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Patch 8.2 - Rise of Azshara Live This Week! 

by
Stoy
Published on 2019-06-25 07:23 AM

Patch 8.2 - Rise of Azshara Live This Week!
Patch 8.2 - Rise of Azshara is live this week!


What is Not Coming This Week?

Official Survival Guide



Official Patch Notes




Two New Zones - Nazjatar and Mechagon
Patch 8.2 adds two new landmasses to explore, the Naga capital of Nazjatar and the secret Mechagnome island of Mechagon. Click the banners below to see our preview of the zones. For detailed quest and exploring guides, check out Icy Vein's guides by clicking the banners below.




Heart of Azeroth - Essences
Essences are a new system for the Heart of Azeroth that will provide additional power customization options. You’ll collect these Essences by taking part in a variety of content, and infuse them into the Heart of Azeroth using the new Heart Forge in Silithus, giving you access to new abilities and bonuses.


For an in depth list and guide to essences, check out the Icy Veins guides below.
Originally Posted by MMO-Champion

Heart of Azeroth - Magni Quest Chain
After doing the initial quests for Nazjatar, Magni and MOTHER will summon you to Silithus to do a series of quests to unlock essences. Click the banner for our preview of this quest chain.



War Campaign Continues
Patch 8.2 continues the war campaign with the "Stay of Execution Scenario" to rescue Baine.



Benthic Gear Guide
During your time in Nazjatar you will discover a new alternative method to gear up in the outside world with upgradeable Benthic armor. Click the banner for a full breakdown of this system.



Pocket-Sized Computation Device
The Pocket-Sized Computation Device is a trinket that players can customize to suit their adventuring needs.

  • The device houses three Punchcard Sockets, into which players can insert one Red, Yellow, and Blue Punch Card.
  • Punch Cards provide a variety of different bonuses
  • The Punch Cards can be collected by questing, exploring the Mechagon zone, and advancing through the new Mythic-only dungeon Operation: Mechagon.
  • Players will receive their Pocket-Sized Computation Device after completing the Upgraded quest, available shortly after landing in Mechagon.



Gnome and Tauren Heritage Armor
Gnomes and Tauren will be able to do a quest chain in 8.2 to unlock their very own heritage armor! You'll need to be Exalted with your respecitve faction and Level 120 to do so.



Unlock Flying - Pathfinder Part Two
Players will now be able to complete Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part Two to unlock flying in Kul Tiras, Zandalar, Mechagon, and Nazjatar!



Players that unlock flying will also receive the Wonderwing 2.0 mount!




Mount Equipment
Patch 8.2 adds an item slot to your mount collection tab that allows you to socket a mount ability to benefit all of your mounts.
Originally Posted by Blizzard (Blue Tracker / Official Forums)
Every hero has their favorite mount—whether it’s Baron Rivendare’s steed, Kael’thas Sunstrider’s beloved pet Al’ar, or the very first pony you purchased back when you earned Apprentice Riding skill. The Mount Equipment you earn, craft, and purchase in Rise of Azshara will make it so your choice of mount can be steered by your heart—not what’s most efficient.

These new Mount Equipment pieces can be applied to your mounts within the mount collection tab; they apply to most of your mounts,* and are available for anyone to use regardless of which professions they have (though note that they don’t work in Battlegrounds or Arenas). Take a look at the options you’ll have available!


Equipment Name: Anglers' Water Striders
What it does: Allows you to walk on water while mounted. Damage will cancel the effect.
Where to get it: If you’ve already earned the Water Strider, Nat Pagle will mail you the new Anglers’ Water Striders. They’ll bind to your Blizzard account and allow any of your mounts to make like a Shaman (or bug) and walk on water.
If you haven’t earned the Water Strider, you’ll need to reach Exalted reputation with The Anglers in Mists of Pandaria to pick these up.

Equipment Name: Light-Step Hoofplates
What it does: Increases your mount’s ground speed by 20%. Doesn’t stack with other mount speed effects.
Where to get it: Check with your local Enchanter or visit the auction house. Enchanters with a minimum Battle for Azeroth skill level of 155 can learn to create these speed-boosting items. Gotta go fast!

Equipment Name: Saddlechute
What it does: These life-saving devices install an emergency parachute that will automagically deploy whenever you’re dismounted while high in the air. Equip these and avoid those really embarrassing slip and falls!
Where to get it: Pay a visit to your neighborhood Tailor or look in the auction house. Tailors with a minimum Battle for Azeroth skill level of 150 can learn to create these airship captain–approved safety devices.

