Private Server Guide
Private server types, explained in general.
WoW Private Server Types
In this short section we have a quick look at the two main types of wow privat servers and outline them briefly. There might be some variation to how the pserver in each individual case is customised, but these will serve as a general guide to private severs.
For more information on the terminology used have a look at the section on private server terminology
Blizzlike
This type of private wow server can vary depending on how close to the actual gameplay experience on retail servers they want to emulate. The actual blizzlike term is used most with servers who are as close to the actual retail realm as possible, this means, no increased exp rates, no teleporters, no custom equipment, no help with professions, etc. just like you would experience on a retail realm.
Blizzlike realms keep it as close to the actual gameplay as the real thing.
Some private severs are focussed on keeping items, areas and other aspects of the game equivalent to retail wow, but are using increased rates on exp, item drop rates, reputation rates. The increased rates can be just for exp, or any combination of the different attributes. These are often denoted in their top list marketing with the multiplier on the retail rates, eg, 5x, 10x, 20x, 50x....and so on. This type of privat servers are usually called high-rates blizzlike servers.
Funserver
The funserver realms on private servers are extremely popular due to the fact that they take the wow gaming experience further than what is available on blizzlike realms. Of course, some players prefer the original experience, so its really a question of preference.
The customization can very hugely in this category, ranging from funservers that just increase the maximum allowed level or by adding custom content on the private server, such as, increases levels, teleporters to help travelling, custom areas and bosses, custom equipment, etc, etc.
Funservers range from the mildly customised to the heavy custom private servers that give the players a whole new dimention of WoW.
On the extreme end, we have funservers where players are able to get overpowered items, level up to level 255, train all professions, learn all armour classes, and are faced with areas and bosses that have been specially created to challenge the boosted players. This type of pserver are popular as the game has evolved beyond what was intended on retail wow. However, with heavy customisation these servers rarely have as balanced classes as with blizzlike private servers.
One interesting aspect on some private servers is the possibility on some realms to design your own items and have them added to the database of the pserver. This brings a whole new aspect to the gaming experience as you can personalize your own characters with items you have made yourself. The most popular of the online item creators is wow-v.com. Of course each private server has their own set of rules guiding the stats that are allowed on the custom items.
All GM private server
This type of private server is not as widespread as the blizzlike and funserver versions. This is a completely different game in essence with all players starting out with partial GM powers. These tend to be more for roleplaying and just plain messing around. A refreshing change to the usual hack and slash.
Totally different gameplay experience. Want to fly around with GM powers, find an all GM private server.