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The best of WoW.com: September 29 - October 6, 2009
Things are hopping as usual over in Azeroth, and Joystiq sister site WoW.com is jumping in time with the tune. Patch 3.3 is being tested, and from what we know so far, it'll bring a new raid, new 5-mans, and possibly the end of the story of Arthas Menethil (a.k.a. The Lich King himself). Want to learn more? Read on! News World of Warcraft Patch 3.3 PTR patch notesHere's what Blizzard has put in the new patch so far. Blizzard releases details on Icecrown CitadelOfficial details on what the new raids and instances will be like. Cataclysm starting zone lore and other new details revealedHints on what we'll find in the starting zones of the new races. And boy do they sound fun. Patch 3.3 PTR: New Tauren skins foundA new look for the cow people in patch 3.3. Patch 3.3 PTR: New weekly quests to do while raidingThe new patch will bring with it more rewards for raiders who go after certain bosses. Features Patch 3.3 PTR: Pit of Saron first impressionsOur bloggers headed into the new instance, and survived long enough to come back with these impressions. Patch 3.3 PTR: Undocumented paladin changesPally changes on the PTR so far. Scattered Shots: Patch 3.3, what's on the horizon for huntersLooking ahead to what's in store for ranged DPS. Arcane Brilliance: Patch 3.3 PTR changes for magesBlink is fixed? Go figure! Patch 3.3 PTR: Undocumented druid changesUpdates for shapeshifters from the latest public test realm.
WoW Insider Show Episode 101: Upward and onward
There was really just one topic on the show last Saturday, and it was patch 3.2. We finally went down all of the new features and class changes we're expecting in the patch, and laid out (with the help of some of our chat channel folks) who was buffed, who was nerfed, and which classes are, in Turpster's estimation, "rubbish anyway." Alex Ziebart and Lesley Smith helped us decode some of the more complicated changes, and of course we answered your emails, including how the fishing daily can make you 4k gold, whether our characters are really getting stronger or not, and Blizzard's problems with cosmetic items and armor dyes.The show is available at any of the links below (or for listening right here on this page). If you haven't yet subscribed to the show in iTunes (where you can listen to it for free on your iPod or iPhone), please do. And while you're there, feel free to leave us a rating or a review -- the more we can get, the better. Thanks for listening as always, and we'll see you next week.Get the podcast:[iTunes] Subscribe to the WoW Insider Show directly in iTunes.[RSS] Add the WoW Insider Show to your RSS aggregator.[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.Listen here on the page:
WoW Insider Show live today at 3:30pm Eastern
Yes indeed, you might have thought that we'd call it quits after the 100th show spectacular. But no such luck -- we're back for another 100 (200? 300?) shows, starting with this one today. Alex Ziebart and Lesley Smith will be on board with Turpster and I, and the words on everyone's lips are "patch 3.2," as we're expecting the new patch any minute now. We'll look down the notes and remind you of all the important stuff to look for when the game gets updated, including the major class changes that we haven't covered yet. And we'll talk about the most popular posts of the past week, including who benefits from PuGs, whether or not there are bad talents, and just how incredibly easy it is to level up nowadays. It all starts up at August 1, 2009 3:30 PM EDTvar date_span = document.getElementById("date"); var date = new Date(date_span.innerHTML); var monthname=new Array("Jan","Feb","Mar","Apr","May","Jun","Jul","Aug", "Sep","Oct","Nov","Dec"); var weekday=new Array("Sunday","Monday","Tuesday","Wednesday","Thursday", "Friday","Saturday"); var year = date.getFullYear(); var day_of_month = date.getDate(); var month = monthname[date.getMonth()]; var day = weekday[date.getDay()]; var hour = date.getHours(); if (hour > 11) { if (hour > 12) {hour -= 12} am_pm = "PM"; } else { am_pm = "AM"; } var minute = date.getMinutes(); if (minute < 10) { minute = "0"+minute; } date_string = day + ", " + month + " " + day_of_month; date_string += " at " + hour + ":" + minute + " " + am_pm; offset = -date.getTimezoneOffset()/60; if (offset >= 0) { offset = "+"+offset; } date_string += " in your time zone GMT"+offset; date_span.innerHTML = (date_string); over on our Ustream page, or, as always, you can find the embedded stream below. We'll see you this afternoon.
