PVP vs PVE differences

[ElQuacko]

Gonna be fun seeing 40 hordes and 40 allies trying to kill STV tigers and not being able to do anything to stop the enemy farm

[sylvr]

Gonna be fun seeing 40 hordes and 40 allies trying to kill STV tigers and not being able to do anything to stop the enemy farm

The biggest downside. Hopefully the population won't be too out of control and we can still level effectively

[MasterQuaster]

PVE players are generally nicer and more mature.

*facepalm* please go play Monkey Island! Such a silly statement!

[JCarrill0]

What are the differences? Are there only related to PVP/PVE rules or content wise also?

Player versus environment
Abbreviated PvE, the player versus environment realm allows for a more relaxed style while in the world. PvE realms focus on player versus environment (PvE) play, and depending on the location within the world, it is more difficult to initiate player versus player (PvP) combat on these realms. This type of realm is also referred to as a "normal" realm. PvE realms are generally recommended for new players, since there is no risk of unwanted PvP combat or ganking from other players.

Player versus player
Abbreviated PvP, the player versus player realm differs from the normal realm. PvP realms have an increased amount of player versus player combat, in the form of World PvP; entering any contested or enemy territory automatically flags the character being used for PvP combat, and the character cannot be unflagged while in these zones. The player will remain flagged for five minutes after having left a contested or enemy territory. PvP realms are generally recommended for those who enjoy knowing that they could be attacked at any time.

PvE (Normal)
These realms pit player versus the environment; on a PvE realm, you cannot be attacked by another player (with certain very small and specific exceptions) unless you take an action to flag yourself for PvP. You may PvP if you desire, but you are not required to. This may be the least stressful gaming experience, especially if you are new to the game. Because of this it may be a good idea for your first realm to be in a normal realm so you can learn how to play as well as enjoy the story of the game, without fear of attacked by other players. On these realms, most PvP takes place inside the Battlegrounds and Arena, but can take place anywhere else if players choose to flag themselves for PvP. Participation in battlegrounds is completely optional, as is any other PvP experience. PvE realms are recommended for players who wish to focus purely on the game and its story.

PvE realms are sometimes stigmatized as "easy mode" by those who believe that PvP is the only correct way to play the game. This includes use of the derisive term carebear for players who choose to play on PvE realms. In reality, a large proportion of players prefer to play on PvE realms, for a variety of reasons, whether to avoid griefers or simply because they don't enjoy world PvP.

PvP (Player vs. Player)
Player vs. player realms are identical to PvE realms in the various races' starting areas (the level 1-10 zones, such as Elwynn Forest or Durotar), extending to the major faction cities (Orgrimmar, Ironforge, etc). However, outside of those areas, players are automatically flagged for player versus player (PvP) combat, and can engage any opposite-faction player in combat at any time. Factions are more tightly knit and PvP lends more of a sense of immediate conflict between the factions (as hardcore PvPers are fond of saying, "it is World of Warcraft, after all"). However, a PvP realm can sometimes be more stressful and frustrating to play on than a PvE realm, due to being exposed for potential PvP combat without choice. PvP realms tend to have a higher attraction rate for griefers, players who find entertainment in attempting to spoil others' gameplay experience. Both PvP combat and dealing with griefers add a different type of play that many players find thrilling, while others will find simply frustrating.

PvP realms are known for the life and death thrill of knowing that you could be attacked at any time. When venturing beyond their faction's home territories, players must be prepared for combat, ambushes and sudden attacks from all directions in what is known as "world PvP" (PvP that takes place outside of battlegrounds and arena). In practice, this has a number of consequences: players can attack and kill lower-level players (who have no chance of fighting back); may group up to take out solitary members of the opposite faction; and are free to repeatedly attack and kill players regardless of whether or not that player wishes to engage in PvP at that time. While there are anti-harrassment rules (and ways of evading griefers) in practice there is a large amount of leeway for players on PvP realms to attack the other faction; that is after all the purpose of PvP realms. However, this accounts for a minority of world PvP, and for those who enjoy this type of play, playing on a PvP realm can add substantially to the enjoyment of playing the game. As well as adding a sense of danger and tension to play, PvP realms also allow players to engage in PvP far more often and more freely. World PvP is a unique form of PvP, and in some ways the most 'realistic' and challenging of all, requiring players to be ready for anything, at any time.

Some players believe that PvP is required in order to have a truly fulfilling experience in World of Warcraft. However, each server type provides its own experience, and the choice is entirely at each player's discretion.