If it is your first time playing DWO, you will be asked to pick a name for yourself and then choose a character class. There are four classes to choose from: Hero, Soldier, Pilgrim and Wizard. For a list of each classes strengths and weaknesses, check out the character classes section. Once you have selected a class, you will begin the game in a small throne room. To talk to NPC's (Non-Player Characters, the towns people etc.) all you have to do is bump into them. After talking to everyone in the throneroom, go down the stairs and through the portal which will lead you to the first city, Shrenwold. Once here, speak to everyone in the town for advice and to get an idea of the story. Before walking outside of town, buy a bamboo pole and some clothes from the shopkeepers. You should also purchase one herb from the item shop, just in case. Once you have done this, walk outside the town and get ready to battle.
In the overworld, or in dungeons you will randomly encounter enemies and you'll be taken to the battle screen. The battles are turn based, and if it is your turn then you get to make a choice of what to do. Click on the enemy to bring up a menu. You can choose Attack (using your weapon to strike the enemy), Magic (allowing you to select spells to either attack or heal yourself etc.), Run (If you are not party of a party, you will attempt to run away from the enemy, using up your turn if you fail), and Never Mind, which will close the menu. To use items, click on "Inventory" in the stat panel on the right, and click on the item that you want to use (such as herbs) Certain Items cannot be used in battle. If you kill the enemy, you will be given gold and experience. If you die or log out in the middle of battle, you will lose half your gold.
In your stat panel, under "Status" you will see your current hp, current mp etc. The number labeled "Exp. Needed" is the amount of experience that you need to go up to the next level. Going up levels increases your character's stats, and depending upon what character class you have chosen you might learn new spells.
To join another player's party, click on that player and select "Join Party." This will add you as a member of that player's party, which they will lead. When in a party, you will go into battles together with the other party members. If you want to leave the party, click on the wagon and select "Leave Party."
To attack another player, click on that player and choose "Attack." You can't attack players below level 4. You will automatically be taken to a battle with that player (and their party members) You can't run in player to player battles, and if you log out you are penalized in gold. The winner of the battle will be given half their opponent's gold.
You start out the game with a neutral allegiance. To make an allegiance to one of the two kingdoms, you must be recruited by the high officials of that kingdom. Once recruited, your color will change to reflect your allegiance. Balzack's followers are black and red, Silk Wizard's followers and dark blue and green.