Patch 3.2 PTR data file class changes
Achievements aren't the only thing that can be datamined. MMO-Champion has the new class changes, some of which were not listed in the patch 3.2 PTR notes. Of course these are all subject to change, and some game file changes never even make it to testing, but here's what I've noticed that's new. Druid: Restoration: Lifebloom now heals the target for 480/616/776 (down from 600/770/970) when Lifebloom complete its duration or is dispelled. Hunter: Survival: T.N.T. now affects Black Arrow. Pets: Sonic Blast (Bat) now costs 80 Focus.
WoW Insider Show live this afternoon at 3:30pm Eastern
Our podcast goes live again today as usual, and it should be a good one. We're going to welcome Rogue blogger Chase Christian back to the show, Turpster should be along for the ride as usual, and we're planning to have an old friend on who we haven't seen in a long time: Duncor may be making his long-awaited return, which should be a lot of fun. Of course we'll be talking all about patch 3.1, including how the dual spec system is working so far, some of the major class changes that made it through, and what's going on with the Argent Tournament. And we can't forget about the Ulduar cinematic -- that was a fun bit of lore that popped up out of nowhere this week.The show starts at April 18, 2009 3:30 PM EDT var date_span = document.getElementById("date"); var date = new Date(date_span.innerHTML); var monthname=new Array("Jan","Feb","Mar","Apr","May","Jun","Jul","Aug", "Sep","Oct","Nov","Dec"); var weekday=new Array("Sunday","Monday","Tuesday","Wednesday","Thursday", "Friday","Saturday"); var year = date.getFullYear(); var day_of_month = date.getDate(); var month = monthname[date.getMonth()]; var day = weekday[date.getDay()]; var hour = date.getHours(); if (hour > 11) { if (hour > 12) {hour -= 12} am_pm = "PM"; } else { am_pm = "AM"; } var minute = date.getMinutes(); if (minute < 10) { minute = "0"+minute; } date_string = day + ", " + month + " " + day_of_month; date_string += " at " + hour + ":" + minute + " " + am_pm; offset = -date.getTimezoneOffset()/60; if (offset >= 0) { offset = "+"+offset; } date_string += " in your time zone (GMT"+offset+")"; date_span.innerHTML = (date_string); over on our Ustream page (or just check the feed right down on the bottom of this post), and we'll be chatting live with you during the show as well as answering emails that you send to theshow@wow.com. We'll see you this afternoon!And if you've got a little bit of time after the show, be sure to head on over to Rawrcast's Ustream page for their show, directly after ours. Our friend Stompalina is going to have none other than the inimitable Turpster, and apparently he'll be playing a game show that you can participate in. Turpster was also on The Instance earlier this week, too, so give that a listen if you just can't get enough of the T. Man that guy's like the Jaina of podcasts this week -- he's getting it on with everybody!Update: That Rawrcast show with Turpster is apparently next week, April 25th. So if you thought you missed it on Saturday, no worries -- tune in next week to catch it live.
The best of WoW Insider: Special patch 3.1 edition
The day World of Warcraft fans have been waiting for has finally come: Patch 3.1 is out today. There's new content, a new raid, a brand new dual spec system (for the first time, we'll be able to switch between character specs on a whim, with minimal costs), and tons of class changes, UI updates, and secrets to find. It's a whole new game! Wondering what's new in the patch? Check the links below for everything you need to know. WoW Insider's Guide to Patch 3.1Want to drink straight from the firehose? This is everything we've ever posted about patch 3.1, from the earliest hints and rumors to the final patch notes and galleries from the PTR. If it's in the patch, it's on this page. World of Warcraft Patch 3.1 Official patch notesAll of Blizzard's changes... that they want to tell you about. Patch 3.1: Secrets of Ulduar in picturesDon't like reading? View everything new about the patch in pictoral form. WoW Patch 3.1: Class changes roundupFrom Mages to Death Knights, here's all of the class changes you'll be dealing with when the patch is live. Patch 3.1 Secrets of Ulduar roundupEverything we've unearthed about the new Titan-related raid. Dual speccing in three easy stepsUnsure how to get your two specs going? Here's a quick and easy guide, backed up with everything we know about the system at release. The awesome weapons of the Argent TournamentBecause despite all of the fun features and new environments, we're really in it for the loot, right? Official Ulduar cinematic revealedThrall! Jaina! Wrynn! All of our heroes (except Saurfang, unfortunately) show up in this video prequel to the new content.
Final Fantasy's April version update is live, brings A Crystalline Prophecy with it
Sure, the majority of people are clamoring over Patch 3.1 for World of Warcraft today, but you Final Fantasy XI users already received something just as juicy -- the April version update.For those of you not in the know, the April update launched expansions to many of the current game systems -- such as Moblin Maze Mongers, Fields of Valor, and Campaign -- and also added the ability for players to enchant items via "Item Augmentation." The update also added some nice changes to the White Mage, Red Mage, and Summoner classes, and will be the first of Square-Enix's revisit to all of the classes in FFXI.The big news though was the unlocking of Final Fantasy's first "mini-expansion," entitled A Crystalline Prophecy: Ode of Life Bestowing. This expansion is a short little storyline, but gives players a nice piece of armor for completing it. Even better, you can choose how to augment the armor after you receive it, customizing it to your favorite class.Looking for all of the patch notes in their lengthy glory? Check them out on the Final Fantasy XI website.
Extensive white mage changes to be rolled out with Final Fantasy XI's April update
Play a white mage? You might want to perk your ears up and check out Square-Enix's latest message to the Final Fantasy XI community. It seems that your job is due for a very nice set of upgrades.The April version update will be adding brand new WHM job abilities and changes to how white magic works in general, including changes to reraise, holy, cure, martyr, banish, and others. All of these changes are based around the WHM's newest two abilities -- Afflatus Solace and Afflatus Misery. Each of these abilities will be set to a 1 minute reuse timer and last for 2 hours, making them easily switchable depending on your situation. Using one will, of course, overwrite the other. Both of these abilities can't be active at once.Afflatus Solace is a WHM stance centered around curing. As you cure, the healing you do will be recorded by Solace and will be used to provide bonuses to other beneficial spells. For example, your cures will give the target temporary stoneskin when Afflatus Solace is active.Afflatus Misery is a stance centered around you taking hits. The last hit against you will be stored by Misery and then unleashed with the next harmful spell that you cast. For example, getting hit will provide a bonus to your next banish spell.Square-Enix has promised more classes will be changed beyond the white mage with the April update, and we're looking forward to what improvements they have in store! For the full information on the new white mage abilities, check out the full article on PlayOnline.
WoW Insider Show Episode 79: Argently competing
We had a great time as usual last weekend on the podcast -- Dan O'Halloran and BigRedKitty joined me on the WoW Insider Show, and we chatted about the most popular stories in WoW from the last week. We answered your emails, including how to fill up your guild with quality raiders and what kinds of things you can do to make leveling an alt easier (including not leveling an alt at all).And of course we talked 3.1 -- a little bit of class changes, lots of information about the new dual spec system, what the equipment manager is like (and what it can do for you), Ulduar and the bosses we've seen so far, and finally, the Argent Tournament: what we know and what we don't know just yet. And of course we updated folks on Turpster's new song (almost done, but not quite mastered yet), and on our drive to get over 9000 Twitter followers. If you aren't following us yet, head over to Twitter and hit follow so we can hit our goal and do a video podcast.Was a fun show to make, and hopefully you'll have just as much fun listening to it. We'll see you next week.Update: As promised, here's BRK's intro in mp3 form. No idea what you all wanted it for, but there you go.Get the podcast:[iTunes] Subscribe to the WoW Insider Show directly in iTunes.[Ustream] Listen to the unedited recording in Ustream.[RSS] Add the WoW Insider Show to your RSS aggregator.[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.Listen here on the page:
WoW Insider Show Episode 76: All the bests
We had a really fun (and longer than usual) time on the WoW Insider Show this past week -- Turpster and Michael Sacco joined me to talk about all of the patch 3.1 class changes, from Druids to Death Knights, and we answered lots and lots of reader email, including what to do if your guild is too small to raid, whether to go PvP or PvE, and the lore and quests of the current endgame (or lack thereof, as the case may be).Lots of great chat in there about classes in general -- we were pretty one-topic-minded this week but we basically cover a state-of-the-game of class balance, and talk about what's up and what's down for each class in 3.1. And last but not least, we updated everyone on our big Facebook quest -- we've got over 3600 fans so far, and if we hit 4000, Turpster will premiere a new song on our show. And we had the winner of our Authenticator contest send us pictures of what Turpster sent to him -- find the full versions after the break below (and feel free to color/remix them as you see fit).Was a lot of fun -- hopefully you'll enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed making it. We'll see you next week.Get the podcast:[iTunes] Subscribe to the WoW Insider Show directly in iTunes.[Ustream] Listen to the unedited recording in Ustream.[RSS] Add the WoW Insider Show to your RSS aggregator.[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.Listen here on the page:
WoW Insider has you covered for patch 3.1
Blizzard is hard at work with designing all of the changes coming in World of Warcraft's patch 3.1, and WoW Insider is hard at work on documenting and analyzing those changes for you. Patch 3.1 will be introducing the long awaited dual spec system, which will allow players to switch back and forth between two talent builds, many class mechanic changes for all of the roles, mounts that are usable in water, and many more smaller changes.To quench your thirst for information, WoW Insider has set up a main repository post on everything 3.1 related. From that post you can find out if Blizzard is slapping the nerf paladin, buff warrior buttons again, or if perhaps the shoe has now been placed on the other foot.As for this blogger, I'm off to go celebrate being able to exorcise everything in existence -- a la lightning bolts.
Death Knight class change analysis for patch 3.1
The next round of class changes for 3.1 has gone up, and Death Knights, of course, got a blurb of their own. The changes are probably slightly less sweeping than some other classes, but interesting all the same. Ghostcrawler's word on Death Knights lately has been that they're probably a bit high on DPS, and that they want to encourage more people to spec Blood and Frost over the overwhelmingly popular Unholy. I'm not sure these changes in particular did that, but one thing they did do is give a couple of nice potential buffs to Death Knight tanks. Let's look at them one by one.
WoW Insider's Guide to Patch 3.1
Unless you're living under a rock (in which case we'd suggest you put up some buttresses to secure your ceiling), you've no doubt noticed that Blizzard has released a bunch of patch 3.1 information.Today the releases have mainly focused on changes to classes and ways that the classes will interact with each other. Mana replenishment has been a big thing today in this regard.For the past couple patches we've been putting together patch guides. Our 3.0.2 and 3.0.8 guides have been a big hit around the net, and we thought we'd get the patch 3.1 guide out early. As more information for patch 3.1 comes around, we'll update the guide with the latest.Of course, you'll find all the breaking news and everything else on our front page – but head to the guide for all of it rounded up in a nice little place.So what are you waiting for?Continue on to read WoW Insider's Guide to Patch 3.1!
Patch 3.1 class changes for Mages, Hunters, Death Knights, and Paladins
As expected, tonight we're getting a sampling of the class changes for Mages, Hunters, Death Knights, and Paladins. This comes after a day of more 3.1 class changes.Big changes from this release include: Consumable ammunition removed from the game! Hunter's will get additional trap talents via the Survival tree Mages will now have a mana replenishment spell Paladin's Blessing of Kings is now a base ability Paladin's Exorcism will now damage all enemy types Death Knight's Pestilence will now only spread diseases The headline for tomorrow will be the line "Consumable ammunition has been removed from the game." In fact, that'll be the the headline for the next few days.After the break are all the changes released thus far.
Analysis of Warlock changes in 3.1
By now, Warlocks, you've probably had a chance to take a look at the announced changes for patch 3.1. If you're late to the party, come in, I'll take your coat; Blizzard have announced some of the changes they'll be making to the Warlock class in the upcoming 3.1 content patch. Keeping in mind that this list is incomplete (they'll be making more changes, count on it) and subject to change (on the PTR, etc.), let's talk about what they've revealed so far. Improved Shadow Bolt – this talent now provides a 5% spell critical strike buff (similar to Improved Scorch) This goes along with what they were saying about Imp Scorch being too much of a "unique snowflake." It also restores group utility to a talent that had it stripped away in 3.0. I like it, a lot. This is also early enough in the tree that almost any warlock can pick it up if their raid needs it. Improved Soul Leech – this talent now provides Replenishment (similar to shadow priests) Has Blizz been reading my posts? I'm really glad that they're spreading Replenishment around. And Destruction could use a little bit of mana-back utility itself. Warlocks have always been the utility caster, and this is just stacking that higher and higher. Keep it coming, I say.