Equipment Name: Comfortable Rider's Barding
What it does: Never again will you have to utter the phrase “Don’t daze me, bro,” when you slap on this protective Mount Equipment option. It prevents you from being Dazed while mounted—like all Mount Equipment, they don’t work in Battlegrounds or Arenas, as that would provide an unfair advantage.
Where to get it: Look for your local Leatherworker or check the auction house. Leatherworkers with a minimum Battle for Azeroth skill level of 150 can learn to stitch these together.

Equipment Name: Inflatable Mount Shoes
What it does: If making friends with the Anglers isn’t in the cards for you, this is one more way to help your favorite mount walk on water, though damage will cancel the effect.
Where to get it: Barter with your local Blacksmith or head to the auction house. Blacksmiths with a minimum Batttle for Azeroth skill level of 150 can learn to forge these items.

More than 400 mounts are currently available in World of Warcraft—with even more to come—and we look forward to seeing which mounts you equip and bring along on your next adventure!

*Select mounts do not benefit from Mount Equipment such as the Sky Golem.

Nazjatar - Use Water Mounts on Land
The Budding Deepcoral is an item in Nazjatar that allows you to ride your underwater mounts like normal mounts in Nazjatar. This item costs 5 Prismatic Manapearl and can be purchased from the same vendors that sell the Benthic Gear in Nazjatar. The item is consumed on use and doesn't provide any indication that the item is active. It persists through log outs, but is removed the moment you leave Nazjatar and must be repurchased to use again.




Patch 8.2 - New Mounts
Patch 8.2 adds a lot of new mounts to collect!




Profession Updates
Kul Tiran and Zandalari professions are increasing to a skill cap of 175 and getting a bunch of new recipes and gathering materials.



New Reputation Factions
Nazjatar adds a new faction reputation for both the Alliance (The Waveblade Ankoan) and the Horde (The Unshackled) while Mechagon adds the Rustbolt Resistance, all of which have unique rewards to earn! Click the banner below to learn more.



New Rewards to Collect
Blizzard put together an official list of every single new reward available in the patch, including new pets, mounts, and toys. Click the banner below to view them all.




New Pet Battle Dungeon - Stratholme
Pet battlers will be able to explore a new Stratholme pet battle dungeon to collect a ton of new pets!

Originally Posted by Blizzard (Blue Tracker / Official Forums)
It’s time to marshal your menagerie and put your best battle pets forward in the undead streets of Stratholme, a new Pet Battle Dungeon with Normal and Challenge difficulties.

To get started on your journey, you’ll need to have earned the achievement All Growns Up! (have one level-25 pet) for Normal difficulty or Pro Pet Group (have 15 level-25 pets) for Challenge difficulty. This will open up a new quest from Tizzy Gearjolt in Boralus or Fuselock in Dazar’alor. You won’t need to complete the previous pet battle dungeons to gain access, and once the upcoming Rise of Azshara content update hits, you’ll be able to play through all four pet battle dungeons in any order.

You’ll find pets from the undead, dragonkin, and magic families in Stratholme. You’ll be able to heal and revive your pets between each of the 12 stages in Normal difficulty, but not in Challenge difficulty.

Defeating the dungeon on Normal difficulty will earn players an Ultimate Battle-Training Stone. You’ll also be able to avail yourself of Manapoof’s aid to teleport directly to Stratholme’s dungeon entrance as a part of the quest reward.

Those who prove themselves to be the very best on Challenge difficulty will earn the achievement Pet Battle Challenge: Stratholme along with the Minimancer pet. Completing Challenge difficulty will count toward a weekly quest that rewards Cleansed Remains, an account-bound currency that you redeem for an Unopened Stratholme Supply Crate filled with pet supplies, or four new pets—Ziggy, Crypt Fiend, Shrieker, and Gruesome Belcher. Speak with Sean Wilkers at the entrance of the dungeon to add one of these spooky fiends to your ranks.

Whether you’re new to pet battle dungeons or a companion-combat veteran, you’ll want to get in on the ongoing story as it unfolds. Who are the shadowy figures that keep appearing in each pet battle dungeon? What chilling experiment are they conducting in Baron Rivendare’s slaughterhouse? Will you come upon an opportunity to take the fight to them?

Discover what awaits your critter pals next in Stratholme!

