That or don't bother at all with transferring to a PvP server if you're too lazy to level on one.

my first character was leveled on a pvp server 4 years ago, I wouldn't have traded it for the world. I hated it while I was leveling, but I'm glad it was on a pvp server.

These are basic tips for everyone, not opinion-based "tips."

I agree with Dread. If you can't level on a PvP server, then you probably can't handle PvP at 80. Leveling on a PvP server, in my opinion, takes more skill and creates a more well-rounded player.

And I flag every character, even bank alts, at level 1!

"If you can't level on a PvP server, then you probably can't handle PvP at 80"

I think I've leveled enough toons (pre-Wrath) on a PVP server to completely disagree with that statement. The only thing leveling on a PVP server has taught me is that it's a bit slower to level on a PVP server than a PVE server.

The main skill you learn on a PVP server is how to deal with gankings and camping. Out of probably 15 toons, from lvl 1-65 I'd say 99% of my world PVP deaths involved me being at a large disadvantage (Firetree Realm). And all of that changed comPLETEly towards end game. From 66-70, PVP was enjoyable. So I think the transfer mentatlity makes at least a little sense.

@oldwisemonk

If you've leveled a lot of characters, then perhaps your way might work. However, this article is aimed at WoW Rookies. For a first time player, I still would not recommend leveling on a PvE realm with the intent to transfer to a PvP realm. Aside from the probable lack of experience dealing with other players, it's just a different mentality on a PvP server. Can you imagine your first time doing dailies on a PvP server? Best to test the waters before jumping in.

@Wor

I agree with you that there is a different mentality. I guess I'm saying you don't really learn any skills in the first 90% of the game that you wouldn't learn very quickly in the last 10%. I wouldn't say to transfer at 80, I'd say to transfer around 74 or so. That's plenty of time to learn the mentality, and then if there IS world PVP, you might actually have a chance to develop some skills as your opponents are less likely to be griefers.

And there are always battlegrounds along the way while leveling. Those helped prepare me for the switch to PVP realms just fine.

oldwisemonk said:
"The main skill you learn on a PVP server is how to deal with gankings and camping. Out of probably 15 toons, from lvl 1-65 I'd say 99% of my world PVP deaths involved me being at a large disadvantage"

That's exactly how it's been for me. Having leveled a handful of Alliance characters on PvE realms, I decided to try both a Horde character and a PvP realm. That character's bumping up on level 30, and he's never been Honor Killed out in the wild; every single world PvP death has been some bozo 1-2 shotting me because they have nothing better to do. I wouldn't exactly call that "electric anticipation," more like pointless aggravation.

I leveled my main on RPPvP realm... and didn't have fun. Leveling was terrible, because the notorious Zylos Hand guild (gankers, campers, etc.) and even tho I'm 80 I don't like it. Well that's my POV, affected by the fact that I'm a prot pally getting beaten by all sorts of casters. Prot pala is still pretttty bad against casters tho the recent patches have made mage-crushing easier. Fortunately I'm now leveling a warlock on the same realm and hopefully It'll be a nicer experience.