Quick Start Guide

Current Status

Wowee is a native C++ World of Warcraft 3.3.5a client focused on online multiplayer.

Implemented today:

• SRP6a authentication + world connection
• Character creation/selection and in-world entry
• Full 3D rendering pipeline (terrain, water, sky, M2/WMO, particles)
• Core gameplay plumbing (movement, combat/spell casting, inventory/equipment, chat)
• Transport support (boats/zeppelins) with active ongoing fixes

For a more honest snapshot of gaps and current direction, see docs/status.md.

Build And Run

1. Clone

git clone --recurse-submodules https://github.com/Kelsidavis/WoWee.git
cd WoWee

2. Build

cmake -S . -B build -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release
cmake --build build -j"$(nproc)"

3. Provide WoW Data (Extract + Manifest)

Wowee loads assets from an extracted loose-file tree indexed by manifest.json.

If you do not already have an extracted Data/manifest.json, extract from your WoW install:

# WotLK 3.3.5a example
./extract_assets.sh /path/to/WoW/Data wotlk

By default wowee uses ./Data/. To override:

export WOW_DATA_PATH=/path/to/extracted/Data

4. Run

./build/bin/wowee

Connect To A Server

1. Launch ./build/bin/wowee
2. Enter account credentials
3. Set auth server address (default: localhost)
4. Login, pick realm, pick character, enter world

For local AzerothCore setup, see docs/server-setup.md.

Useful Controls

• WASD: Move
• Mouse: Look/orbit camera
• Tab: Cycle targets
• 1-9,0,-,=: Action bar slots
• B: Bags
• C: Character
• P: Spellbook
• N: Talents
• L: Quest log
• M: World map
• O: Guild roster
• Enter: Chat
• /: Chat slash command
• F1: Performance HUD
• F4: Toggle shadows

Troubleshooting

Build fails on missing dependencies

Use BUILD_INSTRUCTIONS.md for distro-specific package lists.

Client cannot connect

• Verify auth/world server is running
• Check host/port settings
• Check server logs and client logs in logs/wowee.log

Missing assets (models/textures/terrain)

• Verify Data/manifest.json exists (or re-run ./extract_assets.sh ...)
• Or export WOW_DATA_PATH=/path/to/extracted/Data