Hunters Can Now Tame Oondasta and Horridon
A new addition to the patch is the ability for hunters to tame the Pandaria bosses Horridon and Oondasta. These are unique skins for both direhorns and devilsaurs!



Crestfall and Snowblossom Island Expedition Maps
Two new island expeditions have been added to the map rotation for Islands.

  • Crestfall - Island from Warcraft II
  • Snowblossom - A Pandaren village



Heroic Battle for Stromgarde Warfront
Rise of Azshara introduces Heroic Warfronts.

  • Initially heroic is only available for Battle for Stromgarde.
  • Heroic Warfronts are tuned for item level 415.
  • A team of 10 to 20 will be needed to que for a Heroic Warfront.
  • Heroic Warfronts will be much different from normal warfronts.
  • Heroic Warfronts will focus on the strategic aspects found in RTS games. Examples of new challenges include special units sent at your base that needs to be defended, the enemy commander appearing on the field, or where to best put resources at the moment.
  • You can lose a Heroic Warfront.




Caverns of Time Main Hub Portals
A portal to the Caverns of Time has been added to both the Stormwind and Orgrimmar Portal Rooms. The one in Stormwind is all the way to the right while Orgrimmar's room has received a new basement level with just this portal in it for now.




PvP Updates
Several new additions are making their way into PvP!

Robodrome Arena - A new arena is being added to the roster called Rododrome. It is a circular arena in Mechagon that features traps and mechanical obstacles.


Ashran Epic Battleground- Ashran is returning as an option in the epic battleground que.


New PvP Event: Battle for Nazjatar
Originally Posted by Blizzard Entertainment
Players who have War Mode enabled in Nazjatar will be able to take part in a new PvP event to earn rewards and achievements. During the Battle for Nazjatar event, the Horde and the Alliance will need to coordinate their forces to capture and hold five points across the zone: Ala’thir Spire, Lemor’athra Spire, Thoras’tal Spire, Tidal Conflux, and Zin-Azshari.

Once towers are captured, the Horde and Alliance will begin to accumulate points for each tower under their control. The first faction to reach 10,000 points, or whoever has the most points at the end of 45 minutes, will claim victory.

If you’ve defeated at least one enemy player during the event, the first win of the day will reward 200 Conquest and 10 Nazjatar Battle Commendations, while the losing faction will still receive a small amount of Conquest and Nazjatar Battle Commendations, which can be exchanged for rewards including the imposing Inkscale Deepseeker mount.

Transmog Updates
Patch 8.2 will allow you to hide every slot except pants and weapon.



Zandalari Troll Druid Travel Form and Balance Form Dances
Patch 8.2 adds dance animations to both the Zandalari Druid Travel and Balance forms.



Gnome and Tauren Mount Size Update
Originally Posted by Blizzard (Blue Tracker / Official Forums)
With today’s PTR update, you might notice mount size changes for gnome and tauren player characters. For a very long time, we’ve had issues that stem from gnomes and tauren riding on mounts that appear larger than intended. We’re adjusting their sizing down on normal* mounts.

This allows us to correct many art and animation bugs with these specific races when mounted, and they look better. Gnomes and tauren now look more like they should, gnomes can actually reach their reins, and tauren can fit through more doorways when mounted.

Here’s an example of how a gnome character looks when mounted-

Before the change-


And after the change-


This new tech also means that it’s now possible for us to address issues where some mounts are too small on some races. We’re looking to find examples along those lines, so please keep your feedback coming.

Thank you!

*There are a few mounts that are not considered "normal"-sized to begin with. For example, Hyena mounts are considered "small", and we’re not sizing tauren differently on small mounts at this time.

Experience Eliminated Aura
WarcraftSecrets pointed out that Patch 8.2 adds Experience Eliminated, which reduces XP from mobs and quests by 95% if anyone in the group has experience disabled.

The change only affects groups that manually invite player characters who have XP off. There is no impact on players who find themselves automatically grouped by the matchmaker while doing PvP or Group Finder dungeons. This change also doesn’t affect anyone who has turned off XP for their own benefit, such as plundering old raids while keeping their level low enough to use their Aggramar’s Stride boots. This was likely done to stop Level 110 characters from boosting players to 120 quickly.



New Models
Patch 8.2 adds a ton of new models. Click the banner below to see a lot of them!



New Maps and Icons
Patch 8.2 adds a lot of new maps and icons!




