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[[Image:Shaman multiboxer.png|thumb|300px|Multiboxer playing with five [[dwarf]] [[shaman]]s in [[Arathi Basin]]-battleground.]]
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{{Infobox orc clan
  
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'''Multiboxing''' is a term used to denote one user playing multiple accounts simultaneously. This can be done using one or more machines. Solutions exist for both the [[wikipedia:Personal computer|PC]] and [[Mac]]. There are also solutions for using both PC and Mac at the same time. The following pages contain more detailed information than presented here, [[Multiboxing hardware]], [[Multiboxing software]], [[Multiboxing macros]], and [[Scripts]].
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|name=Warsong clan
  
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|banner=Warsong-clan.jpg
  
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|leader=[[Garrosh Hellscream]]
  
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|pastleader=[[Grommash Hellscream]]
  
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|color=Red
  
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|colornote=<ref>''[[Horde Player's Guide]]'', page 172</ref> (though some use Purple<ref>''[[Warcraft III'']]</ref> and others wear Black <ref>{{loot|common|Warsong Tabard}}</ref>))
  
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}}
  
   
  +
For some players there is not enough challenge in playing only one character at a time. Others look to recreate the feel of old time Computer Role Playing Games where a well designed team was used to adventure together. There are also some who don't want to rely on others to play the game when one character is not enough.
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[[Image:Warsong Tabard.jpg|thumb|Warsong Tabard]]
  
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[[Image:warsong tabard.jpg|thumb|Many Warsong orcs now wear the symbol of the clan on their tabards.]]
  
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[[Image:WSban.jpg|thumb|The official Warsong clan banner is red]]
  
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[[Image:Warsong shredder.JPG|thumb|Cutting down forests was one reason why the night elves attacked the Warsong clan.]]
  
   
  +
==Background of Multiboxing==
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The '''Warsong clan''' is an [[orc]]ish clan, formerly led by [[Grom Hellscream]] and now led by his headstrong son [[Garrosh Hellscream]]. The clan's [[Warsong Outriders]] form the [[Horde]] [[faction]] in the [[Warsong Gulch]] [[battleground]] — where they are attempting to defend their logging operations in [[Ashenvale]] from the [[Silverwing Sentinels]], a group of night elves unwilling to have their forest continue to be cut down. Additionally, the [[Warsong Offensive]] spearheads the Horde's assault against the [[Scourge]] in [[Northrend]].
  
   
  +
As noted above in the term description, multiboxing is a game play style accepted by Blizzard <ref>http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=2856144935&postId=29491813990&sid=1#16</ref><ref>http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=3168405460&pageNo=1&sid=1</ref>. The multiboxing solutions documented here do not violate Blizzard's [[EULA]] for the World of Warcraft game.
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== History ==
  
⚫
===Draenor===
  
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One of the strongest and most violent clans, the Warsong Clan was also one of the most distinguished clans on [[Draenor]] and was able to evade [[Alliance]] expedition forces at every turn. Depicted as Grunts, they have mastered the use of swords and blades and a few of them have even attained the rank of a [[Blademaster]]. The clan is named for the high-pitched battle cries of its leader [[Grom Hellscream]].
  
   
  +
In order to multibox in World of Warcraft, you will need to have all of the following criteria areas addressed:
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While the Warsong Clan was spared the defeats of the [[Second War]], it was used with effectiveness by [[Ner'zhul]] in the aftermath of the conflict. The Warsong forces combined with those of the [[Bleeding Hollow clan]] led by [[Killrogg Deadeye]], and were used in strategic hit and run raids to retrieve some of [[Azeroth]]'s most powerful magical artifacts. The Warsong specifically were charged with guarding the Dark portal on the azerothian side, and keeping the forces of [[Nethergarde Keep]] at bay. Possession of the Dark Portal switched sides quite often during Ner'zhul's invasion and the Warsongs were forced to retreat to a neighboring valley for periods of time.
 
