Getting Started — Complete VvW Onboarding Pillar
Quick answer: New players should follow this 6-step path: (1) take the race quiz; (2) read the race-build guide for your faction; (3) level 1-15 on story content only; (4) join a clan at level 20; (5) reach level 50 in ~12 hours of focused play; (6) prestige once at 50 to unlock endgame. Everything below is the long-form version.
Step 1 — Pick a race
Vampire (sustain, methodical) or Werewolf (burst, aggressive). 30-second decision via the race quiz or read the comparison pillar. Race is permanent on a character; pick what you'll enjoy for 200+ hours.
Step 2 — Pick a starter build
After race choice, the game suggests a class. Stick with the suggestion for your first character; don't customize until you understand the systems. Detailed: Best Starter Build 2026.
Step 3 — Level 1-15 on story content only
Don't deviate. Story scales perfectly to your level, awards above-average XP, unlocks core systems. Common mistake: hopping into a dungeon at level 8. Stick to story until 15.
Step 4 — Reach level 20 and join a clan
Level 20 unlocks PvP and clan membership. Joining a clan is the single best decision for long-term enjoyment. Vetting questions: How to Join a Clan.
Step 5 — Power-level 20-50 in ~12 hours
Bracket-by-bracket plan: 20-30 dungeon spam, 30-45 daily quest stack, 45-50 party raids. Detailed: Leveling 1-50 Fast Track.
Step 6 — Prestige at 50, unlock endgame
Prestige resets you to Lv1 but grants permanent +2% stats and unlocks one signature skill. Required for Mythic+ keystones. See Prestige Wiki.
What to do at endgame
Weekly raid, mythic+ keystones, Eclipse War (quarterly), seasonal leaderboards. Build legendary sets over 8-12 weeks. Mentor new players to earn Honor + cosmetic title. Optional: roleplay your faction in Discord lore-channels.
Common new-player mistakes
(1) Hybrid building (dump one stat or you lose). (2) Skipping the race quiz (guessing badly). (3) Soloing levels 45+ (raids are gated). (4) Not joining a clan (60%+ enjoyment lift). (5) Spending gems on stat power before cosmetics (cosmetics cost more, stats are F2P-earnable).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VvW good for total MMO beginners?
Yes — race quiz + story-tutorial scaffold the first 15 levels. Most beginners reach Lv30 in 6-8 hours.
How long to reach 'endgame'?
12 hours focused, 25 hours casual. Endgame = Lv50 + first prestige + first raid clear.
Should I rush or enjoy the story?
Rush if endgame interests you. Stories are replayable on alts; raids are time-gated.
Do I need to spend money to be competitive?
No — F2P players reach top-100 ladder. Paying buys time, not stats.
What if I get stuck?
Use /faq.html for common questions, /contact.html for support, or your clan chat for live help.