Sometimes, as an MMORPG player, you will get invites to join a CBT (closed beta testing) for a new game… for example, Perfect World or (soon) Ragnarok 2.

When this happens and you have a new game, the difference between being a n00b and becoming an “expert” lies in the knowledge and information that you get for that new game. Whether you do it via web research or via constant playing, information is key and like the old cliche – “knowledge is power”, holds true.

This short article will hopefully help guide on where to get key bits of information to become a better player…

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Let me start off by saying that “patience is a virtue”. Sometimes you won’t find what you’re looking for. Don’t be disappointed. Often, experience (constantly playing the game) will unlock those questions that you have. I advise that you start off with a good notebook and pen and start writing down what you want to know. From there, you can begin to do your research.

1. OFFICIAL WEBSITE – start getting information about the game from the official site. Sometimes, there will be “beginner guides” which could help you as you start off in your game. But also, when a game is new, it might take some time before the information is there on the site. But this is a good place to start your research. It’s also nice if the official site has a database (of items, monsters, maps, etc)
2. FORUMS - go to both the official and unofficial forums of your game. It is likely that the best guilds have compiled and documented THEIR research to share with the public or their members.
3. WIKIS – for an overview of the game, wikipedia is a good place to go. Often it leads you major links that offer more information. Aside from wikipedia, most MMORPGs today have their own wikis and are populated by GMs, mods and players. Check that out too. Lastly, do an online search since your game also might have unofficial wikis made by fans.
4. FAN-MADE INFO – More often than not, die-hard fans of the game will build their own fansites or blogs. Here, Google is your best friend! Try to do a narrow search and then check out those fan sites for other sources of information. Don’t forget to bookmark these sites for future reference.
5. AGGREGATORS – sites such as mmosite.com and mmorpg.com are called aggregators of info. Their job is to collate all info about new and old games and provide some sort of service to their users. Often they will be giving out reviews and news items about specific games. Be sure to check these out too. Another source of information such as guides, FAQs and walkthroughs is gamefaqs. One of my favorite sites when doing research, gamefaqs screens their info strictly so you’ll be sure that you’re not getting trash
6. BOOKS – Sometimes, game publishers and companies will publish a guidebook or sourcebook for the game (like what I did when I did Editor-in-Chief duties for the Ragnarok Ultimate Game Guide). If you can find one, it’s a good investment!
7. PLAY! PLAY! PLAY! – This last item is perhaps the most important. Just keep on playing (and try to go through the boring tutorial at the start). Experience is ALWAYS the best teacher. Also, your friends and guildmates can be good sources of info. But nothing can really replace game experience.

I hope that these tips will help someone out there! Can you add any other tips? Do share if you do. Thanks!

Seeya!

GM T