   
  +
:One World of Warcraft registered account per game client you wish to multibox (example: 5 characters = 5 accounts)<ref>https://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=77594054&postId=776776019#1</ref>. This means you will have to purchase multiple copies of the game, including all required expansions.
⚫
===Azeroth===
  
  +
:The computing power to run the desired number of games. This can be achieved by using 1 computer or multiple computers. A simple computer costing under $700 is sufficient to multibox <ref>http://multiboxing.com/world-of-warcraft/minimum-requirements-to-multibox-5-world-of-warcrafts</ref>
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Ultimetly Ner'zhul betrayed the Warsong, and they were stranded on Azeroth. With the destruction of the Dark Portal the warsong clan retreated to [[Stonard]] where they paused to consider their options {{Cite|BtDP|410}}. Grom and the Warsong clan were forced into hiding in the wilds of [[Lordaeron]]. They eked out an existence on the edge of human civilization for nearly 15 years.
  
  +
:The ability to "broadcast" your game commands to all your running games. This can be done by using [[Multiboxing software]] or [[Multiboxing hardware]].
   
  +
In addition, you will need to learn many multiboxing strategies, including [[Macro]] writing skills, and may need to pay special attention to your in-game [[UI]].
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During this time, Grom was constantly battling the demonic curse on the orcs that had left him and his race weakened and listless. Where other orcs gave in to this malaise, Grom fought it to the end of his days. As the number of free orcs diminished by conflict and old age, their situation looked more and more hopeless. The young and weak were unable to thrive in their harsh environment and the day of reckoning looked to be coming soon for the Warsong Clan.
  
   
  +
==Difficulty==
−
Fortunately, the Warsong clan lead was reunited with [[Orgrim Doomhammer]] and [[Thrall]]'s lost clan, the [[Frostwolf clan|Frostwolves]]. Battling against the Human internment camps surrounding the stronghold of [[Durnholde]], the two clans set about freeing and reinvigorating the Orcish nation.
  
  +
How complex of a solution do you want? A software-only solution using one machine and multiple copies of the game is pretty straightforward. For many, the real complexity is in writing macros that allow each character to function properly in the group. Because characters are sharing hotkeys, a lot of care must be put into what effects each hotkey activates. The end result is that you can become very knowledgeable in using the game's [[Macro]] language and available [[Addons]].
   
  +
==The basics==
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While the Orcish horde was looking for settlement land in Lordaeron, they were instead instructed by the new Warchief Thrall, acting on the warnings of the Prophet and Last Guardian [[Medivh]], to journey across the seas to the strange new continent of [[Kalimdor]].
  
  +
This section will cover the basics of multiboxing. While hardware and software requirements will be mentioned, more extensive detail will be found on either of the following two pages [[Multiboxing Hardware Requirements]] and [[Multiboxing Software Requirements]]
   
  +
===Game software===
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During their time in Kalimdor, Grom and the Warsong clan were manipulated by Mannoroth, who made their bloodlust so strong that they gave in to their urges and fought the Night Elves in Ashenvale with vicious strength. They caused such destruction of the forests there that the demigod [[Cenarius]] came to stop them. Instead, they killed Cenarius.
  
  +
You will need to purchase the game, and depending on needs the expansion as well, for each account you wish to run simultaneously.
   
  +
A minimum of one installation of the game software must be present on each computer.
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Eventually, Thrall (who realized that they had succumbed to their bloodlust) was forced to take stern action against the rampaging Warsong clan. With Thrall's help, Grom was able to overcome the bloodlust, and the two faced and killed Mannoroth, finally ending the demonic hold on the orc race, but Grom was killed in the battle.
 
   
  +
A single installation directory can be used to open multiple instances of the game client. It is not necessary to have multiple WoW directories on a machine to run multiple WoW Windows.
−
Grom's last words were, "Thrall, the blood haze has lifted, the demon's fire had burned out in my veins, I...have...freed... myself".
  
   
  +
The single directory installation option saves hard drive space and simplifies setup and maintenance of your user interface and add-ons.
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After Grom Hellscream gasped his last breath Thrall replied, "No, old friend. You have freed us all!"
  
   
  +
Some users prefer to maintain several copies of the game files on one computer. It is widely believed that multiple installations of the game client will improve performance, however this is only partly true. Multiple installations will improve performance only if each installation is on a different physical drive.
−
Even though it can be said Grom Hellscream brought the demon curse upon himself, he is still revered for eventually rising above it and destroying the demon who had cursed the orcs. Grom's story is a story of corruption and redemption.
  
