WoW Classic is about to launch, the beta has already started, and the version for all players will be released in summer 2019. Many are asking: What is Classic anyway? MeinMMO tries to explain the Classic version of World of Warcraft.
What is WoW Classic and when will it be released? WoW Classic is the original World of Warcraft, before there were expansions like Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King, or the latest expansion Battle for Azeroth.
With Classic (also known as Vanilla), everything started for the MMORPG giant WoW in 2004, and the upcoming WoW Classic is intended to bring this version back for the fans to play. Core features include:
- Maximum level 60
- Limited content released in phases
- Only 4 races per faction
Currently, the beta of Classic is running, which you can also sign up for to participate. The release of the Classic version will take place on August 27, 2019.
This article aims to provide some assistance in gaining a better and critical view of Classic and decide whether it is worth it for you. To assess this, we draw on many years of experience with WoW and several facts.
Pros and Cons of Classic
There are also some things that some people would consider bad, while others might see them as good, such as:
- Much more grind for gold, materials, and equipment
- Larger raid sizes with up to 40 players
- Restrictions in the class system (Paladins for Alliance, Shamans for Horde)
How is WoW Classic compared to Retail?
Classic, or Vanilla, is often compared to the current version of World of Warcraft (also known as “Retail”). Battle for Azeroth is the seventh addon of WoW, making the comparison increasingly difficult due to the innovations.
Nevertheless, there are some areas where the two versions can be objectively distinguished. This is particularly interesting for players who have never played WoW Classic or WoW before Cataclysm:
- All Classic zones and dungeons were redesigned with Cataclysm. In Classic, quests and appearances in Westfall, Duskwood, Thousand Needles, and many other areas are very different.
- The graphics are distinctly “older” in Classic. Character models have received updates over the years. Everything in Classic is a bit “blockier”.
- Many names retain their English originals in Classic, such as Stormwind City or Ironforge. The German names were introduced later.
- Some classes have no quests in Classic, except to distribute buffs. The balancing for Classic was simply different than it is today.
- Many spells and abilities required expensive reagents at times. Without ammunition, runes, or powders, many classes cannot use their skills in Classic. Furthermore, they are calculated slower.
- It is important how you attack. Physical attacks require weapon training, while elemental attacks can be mitigated or completely blocked by resistances.
The differences are not necessarily good or bad. They simply show that Classic and Retail target different audiences in many aspects.
That’s why people celebrate Classic
Despite the lack of conveniences that Retail brings, many people celebrate Classic, and the phrase “Everything was better back then” frequently comes up. Fans want to play Classic, as they impressively demonstrated with 100,000 viewers during a dungeon run.
Fans also have several reasons to be excited about WoW Classic:
- Social interaction is more important because many things only work in groups
- The reputation of the individual player on the server matters. No one takes ninja looters
- Classic was “the original WoW” and fans want to experience nostalgia
- Many players want to relive the game they first immersed themselves in Azeroth
- Classic offers a greater challenge because characters are simply weaker
The reasons are of course all subjective, but many of them repeatedly appear in forums, on reddit, or here in comments on MeinMMO. The hype is already causing WoW to temporarily stand at number 1 on Twitch.
WoW Classic is right for you if …
- … you have played and loved Classic
- … you like WoW, but struggle with the new addons
- … you have never played WoW and want to invest a lot of time in an “old” MMORPG
- … you want to struggle against normal opponents while leveling
WoW Classic is not right for you if …
- … you celebrate all aspects of BfA and Legion and just like WoW
- … you find the talent system of Battle for Azeroth complex enough or too complicated
- … you want to play goblins, worgen, pandaren, draenei, blood elves, or allied races
- … you get annoyed by leveling and grinding
WoW Classic broadly appeals to a different audience than Battle for Azeroth does. Many players will still enjoy and want to play both games, as they simply offer different experiences.
Our tips give you just a preliminary impression of whether you should even be interested in the development of WoW or if you are missing nothing. The decision on whether you play it is up to you, and since WoW Classic is played with the regular subscription of World of Warcraft, you can also just test it for yourself anytime after the release.
Cortyn made some mistakes back then from which you can learn when you play:
