Tuesday Morning Post: Raids with friends edition
Happy Tuesday morning, everyone. The big news of this week is probably patch 4.3.2, which is on the PTR. For the most part, it's bringing us minor balance changes and bug fixes, but there are a few big things in there, including a 64-bit client and the advent of raiding with your cross-realm friends. You still can't raid Dragon Soul with your friends from that PvP server you refuse to roll on, but you can at least do Raid Finder runs, as well as any classic raid your heart desires. Now you can sucker even more people into those legendary farming runs!
With a new patch on test the servers and the last of the post-holiday doldrums more or less shaken off, you better believe there's plenty of good news and interesting stuff to read from the past week. Downtime this week is a series of rolling restarts at 10 a.m. PST, which of course gives you time for a nice mid-morning or early afternoon break to catch up on the news. Read on for the usual run-down.
Hot news and features
Check out the latest patch 4.3 hotfixes.
Patch 4.3.2 will include some changes to the Raid Finder loot rules.
Patch 4.3.2 includes some new demon-flavored items from the WoW TCG.
The Lawbringer makes some predictions for 2012.
Allison has some observations about group dynamics and leveling as a tank.
We explain the nuances and differences of priorities vs. rotations.
Joe opines on what Mists of Pandaria may bring for healers.
Do we need more raid lockout options?
Think those Stormwind Guards looks snazzy? We have a transmogrification guide for you.
Class news and guides
Totem Talk looks back at 2011 for restoration shaman and enhancement shaman.
Lichborne helps death knights get through the Raid Finder.
Shifting Perspectives looks back at 2011 for druids.
Encrypted Text discusses the roguish art of swapping targets.
Spiritual Guidance looks back at 2011 for shadow priests. We also take some balance druid ideas from SWTOR and look at some feral tactics for the new patch 4.3 dungeons.
The Light And How To Swing It helps retribution paladins raid Dragon Soul. We also discuss the importance of optimal play and look at secondary stats for holy paladins.
Scattered Shots gives you your raiding marching orders.
Raid Rx is getting angry about healing rotations.
Arcane Brilliance helps you gear your mage for the Raid Finder.
The Care And Feeding of Warriors has a state of the class address for warriors.
Professions, dungeons, items, PvP, and more
Confused about crowd control? We have a guide for you.
Blood Sport helps you set up your UI for PVP.
The Overachiever hopes archaeology doesn't get worse.
Addon Spotlight counts down the top five addons of 2011.
Want to make 10,000 gold quick? Fox and Basil have some ideas for you.
Ready Check discusses what makes raiding fun.
Odds and ends
Know Your Lore has part 2 of our lists of the biggest lore reveals and biggest lore developments of 2011.
15 Minutes of Fame showcases a guild that's dedicated to charity, in-game and out.
World of Warcrafts interviews Maiev cosplayer Mary Booth.
Need to buy some of the expansions of WoW? If you're in the EU, it's cheaper than ever.
All The Worlds A Stage explores five villain-friendly locales in Eastern Kingdoms.
Got Windows 2000? You may want to upgrade before Mists of Pandaria.