   
  +
If the multiple directory method of installation is chosen you will need to maintain add-ons and user interface changes for each installation separately.
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==Warsong Banner==
  
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{{RPG}}
  
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This violet sashimono banner is worn only by the chief of the Warsong clan. It provides the wearer with great physical ability and inspires those around him. As a gift to the orcs who rescued them, Darkspear shadow hunters recently improved its capabilities.{{Cite|S&L|168}}
  
   
  +
Users of [[Mac]] computers can symbolic link the Data directory to save space when running multiple copies on one machine.
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== Warsong Gulch ==
  
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{{main|Warsong Outriders}}
  
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Many Warsong orcs now reside in [[Ashenvale Forest]], where they operate a lumber camp near [[Demon Fall Canyon]], where a monument to Hellscream now sits. The night elves still hold animosity towards the Warsong clan and they frequently clash in the area known as Warsong Gulch.
  
   
  +
Users of Windows XP or newer with NTFS can use Junction Links for the same effect. Windows Vista/7 can use the included MKLINK<ref>http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753194%28WS.10%29.aspx</ref> program to create a junction. Windows XP users have to resort to a third party program (e.g. Junction Link Magic).
−
== Wrath of the Lich King ==
  
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* [[Garrosh Hellscream]] leads the Warsong clan starting in the [[Wrath of the Lich King]] expansion. His main presence is in the [[Warsong Hold]] in [[Northrend]]. The Warsong faction dedicated to destroy the [[Scourge]] in [[Northrend]] is called the [[Warsong Offensive]], a part of the combined forces known as the [[Horde Expedition]].
  
   
−
== References ==
 +
===System hardware===
  +
To run two or more copies on the same machine, it is recommended that it contain a dual core processor, discrete 3d graphics accelerator, and at least one gigabyte of memory. Additional copies on the same machine will require faster processors and more memory. When using multiple machines, try to keep all of them identical.
−
{{reflist}}
  
   
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===Key/mouse broadcasting software===
−
{{Factions}}
  
  +
There are multiple methods of broadcasting keystrokes from one client to another, either on the same machine or across multiple machines.
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{{Orc Clans}}
  
   
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Mouse broadcasting is the method from which you use and activate your mouse from 1 main game window and it has reflected actions upon other game windows. While this is not needed for all forms of multiboxing, it is a boon to those who play Mage / Warlock / Druid classes due to the requirement those classes have to target area-of-effect type of spells.
⚫
[[Category:Orc clans]]
  
  +
⚫
[[Category:Organizations]]
  
  +
===Additional hardware===
−
[[Category:Wrath of the Lich King]]
  
  +
Keyboard, Video, and Mouse, switches (KVMs for short) are an option when using multiple machines. A Vetra Keyboard Multiplexer is one example for controlling multiple machines. Additional monitors may also be needed, note that the the secondary characters do not need to be on large monitors and there benefits with using smaller monitors to view their actions.
  +
  +
==Game concerns==
  +
Some of the choices you make are strictly within the game. From server type, character types, to the races of the characters.
  +
  +
===PvE or PvP===
  +
====Player versus Environment====
  +
Player versus Environment is the easy solution. Even if the eventual goal is to play on a Player versus Player server getting practice with multiboxing will be much easier on the PvE server. PvE is very forgiving. Events are scripted, generally start when you start them, and allow for as many tries as you want.
  +
  +
====Player versus Player====
  +
Player versus Player interactions will require a unique approach when multiboxing, very different than [[PVE]] gameplay. Because of this uniqueness, you may find yourself in a situation where your typical [[macros]] for Player versus Environment do not apply to [[PVP]] gameplay. You may find that it will require more advance macros and more thought put into contingency plans.
  +
  +
===Server selection===
  +
Scout out the server and see what kind of ratio it has. Is it an old server or a new one? Old servers tend to have established PvP and knowledgeable players. It can be harder to find groups, not an issue if you are five boxing, and they tend to have a more vibrant auction system and economy. A good method to find a new server to multibox on is to ask in various forums if there are any existing multiboxing [[guilds]] on the server. If so, ask in advance if you may join the guild before making that server your new home. If you are playing on US servers, one of the largest multiboxing guilds in the entire game is on the [[Blackrock]] server, [[Horde]] side.
  +
  +
===Class selection===
  +
Class selection. This depends on both your playstyle and the type of server you play on. For the ability to heal and dish out burst damage choose a [[Priest]] and four [[Mage]]s. Other options are to replace the Mages with [[Warlock]]s, replace the Priest with another healer class like a [[Druid]], [[Shaman]], or even a [[Paladin]].
  +
  +
A very popular one-class choice is to have multiple Shamans. Due to the macros, one set of shamans in a battleground can simultaneously cast [[Chain Lightning]], which can effectively destroy even the hardiest of twinks.
  +
  +
Due to game mechanics picking two classes is far easier to deal with than using three or more classes. Even if five different classes is more appropriate being able to direct it is another issue. It comes down to how consistent the actions between the classes are and how the hotkeys can best be shared between them. When you are beginning multiboxing it is recommended to limit the number of classes.
  +
  +
===Race selection===
  +
Some consideration of racial abilities for PvP is warranted. [[Undead]] have [[Will of the Forsaken]] which breaks [[Fear]] which is very bad when grouped up. Other good racial abilities are the [[Tauren]] [[Warstomp]] and [[Blood elf]] who have the ability chain two second silence effects. Race selection also limits class selection so some choices will not be available regardless.
  +
  ⚫
===Naming===
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Believe it or not, the names you pick for your characters make a difference. By picking logical names you will be quicker to react and it will be easier to tell your characters apart.
  +
  +
An example, where you have four [[Mages]] and one [[Priest]]. Choose a unique multi-letter name and then prefix it to identify which character is which. Naming the first four characters mynameA, mynameB, mynameC, and mynameD, makes it easy to remember they are the the mages, whereas naming the priest mynameX provides enough distinction to separate him out. Why the last letter? Simple in PvP your opponent could say /target A and get the first character whose name starts with an A! You could also name them for their role in the party. Recognition of which character is which will come over time, using a naming strategy speeds up the process.
  +
  +
Conversely, if PvP is your primary objective, you may wish to pick names that all sound alike so that opponents using voice communication (e.g. Ventrilo) cannot easily designate one of your targets. Changing letter combinations (e.g. Aellii, Aellei, Aellie, Aelli) or substituting certain vowels (e.g. Boylston, Boylstun, Boylsten) may cause a slight delay in one of your characters being focused-fired upon in an Arena.
  +
  +
==Other concerns==
  +
===Play area layout===
  +
Once again, this small detail makes a difference. If you run 5 or 6 monitors, I strongly suggest some logical order to how your characters are arranged and which computer runs which character. Your "main" is generally in the middle and the secondaries flank your main to either side. My personal choice is A in the lower left, B upper left, C upper right and D lower right. Clockwise with X in the lower middle. The upper middle is for browsing the internet, looking up quests, vent, etc. My key arrangement mirrors this and the X-Keys Desktop and Pro are perfect for this kind of setup as they have 8 keys wide and 5 vertical. Making your physical interface as intuitive as possible will speed the learning process and make far more logical sense when playing.
  +
  +
===Getting started===
  +
If you choose the hardware method the hard part is paying for it all. You will need four identical machines. Literally, identical machines, down to the revision numbers on the components. I build my own machines but buying them is certainly an option. This project, done at its most basic hardware level, will cost $4280, not counting tax and shipping. Done right, it will push $5k, plus monthly fees. Depending on your perspective, this may be a lot of money. Nobody ever said multiboxing at this level was cheap but I can certainly think of far more expensive hobbies.
  +
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===Leveling===
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Powerleveling does not really work in WoW, so leveling up is tricky if you already have a level 80 and want to add more characters. The best way to level is to level them all at the same time. You can do so with questing alone, questing and instances or just instances. Questing is a good bet as the experience is great, the mobs are easy and you get faction. However, you will want to avoid every single collection quest as you will need to do them five times. Not fun. I personally suggest instance grinding. Elites give great experience and about the time you get tired of an instance, you level out of it. The only downside is the time wasted learning the instance and at the lower levels, learning just how to multibox. One solution to the issue of learning of the instance is to download a dungeon map addon, so that you may become familiar with the dungeon you will be constantly running.
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  ⚫
===UI mods===
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Usually constrained to arranging the bars as you need them and letting you view the state of each of your characters. Pitbull and Bartender are two very good mods.
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===Button mods===
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There are button mods out there that allow you to physically represent the buttons you have on your X-keys on your UI. There are even some out there that will change the buttons when you hold down your alt modifier key.
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===Anchor mods===
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You will likely want to set it so that you cannot move the windows on your "secondary" machines. If you move one, they get desynched and clicking on them with your wireless mouse will not activate all of them.
  +
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===Macros===
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====Quest accepting====
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There are quest accepting macros out there. They work pretty well for accepting quests on the "secondary" characters. Right click, hit the quest accept macro and you are done. Sharing quests is another way to do this but not every quest can be shared.
  +
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==== Pet macros====
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This macro will make your pet attack your current target if you have a target. Otherwise, it will attack the focus target. For example, if you have multiple warlocks and assign each one a target, their corresponding pets will attack those targets or assist your main and attack your main's target instead.
  +
<pre>
  +
/petattack
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/stopmacro [target=target, exists]
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/petattack [target=focustarget]
  +
</pre>
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  +
====What happens when my main dies?====
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You need to setup your macros to allow for transitioning to another "main". This will mean physically moving to another mouse and changing your /assists or /focus to another character. This is doable with custom LUA scripts or simply a dedicated keyboard (or X-Key). I will leave that up to you - usually when my priest dies, I am out of mana and going down anyway. Often times it is faster to do this in battlegrounds as you rez with nearly full mana and health - but there are times when you will need to continue fighting and not just stand there. It took me quite a while to figure this one out - and I will leave this to you.
  +
  +
==See also==
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*[[Multiboxing hardware]]
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*[[Multiboxing software]]
  +
  +
== External links ==
  +
;Community forums
  +
:[http://multiboxing.com/forums Multiboxing.com Forums]
  +
:[http://www.dual-boxing.com/forums.php Dual Boxing Forums]
  +
:[http://www.dual-boxing.fr/forum/ French Dual Boxing Forums]
  +
;Resources
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:[http://www.dual-boxing.com/wiki Dual-Boxing Wiki]
  +
:[http://www.dual-boxing.fr French guide about software, macro and hardware]
  +
:[http://www.multiboxing-guide.info/ Multiboxing Guides]
  +
;Interviews
  +
:[http://www.wowinsider.com/2006/12/15/interview-with-xzin-the-man-with-ten-arms/ WoW Insider Interview with Xzin]
  +
:[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_191/5813-Multiboxing-to-Level-80-Nirvana.5 Multiboxing to Level 80 Nirvana]
  +
;Guides and Strategies
  +
:[http://multiboxing.com/category/world-of-warcraft/wow-multiboxing-guides/ Large list of strategies, frequently updated]
  +
;Game Theory
  +
:[http://www.sirlin.net/archive/the-man-who-would-solo-a-40-man-raid/ Sirlin Game Design Theory]
  +
;GM Conversations
  +
:[http://dual-boxing.com/wiki/index.php/GM_Conversations Dual-Boxing.com GM Conversation links]
  +
:[http://www.imagedump.com/index.cgi?pick=setandget&tp=454222&poll_id=0&category_id=19&warned=y Xzin GM Conversation]
  +
:[http://mousecloner.com/blizresponse.php Mousecloner.com GM conversations and Blizzard forum postings]
  +
  +
=== Videos ===
  +
*[http://multiboxing.com/category/world-of-warcraft/multiboxing-videos/ Lots of multiboxing videos]
  +
*[http://www.dual-boxing.com/wiki/index.php/Videos Dual-Boxing.com video links]
  +
*[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3697765098130473147 Xzin Video #1]
  +
*[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3471302298396612214 Xzin Video #2]
  +
*[http://www.warcraftmovies.com/movieview.php?id=50089 Ellay 2k Arenas]
  +
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIc0QgDiCxs Konnichiwa - S4 Arenas]
  +
*[http://www.SmileYouAreOnTv.com/ Moorea's HD live 5 boxing video stream - 80 Heroic instances, pvp...]
  +
*[http://www.multiboxing-guide.info/Multiboxing-Videos.html Shaman PvP Multiboxing Videos]
  +
  +
===Blogs===
  +
*[http://mrstoneskin.blogspot.com/ Mr. Stoneskins blog!]
  +
*[http://sixteentotems.blogspot.com/ Slat's Blog - (1x Paladin, 4x Shaman)]
  +
*[http://noobwow5boxer.blogspot.com/ Simulacra's Blog (1x Paladin, 4x Shaman)]
  +
*[http://5konnichiwa.blogspot.com/ Konnichiwa Blog - (5xShaman)]
  +
*[http://captn-log.blogspot.com/ Captns Log - WoW]
  +
*[http://www.dual-boxing.com/wiki/index.php/Blogs Dual-boxing.com blog links]
  +
*[http://sites.google.com/site/recipeofdualbox/ Russian instruction for create dual-box]
  +
  +
==References==
  +
{{Reflist}}
  ⚫
[[Category:Game terms]]
  ⚫
[[Category:Multiboxing]]

