FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Here are the questions we get asked most often: what the magazine does and doesn't do, what life is like in a clan and in the long game, and how to keep your account safe. The answers are short and general: every game has its own rules and menus, so for details turn to your game's help pages and support.
Almost every question about an online world has an honest answer: it depends on what you want. We try to help you figure that out.
About the magazine
What does the magazine write about?
About the long life in online role-playing games: your character, your clan, sieges, the game-world economy, account security and how to fit the game into the rest of your life.
Are you connected with the former site on this domain?
No. This domain used to host a catalogue of game server announcements, and later some unrelated pages. We don't continue them and don't reproduce their content.
Why don't you name games?
We write about what repeats across many worlds. Without names, the advice doesn't go stale when a game shuts down and doesn't turn into promotion.
Can I buy anything from you or list my server here?
No. We sell nothing, list no servers or service offers and take no payment for mentions.
Clans and play
Do I have to join a clan?
No, many people play on their own or with a small group of friends. But in worlds built around sieges and holdings, part of the game stays closed without a community.
How do I leave a clan without a fight?
Tell the leader personally and in advance, return shared items and settle debts, and thank them for the evenings together. An honest exit is remembered just as well as shared victories.
What if the game starts to wear me out?
Take a break or change your goal: try crafting, help newcomers, try a different role. If the fatigue doesn't go away, there's nothing wrong with setting the game aside for a long while.
Is it worth making a second character?
If your main has grown dull or you want to try a different role, yes. But two heroes take twice the time, so decide in advance which one comes first.
Account and security
Can I lend my account to a friend for a while?
Most games' rules forbid it, and in practice sharing is a common cause of lost characters and falling-outs. If your friend needs help, play together instead.
Why shouldn't I buy accounts or in-game currency?
Such deals usually break the terms of service and lead to a ban. On top of that, the seller can reclaim the account through support, and the currency you bought may turn out to be stolen.
How can I tell a message is phishing?
Watch out for pressure, promises of free rewards, links to sites with look-alike addresses and requests for a verification code. Real support will never ask for your password.
Are unofficial servers dangerous?
Yes. They break the game's rules and its owners' rights, their files may contain malware, and your character has no protection there: the project can vanish any day.
Read next
- Guides
Guides to the key crossroads of the long game: role, clan, budget, big battles, returning after a break and account protection. Plus our article catalogue.
- Mechanics
How experience, gear wear, crafting, markets, clan holdings and seasonal events work, and how to avoid burning out on the game too soon.
- Worlds
A catalogue of online world types (classic, seasonal, clan-driven, trade-focused and peaceful) and the questions that help you pick yours.
- Glossary
A plain-language dictionary of online role-playing games: terms about your character, your clan and the game-world economy.
What we draw on
- Terms of service and rules of online games (in general terms)
- Guidance on protecting game accounts (in general terms)
- Editorial materials of L2vs
We write about the general principles of life in online role-playing worlds. Every game has its own rules, menus and mechanics, and they often change with updates, so check the exact wording against your game's terms of service and help pages.