Welcome to “Ask Multiplayer,” our new weekly advice column.

In this column, we’ll answer a variety of gaming-related questions from “Is it cheating on my friend if I play ‘Crackdown‘ with someone else?” to “How low should the neckline be in my cosplay costume?” as well as “How do I tell my girlfriend I’d rather play ‘Halo 3‘ than go to her cousin’s wedding?”

We’re taking questions, so ask away. But since this is a new feature and nobody has ever asked us any questions yet, we tackle one of our co-worker’s burning queries about MMORPGs. He writes:

Dear Multiplayer,

For some years now, I’ve managed to avoid the MMORPG craze that seems to run rampant throughout all my gamer friends. I’ve basically stayed away from MMORPGs for fear my girlfriend will leave me if I got a little too involved (which I’ve noticed tends to happen). I was hoping you could explain what makes MMORPGs so awesome? I just can’t seem to get into it; I think the intimidation factor of the servers has kept me away. Can you explain them to me? Also, is “World of Warcraft” the best MMO to start with?

Sincerely,
Massively Single Player

Dear Massively Single Player,

First off, just like ketchup-and-banana sandwiches, MMORPGs, or massively multiplayer online role-playing games, aren’t for everyone. Not only is there the repetitive and strategic gameplay typical of RPGs, but also the MMO aspect that requires you to interact with other players on a “massive” scale (hence the name).

That said, you may not be interested in MMORPGs for the exact reasons why MMO players (like myself) are into the genre. Personally, I think that building up a character and engaging in strategic gameplay is pretty fun in single-player RPGs, but the level grind can get lonely. However, with MMORPGs, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of taking down an epic boss who drops “phat loot” (sweet, rare rewards) while coordinating respective and infinitely diverse character abilities with friends (and strangers) across the country. It’s true team work that an AI squad can’t give you, and it ain’t Capture The Flag.

If you’re thinking of making the MMO leap regardless of how you feel about the grind of RPGs, then “World of Warcraft” is the obvious place to start. It’s surprisingly easy to get into, and you can play with your gaggle of gamer friends who already have subscriptions. But if you want to stray off the beaten MMO path, there’s pretty much a themed MMO for everyone, from “The Lord of The Rings Online” to “Star Wars Galaxies” to “City of Heroes” — you’re bound to like one of ‘em. Many of these games have free trial periods, and some even offer free downloads on their Web sites.

However, if you do start with “World of Warcraft,” here are some handy tips. The easiest class for beginners to start with is usually the Warrior class, because you can just run up and hit stuff; in other words, because of your brute strength, it generally requires less strategy than other classes (at first). The most difficult classes, in my opinion, are the Priest or Shaman. When grouping you’re expected to heal everyone and make sure no one dies; that’s quite a task. However, healers are highly sought-after allies, so you’ll never be the last kid picked for the team (like in high school gym class).

Also, for some unknown reason (or two), if you play a busty female Night Elf or Blood Elf, you’re more likely to get more help than uglier races. (No one helps a troll.) If you’re really brazen, you can have your elf remove all her armor, type in the emote command “/dance” in a busy city (like Stormwind, Iron Forge or Silvermoon City) and earn loads of tip money. But if you don’t want to go the stripper route, you can earn extra gold by offering services from your trained professions (Enchanting, Tailoring, et al). I’ve included a quick glossary below of MMO terms you’ll run into during chats throughout the game. Brush up on these, or risk sounding like a total n00b.*

Regarding servers, they aren’t as scary as you think. When you log in to an MMO, you’ll generally be asked which server you’d like to be on. In some cases, it doesn’t matter. However, in “World of Warcraft” for instance, you can choose to be on a normal server or a PvP server. PvP stands for Player vs. Player. On normal servers, PvP combat is optional and regulated, while PvP servers, which are typically for more advanced gamers, allow opposing factions to fight without restriction. In the end, the way servers are divided is different for every game, but it usually doesn’t involve high-pressure decision-making; just make sure to choose the same server your friends are on if you want to play with them.

As for your girlfriend issues, the couples that play together, stay together. If she’s played “The Sims,” tell her “World of Warcraft” is like “The Sims” but with elves. While that’s not really true, it might get her to try it and perhaps like it. If not, dump her sorry ass.

Love,

Multiplayer

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*The Abbreviated MMORPG Glossary:

Aggro – Aggression. A group may strategize by having certain members “hold the aggro” by using their abilities to pose the highest threat, therefore receiving the majority of attacks from enemies. Meanwhile, the other group members can attack the enemies with minimal interference. The group member who holds the aggro is called the “tank.” (See below).

Gank – A term typically used to describe one’s unfair advantage over another, particularly in PvP combat. For example, “Those Level 70 Trolls are ganking newbies!”

Grind – The act of doing something repetitively, such as killing enemies, to level up.

Guild – An in-game fraternity/sorority of sorts which can include hundreds of players, often called “Guildies.” You can typically rely on your fellow Guildies to help you with quests and raids.

Instance – Also called “Dungeon.” These are special areas of the game where you or your party are able in interact with enemies privately and without interference from other parties. They typically hold the toughest bosses and the best loot (called “phat loot”).

LFG – Looking for group.

Loot – The reward you receive from enemies or bosses, which can be random junk, special items (armor, weapons, etc.) and money.

n00b or newb – Short for “newbie,” this is a slang term used to describe an amateur or new player. It’s generally descriptive and not derogatory, unless someone says, “God, you’re such a n00b.”

Ninja – A player who takes loot that he/she is not entitled to take. Also, used as a verb: “Did you see how he ninja’ed that treasure chest?”

NPC – Non-playable characters, like enemies, vendors, quest-givers and bosses.

Quest – Also, mission. This is a task given to a player from an NPC that yields loot.

Raid – This term refers to when certain games allow multiple groups to combine their efforts to complete difficult quests or instances.

Squishie — Typically healers, the term refers to a characters who wear cloth armor and/or has very low health.

Tank – The “tank” refers the group member who will “hold the aggro,” as mentioned earlier. Tanks often have the highest amount of armor protection as well as powerful attacks to keep their threat level high against NPCs. “Tanks” should try to “hold the aggro” to protect the “Squishies.”

Got a question for “Ask Multiplayer”? Let us know!