Revision as of 14:16, 11 May 2011

Shaman multiboxer

Multiboxer playing with five dwarf shamans in Arathi Basin-battleground.

Multiboxing is a term used to denote one user playing multiple accounts simultaneously. This can be done using one or more machines. Solutions exist for both the PC and Mac. There are also solutions for using both PC and Mac at the same time. The following pages contain more detailed information than presented here, Multiboxing hardware, Multiboxing software, Multiboxing macros, and Scripts.

For some players there is not enough challenge in playing only one character at a time. Others look to recreate the feel of old time Computer Role Playing Games where a well designed team was used to adventure together. There are also some who don't want to rely on others to play the game when one character is not enough.

Background of Multiboxing

As noted above in the term description, multiboxing is a game play style accepted by Blizzard [1][2]. The multiboxing solutions documented here do not violate Blizzard's EULA for the World of Warcraft game.

In order to multibox in World of Warcraft, you will need to have all of the following criteria areas addressed:

One World of Warcraft registered account per game client you wish to multibox (example: 5 characters = 5 accounts)[3]. This means you will have to purchase multiple copies of the game, including all required expansions.
The computing power to run the desired number of games. This can be achieved by using 1 computer or multiple computers. A simple computer costing under $700 is sufficient to multibox [4]
The ability to "broadcast" your game commands to all your running games. This can be done by using Multiboxing software or Multiboxing hardware.

In addition, you will need to learn many multiboxing strategies, including Macro writing skills, and may need to pay special attention to your in-game UI.

Difficulty

How complex of a solution do you want? A software-only solution using one machine and multiple copies of the game is pretty straightforward. For many, the real complexity is in writing macros that allow each character to function properly in the group. Because characters are sharing hotkeys, a lot of care must be put into what effects each hotkey activates. The end result is that you can become very knowledgeable in using the game's Macro language and available Addons.

The basics

This section will cover the basics of multiboxing. While hardware and software requirements will be mentioned, more extensive detail will be found on either of the following two pages Multiboxing Hardware Requirements and Multiboxing Software Requirements

Game software

You will need to purchase the game, and depending on needs the expansion as well, for each account you wish to run simultaneously.

A minimum of one installation of the game software must be present on each computer.

A single installation directory can be used to open multiple instances of the game client. It is not necessary to have multiple WoW directories on a machine to run multiple WoW Windows.

The single directory installation option saves hard drive space and simplifies setup and maintenance of your user interface and add-ons.

Some users prefer to maintain several copies of the game files on one computer. It is widely believed that multiple installations of the game client will improve performance, however this is only partly true. Multiple installations will improve performance only if each installation is on a different physical drive.

If the multiple directory method of installation is chosen you will need to maintain add-ons and user interface changes for each installation separately.

Users of Mac computers can symbolic link the Data directory to save space when running multiple copies on one machine.

Users of Windows XP or newer with NTFS can use Junction Links for the same effect. Windows Vista/7 can use the included MKLINK[5] program to create a junction. Windows XP users have to resort to a third party program (e.g. Junction Link Magic).

System hardware

To run two or more copies on the same machine, it is recommended that it contain a dual core processor, discrete 3d graphics accelerator, and at least one gigabyte of memory. Additional copies on the same machine will require faster processors and more memory. When using multiple machines, try to keep all of them identical.

