Among the multitude of World of Warcraft private servers, Turtle WoW stands out as the epitome of a fan-made WoW Classic Plus experience. With nearly seven years under its belt, this private server has introduced a vast array of innovative changes to rejuvenate the 20-year-old original MMO. These modifications range from subtle tweaks, such as updates to Flight Point locations and Zeppelin/Boat functionalities, to monumental additions that introduce substantial new content, transforming the Classic WoW experience. Whether you're a seasoned WoW player seeking a fresh take or someone dissatisfied with the existing versions of WoW, Turtle WoW's alterations could be the breath of fresh air you're looking for.
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. Both races are meticulously crafted to fit seamlessly into the vanilla WoW aesthetic. The Goblins utilize customizations from existing Classic models, while the High Elves employ adjusted Blood Elf models from the original game.
These new races come with unique starting zones and a set of racial bonuses:
- High Elves start with increased Arcane resistance, a spell to recover Mana, and bonuses to Bow and Enchanting skills.
- Goblins gain an ability that boosts their Movement Speed for 5 seconds, along with bonuses to Alchemy, Mining, Dagger, and Mace skills.
2. More Character Creation Options
New Class & Race Combinations & Customizations
Turtle WoW enriches the original WoW experience with new class and race combinations, adding flavor and variety. For instance, Orcs and Dwarves can now become mages, Gnomes, Humans, and Undead can take up the role of Hunters, and Trolls can be Warlocks.
Moreover, existing races in the game receive new character creation options, including variations in hair, face, skin color, and other features not found in vanilla WoW. These enhancements significantly expand the character creation system, offering greater personalization and variety.
3. New Quests & Leveling Zones
The Leveling Experience Is Completely Different
A standout feature of Turtle WoW is the addition of dozens of new zones and over a thousand new quests. These quests are spread across Azeroth, enhancing both new and existing zones with stories that complement the original vanilla WoW narrative seamlessly.
New zones, many of which were originally cut from the vanilla game, such as Mount Hyjal and Gilneas, are introduced with their own environments, original soundtracks, quest lines, dungeons, and new items. For those who enjoyed the leveling journey in classic WoW, Turtle WoW offers a rich, satisfying experience up to level 60.
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 dungeons and raids that were omitted from the original game, like the Karazhan Crypt, and introduces entirely new raids, such as Gilneas City, complete with unique bosses, mechanics, and endgame items.
This endgame content feels like an expansion of the original game, integrating new dungeons and raids that align with the lore and updated versions of vanilla WoW raids.
5. Transmogrification & Jewelcrafting
Later-Expansion Features Adapted For Classic WoW
Turtle WoW borrows from later WoW expansions to introduce Transmogrification and the Jewelcrafting profession. Originally from Cataclysm and The Burning Crusade, respectively, these features are adapted to fit the Classic WoW environment.
Jewelcrafters in Turtle WoW craft various gear items, including necklaces and rings, rather than socketable Gems. Transmogrification, meanwhile, is not purchasable with Gold; instead, players earn Fashion Coins from quests given by the Fashionista in the capital city to acquire Transmog.
6. New Turtle WoW Mounts & Pets
And Ground Mounts Speed Up Based On Your Riding Skill
Turtle WoW boasts an extensive collection of new mounts, catering to avid collectors. While some mounts are available through the microtransaction store, most can be earned in-game.
The server also revamps the ground mount system. Instead of fixed speed increases at the 75 and 150 Riding skill levels, your mounted speed now scales with your Riding skill, functioning similarly to a Weapon skill.
Additionally, Turtle WoW introduces numerous new noncombat pets, including some Critters from vanilla WoW now available as companions. However, many of these new pets, like the mounts, are exclusive to the Turtle WoW shop.
