Warhammer Online: Return of Reckoning - PvP/PvE

I wanted to provide some info and get the word out about Warhammer Online: Return of Reckoning. It's a free to play, private server MMORPG, with a heavy focus on realm vs realm combat, open world persistent PvP, and instanced battlegrounds. All this takes place in the rich and detailed world of Warhammer.

Many tried the game back when it launched in 2008. It initially sold over a million copies, and at one point had over 800k subscribers. The live game eventually closed down due to more reasons than I can list here. The private server started shortly after as a way to keep the game alive, and has been growing and improving with each passing year. Many of the issues that plagued the live game have been resolved, due in part to advances in server and internet technology, and in part due to the tireless work of the completely volunteer dev team and community.

I've been a long time player of Warhammer Online, starting in the beta in 2007, and this is honestly the best, most balanced, and stable iteration of the game ever. I've played practically every MMO that's come out over the last 20 years, not one if them holds a candle to the PvP and open world RvR this game provides. I think I'm in the same boat as many MMO players, waiting for something new to come out and reignite that old passion for the genre. I plan on playing WoW Classic, diving into Camelot Unchained (if it ever releases), and I always keep an eye out for new and up and coming releases. Unfortunately, so many of these titles are months, years, or longer away from releasing. This game can not only hold our attention while we wait, but it can be damn fun at the same time.

Now some important stuff you might need to know:

1. The game is completely free to play, no cash shop, no pay to win, and no donations required, or even accepted.
2. There are updates to the game every weekend, including new items, dungeons, quests, balance changes, events, and bug fixes.
3. There are two factions, Order and Destruction. Each faction has three races, and there are a total of 24 unique classes in the game split between the factions. Each class also has 3 distinct specializations, leading to 72 class subtypes. These classes range from things like the Human Bright Wizard to the Dwarven Ironbreaker, the Goblin Shaman to the Chaos Marauder.
4. The game has a full open world PvP system with battlefield objectives, keeps to attack and claim, giant fortresses to siege, and endless battles throughout the world. The campaign moves as one side wins and the areas you fight in will differ greatly. These battles can have as many as 500 players at the same time. There are also dozens of instanced battlegrounds for smaller scale fights with the usual MMO objectives (flag capture, king of the hill, bomb run, etc.)
5. Fear not if you have a taste for all things PvE. The world has thousands of quests to complete, there are currently 7 dungeons, epic quests, 24 man public quest raids, and they are all full of detailed Warhammer Lore, and quite good gear to obtain.
6. Finally, the community is probably the best I've ever been in. So many people are helpful to new players, guilds are forming every day, and since there is only one server, you get to know both your allies and enemies quite well. This game has legendary figures, and they truly earned their reputations.

The only issue this server really suffers from is a lack of advertising, and that is where this post comes in. The next few months are going to be huge for this game. They have a new dungeon, Bastion Stair, coming out in the next week or so. They have City Sieges being added to the game in June. There is going to be a double experience/renown weekend starting on May 17th. These are just a few examples of what's coming.

The game is easy to find with a simple web search for Warhammer Online: Return of Reckoning (not sure about rules linking the site here), and you can download the game and everything you need from there. There are even guides on YouTube to walk you through the download, and getting started with the game.

If you do decide to try it, I look forward to fighting with you, or against you on the battlefield. I have characters on both sides, and I'm always happy to help a new/returning player out with some gold, gear, or advice.

tldr: Give Warhammer Online: Return of Reckoning a try if you are looking for a fantastic MMO that is free to play and PvP focused. It is the perfect time to join up.