World of Warcraft News and Raiding Strategies

During a scheduled maintenance period planned for 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. PDT (11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. EDT) on September 24, the following realm connection will be made:

• Exodar and Medivh will be connected to Alleria and Khadgar.

During a scheduled maintenance period planned for 3:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. AEST (1:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. AWST) on September 25, the following realm connection will be made:

• Saurfang will be connected to Caelestrasz and Nagrand.

Only the realms listed above will be offline during these maintenance periods, which may be completed before or after the predicted end time.

Attune your chronometers, flip your hourglasses, set a notification on your phone—however you mark the passage of time, save the date for BlizzConline™, set to take place February 19–20, 2021!

While circumstances are keeping us from gathering in person this year, we’re putting together a little something early next year to channel the spirit of BlizzCon into the form of an online show. We still have a lot of planning to do, and it’ll be some time before we’re ready to share more details—but we wanted to provide a heads-up on how you can be a part of the online fun.


Gear Up for the Community Showcase

One of the events we’re planning for BlizzConline is the Community Showcase—an opportunity for cosplay crafters, artists, and other community creators to participate in the show and put their talent on display through a mix of world-class competition and exciting exhibitions. And thanks to the all-online nature of the show, we’re able to make these events accessible to even more people from around the globe. We’re also assembling a special March of the Murlocs and inviting everyone to send us images and videos to join in.

If you’re interested in participating in the March of the Murlocs or the Community Showcase, please be mindful of the appropriate health guidelines for any group-based photos, videos, and other submissions. Read on to discover what you need to know to begin your preparation!



Cosplay Exhibition

Entry Deadline: January 4, 2021

Are you someone who enjoys regularly attending conventions in cosplay? Or maybe you’re looking for the right opportunity to get started on your own cosplay-crafting journey? Either way, the Cosplay Exhibition is for you! This just-for-fun showcase of original cosplay from Blizzard’s universes is open to people of all levels of skill, whether you’re a seasoned veteran, a casual cosplayer, or somewhere in between.

The all-online format also gives us a chance to do something we haven’t been able to before: invite the animal kingdom onto the virtual stage! So if you fancy dressing up your fuzzy friends and want to show off your dog, cat, or other critter, we’d love to see your pet cosplay as well.

We’ll be showing off original exhibition submissions during the online show—so simply send us photos and videos you’d like to be considered, and you may spot yourself (or your animal pal) onscreen next February.

For guidelines on how to properly submit your cosplay for consideration, what we’re looking for in terms of quality, and other important criteria, make sure to read the complete official rules.



Cosplay Contest

Entry Deadline: January 4, 2021

The cosplay contest is always one of the highlights of BlizzCon—and even if we won’t be sharing a physical stage together, we still want to give top-notch cosplay creators a chance to showcase their skills in the virtual spotlight.

The BlizzConline Cosplay Contest will feature four categories:

• Best Blizzard Character – Recognizing outstanding interpretations of iconic heroes and villains from the worlds of Diablo, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, Overwatch, StarCraft, and Warcraft.
  
• Best Blizzard Weapons & Armor – Recognizing the exemplary craftsmanship that goes into building epic, battlefield-worthy gear.
  
• Best Modern Creation – Recognizing expertise in working with materials such as foams and plastics, and incorporating 3D printing, electronics, and technology.
  
• Best Traditional Creation – Recognizing masterful skill in working with materials such as fabric, leather, metal, and wood.

Our judges will determine one winner in each of the four categories—and from among those, they’ll also determine one overall best cosplay winner, all of whom will be revealed to the world during the BlizzConline broadcast. (Note that you do not need to choose which categories you want to be considered for—the judges will determinate that as part of the judging process.)

Because the contest is taking place entirely online, the videos and photos you send may be displayed as part of the show, so keep that in mind when you’re prepping your entries.

For guidelines on how to properly submit your entry, what level of quality is acceptable, and other important criteria, make sure to read the complete official rules.



Art Contest

Entry Deadline: January 4, 2021

We’re putting out a call for your original artwork for the BlizzConline Art Contest! Whether you’re painting a valiant hero, sculpting an iconic villain, illustrating a memorable moment from inside your game (or out), this is your chance to shine a spotlight on your artistic talent. If you’re looking for something to spark your creativity, Blizzard’s 30th anniversary is this February, so consider drawing on your skills to mark the occasion.

