Server Types

From wow.incgamers.com

World of Warcraft currently offers 4 types of server for players to play on, each offering a different ruleset in terms of how PvP is implemented in the game. These are called the "Normal Realms" and "Player vs Player Realms". These servers (or "realms") are abbrevated "PvE Realms" (as it is a "Player vs. Environment" type of server) and "PvP Realms".

On a PvE server, you mainly fight monsters of the game, and are on a "truce" with the other faction of players, where the only ways to do battle is by dueling someone, flagging yourself for PvP, entering an "arena area" (such as Gurubashi Arena or the Nagrand Arena, where you will be flagged for "Free for All PvP"), joining a Battle Ground or an Arena Battle. On a PvP server, you will always be subject to attacks from the opposite faction, as you are always flagged for PvP (like you have to do manually on a PvE Server). The only exception is when you enter your own main cities and staring areas, where you will be PvE-flagged if you stay there for 5 minutes. The opposite faction players will still be flagged for PvP if they enter your starting area, and vice versa.

The "Role-Playing Realms", which are mainly for players who wish to role-play their characters, and the RP servers can be both of the PvE or PvP type. So the 4 types of server to play on are: PvE, PvP, RP-PvE and RP-PvP. Normally, you simply refer the RP servers to if they are PvE or PvP. On all types of realms, players of the same faction can only fight each other if they duel, enter an "arena area", or an Arena Battle.

Rabble

Player vs Player Realms allow players of the Horde and Alliance to fight each other in addition to the other enemy monsters in the world.

Some players prefer the challenge of facing other real players rather than playing against computer-controlled monsters/characters.

Common reasons for this include: more strategy, excitement, the thrill of defeating a real player and imagining their reaction when defeated.

PvP Realms aren't for everyone so be aware of what you're getting into before joining. You must be prepared to put up with high level players trying to attack you when you least expect it. You must also be prepared to fail a quest because of enemy interference. There will be quests that are especially difficult because they take place in enemy territory. You'll have to dodge and/or defeat enemy players to complete your quest. Make sure you learn about the basic rules for PvP servers. Additionally, please be aware of the Player vs. Player Policy, which is a list of rules for play on this special Realm type.