldn't worry too much yet until you get closer to level 60. Raiding isn't really even possible until around then. If and when you decide to raid, you will have to be more single-minded about your direction and gearing up to as close to as best-in-class PvE gear that you can get for your role which will most likely be healer or DPSer.
 * For basic PvP, read up on the battleground strategy for Warsong Gulch and Arathi Basin. Arathi Basin tactics will also help you some when you get to level 51 and can try Alterac Valley. As for open PvP, you could run around contested zones with your PvP flag on and develop some tactics for reacting to players who might see you as a tempting target. You will also learn tactics how to escape higher levels. A good PvP skill to work on is evaluating what levels and classes represent a danger and what you can handle. Not being on a PvP server will make it less easy to get the full experience, though.
 * -- Fandyllic  (talk &middot; contr) 7:23 PM PST 17 Sep 2009

Thank you --

I thought maybe the raids were like... large groups of people getting together to have big PvP battles. Guess not... *sigh* this sort of blushingly embarrassing error is precisely why I have not just gone ahead and plunged in.

Okay, well... I'm going to guess that I'll be ready to try PvP long before I'm ready for raids, so... here are some things I've wondered about so far regarding PvP. (I've read some about the tactics for Warsong Gulch and... ummm... one other that I got a quest for, but I chickened out on trying either one, so all I have is that very basic academic knowledge.)

Q1. If I try a battleground (because I'm at L49 now, so this would be an optimum time) -- am I going to be at an unmanageably big disadvantage since I'm still learning the mechanics of the game? (i.e. my gear is only what I've found or purchased so far... I don't really know if my gear is well-suited for my toon since most of it has been selected on the "sounds cool" principle rather than any real understanding of what I'm gaining or losing with the various stat enhancements... I don't know any tips or tricks of any kind for any situation except what other players have taught me since I started... I don't know what is necessary to consitute "being prepared" for any given battleground since I've never actually experienced any of them and theoretical reading does have its limits... etc.)

Q2. Does it make sense to create a character on a PvP server when I'm not going in with friends with whom I can group for protective purposes?

Q3. Is it at all likely that a guild on a PvP server might be taking new recruits? (To make up for the gamer friends I don't have...) If there are such guilds, what kind of requirements (if any) do guilds generally have of new recruits?

Q4. If I were on a PvP server, what would it be like in neutral towns/cities like Booty Bay? Do they just become massive slaughterhouses? Or... what?

Q5. I understand that there's a certain minimum level below which, even on a PvP server, it is considered bad form to attack. (L10 and below?) But beyond that level, I guess I just envision my time on a PvP server as an endless string of trips to the nearest graveyard. However, I have formed this impression in a vacuum, devoid of fact or actual experience. I would be very appreciative if anyone could explain to me how you actually get to play the game on a PvP server without just getting killed every few minutes.

--KaterinaSedai (talk) 20:55, September 18, 2009 (UTC)KaterinaSedai


 * Q1. If I try a battleground (because I'm at L49 now, so this would be an optimum time) -- am I going to be at an unmanageably big disadvantage since I'm still learning the mechanics of the game?
 * Well, everyone has to start somewhere. Part of the learning process of PvP is learning the inevitability of death, especially if you happen to be a weak PvP class, like a non-Shadow priest or a Resto druid (although they can be good in arenas with a good partner). Also, durability damage is very small in PvP, so it doesn't cost alot in repairs. At level 49, you're near the top of the level range for PvP, so you should be okay. Don't forget to try to grab PvP quests for the bonus honor. In the beginning of PvP, you can use some of your techniques for killing mobs, just think of other players as highly unpredictable mobs. Also, remember strength in numbers and teamwork help alot in battlegrounds. If you are more help healing, then heal. If you can blast away while someone is tanking, do that. If you need to run, run!


 * Q2. Does it make sense to create a character on a PvP server when I'm not going in with friends with whom I can group for protective purposes?
 * Well, you can join a guild and hope they protect their own. Before WoW, I played a hardcore PvP MMO and now I don't see what I liked so much about it, so I can't really give you encouragement. Without real penalties like losing gear to someone or more severe death drawbacks, a PvP server seems like just more continuous paranoia to me.


 * Q3. Is it at all likely that a guild on a PvP server might be taking new recruits? (To make up for the gamer friends I don't have...) If there are such guilds, what kind of requirements (if any) do guilds generally have of new recruits?
 * Of course guilds will be taking new recruits, I would do some research on the forums for specific PvP servers. As for requirements, they vary wildly. Some will want a minimum quality of gear (like no greens), but that probably means they are somewhat buttheads. You really just have to hunt around and group with people.


 * Q4. If I were on a PvP server, what would it be like in neutral towns/cities like Booty Bay? Do they just become massive slaughterhouses? Or... what?
 * At certain times, probably yes, but most of the time you just have to worry about the serial gankers. If everyone were always PKing everyone else, it would be hard to get anything done except on off hours.


 * Q5. I understand that there's a certain minimum level below which, even on a PvP server, it is considered bad form to attack. (L10 and below?) But beyond that level, I guess I just envision my time on a PvP server as an endless string of trips to the nearest graveyard. However, I have formed this impression in a vacuum, devoid of fact or actual experience. I would be very appreciative if anyone could explain to me how you actually get to play the game on a PvP server without just getting killed every few minutes.


 * It really isn't that bad. Also in the better guilds, you can usually arrange an escort or guard for certain activities at various times. I suspect only on the high population times are things really that wild.


 * -- Fandyllic  (talk &middot; contr) 2:35 AM PST 19 Sep 2009


 * On Q1 (battlegrounds), I'd say that a key is to communicate with your team, and follow their lead. (There's no guarantee they will communicate 'back', but good players will.) At least half of the work in a BG seems to be just being at the right place at the right time, so as long as you've mastered your movement keys, that's a big help. For example, I know it's possible (having a shaman myself) to turn a WSG game simply by running after the flag carrier and frost shocking. -- Harveydrone 19:12, September 21, 2009 (UTC)

Thanks to both of you! I chickened out on the PvP quests again at L49... but now I'm approaching L59, so another opportunity -- which I just might take this time! I'm thinking of trying Warsong Gulch... since that was the first one to come available, I guess I'm hoping it will be a gentle entry even though I'm about 40 levels late in giving it a try. Harveydrone -- I have definitely learned the usefulness (and limitations!) of good group communication, even just grouping for instances or quests. I tend to talk a lot, so... at least I'll be communicating. For whatever good that does. :) Thank you both for taking the time to respond. 20:26, September 23, 2009