So you're a game fan? You just couldn't live without the role-playing game but you've never played one of these "Massive Multi-Player Online Role-Playing Games" before? You should be glad to know that there is absolutely nothing to worry about, and that you will only be joining millions of other people in helping to make this genre the fastest growing aspect of the gaming industry. While this whole new style of gaming may seem overwhelming at first there is nothing to be worried about, and you shall quickly be immersed into a whole new realm of gaming that you could never have imagined before.

A Massive Multi-Player Online Role-Playing game, referred to, as MMORPG from here on in, is its own world not very different from the one you live in right now. It contains its own community of people, a strong or weak economy, many employment opportunities, or even unemployment opportunities depending on your view. These worlds often come with the full characteristics of the society that they are set around with both the good and the bad. There will be cities that are infested with thieves and other lowlifes; and there will also be cities that are inhabited by a group of Paladins who tolerate only their strict ways. Something that you will learn over time is where to go, and where not to go depending on your individual play style, and chosen character race/class.

If this is your first visit to the world of MMORPG's you're in for a treat. But there are still a few things that you should know before you make the journey in. The first and foremost thing that I think should be noted, is that friends are the most important 'piece of equipment' you can have in this game. These are the people that you will see every time you enter this fictional world, they will be with you in your best times and with you during your worst times. Just as in the real world, life in a MMORPG just is not the same without a friend. One of the best parts about it though is the fact that it's easy to make friends in an online world. There are places where people tend to congregate which makes it very easy to meet people just by talking to them. However, I would suggest not taking this approach by going to the busy places (IE: Banks) and talking to random people; with reasoning for this stemming from the fact that everyone is there. To make a good friend in a MMORPG it's best to find someone who has a similar play style to you. You'll come across these people in your travels all the time, and will meet them while hunting ferocious beasts or standing in line for the forge. Just play the game, be nice to people, and good things will come from it. But, no matter what, always treat your friends as you would treat a friend back in the real world. If you get a reputation for being unjust to your friends that reputation will haunt you for the rest of your playing days, potentially ruining your fun in the process. A good friend can really make or break a game such as this for you, and can easily keep you playing for years. Players often get together in the real world after meeting each other in a game. These events are normally called fan fairs, and really show how close some friends can become from meeting each other in a game.

There are basic commands in any MMORPG that are essential to know upon entering the world. Do you know how to talk to someone? Do you know how to trade goods with someone, safely? Do you know how to interact with a NPC? These are all essential things to know when you first step foot into the world. Stepping foot into a whole new world can be very confusing, but knowing just the basic commands the game will make the transition a lot easier for you.

The other thing that is always nice to have in front of you, are maps of the areas that you will be traveling in or hanging out around. Since some of these worlds are huge, and can take hours to walk across it can be very easy to get oneself lost. A simple map like one that can be found right here on Stratics, when they are released, can help your travels immensely. This is something that is purely a personal decision. It will make your life easier, but many people enjoy the thrill of walking into the unknown and exploring for themselves. If you are one of these people then just ignore the fact that I ever mentioned maps existed. But for those of you who like a little bit of help take a look around and get yourself a good set of maps.

There really isn't much more that you can say about a MMORPG without playing it thoroughly, as the best way to learn about one is to play one. If you have the opportunity to play any MMORPG before you're able to enter the world of EverQuest II then I would strongly suggest that you do so. It will help to give you a clear cut advantage over those who haven't ever played a game like this before by enabling you to better overcome the 'culture shock' that you may encounter upon entering the new world. The old age paradigm 'knowledge is power' really does apply to this genre of gaming just as it applies to the real world. Being prepared with the basic knowledge of what you are getting yourself into will make the transition that much quicker. I hope that you're able to enjoy your debut into the world of Massive Multi-Player Online Games and you're able to appreciate them for what they really are, a self contained world all on its own.