Key/mouse broadcasting software

There are multiple methods of broadcasting keystrokes from one client to another, either on the same machine or across multiple machines.

Mouse broadcasting is the method from which you use and activate your mouse from 1 main game window and it has reflected actions upon other game windows. While this is not needed for all forms of multiboxing, it is a boon to those who play Mage / Warlock / Druid classes due to the requirement those classes have to target area-of-effect type of spells.

Additional hardware

Keyboard, Video, and Mouse, switches (KVMs for short) are an option when using multiple machines. A Vetra Keyboard Multiplexer is one example for controlling multiple machines. Additional monitors may also be needed, note that the the secondary characters do not need to be on large monitors and there benefits with using smaller monitors to view their actions.

Game concerns

Some of the choices you make are strictly within the game. From server type, character types, to the races of the characters.

PvE or PvP

Player versus Environment

Player versus Environment is the easy solution. Even if the eventual goal is to play on a Player versus Player server getting practice with multiboxing will be much easier on the PvE server. PvE is very forgiving. Events are scripted, generally start when you start them, and allow for as many tries as you want.

Player versus Player

Player versus Player interactions will require a unique approach when multiboxing, very different than PVE gameplay. Because of this uniqueness, you may find yourself in a situation where your typical macros for Player versus Environment do not apply to PVP gameplay. You may find that it will require more advance macros and more thought put into contingency plans.

Server selection

Scout out the server and see what kind of ratio it has. Is it an old server or a new one? Old servers tend to have established PvP and knowledgeable players. It can be harder to find groups, not an issue if you are five boxing, and they tend to have a more vibrant auction system and economy. A good method to find a new server to multibox on is to ask in various forums if there are any existing multiboxing guilds on the server. If so, ask in advance if you may join the guild before making that server your new home. If you are playing on US servers, one of the largest multiboxing guilds in the entire game is on the Blackrock server, Horde side.

Class selection

Class selection. This depends on both your playstyle and the type of server you play on. For the ability to heal and dish out burst damage choose a Priest and four Mages. Other options are to replace the Mages with Warlocks, replace the Priest with another healer class like a Druid, Shaman, or even a Paladin.

A very popular one-class choice is to have multiple Shamans. Due to the macros, one set of shamans in a battleground can simultaneously cast Spell nature chainlightning [Chain Lightning], which can effectively destroy even the hardiest of twinks.

Due to game mechanics picking two classes is far easier to deal with than using three or more classes. Even if five different classes is more appropriate being able to direct it is another issue. It comes down to how consistent the actions between the classes are and how the hotkeys can best be shared between them. When you are beginning multiboxing it is recommended to limit the number of classes.

Race selection

Some consideration of racial abilities for PvP is warranted. Undead have Spell shadow raisedead [Will of the Forsaken] which breaks Spell shadow possession [Fear] which is very bad when grouped up. Other good racial abilities are the Tauren Warstomp and Blood elf who have the ability chain two second silence effects. Race selection also limits class selection so some choices will not be available regardless.

Naming

Believe it or not, the names you pick for your characters make a difference. By picking logical names you will be quicker to react and it will be easier to tell your characters apart.

An example, where you have four Mages and one Priest. Choose a unique multi-letter name and then prefix it to identify which character is which. Naming the first four characters mynameA, mynameB, mynameC, and mynameD, makes it easy to remember they are the the mages, whereas naming the priest mynameX provides enough distinction to separate him out. Why the last letter? Simple in PvP your opponent could say /target A and get the first character whose name starts with an A! You could also name them for their role in the party. Recognition of which character is which will come over time, using a naming strategy speeds up the process.

Conversely, if PvP is your primary objective, you may wish to pick names that all sound alike so that opponents using voice communication (e.g. Ventrilo) cannot easily designate one of your targets. Changing letter combinations (e.g. Aellii, Aellei, Aellie, Aelli) or substituting certain vowels (e.g. Boylston, Boylstun, Boylsten) may cause a slight delay in one of your characters being focused-fired upon in an Arena.

