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The Queue: Pandaria is open on the beta

Welcome back to The Queue, the daily Q&A column in which the WoW Insider team answers your questions about the World of Warcraft. Adam Holisky (@adamholisky) will be your host today.

Fun times on the beta after last night's patch. Pandaria, which is the level 85-to-90 zones, is open for play (well, at least the Jade Forest is, which is all I can directly confirm). I have to say it was quite fun to run around and kill some boars while learning the new warlock mechanics.

I love being able to be in demon form a bunch. That's going to make a helluva interesting raid mechanic.

Logan asked:

How do you start the new level 85 content in the Mists beta?



Eventually, there'll be a ship or something to take you out there. For now, talk to the pandaren near the main bank and AH in your capital city. They'll teleport you over.

Laim asked:

Do we know, lore wise, how or why the mists around Pandaria have gone away?

We don't, exactly. As Pyromelter pointed out from the March Press Tour FAQ:

Sometime in the wake of the Cataclysm, the mists abruptly vanished. Alliance and Horde naval fleets, engaged in skirmishes around the world thanks to the new Warchief's aggression, suddenly found a new continent where once charts showed open seas. With both factions escalating their feud into a global conflict, the war for Azeroth shifts in a new direction.

Why did the mists collapse at this crucial moment in world history? The answers revolve around the will of the last emperor, and lie at the heart of this strange new continent...

Nick asked:

is there any way to change your pose on the armory? mine looks horrendous!

There used to be controls to do that on the armory page, but Blizzard took them away for one reason or another. We've been told they're bringing them back, but no ETA.

Mark asked:

Doesn't this beta feel like an extension of tbe press release? I have yet to hear of anyone else in beta but the fansites. Not even friends and family.

There are more than just press and fan sites in it. I know several people who are unaffiliated players who have gotten beta invites. That said, the first wave was very, very small -- and you're right, a lot of press and fan sites did get in, but by no means are we alone.

If I had to guess, I'd wager the next waves will be happening soon, so just hold tight and everyone will eventually get in.

Datgrl asked:

Based on your past experience, how does this beta compare to BC or Wrath? Does it feel more finished? Are there fewer glitches? What is better about how this beta was handled than in the past? What do you think Blizz could do to improve it? Are beta testers given a method to provide feedback or is it just a topic in the official forums?

I had the chance to play through some of the Jade Forest this morning, and it all feels pretty well done. There are some noticeable issues with almost all the classes still, but that's to be expected in any beta environment. The world itself, though, seems remarkably complete.

I have to add, running around on the ground instead of flying really brings you into the world more. There's much more of a connection to what you're going to do and how you're going to do it, rather than just plopping down and killing whatever boars you need to.

Feedback can be provided in-game or on the forums. We'll have a Beta Testing 101 up on that aspect soon.


Have questions about the World of Warcraft? The WoW Insider crew is here with The Queue, our daily Q&A column. Leave your questions in the comments, and we'll do our best to answer 'em!