Prizes will be awarded to first-, second-, and third-place works of art, and winners will be featured in a segment during the BlizzConline broadcast. Check out the official rules below, and click the Enter button to submit your entry.



Digital Storytelling Contest

Entry Deadline: January 4, 2021

The Digital Storytelling Contest invites aspiring digital filmmakers and moviemaking auteurs to create an original, story-driven short based on Blizzard’s game universes. As with the Art Contest, we’re inviting you to draw inspiration from across 30 years of Blizzard history. That could mean retelling an epic story with your own spin; imagining a collision of iconic characters from different times or universes; or exploring wherever your creativity takes you. Your short can feature live action, animation, in-game footage, or a mix of all three.

Prizes will go to first-, second-, and third-place winners, and the world will get the opportunity to watch your story unfold during the BlizzConline broadcast.

For requirements around maximum running time, file size and format, and other important criteria for submission, read the official rules.



Talent Spotlight

Entry Deadline: January 4, 2021

The Talent Spotlight is a chance to celebrate the wide range of unique talents and extraordinary abilities of the Blizzard community worldwide. We’re inviting original acts (solo or group) to showcase their special talent—musical, physical, magical, whimsical, or otherwise.

To be considered for this online exhibition, simply submit a video of you or your group performing, singing, dancing, or doing whatever it is you do, and you may be selected to be featured on the BlizzConline broadcast. Please be mindful of the appropriate health guidelines for any group-based performance.

For requirements around maximum running time, file size and format, and other important criteria for submission, read the official rules.



March of the Murlocs

Entry Deadline: January 4, 2021

If you’ve attended BlizzCon in the past couple of years, you may have encountered a particularly peculiar procession, as hundreds of people masquerading as murlocs paraded through the convention halls. In honor of that grand tradition-in-the-making, we’re inviting you to participate in a virtual March of the Murlocs for BlizzConline!

To be considered, simply send us a photo or video (30–60 seconds in length, and ideally filmed horizontally) of you walking, marching, or dancing dressed up as a murloc (or your own imaginative interpretation).

We’re also welcoming photos or video of murlocs marching in-game, so gather up your fish-minded guilds and allies and show us what you mrgrlglgrrl!



Keep the deadlines above in mind as you get to work—and if you have any questions about the contests or exhibitions, you can reach out to us at BlizzConCommunityShowcase@blizzard.com.

We can’t wait to see what you create—and maybe even share it with the world during BlizzConline!

With the release of the pre-expansion patch, players will be able to seek out a Barber Shop for a variety of character customization options, including the ability to change your character’s gender, hair, facial features, and more. Due to this upcoming new in-game option, the Appearance Change service for Shadowlands will be retired from the Blizzard Shop prior to the release of the pre-patch.

To help you prepare for the upcoming Shadowlands pre-expansion patch and plan your adventures from now until Shadowlands arrives, we’ve compiled a variety of helpful information.

Character Boost Changes
With the upcoming character-level conversions in Shadowlands, Character Boosts will also change once the pre-expansion patch is live. You’ll want to plan ahead for how you want to use your boosts.

• Level 120 Character Boosts will boost characters to level 50 after the pre-expansion patch.
  
• Level 110 Character Boosts will boost characters to level 48 after the pre-expansion patch.

Levels, Items, and Stats Adjusted
With the pre-expansion patch, levels, items, and stats will be adjusted to make reaching a new level feel more meaningful while simultaneously making the leveling experience faster than before. Characters at level 120 will become level 50 after the content update. To help you understand how the change will affect your character’s level, we’ve pulled together this handy conversion table.

Current Level - Shadowlands Level

• 120 - 50
• 118 to 119 - 49
• 116 to 117 - 48
• 114 to 115 - 47
• 112 to 113 - 46
• 110 to 111 - 45
• 108 to 109 - 44
• 106 to 107 - 43
• 104 to 105 - 42
• 102 to 103 - 41
• 100 to 101 - 40
• 98 to 99 - 39
• 96 to 97 - 38
• 94 to 95 - 37
• 92 to 93 - 36
• 90 to 91 - 35
• 88 to 89 - 34
• 86 to 87 - 33
• 84 to 85 - 32
• 82 to 83 - 31
• 80 t0 81 - 30
• 76 to 79 - 29
• 72 to 75 - 28
• 68 to 71 - 27
• 64 to 67 - 26
• 60 to 63 - 25
• 57 to 59 - 24
• 54 to 56 - 23
• 52 to 53 - 22
• 48 to 50 - 21
• 45 to 47 - 20
• 43 to 44 - 19
• 41 to 42 - 18
• 39 to 40 - 17
• 37 to 38 - 16
• 35 to 36 - 15
• 32 to 34 - 14
• 29 to 30 - 13
• 26 to 28 - 12
• 23 to 25 - 11
• 20 to 22 - 10
• 18 to 19 - 9
• 16 to 17 - 8
• 14 to 15 - 7
• 12 to 13 - 6
• 10 to 11 - 5
• 8 to 9 - 4
• 5 to 7 - 3
• 2 to 4 - 2
• 1 - 1