Upcoming 3.1 class changes: Warlock, Druid, Warrior
This is part two in a promised three-part series from Blizzard going over class changes that are coming in patch 3.1. Part one dropped last night, covering Shamans, Priests, and Rogues. This morning's episode covers some changes that are coming to Warlocks, Druids, and Warriors. And just to be preemptive, don't say "that's it?!". It's not. This is just some of the changes that your class will be seeing, and they're subject to further change as the patch evolves. Warlock Improved Shadow Bolt – this talent now provides a 5% spell critical strike buff (similar to Improved Scorch). Improved Soul Leech – this talent now provides Replenishment (similar to shadow priests) Drain Soul now has a chance to produce Soul Shards even if the target doesn't die. Siphon Life no longer as an active ability but the talent grants the old Siphon Life effect to Corruption. Curse of Recklessness and Curse of Weakness have been combined into one spell Consume Shadows – this Voidwalker ability is no longer channeled but has a cooldown. Several other warlock talents have had their ranks reduced, their effects changed or removed. This list includes but is not limited to Demonic Empathy, Shadow Embrace, Eradication, Suppression, and Pandemic. Additional new talents have been added.
Upcoming 3.1 class changes: Rogue, Priest, Shaman
Development just relayed major class changes coming in content patch 3.1 for rogues, priests, and shaman on the forums. Eyonix advises the list is in no way comprehensive, is subject to change, and is likely to receive additions as the weeks go by. Major class changes include: Priest's Divine Spirit is now a base ability of all Priests. Priest's Power Word: Barrier, a new Disc Priest talent that acts like a Power Word: Shield for the entire group. Rogue's Killing Spree increases damage an additional 20%. Rogue's Mace Spec now additionally increases haste. Shaman's Mana Spring and Healing Spring totems combined, along with Poison Cleansing and Disease Cleansing combined. Shaman's Spirit Weapons now reduces all threat. Shaman's Chain Lightning now hits 4 targets. What are you waiting for? Check out after the break to read 'em all!
Believe it or Don't: Patch 3.1 notes leaked? [Updated]
Edit: Just in case some of you have any lingering doubts, yes, these are fake. Aurelius of Forlorn Legacy on Windrunner-US has fessed up as the creator. Most of us saw this coming, of course, but the patch notes are at least fun to pick apart and tease. Regardless, when the real 3.1 notes come out, we'll have them here on WoW Insider, so stay tuned.So a few minutes ago, a reader by the name of Mike -- if that is his real name -- sent us, without links or other proof, a copy of what he says are the official patch notes for 3.1 from an early internal build. So we've now been having a pretty robust discussion here at WoW Insider HQ over whether they're legit or not. Me, I'm not so sure. The Hunter and Death Knight changes are a little overpowered (Don't get me wrong, I'd love the changes, I just recognize they're probably a bit on the overpowered side), and the whole Ruby Sanctum thing seems out of left field when the dungeon focus is supposed to be Ulduar. On the other side, Adam is pretty insistent that these changes could just be an earlier test build that will get nerfed down, and the class changes are no worse than, say, patch 2.1 anyway. Alex and Matt Rossi are leaning toward fake too. So in the end, we just decided we better post these and let you judge for yourself. I'd recommend taking them with a big grain of salt myself, but read up after the break and let us know what you think.
WoW Insider Show live tomorrow afternoon
Our podcast is back on the virtual airwaves (and by that we mean our Ustream page) tomorrow afternoon at 3:30pm Eastern, and we have the man himself, BRK, back on to talk about the biggest story of the past week: the Great Hunter Nerf of 2008. Turpster is also on with us, and we'll make sure to talk about more than Hunters -- there's news about dual specs, achievements and the rewards that come with them, and of course all of the class changes to cover.Plus, we'll be chatting live and answering emails as usual -- you can send us a note right now at theshow@wow.com. The show goes live at 3:30pm Eastern (here's a time zone converter), but I'm usually on a little while before that, playing some music and chatting with people about what's new in the World of Warcraft, so if you want to come by a little early, feel free. And if you can stay late, do that, too: the aftershow seems to get better and better every week.And of course we've placed the stream right on this post after the break again, so click the link below to head on down and meet some other listeners in the chat. See you tomorrow for the live show!
Forum post of the day: You stay classy
It seems Blizzard has been listening to the complaints and concerns of players. I've been taken aback by the implementation of paid name changes, PvE to PvP transfers and gender changes. For years, I've read clamoring for race, faction and class changes.Zarhym weighed in Wolfbite of Chromaggus' thread in the general forums requesting class changes. Name and appearance changes are purely cosmetic, while allowing class changes would affect the overall dynamics of the game. Later in the thread Zarhym stated that this is partially to avoid creating a "flavor of the month" class, and would prefer to address player concerns. Rerolling was the most common prescription amongst posters to solve the original poster's issue.
