Hi there, new player -- welcome to WoW and the WoW Insider family! WoW Rookie helps you get off to a great start with all sorts of crunchy bits and nuggets of wisdom. Here's our spin on all the nuts-and-boltsy tips you won't find in the box or in the game.

One note: If you've already begun your journey through Azeroth and run across something in game or in our resources below that makes you rethink your approach, don't be afraid to make a fresh start. Blizzard makes it easy for today's new players to zip through the early levels. It's much better to make adjustments early on, before you've invested significant time and effort in your character.

Getting started

• Choose your realm type Different realm types attract and suit different types of players.
  
• Choose your class
• Define your play style
• Class specialties and styles
• Get the right fit
• Your first log-in We've got your back your first time out!
  

Early steps

• Quest Wrangling 101 Efficient, effective questing.
  
• How to make money Tips on funding your character.
  
• Learn a profession Find a fit for your character.
  
• Inscription – a new choice
• Basic communications How-to and etiquette for talking with others in game (series of articles).
  
• Communicate and interact with other players More on in-game communications.
  
• Voice communications Common methods of communicating by voice with headsets or mikes and speakers.
  
• Deal with difficult people Solutions and advice for common sticky situations.
  

Grouping with others

• Form a group Some quests and instances (dungeons) call for more players.
  
• Loot etiquette When and how to "roll" for item drops.
  
• Your role in an instance group What are you expected to do?
  
• Lowbie instance guide A quick look at the game's early instances.
  

Digging in

• Your character's stats What stats are important for your character?
  
• Choose your weapons Select the best weapon for your character.
  
• Train your weapon skills When and where to train your weapon skills.
  
• Speed up -- ride a mount Once you've reached level 30, it's time to saddle up.
  
• Intro to PvP Everything you need to know about playing against other players.
  
• Build reputation What is reputation and how does it affect your character?
  
• Early reputation groups
  

Broadening horizons

• Keyboard shortcuts Quick ways to access common actions.
  
• Leaner, meaner character controls Streamline your movement, casting and more.
  
• Read up on the forums Tips for navigating the official forums.
  
• Balance your play time All WoW and no life makes Johnny a dull, dull boy.
  
• Parental control tools Put the brakes on with settings that limit play times.
  

Play it safe

• Account security basics Protect your account from hackers.
  
• Activate an account authenticator Another tool for safeguarding your account.
  

• Leveling guides WoW Insider guides you through the early levels, class by class.
• WoW Insider Directory When you're ready for more information, WoW Insider is ready for you!
• (Edited to add this how-could-we-have-missed-it resource): World of Warcraft Getting Started

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Filed under: Tips, How-tos, Features, Leveling, Guides, Classes, WoW Rookie, Making money