How to start a WoW guild

I've run multiple guilds over the past decade, some alone and some alongside others. Some were more hardcore and some more casual, and some had one raiding team while others had several. How you start matters a lot, so let's go through it in order.

1. Find someone like-minded (but you don't have to)

I'd suggest starting with someone who thinks like you. It's nice to have someone to share the workload, and it also shows you're not a control freak who'll run the guild into the ground.

You can absolutely start a guild alone. I've done it many times. But don't be afraid to ask for help, and over time recruit officers or even a co-GM.

2. Decide what your guild is, and pick a niche

Start by defining who you are and what you want the guild to be. You need a niche. A guild that tries to do everything will eventually fail, because without a clear vision it's impossible to run.

Take a day or two and write down your plan and program. There's a lot to decide:

• Server type: PvP, PvE or RP?
• Focus: raiding, PvP, gold making, collecting, or social?
• Commitment level: casual, semi-hardcore or hardcore?
• Culture: friendly, more strict, or run like a proper business?
• Attendance: is it required? How many raid nights or PvP nights a week?
• Roster: how many people do you need, and what happens when someone leaves?

3. Choose a name that fits

Name matters. If you're a casual guild, don't call yourself "PVP Enjoyers". Your recruitment will be hell.

There are three safe directions:

• An abstract name that sounds good and doesn't commit you to anything specific.
• A name close to you, such as something from your own story or interests.
• A name that fits the theme of your guild.

Take Remedy, the guild I'm building now with my friend Zykodin. A remedy is a cure. You get home from your 9 to 5, do the chores around the house, and around 8 PM you log in to a friendly guild with like-minded people. For us, WoW is a place to escape a hectic life and enjoy the game with friends. The name says exactly that.

For more on this, see How to choose a guild name.

4. Decide how you'll run it: solo or with someone

Solo. If you're running it alone, be aware that there's a lot of work, and a lot expected of you. You'll have to recruit and probably vet people yourself. You'll have to build a roster, organize and lead raids, distribute loot, run logs and keep track of everything. If you're building a more serious guild, there's even more.

All of that, essentially for free. The hard reality is that people who've never run a guild have no idea how much time and effort it takes, and they don't always appreciate it. If you decide to take a legendary item for yourself, there will be drama, unless you made this clear from the start.

With someone. It's important that you share the same philosophy, and that you talk about the future, because a lot can happen and you need to be sure you'll stick together. Agree on:

• How loot works
• How attendance affects the roster
• Who's the good cop and who's the bad cop
• Who does what: if you handle recruitment and loot, let them lead the raid

Make sure the work is divided fairly. Don't take 80% on yourself. Aim for 50/50.

5. Write down your philosophy and loot system

In both cases, write down your philosophy and your loot system, and explain how it works. Be transparent. If you want to run a guild so you can get a Thunderfury, that's okay, but make sure everyone knows. People who join you won't mind in the slightest if they get a good raiding experience in return.

6. Define what success means

A guild takes time and effort to run. Be prepared to put a lot into it if you want even a slight chance of succeeding. And speaking of success, decide what it means to you.

Is it a guild that exists for the next ten years, with two raids a week and no breaks? Or something far more doable, like a casual guild with a few core members that raids for the next year or so? Both are valid. Knowing which one you're building changes every other decision.

7. Create the guild and gather your first members

In the game, you create a guild by buying a charter and getting other players to sign it. The exact cost and the number of signatures depend on the game version, so check them in game before you start.

What to read next

• How to set up a guild Discord
• How to write a guild recruitment post
• How to build an officer team
• How to pick a loot system
• What is guild branding?

FAQ

Can I start a WoW guild alone?

Yes. Many guild masters do. Just expect a lot of work, and consider recruiting officers early.

Do I need a co-GM?

No, but sharing the workload helps, as long as you share the same philosophy.

How do I pick a niche?

Decide your server type, your focus (raiding, PvP, social and so on) and your commitment level, then stick to it.

Do I need a Discord server?

Almost every guild has one, and it's often a newcomer's first impression of you. See How to set up a guild Discord.

What should I write in my guild rules?

Goals, attendance, loot and conduct. Be transparent so nobody is surprised later.