The Striking Similarities Between Bodybuilding And MMORPGs

You think there is no connection between WASD, a mouse and lifting weights? Oh, there are. Let’s go on a leveling raid and get your +5 Dumbbell of Muscular Awesomeness.

Level 1-10 – MMORPG Version

All you have are a rusty old dagger, leather breeches that look more like rags and even if you were to find the +3 Longsword of Eternal Doom, you wouldn’t be able to lift it up. Should you encounter those giant rats the lvl 40 players just snicker about and blast away with their +4 Disparaging Sneeze spell, you and your single-digit stats better run.

Level 1-10 – Bodybuilding Version

You don’t need machines, because they train muscles that themselves at this point don’t even know they exist anywhere in your body. You don’t need a barbell either, because it can use weights that right now you can’t even lift to put on the freaking thing. Heck, you don’t even need dumbbells, because you’d be hard pressed to do 10 proper push-ups that only require you to move your own weight.

Level 11-20 – MMORPG Version

You got to replace your dagger with a sword that at least says “stainless steel” and while you are still not at the point of wearing the fantasy equivalent of Armani, your armor is now more than just something to cover your pixelated nether regions with. In PvP encounters, adversaries at least seize you up before turning you into chop suey.

Level 11-20 – Bodybuilding Version

What a glorious day it was when you were able to do that first full pull-up – and so shortly after squeezing out a good 25 push-ups without feeling that all the blood from your toes just decided to hold a party in your head. It seems like pretty soon you need something a bit more diversified to keep you challenged – splits are becoming a possibility looming on the horizon.

Bodybuilding contest or so far undiscovered end bosses from “Mists of Pandaria”?

Level 21-30 – MMORPG Version

You just got invited to a raid. A RAID! Ok, you were killed within the first five minutes by something that out of the corner of the monitor seemed like a Lockheed C-5 Galaxy descending on a grasshopper (in other words you), but the thought counts, doesn’t it?

Level 21-30 – Bodybuilding Version

The girl at the supermarket checkout just asked if you work out. A GIRL! Ok, it was kinda a downer when her boyfriend coming to pick her up after work had arms that looked like your thighs, but heah, she did notice, didn’t she?

Level 31-40 – MMORPG Version

You developed a routine. Quest-stacking  to get to the better goods is now a tried and true method for you and you know that you are well on your way. You have accumulated enough experience to know what to and when to do it to get the best possible results for your character. The sheets you plan your next exploits with start looking like the plans tactical squads solve hostage situations with.

Level 31-40 – Bodybuilding Version

You developed a routine. Doing splits and replacing different exercises, knowing what each and every one does and when to replace them, is now a tried and true method for you. You know what to do to aid your muscular development and what is the best for your physique. The sheets you plan your next workouts with start requiring a degree in biophysics to be understood.

Level 41-50 – MMORPG Version

The world is yours. Well, almost, but it now does take some considerable foes to pose a threat to you. Newbies look up at you in what may start approaching a bit of awe, wondering when they will have armour and weapons this fine. You are wondering why after the last 10+ hours (or was it days?) in a digital dungeon the empty pizza box under your desk is starting to move by itself.

Level 41-50 – Bodybuilding Version

The world is yours. Well, almost and at least as far as muscle heads are concerned. Other guys at the gym start wondering if your biceps could possibly be bigger than theirs. You are wondering if it’s possibly a sign of going insane to start dreaming about micro- and macronutrients and if daily protein should actually be measured up to the microgram.

Pictures courtesy of “Omarukai” and Jens Rantil.