subject: Exploring The Different Realms Of World Of Warcraft [print this page] Due to the fact that World of Warcraft has 11.5 million subscribers, not all players in the World of Warcraft can actually be in the same world. Instead, the game is split into a number of parallel universes known as "realms." Like in real life, travel between parallel universes is impossible so once you create your character within a realm, you're stuck there. So before creating your character, a good question to ask yourself is, "What realm is right for me?"
PVP vs. PVE
The most basic differentiation among realms is the PVP setting. In PVE, or Player Versus Enemy realms, other players can only attack you in designated areas unless you put up your PVP flag. In PVP, or Player Versus Player realms, other players can attack you pretty much anywhere, at any time. Of course, the reverse is also true; a PVP realm lets you sneak up on other players and kill them whenever you like. In PVE, you will often be right next to your sworn enemy and unable to attack them.
So which is right for you? This pretty much depends on what your ultimate goal is. If you are new to the game and want to run all the quests to get yourself to the top, PVE is probably a better bet, especially if you do not like being repeatedly killed by a level 70 warrior of the opposing faction who randomly decides to make your day hell. If you have a reliable group of friends to back you up, do not mind being randomly attacked by other players in the middle of quests, and enjoy killing the opposing faction, perhaps PVP is for you.
RP vs. Non-RP
Role Playing realms ostensibly have everyone acting in character, while normal realms do not. In reality, Role-Playing realms still have most people completely out of character. So why bother choosing a RP realm? Well, first of all, there tends to be fewer jerks on the RP servers. This makes your gaming experience more fun, so just be sure not to add to the jerk count.
Secondly, if you are planning to be on a PVP realm, you might find less competition on an RP realm. See, role-players care about their characters' back stories and appearances. They also care about all sorts of other things that aren't pure power gaming, in order to have the most potent PVP character possible. So if you are a pure power-PVP gamer, this gives you an edge. Just try to stay in character when possible so you'll make things more pleasant for the role players you are about to mow down.
Beyond the Basics
Once you have decided whether to be on a PVP or RP realm, there are still many realms from which to choose. A big consideration should be population. Do you want a highly populated realm or a more sparsely populated realm? There are advantages to both. Low population means less competition for everything that spawns so if fewer people inhabit your realm, the chances increase that you will be the first one to the node spawning whatever you need. Low population can also mean less slowdown and danger for PVP realms. Generally, it also means fewer people leaping into your way in town, on quests, and everywhere else. Not to mention, you avoid the worst of the dreaded login queue on weekends.
However, high population also has its advantages. The best way to leverage the auction house to raise maximum gold is to have the largest possible field of buyers which occurs only on higher population realms. In addition, if you are trying to join a guild with some clout, or seek high-level PVP competition, you'll be better off in a high-population realm. Keep in mind that more elite guilds means more raiding progressions as well as more epic gear floating around.
Complex Stats
If you are still trying to choose realms, there are sites that can give you statistics to guide you. You can find not only populations stats but also what classes and races are being played on each realm. You can also find what the balance of Alliance vs. Horde happens to be on any given realm, in case you're looking to join a PVP realm where your faction reigns numerically supreme.
If you are looking for the best PVP players, pay attention to the Battlegroup to which your realm belongs. Bloodlust is generally considered to be the most elite Battlegroup. Various PVP realms are part of Bloodlust but two that are generally considered the best are Blackhand and Tichondrius.
Last but not least, remember that shifting realms requires either a complete re-roll or an additional hefty fee to Blizzard, so be sure all your friends are on the same realm.
