Wrath of the Lich King Beta weekend coverage roundup
Good Monday morning everyone! It's time for most of us to head back to work and school today, which means it's also a perfect time to catch up on any news you missed over the weekend -- after you're done with your work, of course. I'm sure you checked in at least once during the weekend and saw the big news. It's not just a rumor, the Wrath of the Lich King Beta is indeed live.
I'm sure you were out barbequing, or camping, or whatever else all you people who had the weekend off were doing. We here at WoW Insider, of course, were working on rounding up and analyzing all the new information coming out from the newly NDA free Alpha and Beta. So if you missed the coverage, or if you just want to look it over again, read on. Also, keep an eye on our Wrath news page that we'll keep updated with the latest expansion news as it happens.
General Information:
First of all, you're probably going to want to read and bookmark our Wrath of the Lich King directory page. It will be updated every day with all the latest articles and information on the expansion.
Check out the first iteration of the Wrath Beta patch notes.
If you haven't signed up for a chance at a Beta key yet, be sure to visit Blizzard's official opt-in page.
If you have signed up for a chance at a Beta key, keep an eye on your in-box. Netheara says that invites should be going out -- just watch out for the scams, of course.
If you're still unsure about some aspect of the Beta, be sure to check the official Beta FAQ.
Even if you're not in the Beta, you can still browse the official forums and see what testers are discussing -- and how the devs are answering them.
Keep reading after the break for more on class changes, talents, tradeskills, and more.
Classes:
Zach gave us an overview of the Paladin patch notes, then proceeded to expound on the changes to current baseline talents and skills, as well as the new talents and spells for each tree: Holy, Protection, and Retribution.
For Shamans, check out Amanda Dean's analysis of some of the new totem mechanics in WotLK, as well as Matthew Rossi's more in-depth analysis of the whole thing. Enhancement Shamans might also like to know all that Hunter gear is going to look a lot more appetizing in Wrath.
Matthew Rossi also took on the Warrior changes in the patch notes.
Alex discussed the Priest patch notes, while Matticus waxed eloquent on Holy raiding in Wrath of the Lich King.
Find out some of the changes Hunters can expect to the Survival tree and their pets in our Hunter patch note analysis. You can also check out the new pet talent trees as well.
Of course, we have tons of Death Knight information. Not only is their new starting zone live, but they also have a new Runeforging skill, their own unique opening cinematic, and some daring and epic lore.
But how do Death Knights play, you ask? Check out these Death Knight gameplay videos to find out.
Our new Rogue columnist hit the ground running with an analysis of the Rogue patch notes.
Druids will want to check out Amanda Miller's analysis of the patch changes for Balance, Feral, and Restoration Druids.
Christian Belt has been pondering what the Arcane tree might do for Mages in Wrath.
Check out Mike G's take on the changes for Warlocks, and see how V'ming's changing his Warlock wish list in light of them.
Tradeskills, Barbering, and Achievements:
The Achievement system has been officially announced! Get a tour of the Achievement UI here at WoW Insider, as well as find out all about the goals the Achievements will demand.
Yeah, haircuts are cool and all, but what about tattoos?
Interested in Jewelcrafting? So are we. Eliah has the scoop on some of the new gems.
Don't forget to check out some of the first examples of Inscription coming from the Beta.
You can also check out our first look at Alchemy and some of the names of the new flasks and elixirs we'll be downing before we head in to 10-man Arthas.
We also have information on some of the new enchantments you can expect to find, and how Inscription will finally allow enchanters to sell their wares on the AH.
Speaking of selling your wares, it will be a lot easier to let people know what you can make in Wrath.
Gathering tradeskills are getting their day in the sun in Wrath -- now you'll recieve some nice passive bonuses for all that hard work gathering ore and skins.
Ever wanted to start up that Hell's Angels-based guild? Have we got good news for you: Motorcycles are coming!
You might also want to take a look at some of the other possible upcoming tradeskills goodies.
Discussion:
Is all this new information pumping you up?
What would you do for a Beta invite?
Odds and ends:
Don't believe the Beta's live? We have the log-in screen to prove it!
Curious to see what the continent and zones of Northrend look like? We have maps!
Here's a fun little easter egg in Dalaran: Breanni of warcraftpets.com is now an NPC.
Speaking of Dalaran -- check out what's going on in Hillsbrad.
Want Wrath videos? Look here.
If you don't see the exact piece of information you crave here in this roundup, do not fear. We're continuing to write and we'll have more class skill and talent analysis, more galleries, more guides, and everything else you'll want to know about Wrath of the Lich King, both in Beta and beyond. Keep checking back, and we'll see you in Northrend!
