TerryC wrote:
I really loved progression raiding, especially tanking but I won't go back to that now because of how much time it takes. I don't want to do raiding casually, either I want to be on the top of the game or not do it.
Good news for you, Looking for Raid (LFR) has been implemented. Similar to Looking for Dungeon, it allows you to specify a role, and you wait for it to fill the group and bam. Instant Raid. No Guild Needed. LFR raids are a little easier than the Normal Modes, but it still allows you to see bosses and scenery, as well as get some modest gear.
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So I'm thinking of coming back just for PvP, semi-casually. Problably playing 3-4 hours most days. Some days not at all, some days more.
There are some new Battlegrounds you might want to try, other than that, not sure what to say as I don't PvP much, usually only for Holiday achievements and occasionally to slowly work towards buying the honor mounts.
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How much has the game changed since early wotlk? I don't want to feel like I don't know anything and I'm just a "noob" again, but I also don't want to be into it like I used to. I spent a lot of hours looking at elitist jerks, reading graphs etc. I don't want to do that anymore. I just want to do some basic PvP.
They streamlined equipment, so that you won't have to do huge amounts of homework. Watching a couple Tankspot videos and browsing class forums to get a general idea of what your class wants is all you really need to do. They made equipment choices a lot easier to make, they streamlined a lot of things, and now it is fairly easy to just jump right in and play as long as you have a general idea of how your class should play.
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Do you guys think that playing this casual way is worth it for an old hardcore player? I'm used to being in top server guilds and playing constantly. Will it just feel akward to come back and just play casually?
I've never been a hardcore player, but I will say that there's plenty to do, though for the first few months, you might be caught up in trying to get your reps up, and unlock areas, trying to get Level 85, etc. Some of the new questing areas are simply awesome (I loved each one of them the first few times I went through them). They tell nice stories, the Molten Front dailies are awesome, for example.
I'd suggest getting a 6-month subscription if you've got the money and see where it takes you, and make your ultimate decision after playing some Cataclysm.
They changed a lot of stuff, if you need help ask around the boards. No graph studying needed, though a lot of classes were changed, some new mechanics were added, etc. Sometimes it is nice to have a hint or three as a helping hand when everything is new.