06. In-Game Chat (2024)

WoW'sin-game chat system is not significantly different from any other real-timeInternet "chat room" system you may have used before. The first stepis learning the commands that you'll need to enter in the Chat Window's textbox to switch between different chat modes. The default chat commands are listed below.Click inside the Chat Window text box to type the appropriate command, pressthe "Spacebar" on your keyboard, then type your message and hit"Enter."

1. /s--This command sets your Chat Window to send out normal speech messages. Any player near your position will be able to see your message in their own Chat Window, and will also see it in the form of a speech balloon above your Character (you'll see the speech balloon as well).
2. /y--This command sets your Chat Window to send out "yell" messages. These can be seen by any player in a very wide radius around you, and are distinguished by bright red text in the Chat Window and in your speech balloon. This is a good means of getting other Players' attention, but try to use it sparingly, as it is considered rude and obnoxious by some people.
3. /w [name of Player] (leave off the brackets)--This command sets your Chat Window to send a private message referred to as a "whisper" or "tell" to another Player. You can use this command to communicate privately with any friendly Player on your Realm, no matter where they are in the game world! You can also set the Chat Window to send a whisper to a Player in your immediate area by clicking on that Player to target them, right-clicking on their Character Portrait, and clicking "Whisper."
4. /p--This command sets your Chat Window to Party Chat mode. Party Chat messages can only be seen by you and any Players you are in a 5-person Party with (more on forming Parties in a while).
5. /g--This command sets your Chat Window to Guild Chat mode. Guild Chat messages can only be seen by you and any Players in the same Guild as you (more on Guilds in a while).
6. /1--This command sets your Chat Window to communicate in your current Zone's General Chat channel. Any friendly Player in the same Zone as you will be able to read your General Chat messages. This is a very useful tool for asking other Players for help.
7. /2--This command sets your Chat Window to communicate in the Trade Chat channel for your Faction. Trade Chat can only be accessed if you are in one of your Faction's capital cities, or in another major city like Shattrath City in Outland, or Dalaran in Northrend. Trade Chat messages can be seen by any friendly Player in any major city on your Realm. This chat channel is intended for Players to discuss items they want to buy, sell, or trade, but it is commonly used as a general purpose chat room.
8. /3--This command sets your Chat Window to communicate in your current Zone's Local Defense channel. Each Zone's Local Defense channel automatically broadcasts Zone-wide alert messages when a Player from the opposing Faction attacks one of the Zone's friendly NPCs, and lists where the attack is taking place. This helps friendly Players track down the invaders (or avoid trouble) as they see fit. Local Defense can be used to send messages as well, but most Players just use the General Chat channel.

Tryusing some of these chat modes now. Some players may ask you to join a Partywith them, or even invite you to join a Guild! For right now, politely declinetheir invitations, and make sure to thank them! Whenever you're ready, walkback over to Northshire Abbey and stand directly in front of the soldier withthe name "Marshal McBride" over his head.

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