One of the best investments you can make as a new or returning player is an MMO mouse. Sure, you can get by with a standard keyboard-and-mouse setup, but an MMO mouse makes life so much easier. Popular choices include the Logitech G600, Corsair Scimitar, and Razer Naga. Each has side buttons you can map to WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Gold abilities, which saves you from awkward key stretching and improves your reaction time.
Alongside that, consider rebinding your movement keys. By default, World of Warcraft uses WASD, with A and D for turning. The problem? Turning with keys is clunky compared to holding right-click and moving your mouse. Many players rebind A and D to strafe and free up Q and E for important abilities. You'll quickly find this makes your gameplay smoother and more efficient.
Finally, adjust your camera settings. By default, the camera may automatically swing behind your character. Turning that off gives you full control, which is crucial when dodging mechanics or surveying your surroundings.
Don't Waste Your Character Boost
If you purchased a version of WoW that came with a character boost, resist the temptation to use it right away. Leveling a character naturally helps you understand the game's fundamentals and discover which classes or playstyles you enjoy. Using a boost on a class you end up disliking is a wasted opportunity.
Play through at least one character from level 1 to max before deciding where to use your boost. By then, you'll know whether you prefer melee or ranged combat, DPS, tanking, or healing.
Choosing a Class and Role
Your choice of class shapes your entire WoW experience, but don't stress about picking "the best." The meta constantly shifts, and what's powerful today may be nerfed tomorrow. Instead, focus on what sounds fun.
Here's the basic breakdown:
DPS (Damage Dealers): The most common role. Every class has at least one DPS specialization.
Tanks: Take hits, control enemies, and protect the group. Fewer players choose this role, so groups always need more tanks.
Healers: Keep everyone alive during battles. Like tanks, healers are always in demand.
Some classes can only DPS (e.g., Mage), while others can fill multiple roles (e.g., Paladin or Monk). If you want flexibility, hybrid classes are a great choice.
Starting Zones and Leveling Paths
When you create a new character, you'll likely begin in Exile's Reach-a streamlined starting zone designed to teach you the basics. It's a fast, straightforward experience that takes you to level 10 and introduces core mechanics.
From there, most new players are funneled into the Dragonflight expansion. It's modern, polished, and grants early access to Skyriding (dynamic dragonflying), which makes traveling a blast. Sticking to the main story quests will take you all the way to level 70.
Don't want to play Dragonflight? No problem. Visit Chromie in your faction's capital (Stormwind or Orgrimmar) to activate Chromie Time, which lets you level through any past expansion. Some expansions are faster than others, but all provide unique stories and environments. You can also queue for dungeons using the Looking for Group (LFG) tool and level exclusively through instanced content if you prefer.
If you're playing during Mists of Pandaria Remix, consider leveling there. It's one of the fastest ways to gain levels and offers tons of cosmetic rewards like transmogs and mounts.
Gear Basics While Leveling
As you progress, you'll constantly find new gear. Each piece has an item level (ilvl), which is the single most important stat while leveling. Don't worry too much about secondary stats yet-just equip higher ilvl gear when you get it.
Once you hit level 70, gearing becomes more nuanced, but at first, focus on upgrades and don't stress about min-maxing.
Learn Your Class at Max Level
Reaching level 70 is when WoW truly opens up. Before diving into endgame activities like Mythic+ dungeons or raiding, take time to learn your class. Start with the basics:
Read your abilities and talents.
Learn your rotation (the order you cast skills to cheap WoW Classic Fresh Gold maximize effectiveness).
