For a new player, what do you think is better for trying out? Wrath Classic or SoD?
Currently I think SoD is the better of the two for a new player, unless you want to play Cataclysm that is.
sod, no one is playing wrath anymore.
Sod until Cata prepatch.
In Wrath barely anyone levels anymore as most went to Sod or Retail.
And even if you managed to level up to 80 and get some (dungeon) gear, catching up is pretty much impossible as Wrath Classic players make it as hard as possible to enjoy the game: GS, elitism, parses or just general disrespectful behaviour.
Really comes down to what you want.
I think Cataclysm (in a few months time) is actually quite new-player friendly without being overwhelming.
So is Wrath.
SoD is…hmmm…Well, first of all, it’s seasonal. The odds are, in a year it’s going to dead. Seasonal player turn over is pretty high. Wrath (then Cataclysm) does offer longevity to your progress.
With Cataclysm release in a few months, everyone starts somewhat on an even plain. Yes, some folks are geared, but in the first 2 weeks of max level content, everyone is going to be equal in power.
Earlier xpac launches are mad fun. TBCC first month was insanely fun. Wrath early run was mad fun.
Vanilla is a lot of about journey.
Further xpacs focus more on actual end game. End game is more challenging in Wrath/Cata than in SoD.
But other biggest gripe with Vanilla stuff is downranking. So basically you might end up having 2-3 of the same abilities on your bars just different ranks. Especially if you’re healing. It’s just plain annoying min maxing thats really not new player friendly.
In conclusion
SoD and Wrath/Cataclysm offer vastly differently experiences.
Wrath is at the end of it’s like span, so less people are playing. But with Cataclysm launc, more people will be coming back.
Modern xpacs become more and more player firnedly, but with Cataclysm it won’t be overwhelming as current Retail.
IMHO, i’d say play Wrath right now. Level to max. Pick out professions.
Youtube Willie, Scottyjay and Metagpblin for Cataclysm content.
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For a brand new play that has never played Id try a high pop classic server
like zero noone? lol gtfo
He probably means this very second. 10:23 AM (EST) on a Wednesday, as there is a 2 hour maintenance downtime right now 
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Yes correct it’s zero
Thats weird I was on b4 the reset and there was like 78 on in my guild… I suppose I just imagined that.
If you are looking for
- Something well populated
- Short term
- easy to get into end game
Then SoD
If you are looking for:
- Something full of content
- Something that will last indefinitely and progress
- Something that will be easier to level through (removal of non-elite quests, you do more damage to enemies, etc.)
Then WOTLK.
total new player to wow?
- if you’re casual then go Retail you will love everything about it, Retail gives friendly atmosphere whitin your limited time
- if you’re no lifer then go SOD, you need to burn many hours to catch up if to level or farm or be ready for both pve or pvp.
- if you’re rich then go Wrath classic, wrath classic is all about RMT in pvp u’ll be forced to buy boosts and in pve it’s just about gdkp’s where you need tons of gold to buy end gear! because there is no proper pugs and guilds are dying except those who does RMT.
this is very accurate & Honest opinion, believing it or not is up to you but i’m saving you a lot of time by telling you the truth so you know where you’ll step into.
P.S Sod will later get more complex and will require more time while wrath will advance into classic Cata and it will insanely inflate the economy And Retail will get a new expansion which looks promising so choose carefully 
personally I feel WotLK is the better choice.
SoD offers many new things over original classic and a new player wouldnt be able to identify nor appreciate all the modifications. Its true that WotLK servers are a bit down in population right now because a lot of vets moved over to SoD but if you check beforehand you can still start on a high population server that ll enable you to play all the content.
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retail is extremly overwheling for a new player.
There is so much content. The game is bloated. He will be leveling through collecting all 100 different currencies not know what is even happening.
It happened to me when I came back to BFA after Wrath. Took me a good month to put 2 and 2 together on what is old vs new vs current content.
Wrath now, then Cataclysm imho is the best place to start. At least all content is utilized and you’re not really skipping anything.
So you can actually play spend next 5 years playing through different expansions as current content.
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WotLK all the way. Especially with joyous journeys, a new player can casually level up to 80 while learning their class abilities and stuff. Professions will lag behind your leveling pace though. And most likely not going to have many dungeon groups on the way to 80. But it’s fine. Casual quest leveling then when you hit 80 join wintergrasps and get some honor gear. Position yourself for cataclysm release, there is no rush.
Are you the new player? Or asking for a friend? If it’s a buddy you could level a new character with them and it would be a good time. The leveling population is very small but you might still bump into people from time to time and make friends. While in town, ask in trade chat if any guilds are accepting new people in preparation for cataclysm, and that you are looking for leveling buddies.
I really want to play Cata, as I left the game originally when Ulduar came in. What is a good server to roll on that will have legs?? Mostly enjoy open world and world PvP.
Edited to say that I have played some era, SoD, and hc, but am a FT retail player looking to immerse more.
Level a toon to 10 on each version and keep playing what you like the best
If you want world pvp then your only option is grobbulus. It’s pretty dead right now like most servers because of SOD but when cata comes out it gonna be packed.
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Good question!
While we don’t have any official population statistics, we have wowlogs!
https://ironforge.pro/population/classic/
^this website is pretty much the only metric we have. Now, keep in mind, this is just estimate per logs. So if I raid ICC on 2 toons, i will be counted as 2 people. Someone who plays 11 toons will be counted 11 times. Look at it as unique characters raiding.
For open-world PvP, Grobbulus US West would be your only option.
However, keep in mind, all battle grounds, wintergrasp, and even Arena TEAMS (your arena partner can be from another realm) are all cross-realm.
The only thing grobb offers is really open world PvP.
If, however, you are more into PvE, or you think you will be later, consider other big realms. Makes finding pugs & guilds easier.
edit: cataclysm brings old world flying. So Open world pvp takes a hit
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Grobbulus has horde vs alliance city raids every friday night, oftentimes 80+ on both sides.
Horde led by Ironwolf Clan, PvP Ganksters, Makgora Tribe
Alliance led by BigPvP
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