Coming Soon

Azshara's Eternal Palace Raid
Starting on July 9th, players will be able to enter the new eight boss raid, Azshara's Eternal Palace. Click the banner below for the difficulty unlock schedule and Blizzard's official preview.




New Mega Dungeon: Operation Mechagon
A new eight boss mega dungeon is coming on July 9th with unique gear and rewards to earn.
Originally Posted by Blizzard Entertainment
Once you’re feeling properly upgraded, it’s time to begin your bid to shut down King Mechagon once and for all and free the mechagnomes from his tyranny. Get ready for Operation Mechagon!

Operation Mechagon


Prince Erazmin leads a group of unlikely allies on a desperate mission into the heart of Mechagon. In a race against time, they must overcome King Mechagon’s army of mechanized monstrosities and defeat the mad genius before his doomsday device purges all organic life from Azeroth.

Dungeon Bosses: 8

Difficulties: Mythic

Level: 120 for Alliance and Horde

King Gobbamak: Obsessed with hoarding dangerous technology found amongst the scrap, King Gobbamak sits upon a pile of doomsday weapons that he lacks the intelligence to operate or understand.

Gunker: After years of coalescing into a concentrated cesspool. Mechagon's toxic waste has gained malevolent sentience. With the sanitation systems disabled, Gunker is free to ooze across all of Azeroth.

Trixie & Naeno: Trixie and Naeno, two of Bondo’s top lieutenants, have a turbulent relationship. While Trixie prides herself on ruthless efficiency, Naeno is the embodiment of chaos while behind the wheel. The only thing they have in common is their penchant for senseless violence, which they enjoy dispensing on anyone foolish enough to wander into their territory.

HK-8 Aerial Oppression Unit: Predator of the skies, the HK-8 Aerial Oppression Unit soars over the yard executing its prime directive, disintegrating all trespassers. With impenetrable armor and a lethal host of weapons, it annihilates all who are caught in its shadow.

Tussle Tonks: Mechagon’s premier mechgineers test their mettle (and metal) by building customized combat robots. While these tonks typically battle each other for glory, they combine their efforts to repel foolhardy organic intruders who dare venture into Mechagon.

K.U.-J.O.: As the repository for the city’s refuse, the Under Junk is a prime target for gnomes from Bondo’s gang who intend to steal valuable mechanical components. While Trash Mistress Wendy Cogsworth ceaselessly sorts the city’s junk, her loyal guard dog, K.U.-J.0., keeps out unwelcome intruders—mechagnomes and adventurers alike.

Machinist's Garden: Beautiful and dangerous, Head Machinist Sparkflux's metallic gardens are designed for both recreation and retribution. With a flick of a switch, the idyllic scenery transforms into a death trap from which no interloper can escape.

King Mechagon: As maniacal as he is brilliant, King Mechagon despises all organic life. With his mechoriginator primed and ready, nothing stands in the way of his scheme to purge the curse of flesh from Azeroth and mechanize the entire world.

Get ready to face the danger within beginning July 9.

Battle for Azeroth PvP Season 3
On July 9th, PvP Season 3 will start with all new rewards and gear to earn.






Mythic Plus Season 3
On July 9th, Mythic Plus Season 3 will begin and item levels of all dungeon rewards, world quests, and emissaries will increase.

  • Season 3 introduces a new seasonal affix to Mythic Plus:
    • Beguiling - Azshara's Emissaries are present throughout the dungeon.

Icy Veins has put together a nice guide to what to expect from this affix.




Miscellaneous Changes
  • New Missions and Troops
    • As you take the fight to the seas, your loyal followers will be with you every step of the way. You can now enlist Boat Captains and other skilled seafarers to fight your battles.
  • Event and Holiday Missions
    • Send out your followers to embark on new holiday- and event-themed missions. Spoils will include special currencies to spend during holidays and events, including Brewfest and Timewalking, along with rewards that are only available during those periods.
3 Comments

Patch 8.2 - Professions Overview 

by
chaud
Published on 2019-06-25 07:11 AM

Patch 8.2 - Professions Overview
Much like Patch 7.3 in Legion, Rise of Azshara offers a variety of new recipes and items to craft or gather.

  • All Kul Tiran and Zandalari professions have an additional 25 points added to the cap, for a total of 175 from 150.
  • New recipes have been added to each profession that require these new 25 points.
  • All gathering professions have new materials to collect.
  • There are items you can find in Nazjatar that unlock specific profession focused events. Activating these events will have you complete a task and provide a bounty of materials or benefits for your profession.


