Why Double Down? The Compelling Reasons Behind Owning Multiple WoW Accounts
So, you’ve noticed a few players sporting multiple World of Warcraft (WoW) accounts and wondered if they’ve discovered a secret level of gameplay. The truth is, there are several compelling reasons why players choose to manage more than one account, ranging from maximizing in-game efficiency to enhancing their overall gaming experience. Simply put, a second WoW account grants you the ability to multitask and leverage the game’s mechanics in ways a single account can’t. This article explores the reasons behind this practice and delves into the frequently asked questions surrounding the topic.
Unlocking Efficiency and Opportunity: The Benefits of Two or More Accounts
The main draw of having multiple accounts boils down to increased efficiency and expanded possibilities within the game. Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages:
- Enhanced Trading & Auction House Control: One of the primary reasons players maintain a second account is to facilitate cross-faction trading or better manage their Auction House presence. You can use one account to list items on the neutral Auction House and then purchase them from your other account. This allows you to effectively transfer wealth or resources between characters that would otherwise be impossible. It also gives you a discreet way to buy materials at cheaper prices.
- Dedicated Banker & Storage: Managing inventory across multiple characters can become a logistical nightmare. A dedicated “banker” character on a second account simplifies this. This character is solely responsible for storing valuable items, crafting materials, and large sums of gold, keeping your active characters uncluttered and efficient. This also has the added bonus of being able to hide the identity of your banker from competitors or those who would be curious.
- Dual-Boxing Potential: While requiring substantial hardware and skill, “dual-boxing” (playing two characters simultaneously) opens up unique gameplay opportunities. You could coordinate two characters for leveling, dungeons, or even some raid content. This is where the ability to use two characters at once becomes incredibly valuable.
- Expanded Profession Coverage: Each character can learn two primary professions. Having multiple accounts allows you to maximize profession coverage across your characters, ensuring you can craft a wider range of items and fulfill diverse needs. This allows you to be a lot more self sufficient, and be more competitive in selling professions items.
- Bypass Character Limits: Although the character limit per account is generous, dedicated players might still reach it. A second account effectively doubles your character slots, allowing you to create more characters for different roles, races, or simply to explore different aspects of the game.
- Exploration & Alt Leveling: Simply put, a second account gives you more character slots to enjoy more of the content. Many people want to experience all classes in the game, or want to experience both factions (Horde and Alliance).
- Having an alt account for Raiding: Sometimes people just want to play the game without any pressures or responsibilities. If you have multiple accounts you can raid on your main account and have an alt account that you can play on.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in a second (or third, or even eighth!) WoW account is a personal one. For some, the benefits outweigh the added cost and management overhead. For others, a single account provides ample opportunity for enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Multiple WoW Accounts
Below are some frequently asked questions about having multiple WoW accounts.
1. How many WoW accounts can I have on one Blizzard account?
You can have up to 8 World of Warcraft accounts under a single Blizzard account.
2. Can I merge two WoW accounts into one?
No, it is not possible to merge multiple Battle.net accounts or multiple WoW game licenses into a single account. Each account must be managed separately.
3. Is it permissible for a husband and wife to share a WoW account?
Generally, account sharing is prohibited. The only exception is for a parent or legal guardian sharing an account with their minor child.
4. Is selling WoW accounts legal?
Selling WoW accounts violates Blizzard’s Terms of Service. Engaging in such transactions carries the risk of account suspension or permanent ban. While there are third party sites that allow for selling accounts, this is still not legal and you could lose access to your characters.
5. Can I use the same email address for multiple WoW accounts?
No, each Battle.net account (which houses your WoW accounts) requires a unique email address. You’ll need to create a separate email address for each account.
6. Can I transfer a character from one WoW account to another?
Yes, but both accounts must be registered under the same account holder name. There’s also a cost associated with this service. Also be aware that you can not transfer between Modern, Classic, and Wrath Classic versions of the game.
7. Is it possible to delete a WoW account?
You cannot delete individual, fully activated World of Warcraft accounts from your Battle.net account. You can only delete Starter Edition accounts or your entire Battle.net account.
8. Can I play WoW without a subscription?
Yes, you can play the Starter Edition of World of Warcraft for free. However, access is limited to characters below level 20, with certain other restrictions also in place.
9. How much does a character transfer cost?
The cost of transferring a character between accounts or realms varies by region but is generally around $25 USD.
10. What are the limitations of a free WoW account?
Free accounts are restricted to level 20, limited gold earning potential, and restricted chat functionality. Trading is also limited and they can’t join guilds.
11. Do old, inactive WoW accounts get deleted?
No, Blizzard does not typically delete inactive WoW accounts or characters. However, character names might be released if the character has been inactive for a very long time and another player requests the name.
12. Can my sibling play on my WoW account?
Account sharing with anyone other than a minor child under your guardianship is not allowed and violates Blizzard’s Terms of Service.
13. Can I recruit a friend who has an old, inactive WoW account?
Yes, you can recruit friends with an existing WoW account that hasn’t had active game time in the past 24 months using the Recruit-a-Friend program.
14. Can I play WoW on the same account on two different computers simultaneously?
No, you can only play one account at a time, even if the game is installed on multiple computers.
15. How many characters can I create per WoW account?
The maximum number of characters you can create per World of Warcraft account is 60.
In conclusion, owning multiple WoW accounts can be a strategic decision that significantly enhances gameplay, especially for players heavily invested in trading, crafting, and alt leveling. However, it’s important to understand Blizzard’s policies regarding account sharing and adhere to the Terms of Service to avoid potential penalties. To learn more about the social and educational impact of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.