New Starting Experience: Exile's Reach


Exile's Reach is an all-new starting experience that will take you on an excursion to a faraway island and introduce you to the fundamentals of playing World of Warcraft and your chosen class. If you’re new to World of Warcraft and have never created or leveled a character, you will automatically begin your journey into Azeroth with the starting experience. If you’re a veteran player or you’ve leveled a character before, you can choose to opt out of the starting experience and begin instead at level 1 in the starting area for your race.

Upon reaching level 10, new players will continue their journey through Battle for Azeroth and into Shadowlands. [LEARN MORE]

/New Player Has Joined the Chat
After creating your new character and beginning your journey into World of Warcraft for the first time, you will automatically be added to a Newcomer Chat channel, where you can talk with other new players and seek advice from experienced players on the same faction who will be your guides as you level through the new starting zone of Exile's Reach. New players and guides will be able to recognize one another in the chat channels and by icons above their characters' heads that only they can see. Upon reaching level 20, new players will continue the journey ahead on their own and will no longer have access to the Newcomer Chat.

If you're a veteran player and interested in guiding new players as they experience World of Warcraft for the first time, head over to Stormwind or Orgrimmar and speak to the guide recruiter once you've met the following criteria:

• Have an account in good standing
  
• Reach level 50
  
• Complete 3,000 quests
  
• Earn at least two of the following achievements: Terrific Trio, Rival: Battle for Azeroth Season Four, Battle for Azeroth Keystone Conqueror: Season Four, The Waking Dream, or We Have the Technology.

If you no longer wish to be a guide, you can speak to guide recruiter once again.

Timewalking Campaign
Players who have already experienced Battle for Azeroth and reached level 50 on at least one character can choose to level any subsequent characters in a different expansion using Timewalking Campaigns. This new feature allows content from locations like Northrend or Pandaria to scale to a player’s level, so they can adventure from level 10 all the way to 50 and experience the stories of these areas at their originally intended pacing. Visit Chromie near the embassies in Stormwind or Orgrimmar to select your expansion leveling experience. If you'd like to select a different expansion to level through, simply speak to Chromie again.

Recruit A Friend Updates


With the upcoming release of Shadowlands and the leveling adjustments that come with it, we’re making a few changes to Recruit A Friend. Beginning with the release of the pre-expansion patch, characters who are created by a recruited friend* will receive a unique 30-slot bag—the Extra-Spacious Knapsack—upon completing their adventure in Exile’s Reach as a part of the new player experience.

The additional experience boost that currently exists for recruited players and recruiters who party together will be phased out before the launch of Shadowlands. All other rewards available with the Recruit A Friend program will continue to be available for recruiters.

Appearance Change Service for Shadowlands Retiring Soon
With the release of the pre-expansion patch, players will be able to seek out a Barber Shop for a variety of character-customization options, including the ability to change your character’s gender, hair, facial features, and more. Due to this upcoming new in-game option, the Appearance Change service for Shadowlands will be retired from the Blizzard Shop prior to the release of the pre-patch.

Recruiting Allied Races
Players who are seeking to recruit a new Allied Race to their side will no longer need to earn Exalted reputation with their associated faction once the pre-expansion patch goes live. Players will still need to complete any achievements and story quests associated with the Allied Race to gain access, however.

Battle for Azeroth PvP Season 4 Ends and the Post-Season Begins
The gates will soon close on Battle for Azeroth PvP Season 4 with the release of the Shadowlands pre-expansion patch. Don’t worry though, you’ll still be able to take part in competitive PvP in a special post-season, which will end with the launch of the expansion. The new Shadowlands Season 1 will then go live shortly after the launch of Shadowlands.

If you participated in Season 4, to ensure you receive the rewards that you’re due, please keep the following in mind:

• Refrain from transferring your character(s) to another realm or faction until after Battle for Azeroth Season 4 has ended.
  