The Abyssal Focus
In Nazjatar, crafters will build up a new crafting station called the Abyssal Focus. This forge is used to craft the new raid gar instead of using consumables from the raid such as Sanguicell.

  • A series of quests increase the rank of the focus.
    • Restored Abyssal Focus - Crafts up to Item level 410 gear
    • Empowered Abyssal Focus - Crafts up to Item level 425 gear
    • Radiating Abyssal Focus - Crafts up to Item level 440 gear
  • Quests
  • Once you unlock the next rank, you can craft any gear at the focus of the allowed item level or below.


Notable Gathering Profession Additions

Mining - New Ore


Herbalism - New Herbs


Skinning - New Skins


Notable Crafting Profession Additions

Alchemy


Blacksmithing


Enchanting


Engineering


Inscription


Jewelcrafting


Leatherworking


Tailoring


Notable Secondary Profession Additions

Cooking


Fishing
1 Comment

Save on World of Warcraft and Digital Deluxe Items 

by
Osiris
Published on 2019-06-24 07:33 PM

Take to the Skies With Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part 2

Save on World of Warcraft and Digital Deluxe Items
Originally Posted by Blizzard (Blue Tracker / Official Forums)
In Rise of Azshara, the Horde and the Alliance will confront an ancient enemy who’s long been lurking in the depths of Azeroth’s seas: the formidable Queen Azshara and her fearsome naga army. In honor of her majesty’s grand return, starting today you can get up to 50% off all Digital Deluxe items from World of Warcraft expansions Battle for Azeroth, Legion, and Warlords of Draenor.

With two new zones—Nazjatar and Mechagon—and a variety of ways to gear up and quickly get into the latest action, Rise of Azshara is an excellent time to join the Battle for Azeroth or bring your friends into the adventure. Upgrade to the latest expansion or introduce a friend to Azeroth by purchasing World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth or the World of Warcraft Complete Collection and save $20 through July 7, 2019.

Visit the Blizzard Shop today!
16 Comments

Take to the Skies With Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part 2 

by
Osiris
Published on 2019-06-24 06:17 PM

Take to the Skies With Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part 2
Originally Posted by Blizzard (Blue Tracker / Official Forums)
You’ve fought on the shores of Kul Tiras, explored the far corners of Zandalar, and faced the enemy at every turn. You survived the Battle of Dazar’alor, and aided Magni Bronzebeard in his critical quest to save Azeroth from her grievous wound. Soon, your journey will take you into the depths of Nazjatar and the wonders of Mechagon, where even more dangers await—but you don’t have to face them all from ground level. Once you complete the account-wide achievement Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part 2, you’ll be able to take to the skies . . . and earn a brand-new mechanical mount in the process!


To earn your wings in Battle for Azeroth, you’ll need to:

  • Reach Revered with the following factions: The Rustbolt Resistance and either the Unshackled (Horde) or Waveblade Ankoan (Alliance)
  • Earn the achievement Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part 1 (progress is account-wide)
  • Explore Nazjatar: Ashen Strand, Azsh’ari Terrace, Coral Forest, Deepcoil Tunnels, Dragon’s Teeth Basin, The Drowned Market, Elun’alor Temple, The Empress’s Approach, Gate of the Queen, The Hanging Reef, Kal’methi, Shirakess Repository, Spears of Azshara, Zanj’ir Terrace, Zanj’ir Wash, Zin-Azshari
  • Explore Mechagon: Rustbolt, Sparkweaver Point, Junkwatt Depot, The Heaps, Scrapbone Den, Western Spray, The Outflow, The Fleeting Forest

Completing Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part 2 will allow you to fly in Kul Tiras and Zandalar, as well as the new zones of Nazjatar and Mechagon—plus the new Wonderwing 2.0 mechanical parrot mount.

The wild blue yonder awaits!
49 Comments

Fan Art - Fall of the Lich King Remastered 

by
chaud
Published on 2019-06-22 03:43 PM

Discord Giveaway, Official Forum Migration, and Challenge Rift 104!

HearthPwn's Top Decks of the Week

2019 Season 3 - Changes and Updates

Fan Art - Fall of the Lich King Remastered
Ivan Kuzkin is back with another remastered trailer! You can see the original one below as well.
27 Comments
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