Other concerns

Play area layout

Once again, this small detail makes a difference. If you run 5 or 6 monitors, I strongly suggest some logical order to how your characters are arranged and which computer runs which character. Your "main" is generally in the middle and the secondaries flank your main to either side. My personal choice is A in the lower left, B upper left, C upper right and D lower right. Clockwise with X in the lower middle. The upper middle is for browsing the internet, looking up quests, vent, etc. My key arrangement mirrors this and the X-Keys Desktop and Pro are perfect for this kind of setup as they have 8 keys wide and 5 vertical. Making your physical interface as intuitive as possible will speed the learning process and make far more logical sense when playing.

Getting started

If you choose the hardware method the hard part is paying for it all. You will need four identical machines. Literally, identical machines, down to the revision numbers on the components. I build my own machines but buying them is certainly an option. This project, done at its most basic hardware level, will cost $4280, not counting tax and shipping. Done right, it will push $5k, plus monthly fees. Depending on your perspective, this may be a lot of money. Nobody ever said multiboxing at this level was cheap but I can certainly think of far more expensive hobbies.

Leveling

Powerleveling does not really work in WoW, so leveling up is tricky if you already have a level 80 and want to add more characters. The best way to level is to level them all at the same time. You can do so with questing alone, questing and instances or just instances. Questing is a good bet as the experience is great, the mobs are easy and you get faction. However, you will want to avoid every single collection quest as you will need to do them five times. Not fun. I personally suggest instance grinding. Elites give great experience and about the time you get tired of an instance, you level out of it. The only downside is the time wasted learning the instance and at the lower levels, learning just how to multibox. One solution to the issue of learning of the instance is to download a dungeon map addon, so that you may become familiar with the dungeon you will be constantly running.

UI mods

Usually constrained to arranging the bars as you need them and letting you view the state of each of your characters. Pitbull and Bartender are two very good mods.

Button mods

There are button mods out there that allow you to physically represent the buttons you have on your X-keys on your UI. There are even some out there that will change the buttons when you hold down your alt modifier key.

Anchor mods

You will likely want to set it so that you cannot move the windows on your "secondary" machines. If you move one, they get desynched and clicking on them with your wireless mouse will not activate all of them.

Macros

Quest accepting

There are quest accepting macros out there. They work pretty well for accepting quests on the "secondary" characters. Right click, hit the quest accept macro and you are done. Sharing quests is another way to do this but not every quest can be shared.

Pet macros

This macro will make your pet attack your current target if you have a target. Otherwise, it will attack the focus target. For example, if you have multiple warlocks and assign each one a target, their corresponding pets will attack those targets or assist your main and attack your main's target instead. 

/petattack
/stopmacro [target=target, exists]
/petattack [target=focustarget]

What happens when my main dies?

You need to setup your macros to allow for transitioning to another "main". This will mean physically moving to another mouse and changing your /assists or /focus to another character. This is doable with custom LUA scripts or simply a dedicated keyboard (or X-Key). I will leave that up to you - usually when my priest dies, I am out of mana and going down anyway. Often times it is faster to do this in battlegrounds as you rez with nearly full mana and health - but there are times when you will need to continue fighting and not just stand there. It took me quite a while to figure this one out - and I will leave this to you.

See also

  • Multiboxing hardware
  • Multiboxing software

External links

Community forums
Multiboxing.com Forums
Dual Boxing Forums
French Dual Boxing Forums
Resources
Dual-Boxing Wiki
French guide about software, macro and hardware
Multiboxing Guides
Interviews
WoW Insider Interview with Xzin
Multiboxing to Level 80 Nirvana
Guides and Strategies
Large list of strategies, frequently updated
Game Theory
Sirlin Game Design Theory
GM Conversations
Dual-Boxing.com GM Conversation links
Xzin GM Conversation
Mousecloner.com GM conversations and Blizzard forum postings

Videos

Blogs

References

 
  1. ^ http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=2856144935&postId=29491813990&sid=1#16
  2. ^ http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=3168405460&pageNo=1&sid=1
  3. ^ https://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=77594054&postId=776776019#1
  4. ^ http://multiboxing.com/world-of-warcraft/minimum-requirements-to-multibox-5-world-of-warcrafts
  5. ^ http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753194%28WS.10%29.aspx
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