The Fearful Feline's Guide to Plunderstorm - Achieving 40 Renown Without PVP Skills

The fastest way to earn Renown in the exhilarating game of Plunderstorm is not just limited to killing other players and winning. If you're like me, a bit of a scaredy-cat when it comes to PvP, there are still strategies to earn Renown and have an enjoyable experience without the need for intense combat skills. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best techniques to earn Renown even if you're not the best at PvP.

First Things First: Understanding the Basics

Plunderstorm is a relatively simple game mode within WoW, but it's essential to grasp the basics. While there are no addons in Plunderstorm, you can still customize your keybindings to make gameplay more convenient. Take advantage of the lobby before the match to test and familiarize yourself with your keybindings.

In Plunderstorm, the primary source of Renown comes from collecting Plunder. The more Plunder you collect, the more Renown you earn. Remember to pick up every bit of Plunder you come across and seize each opportunity to gather more. It may seem obvious, but many players overlook small piles of Plunder, so being thorough can significantly increase your earnings.

Starting at Level 1, you can progress up to Level 10 in Plunderstorm. Even if you prefer to avoid PvP encounters, leveling up is valuable as it enhances your ability to defeat NPCs quickly and can deter other players from attacking you.

To maximize your efficiency, learn to recognize different types of chests. Golden Chests contain gold, Magical Chests drop spells, and Supply Chests hold items. Golden Chests are often overlooked, so keep an eye out for them even in areas where other players have been. And don't forget, you can adjust your camera distance once you're in the match, so zoom out for a better view of the action.

Priority One: Finding Some Good Landing Spots

A crucial aspect of Plunderstorm is landing in a favorable location. Your initial goal in any match should be to complete your Captain's Orders quest, which grants you 250 Plunder. To make this easier, look for landing spots that offer at least two Elites, numerous smaller enemies, and several chest spawn points. Feel free to explore different spots and have a few favorites in mind. While gliding across the map to a preferred location is tempting, keep in mind that a delayed landing can give other players a head start.

Once you land on an elite, swiftly defeat it and collect the dropped spell. Familiarize yourself with your landing spots so that you can efficiently target and defeat the elites, and be prepared to adapt if other players attempt to outpace you. After assessing the situation, prioritize completing your quest if you're alone, or clear the area of enemies, collect gold and spells if you're alone and have finished the quest. If other players are present, focus on securing spells and doing your best to outlast them.

Dead Pirate Walking

Once your quest is complete, you may choose to throw yourself into the storm, a tedious tactic that quickly becomes monotonous. Instead, consider alternative options. For example, you can venture across the map, gathering any visible piles of gold until another player ultimately eliminates you. In this scenario, engaging in combat may not be the goal, but it can still be thrilling. Always prioritize picking up plunder before anything else, even if it means accepting your inevitable demise.

Allowing other players to kill you before the storm does have advantages, particularly if you approach it playfully. Try to extend your survival time or land a few hits before succumbing to death. Surprisingly, you may even win fights against more experienced players, or witness opponents flee. The satisfaction of dropping loot for your vanquisher, after putting up the best fight you can muster, can be oddly gratifying. However, you can avoid dying early, powerless, or poor by adopting a scavenger playstyle.

Be a Scavenger, Keep Moving & Hug the Storm

Players often leave behind valuable resources that scavengers can capitalize on. While more formidable competitors may eliminate elites and open exceptional magical chests, there are typically an abundance of low-level NPCs and golden chests near the storm's edge. You can scavenge dropped abilities, especially from fallen players. Areas with buildings provide excellent hiding spots if other players approach, but avoid lingering for too long.

Although it's wise to evade the storm due to its damaging effects, hugging the storm closely and occasionally venturing into dangerous areas can yield rewards. Many players are unaware that fallen plunder can still be collected within the storm if you act swiftly. Remember, the storm moves at varying speeds in different areas. Additionally, don't underestimate the value of defeating NPCs, even low-level ones. They provide both plunder and experience, contributing significantly to your overall progress.

Recently, I reached the second-place position in a match without actively engaging in PvP. By focusing on defeating NPCs and collecting plunder, I attained level 9. Regrettably, my lackluster spells prevented me from securing victory, and I found myself trapped in a cottage, waiting for my inevitable fate. I even forgot to heal before the final confrontation, highlighting my mediocre PvP skills.

The Coward's Arsenal

While it's beneficial to consult tier lists and ability explanations, don't hesitate to experiment and identify which spells work well for you. Plunderstorm's incantations have undergone adjustments since its release, making personal exploration crucial for successful spellcasting and defense against other players.

For those seeking an escape-oriented playstyle, a combination of spells that slow down opponents, enable evasive maneuvers, and provide crowd control resistance is ideal. Consider incorporating spells such as Faeform for rapid movement, Repel for countering Fire Whirl, Windstorm for stunning opponents and creating distance, and Fade to Shadow for teleportation and evasion. Offensive spells like Fire Whirl and utility spells like Rime Arrow also have their merits, depending on your comfort level and proficiency.

Equally important are items that can aid your escape. Personal favorites include the Mechano-Hog for swift transportation, the Smoke Bomb for cover when fleeing, Goblin Glue Rockets to hinder pursuers, and the Chicken Coup for disorienting opponents. Additionally, the Stormproof Sloop provides increased movement speed and storm resistance, ensuring survival in dangerous situations.

In Closing

At first glance, Plunderstorm's battle royale mechanics might deter players like me who struggle with PvP. However, after immersing myself in the game mode, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try. Plunderstorm offers an alternative experience, emphasizing resource gathering and survival rather than aggressive PvP combat. While the primary objective is to gather as many resources as possible and endure, there are improvements that the developers could consider. Incentives to stick around and survive longer, such as respawning chests, new quests, or periodic Plunder rewards, would enhance the early game for everyone.

Ultimately, PvP may never become my forte, and repetitive world quests and events lose their appeal over time. However, Plunderstorm has revitalized my enjoyment of WoW. While the best way to earn renown in Plunderstorm is undoubtedly to improve PvP skills and achieve victory, this guide aims to help players find joy and reap the rewards, even without that level of expertise.