• Battle for Azeroth Season 4 titles and mounts will be awarded approximately two weeks after the season ends.

Faction-Based Rewards
Don’t forget—end-of-season rewards are based on your faction. If you transfer your character to the other faction, you must have 50 wins after your transfer to receive the reward and 150 wins after your transfer to earn Gladiator and Corrupted Gladiator.

Jump Into Post-Season
Once the pre-expansion patch is live, we’ll be kicking off a special post-season that last until the launch of Shadowlands. While placement on the season ladder is locked for any end-of-season rewards such as the Gladiator mount or title, players will be able to continue to earn Conquest towards the Conquest Schedule, gain random PvP loot, and collect catch-up gear rewarded from strongboxes. Players will also be able to purchase Corrupted Aspirant gear from vendors located in Stormwind and Ogrimmar.

Leaderboards Temporarily Offline
Please note that PvP Leaderboards will not be available once the pre-expansion patch goes live but will become available again with the start of the new Shadowlands PvP season.

Earning Flight in Warlords of Draenor and Legion
With the release of the Shadowlands pre-expansion patch, flying in Warlords of Draenor and Legion will no longer require earning the achievements Draenor Pathfinder and Broken Isles Pathfinder, Part Two, respectively.

Time Runs Short: Battle for Azeroth


With the last days of Battle for Azeroth almost upon us, you’ll want to make sure you’re tying up any last tasks or goals you have. Check out our article to learn more.

Check back for more updates as we get closer to the release of the Shadowlands pre-expansion patch.

*Players who are recruited prior to the release of the Shadowlands pre-expansion patch will not receive the new 30-slot bag, the Extra-Spacious Knapsack.

“First celebrated by the dwarves, Brewfest now holds appeal among all the races of Azeroth!”

Get ready to crack open a cold one with friends new and old during our revamped Brewfest! Sample brews from Azeroth and beyond with representatives from many prominent playable races during the booziest time of year.

When - September 20–October 6
Where - Ironforge Entrance (Alliance), Orgrimmar Entrance (Horde)
Currency - Brewfest Prize Tokens

Completing quests and activities on the Brewfest grounds will generally reward you with Brewfest Prize Tokens. These are used to purchase most of the items you will find on sale at Brewfest.

Activities

Brewfest Chowdown
Slurp and burp your way through this eating contest to be crowned the Chowdown Champion. Compete with three other players in front of a panel of spectators to prove your prowess but try not to choke (literally)! The first to finish 10 plates of sausages takes home the prize. Manners optional. Speak with Etga (Horde) or Britta Steinhart (Alliance) to participate. Prize: 1 Brewfest Chowdown Champion Token.


Timed Events
Every half hour a group of alementals, hozen, or Dark Iron dwarves will show up to destroy the Brewfest grounds. Put a stop to their shenanigans for a reward once a day.

Chug ‘n Chuck Alementals
Throw nearby taster mugs at these destructive alementals to put a cork in their plans.

Shoo Pesky Hozen
Unruly hozen want to monkey around—restore order by driving away these pests.

Tip: Some of these buggers are winged, so saddle up on a flying mount to reach them!

Brawl with Dark Iron Dwarves!
Get your fists swingin’ when the Dark Iron dwarves invade the Brewfest grounds!


Ceremonial Keg Tapping
Join the Draenor-famous Frostwolf brewery Warband Ales for a special toast during Brewfest at 6 a.m. or 6 p.m. server time. Alliance players can do the same with the Thunderbrew and Barleybrew breweries.


Daily Quests
Complete special daily quests to obtain experience, gold, and Brewfest Prize Tokens to purchase holiday items.

Sample Fine Food and Brew
Stumble your way through the grounds while trying specialty food and brew from all over Azeroth and Draenor.

Holiday Items
Earn Brewfest souvenirs while gallivanting around Brewfest!

BREWFEST SOUVENIRS

• Garland of Grain: A festive crown adorned with a golden pretzel that you can wear during Brewfest.
• Tabard of Brew: Show off your love for Brewfest year-round with this tabard!
• Brewfest Chowdown Trophy: Proudly display your Brewfest Chowdown Trophy!
• Bottomless Brewfest Stein: Fill your Brewfest Stein at a Brewfest Festive Keg.
• Brewfest Reveler’s Hearthstone: Return home in the most jubilant way possible!

