It's a pre-TBC server at patch 1.12.1 (from late 2006) with NO DONATIONS (totally free). Relive classic WoW from 2005-6! It also has excellent scripting with very few bugs; I can honestly say it really is like playing the original game.
Plus, The Rebirth is run by a guy with deep, deep pockets and he's very dedicated to it; it will be around for a long time to come. I feel very comfortable that my hard work won't be wasted by an unexpected server closure (always a threat on private servers).
Come join us! Here are the install instructions:
Check out a cool video about the server (it's player-made and not an official promo vid, but I like it):
FAQ:
Q: Are there any voting rewards or other ways for people to "buy" their way to victory?
A: Nope, you need to earn everything the old fashioned way. Hard work and skill are the only ways to get the good gear!
Q: Is it plagued by the bugs that ruin many lower-quality private servers?
A: No, The Rebirth is probably the most bug-free private server around. Is it perfect? Of course not, but it's about as close as private servers get. The staff have fixed many of the most annoying little issues that really detract from most private servers.
Q: What about monster and pet pathing? Hardly any private servers have true pathing and monsters are always getting stuck, running through walls and obstacles, and having lots of nasty line-of-sight issues.
A: The Rebirth is one of the first, if not THE first, to implement Movemaps, which allows for extremely good pathing. Essentially, the models are entirely 3D instead of the base 2D in the stock private server core (which is what remains on nearly all other private servers). That's my understanding of them; I'm not a dev (just a player) so I probably missed some of the finer points.
Q: How is the leveling experience? I know a lot of servers have insta-60 and ignore the lower dungeons and quests.
A: The lower level content is 99% perfect. Freakyuno (server admin) and company have really focused on making the leveling experience enjoyable. All lower level dungeons and quests are scripted to be completely blizzlike (meaning: as it was in retail in 2006).
Q: Why can't I get instant levels or increased experience like most private servers? Leveling takes so long!
A: Freaky and the staff are dedicated to recreating the Classic WoW experience exactly. It's a moral imperative, and they will not be swayed. On the BRIGHT side, the guaranteed longevity of The Rebirth means your work will not be wasted. It may take you an extra 6 days of leveling time, but then your 20 days of end-game gear gathering and money-making won't be wiped out when a server admin decides (s)he's had enough and quits.
Q: I live in Europe and lots of US-based servers are too laggy for me. Will The Rebirth be laggy for me?
A: Nope! The Rebirth has three servers, including one in France. Our Europe-based players report extremely fast response rates.
Q: I logged in and there are less than 100 people on. Boo.
A: Hey, that's not a question! Well, The Rebirth is a lower-population server at the moment, but there are enough people that we have a good, close-knit community. We are looking to expand, though, and that's why I'm posting here! So if you're willing to give it some time, it'll be worth it. And we'd like your help with advertising and bringing your friends, too.
Q: How are the forums? I need a place to shoot the stuff while I'm at work.
A: The forums are great! Lots of interesting people trading ideas and shooting the breeze. There are some arsehats, but we love them, too. They may be bastids, but they're OUR bastids.
Q: Is it really free?
A: Yes, it's entirely free.
Q: REALLY?
A: Yep! No hidden fees, no begging for donations, no luxury-item shop, no nothing. Freaky won't even take your money, so leave your wallet at home.
Q: When can I start playing??
A: NOW! Come join us at The Rebirth and relive WoW the way it was meant to be played!