If you're a fan of *World of Warcraft* and have been seeking an experience that enhances the classic game, Turtle WoW might be just what you're looking for. As one of the most established private servers, Turtle WoW has been delivering a fan-made "WoW Classic Plus" experience for nearly seven years. This server brings a host of innovative changes that breathe new life into the venerable 20-year-old MMO, offering both minor tweaks and major overhauls to the original gameplay.
Whether you're a seasoned player looking for a fresh twist or someone unsatisfied with the current iterations of WoW, Turtle WoW's alterations might captivate you.
1 High Elves & Goblins Are Playable In Classic
High Elves For The Alliance, Goblins For The Horde
Turtle WoW introduces two new playable races: the High Elves of the Silvermoon Remnants for the Alliance and the Goblins of the Durotar Labor Union for the Horde. These races are crafted to seamlessly fit the aesthetics of vanilla WoW, utilizing existing Goblin models for customization and modified Blood Elf models for the High Elves.
Each race starts in a new zone and comes with unique racial bonuses:
- High Elves have increased Arcane resistance, a mana recovery spell, and bonuses to Bow and Enchanting skills.
- Goblins gain an ability that temporarily boosts Movement Speed, along with bonuses to Alchemy, Mining, Dagger, and Mace skills.
2 More Character Creation Options
New Class & Race Combinations & Customizations
Turtle WoW enhances the character creation process with new class and race combinations that add flavor to the game. Now, Orcs and Dwarves can become mages, Gnomes, Humans, and Undead can be Hunters, and Trolls can play as Warlocks. Additionally, existing races receive expanded customization options, including new hair, face, skin color, and other features not found in vanilla WoW, allowing for greater personalization and variety.
3 New Quests & Leveling Zones
The Leveling Experience Is Completely Different
One of the most significant enhancements in Turtle WoW is the addition of over a thousand new quests spread across dozens of new zones. These quests complement the existing lore and feel of vanilla WoW, seamlessly integrating into the world. Many of these new areas were originally planned but cut from the vanilla release, such as Mount Hyjal and Gilneas. These zones come with their own unique environments, soundtracks, quest lines, dungeons, and items, making the journey to level 60 both fresh and fulfilling.
4 Fresh Endgame Content In Turtle WoW
New Dungeons & Raids For Turtle WoW's Endgame
Reaching max level in Turtle WoW is just the beginning, thanks to the extensive endgame content. The server revives scrapped dungeons and raids like the Karazhan Crypt and introduces entirely new raids like Gilneas City. These come with unique bosses, mechanics, and new endgame items, expanding the original game's endgame while staying true to its lore.
5 Transmogrification & Jewelcrafting
Later-Expansion Features Adapted For Classic WoW
Turtle WoW also incorporates features from later WoW expansions, such as Transmogrification and Jewelcrafting. These familiar systems are adapted to fit the classic setting. Jewelcrafters can create necklaces and rings instead of socketable gems, functioning somewhat like a specialized Blacksmith. Transmogrification, introduced in Cataclysm, is earned through Fashion Coins from quests, rather than being purchasable with Gold.
6 New Turtle WoW Mounts & Pets
And Ground Mounts Speed Up Based On Your Riding Skill
No expanded classic WoW experience would be complete without new mounts and pets. Turtle WoW offers an extensive collection of new mounts, many of which can be earned in-game, though some are available through the microtransaction store. The server also updates the mechanics of ground mounts, allowing their speed to increase gradually with your Riding skill, akin to a Weapon skill. Additionally, there's a wide array of new noncombat pets to collect, including some vanilla WoW Critters now available as companions, though many new pets are exclusive to the Turtle WoW shop.