MOUNTS

• Great Brewfest Kodo: Coren Direbrew won this prize after drinking a Tauren druid under the table – and the druid was in bear form. It was one of Direbrew’s proudest moments.
• Swift Brewfest Ram: Dwarves attribute this breed’s even temperament to rigorous training, but other races argue that a daily diet of strong ale has something to do with it.

BREWFEST GOODS

• Blix’s Eyesight Enhancing Romance Goggles: Guaranteed by Blix Fixwidget to make EVERYONE look attractive!
• Brewfest Garb: Put together a full festive appearance by wearing three of the following cosmetic pieces: Blue Brewfest Hat, Green Brewfest Hat, Brown Brewfest Hat, Purple Brewfest Hat, Brewfest Dress, Brewfest Regalia, Brewfest Slippers, and Brewfest Boots.
• Brewhelm: Attach two tankards to your head or helmet.
• Synthebrew Goggles XL: Warning: Do not wear while mounted.
• “Brew of the Month” Club Membership Form: Sign up to join a monthly brew club!
• Angry Brewfest Letter: WARNING: Once an angry letter is sent, you will never be able to join the Club again!
• Feed your mount these hops to transform it into a Brewfest steed: Fresh Dwarven Brewfest HopsFresh Goblin Brewfest HopsFresh Brewfest Hops, or Preserved Brewfest Hops.

TOYS

• Brewfest Pony Keg: Tap a pony keg of delicious Brewfest Brew.
• Brewfest Keg Pony: Summon a beer-toting keg pony for 3 minutes.
• Brewfest Banner: Represent Brewfest!
• Steamworks Sausage Grill: Places a Steamworks Sausage Grill that increases the spirits of those nearby by 4 and allows cooking.
• Pandaren Brewpack: Carry a keg of brew on your back for 3 minutes. Drink brew or toss some to friends!
• Gravil Goldbraid’s Famous Sausage Hat: You never sausage a hat!

BATTLE PETS

• Pint-Sized Pink Pachyderm: A shy creature, the pink elekk will only make its presence known to those that have befriended it, or to anyone too intoxicated to harm it.
• Wolpertinger’s Tankard: Many a drunken Brewfest goer has told the tale of this mysterious creature, but few remember that tale in the morning.
• Stout Alemental: The Pandaren Brewmasters accidentally brought a barrel of Uncle Gao's last sentient batch of brew with them to Brewfest.

HEIRLOOM UPGRADES

• Ancient Heirloom Scabbard: Upgrade an heirloom weapon allowing it to increase in power up to level 90.
• Timeworn Heirloom Scabbard: Upgrade an heirloom weapon allowing it to increase in power up to level 100. Only works on heirlooms that scale to level 90.

Achievements

• BREWMASTER: Completing the achievements The Brewfest Diet, Brew of the Month, Direbrewfest, Does Your Wolpertinger Linger?, and Have Keg, Will Travel will reward the meta-achievement Brewmaster. Awards the title Brewmaster.
• THE BREWFEST DIET: Eat 8 of the following Brewfest foods—Dried Sausage, Pickled Sausage, Savory Sausage, Spiced Onion Cheese, Spicy Smoked Sausage, Succulent Sausage, The Essential Brewfest Pretzel, and The Golden Link.
• BREW OF THE MONTH: Join the Brew of the Month club.
• DIREBREWFEST: Kill Coren Direbrew.
• DOES YOUR WOLPERTINGER LINGER?: Obtain a Wolpertinger pet from the Brewfest quest line.
• HAVE KEG, WILL TRAVEL: Obtain a Brewfest mount, or transform yours into one using Brewfest Hops.
• DOWN WITH THE DARK IRON: Defend the Brewfest camp from the Dark Iron attack and complete the quest. “This One Time, When I Was Drunk…”
• BREW OF THE YEAR: Sample 12 beers featured in the Brew of the Month club. Requires a “Brew of the Month” Club Membership Form.
• ALMOST BLIND LUCK: Fall 65 yards without dying while wearing Synthebrew Goggles during the Brewfest Holiday.
• STRANGE BREW: Acquire the Brewfest beers listed below. Don’t drink them all at once!
• DISTURBING THE PEACE: While wearing 3 pieces of Brewfest clothing, get completely smashed and dance in Dalaran.
• A BREW-FAST MOUNT: Obtain an epic Brewfest mount.

Be sure to hop on over to the Brewfest staging areas at the gates of Orgrimmar and Ironforge September 20–October 6 to join the festivities.