1. A Very Significant Game

2. Just Like Tolkien

3. Easier Entry

4. Back to Old Times

5. A Blast in Azeroth

It has been said that the age of MMORPGs is long past. If that’s the case, then what’s the point of playing Blizzard’s long-running high-fantasy MMO, especially when it has been running for fifteen years and counting? Well, we can think of five solid points to counter that statement.

Here are the top reasons why you should still play World of Warcraft in 2021 and beyond.

A Very Significant Game

Like it or not, World of Warcraft is not only one of the most popular MMORPGs, but also the most culturally significant MMO to ever hit the gaming scene. Aside from being the game of choice by personalities like Mila Kunis, Ronda Rousey, Kanye West, and the late great Robin Williams, it’s also the blueprint game for a lot of other MMOs.

Heck, even an MMO as big as Final Fantasy XIV owes a lot of its mechanics to WoW. That’s not to say that they’re WoW rip-offs, but you can’t deny how influential and enjoyable it must have been for them to go to lengths and adopt what’s working for WoW.

Just Like Tolkien

It’s safe to say that World of Warcraft has an intensely rich lore and world-building mechanic. Humans, elves of all allegiances, orcs, trolls, tauren, and the undead in a world rife with magic and conflict – it’s very much Tolkien-esque. Of course, the writing isn’t as good as JRR’s, but Azeroth is just as fascinating, huge, and diverse as Middle Earth. Plus, it’s just as allegorical to real-world issues, more relatable and easier to digest because it’s a video game. Think of a World of Warcraft account as a book club membership because you heard the word Tolkien, right? What comes to your head is the question mark if World of Warcraft somehow related to Lord of the Rings. As the a Tolkienist and a World of Warcraft regular gamer I can tell that -aside from WoW items, objects, a couple of WoW characters and some small details like The One Ring, 3 Trolls sitting around a campfire, etc. – WoW has not taken any blunt storytelling concept from LoTR as this would be a huge licensing controversy Blizzard would never have attempt to go against.

Easier Entry

Ever since Legion, Blizzard has been making a lot of moves to make World of Warcraft more palatable to players who want to try it but are daunted with all its years and its experienced players. Now, the game gives a lot of opportunities for new players to play catch-up with the rest of the player base. That means it’s easier to earn EXP and WoW Classic gold. This is still very much true with Battle for Azeroth.

Compared to previous expansions, players don’t have to grind as hard just to take on endgame PVE and PVP. While the more “protective” veterans may think that this is unfair or would “cheapen” the game, this less steep road to the endgame actually benefits everyone. Nobody’s sure how long this will be the case for WoW, but it’d be best if starting, current, and prospective players would take advantage of this.

Back to Old Times

Aside from making it a lot less difficult for budding adventurers to get on a competitive level, the themes of Legion and Battle for Azeroth have made the game more inviting to new blood. A lot of gamers, even those that have no interest in playing WoW, already know what World of Warcraft is about: the never-ending struggle between the Alliance and Horde, as well as the sudden arrival of the Burning Legion.

Sure, the two biggest factions are nothing like what they were in Warcraft II and III as the Undead and Night Elf Sentinels have become integrated to the Horde and Alliance respectively, but the old flames of war are indeed just as hot as it was before. With its return to the core concept that many prospective players have associated with the franchise, there’s no better time to start or go back to playing World of Warcraft.

A Blast in Azeroth

Lastly and most importantly, WoW is fun! After all, there’s nothing like being a warrior, spellcaster, or ranger of any of the fantastical races, trying to get stronger, taking on existential threats and political enemies, and exploring the deep mysteries of Azeroth. Truly, it’s the joy that the game brings that’s the best part of World of Warcraft.

Just because something is old doesn’t mean it’s no longer worth trying. If anything, people should know that World of Warcraft, like fine wine, got better with age. So, if you’re thinking of getting a sip from the most famous MMORPG fix – don’t think; just do it!