World of Warcraft was first brought to computer systems across the globe in 2004. It’s an MMORPG-based game that has had several expansions since its launch. In recent years, players have been more interested in the classic version of the game rather than the Burning Crusade expansion. One question that seems to linger is “Is WoW Classic Worth It?”. The answer to that question largely depends on the player.
WoW Classic is well worth playing if you are looking for a bit of nostalgia, friendlier players, and extended playing times. However, some enjoy the more up-to-date versions while others enjoy the classic gameplay. So what’s the difference? Let’s take a look at what the classic version of WoW can bring to the table and if it’s worth playing.
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What Is Wow Classic?
WoW Classic is a replication of the original game in its original state. This means that there are no expansions, all original mechanics are present, and you can play your character up to level 60. The Classic game will allow all players to relive the experience they once had in 2004, even with the original interface.
What’s In The Classic Game?
In the Classic version of WoW, there are eight races that include humans, dwarves, gnomes, alliance, orc, trolls, tauren, night elves, and the Forsaken for the Horde. In unison with these races, there are nine of the original classes that include druid, hunter, warlock, warrior, paladin, priest, rogue, shaman, and mage. Any race that was added to the game after the expansions are no available in the Classis version. Additionally, the game world will not have expansion world areas such as Outland.
Reliving an Era
If you started playing WoW when classic was just the original version, then you’re surely familiar with Azeroth. When you download the WoW Classic, you can explore Azeroth as it was when the game first launched.
Azeroth
If you aren’t familiar with Azeroth, it’s the name of the world where WoW is set. It consists of four continents with a variety of islands scattered about. The center the are is known as Maelstrom. This is a large chaotic whirlpool and what’s left of the Well of Eternity. Before the war of the Ancients, all the continents were one large mass known as Kalimdor. Azeroth has two moons called White Lady and Blue Child.
Included Content
Since being launched, WoW Classic has been receiving content updates, which helps tie in with the content released for the original version. There have been several content updates to include the following:
PvE
- Vanilla launch: Onyxia, Maraudon, and Molten core
- Dire Maul, Kazzak, Azuregos
- Blackwing Lair, Darkmoon Deck, and Darkmoon Faire
- Zul’Gurub and Green Dragons
- Ahn’Qiraj War Efforts, Anh’Qiraj raids start
- Naxxramas and Scourge Invastion
PVP
- Vanilla Launch: PvP available but no rewards or stat tracking
- Honor System introduced and PvP rank rewards available
- Alterac Valley and Warsong Gulch battleground available
- Arathi Basin
- World PvP objectives in Silithus and Eastern Plaguelands
Classic is currently at phase 5 of PvE.
Leveling
For a majority of users playing the newer versions of WoW, their journey doesn’t start until they have reached max level. In the Classic game, your journey begins at level one. You can build relationships with other players and NPC’s along the way. This is definitely something you can’t recreate. When you reach level 60, you can begin raiding, which may be an important factor to some players.
In the Wow versions today, the game is streamlined. This means that there are very minimal NPC trainers. They still exist, but they don’t teach you anything. You can gain skills at no extra cost. When it comes to Classic, you have to depend on the NPC’s to train you and the Auction House to get your upgrades.
Since the newer versions of the game lack difficulty, it seems that to some, the game is boring and everything’s the same. However, when it comes to the Classic game, you can check the health bar of those who run past you and give them buffs to help. This doesn’t matter in the newer version, though because buffs don’t exist.
In short, leveling is more enjoyable and fun in the Classis version.
Rivalries
In the newer versions of WoW, such as Wrath of the Lich King, Cataclysm, and Mists of Pandaria, the Horde and Alliance have set aside their differences and fight evil together. In WoW Classic, this is completely eliminated. You have to choose a side and fight for that side. You will begin got experience a great rivalry and comradery that you just won’t get in the new versions of WoW.
Longevity
It seems that with the newer game versions, the fights aren’t as intense. The battles are shorter, enemies die quicker, and nothing is intimidating. However, in Classic, the world feels dangerous. Your character isn’t as strong and fighting enemies take longer. Pull too many in and you may just have another Leroy Jenkins incident on your hands. The Classic game sucks you in, so you better have a lot of spare time to play.
Unfortunately, as people level up, the zones for beginners will empty out. The process will then begin to slow down and it’s going to be much more difficult to group up with other players for quests, making content completion slower. Join a guild if you want to make your way through the world quicker.
Better Players
WoW these days just isn’t the same as it was back in 2004. The people were nice, helpful, and willing to fight for you. Today, it seems that more players are toxic and just want to troll the game. They don’t care about the little guys who want to enjoy the game for what it is and not how high in leveling they can get. Today, with Classic, you can experience the game as it once was. The players who choose this version are more mature and focused on their quests and buffing other players.
System Requirements For WoW Classic
In order to take this trip down memory lane, your computer has to meet certain system requirements to even think about running properly. Here’s what your computer needs:
Minimum Requirements
- Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 or AMD Phenom 8750 or better CPU
- 2 GB of RAM or 4GM of RAM for integrated graphics such as Intel HD Graphics
- 5 GB os HDD space
- NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 512 MB, AMD HD 4850 512 MB, or Intel HD Graphics 4000 GPU
- Windows 7 64-bit Operating System with the latest service packs
- 1024 x 768 screen resolution
- Broadband internet connection or better
Recommended Requirements
- Intel Core i&-4770 or AMD FX-8310 or Better CPU
- 8 GB of RAM
- 70GB SSD HDD of available space
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 4GB or AMD Radeon R9 280 or better GPU
- Windows 10 64-bit Operating System with the latest service pack
- 1024 x 768 screen resolution or better
- Broadband internet connection or better
Best Hardware Suggestions
Back in 2004, World of Warcraft wasn’t a very demanding game in terms of free RAM and hard drive space. Any laptop with an integrated graphics card should be able to accommodate the minimum specifications that Wow Classic requires and should run at 30 to 60 FPS. The 5 GB of space required may be the only downfall.
What PC Is Recommended For WoW Classic?
Unlike other MMORPG games on the market today, WoWo Classic can run on almost any computer that isn’t completely run down. However, if you want to get the best out of the game and run it, here are a few suggestions:
For minimal effort on the computer’s part, you will want a PC or laptop with an AMD Ryzen 5 2600 CPU, 4GB of RAM, and a Sapphire Radeon Pulse RX 750 GPU.
If you’re looking for something that’s really going to push graphics that are 15-years-old to 4K with over 60 FPS, then you’ll want a PC or laptop with an Intel Core i7 7600k/6700k/4790k CPU, 16GB of RAM or more, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 GPU.
Is WoW Classic Worth It?
In all honesty, yes. WoW, classic is the easiest way to enjoy the gameplay as it was back in 2006. It has quite a bit of nostalgia to it and everything is more enjoyable. You have the opportunity to help other players, whereas, in the newer versions, this doesn’t really exist. People heal and kill so quickly that there’s no time to help.
When you weigh the pros and cons of each, Classic definitely beats Retail, but only to certain groups of individuals. Those who are looking for a more challenging gameplay experience would benefit from Classic. As for those who just want to level as quickly as possible and only be recognized for their numbers, then Retail is better.
Additionally, the WoW Classic community is more polite, fun, and vibrant than what you would find in the Retail version. Players are grouping and playing together, that chat bar is filled with jokes, arguments over whether it’s called Van Cleef or Deadmines, and there are no political debates.