Turtle WoW stands out among World of Warcraft private servers as the closest approximation to a fan-made "WoW Classic Plus" experience. Celebrating nearly seven years, this server boasts a comprehensive suite of significant changes that breathe new life into the 20-year-old MMO. Some modifications are subtle, such as updated Flight Point locations and improved Zeppelin/Boat functionality, while others are substantial additions that introduce fresh content and dramatically alter the Classic WoW experience. Whether you're a seasoned WoW player seeking a refreshing twist or a newcomer dissatisfied with existing WoW versions, Turtle WoW's innovations might just captivate you.
1. Playable High Elves & Goblins in Classic
High Elves for the Alliance, Goblins for the Horde
Turtle WoW introduces two playable races: the High Elves of the Silvermoon Remnants and the Goblins of the Durotar Labor Union. These races are meticulously designed to complement vanilla WoW aesthetics, utilizing existing Goblin models (with modifications) and original Blood Elf models (with adjustments) for the High Elves. Both races start in new zones and possess unique racial bonuses.
- High Elves: Increased Arcane resistance, a Mana recovery spell, and bonuses to Bow and Enchanting skills.
- Goblins: A 5-second Movement Speed boost, and bonuses to Alchemy, Mining, Dagger, and Mace skills.
2. Expanded Character Creation Options
New Class & Race Combinations & Customizations
Turtle WoW significantly expands character customization. Enjoy new class/race combinations such as Orc/Dwarf Mages, Gnome/Human/Undead Hunters, and Troll Warlocks. Existing races also benefit from enhanced customization options, including hair, face, and skin color choices unavailable in vanilla WoW. This results in significantly increased character variety and personalization.
3. New Quests & Leveling Zones
A Transformed Leveling Experience
Turtle WoW introduces numerous new zones and over a thousand quests. These quests seamlessly integrate into the existing lore, enhancing the story across Azeroth. Many new areas are based on content cut from the original game's release, including Mount Hyjal and Gilneas, offering unique environments, original soundtracks, quest lines, dungeons, and new items. This extensive addition significantly enriches the leveling journey to level 60.
4. Enhanced Endgame Content
New Dungeons & Raids
The endgame in Turtle WoW is far from static. It expands upon the original game by incorporating previously scrapped dungeons and raids (like the Karazhan Crypt) and adding entirely new raids, such as Gilneas City, featuring unique bosses, mechanics, and items. This feels like a true expansion, seamlessly integrating new content with updated vanilla WoW raids.
5. Transmogrification & Jewelcrafting
Features Adapted from Later Expansions
Turtle WoW incorporates Transmogrification (originally from *Cataclysm*) and Jewelcrafting (*Burning Crusade*), adapting them for the Classic WoW environment. Jewelcrafting creates gear like necklaces and rings, rather than gems. Transmogrification isn't gold-based; players earn Fashion Coins through quests to purchase transmogs.
6. New Mounts & Pets
Ground Mount Speed Tied to Riding Skill
A plethora of new mounts are available, many earned in-game, while others are available through the microtransaction store. Ground mount speed now scales with Riding skill, functioning similarly to Weapon skills. Numerous new non-combat pets are also available, some being vanilla WoW critters, while others are exclusive to the Turtle WoW shop. 
