So What Is the World of Warcraft?

World of Warcraft (WoW) is the latest game in a long line of Blizzard successes, from adventure game like Diablo, to "Real Time Strategy" (RTS) games such as Warcraft I, II, and III. All of these games are still played by millions of people worldwide.

WoW is very different from the RTS style of the other Warcraft games. Like the adventure games players control a character within a game world, exploring the landscape, fighting monsters and carrying out quests through their characters.The major difference is that literally thousands of people can be playing the same game at the same time, interacting with each other. It's an entire virtual multiplayer world, referred to as an MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game.)

The game rewards success through money earned, items (loot) gained, and experience which allows players to develop their skill and power. Players will level from 1-70 and then have the option of participating is the game's "end-game" content. Among other things, players may take part in battles against other players, including duels, and fights against player characters allied with an enemy faction. This can be done with both the Horde and Alliance factions.

Most of the quests in the game are done while leveling and can be completed alone, without the help of other players. Unlike some MMORPGs, World of Warcraft is a very solo friendly game. Teaming has its benefits as well, besides being more social, teaming allows the player to tackle other sections of WoW, such as its dungeon areas, which are designed to require players to work in a team to succeed.

Any group of players, from 2 to 40, may assault a dungeon. Some of the dungeons (instances) are intended for low level players in groups of five, and can be soloed by high level players, but the highest level and most complex dungeons are designed to take entire guilds, of level 70 characters, months of game play and many attempts in order for them to succeed.

With the Burning Crusade expansion having been released, which allowed players to hit level 70, and partake in greater raids, the gaming experience of WoW players across the globe has only been enhanced. The upcoming expansion, Wrath of the Lich King, will allow players to hit level 80 and will have much tougher raids and end-game content.

If you want to really enjoy WoW and learn the fastest way to get from 1-70 (or 80,) then check out the Elite WoW Leveling Guides. These guides have been written for both Horde and Alliance players and include easy step by step instructions on where to go and what to do to reach the highests level as rapidly as possible.