How to start raiding in WoW Classic: a beginner's guide
Vanilla WoW Classic 1.12 · x5 realm · wowx5.ruRaids are the heart of WoW Classic. If you have just reached level 60 on WoW x5 and want to start raiding, this guide covers everything: from preparation to in-raid behavior. No padding — just practice.
WoW Classic raid progression
| Raid | Players | Difficulty | Recommended ilvl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zul'Gurub (ZG) | 20 | Easy | 45-50 |
| Onyxia's Lair | 40 | Medium | 50+ |
| Molten Core (MC) | 40 | Medium | 50+ |
| Blackwing Lair (BWL) | 40 | Hard | MC BiS |
| AQ20 (Ruins) | 20 | Medium | 50+ |
| AQ40 | 40 | Very hard | BWL BiS |
| Naxxramas | 40 | Hardcore | AQ40 BiS |
Start with ZG and MC in parallel — both are accessible at similar ilvl, but ZG is easier to organize at 20 players.
Preparation before the first raid
1. Gear and BiS
Before MC you need pre-raid BiS (minimum ilvl ~50+):
- Farm UBRS, Dire Maul, Scholomance
- Crafted Devilsaur Set (Leatherworking) for melee DPS
- Full list: Pre-Raid BiS WoW Classic
2. Consumables
Without consumables guilds will not invite you. A serious guild requires:
For DPS:
- Flask of Supreme Power (Mage/Warlock) or Flask of the Titans (melee)
- Elixir of the Mongoose (Agility + Crit)
- Mana Potion / Major Healing Potion (stack of 5+)
For healers:
- Flask of Distilled Wisdom
- Elixir of Greater Intellect
- Superior Mana Potion (stack of 10)
For tanks:
- Flask of the Titans
- Elixir of Superior Defense
- Major Healing Potion
3. Addons
Essential raid addons:
- CTRaidAssist — raid frames and auto-buffs
- DeadlyBossMods (DBM) — boss timers and warnings
- Threat Meter — threat control
- KTM (KillerThreatMeter) or Classic Threat Meter
4. Professions for raiding
| Profession | Why it matters in raids |
|---|---|
| Alchemy | Craft your own flasks and potions |
| Enchanting | Enchant your own gear |
| Blacksmithing/LW | Craft BiS for your class |
Roles in a raid
Main Tank (MT)
Holds the boss's aggro. One or two per raid. Maximum threat generation and survivability required.
Off-Tanks (OT)
Tank adds, hold a second boss, or serve as backup threat.
Healers
Assigned per group: MT healers, raid healers. Priests, Paladins, Shamans, Druids.
DPS
Deal damage. Watch your threat — never exceed the MT's threat.
The number-one DPS rule: never exceed the Main Tank's threat. If aggro shifts to a DPS player the raid wipes. Use a Threat Meter.
Raid behavior
What to know
1. Arrive on time — 10-15 minutes before the start 2. Read the tactics — know the mechanics of every boss in advance 3. Do not AFK in the raid without warning 4. Listen to the raid leader — even if you disagree 5. Do not ninja loot — follow the guild's loot rules
DKP and loot rules
Most guilds distribute loot using DKP (Dragon Kill Points):
- Points are awarded for each boss killed
- Items are bid for with points via a master looter or auction
- The more attendance — the more DKP
Some guilds use SR (Soft Reserve) or simply MS/OS (Main Spec / Off Spec).
Your first raids: what to expect
Molten Core (MC)
- Lucifron (first boss) — harder than it looks: Mind Control adds
- Gehennas — AoE fear, healers must move
- Ragnaros — needs solid preparation: sleep adds, positioning
→ Full guide: Molten Core
Zul'Gurub (ZG)
More forgiving than MC. Great training for new raiders:
- 20 players — easier to organize
- Bosses with varied mechanics
- Good trinkets and Primal Hakkari loot
→ Full guide: Zul'Gurub
Finding a raid guild
On WoW x5 dozens of active raid guilds exist: 1. Write in global chat "looking for a raid guild" 2. Check announcements on wowx5.ru 3. The server Discord — the best way to find active raiders
Related material
- Molten Core — the first raid
- Zul'Gurub — 20-man raid
- Pre-raid BiS
- WoW Classic addons guide
- Reputation guide
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Play on WoW x5 — find your raid guild today!
FAQ
Which raid should I start with in WoW Classic?
Start with Zul'Gurub (20-man) and Molten Core in parallel — both are accessible with pre-raid BiS. ZG is easier to organize (20 man), MC gives Tier 1 and the main progression. Onyxia's Lair is also accessible early.
What consumables do I need for raiding in WoW Classic?
Minimum: a Flask (or two Elixirs), Major Healing/Mana Potion and appropriate food. Serious guilds will not invite you without consumables. Alchemy lets you craft them yourself.
How do I find a raid on WoW x5?
Write in the global chat, use the WoW x5 server Discord or check announcements on the site. Most guilds are actively looking for healers and tanks more than DPS.