PvP Servers vs PvE Servers

n joining the game, the majority of people will find themselves with two choices - a Player vs. Player server (PVP) or a Player vs. Environment (PvE) server. Sure there are other types out there, and I salute those that play on them; but the majority of World of Warcrafts population is found on one of those two types.

So what's the fundamental differences between the two?

Well for one there's the obvious, the first rule of a PvP server is you PvP. The second rule of a PvP server is you PvP. If we just added something about not talking about it I think we might have our very own Fight Club a brewin'. Realistically, you can opt out of PvP to a degree - those that do so however are frequently labeled as "care bears"; afraid to fight, cowards. I however have a different opinion.

First of all to point out, I've been on several servers since I've started playing, bouncing around with friends and just in search of a change. A couple of the ones that come to mind first of all are Doomhammer (PvE), Firetree (PvP), Stormrage (PvE), Sargeras (PvP) and as of late, Azgalor (PvP). I've poked on a variety of others, but just to set the record - I've spent more then enough time on both types. I know how these servers work, I know what to expect on a PvE server and what to expect on a PvP server. Which, unfortunately, is primarily "ganking". Ganking is killing a player that has no chance of fighting back for no real reason. I highlight the part no real reason however - I've seen people attacking foes they have no chance of survival on and then whining about getting "ganked". If, lets say, you're a level 20 and you attack a level 60 who wasn't about to attack you, then he turns around and kills you, you were not ganked. You were being stupid, and therefore deserved the death. However ganking and corpse camping DOES exist and is a problem. People that complain about this fact are usually labeled as "care bears" also, so don't get me wrong on this. I don't mind ganking personally, I can deal with it and have many times before, but honestly - it's a stupendously idiotic practice. Are these people really such weak, fallible and impotent players that they have to raise a pile of dead "noobs" as a sign of their "prowess"? This game relies on dice rolling, and a low level character vs. a high level character is like betting on a roulette game where every number is a house number - only one side will ever win, and its easily predictable which.

Yet for all the stupidity of ganking, don't let me place PvP servers in a miserable tone; I've never had more fun than on a PvP server. You can easily log into pitched battles, rolling and sprawling scraps that can pop up at a moments notice all over the place. Getting a group of friends and wandering a contested area in an attempt to fight the good fight is an absolute joy and pleasure to be in. PvP servers are god-like in my opinion for that. However, to be a true comparative article, we need something to compare to. PvE servers; the "opposite spectrum", to all the nay sayers, yes, PvE servers all have PvP still - a player on a PvP server is not on a higher pedestal or a better player then anyone else. PvE server battles are just less frequent and more controlled - battles also tend to be fairer odds. People can decide to PvP or not to PvP at almost any point - which can lead to some air of artificiality when you wander into the opposing factions control zone and hang out with the "arch-enemy". Yet PvE servers can be just as fierce for PvP; so I request people to respect and acknowledge that factor.

For Beginners I would however recommend a PvE server to learn the ropes. LQGamings own "official" PvE server, Stormrage, or my old Doomhammer I would recommend for personal reasons; but all the servers are good. For those wanting some extra challenge (try leveling in a gank heavy area; not easy - otherwise difficulties are the same), or veteran players seeking some extra spice, I'd recommend a PvP server. As an extra note, PvE servers allow players to create characters on both factions, so this allows the beginning player some flexibility to try stuff out. PvP servers you can only play one faction. Either way they are both good types, and can promise some good old time fun. So good luck in the World of Warcraft, enjoy your personal taste of server, and have fun. Back to Kraum on Azgalor for me!