The Complete Guide to Mastering Archaeology!

[borntoheal]

The Complete Guide to Mastering Archaeology!

What is Archaeology?

Archaeology is the new secondary profession added in the World of Warcraft: Cataclysm expansion pack. This profession teaches you how to explore all around the World of Warcraft to find fragments of artifacts from many races. It teaches you how to unearth these fragments, piece them carefully back together, and rebuild the artifacts from the past. These artifacts can vary from poor quality unusable items to epic quality weapons and armors. This guide will teach you all you need to know to become a Master Archaeologist and more.

Digsites

Once you have learned Archaeology you are ready to get started! 8 digsites will appear on your World Map, 4 digsites in Eastern Kingdoms and 4 digsites in Kalimdor. There will always be 4 digsites on each continent. As you level up your Archaeology you will also unlock 4 digsites in both Outlands and Nothrend. These digsites are player specific and won't change on logouts or server restarts. Each digsite is specific to a certain race and you will only receive that certain races fragments.



Eastern Kingdoms
Unlocked at level 1 Archaeology.
This continent offers 56 different digsites

• 18 Dwarf digsites
• 13 Fossil digsites
• 5 Night Elf digsites
• 20 Troll digsites

Kalimdor
Unlocked at level 1 Archaeology
This continent offers 62 different digites

• 1 Dwarf digsite
• 13 Fossil digsites
• 35 Night Elf digsites
• 5 Troll digsites
• 8 Tol'vir digsites (These digsites aren't available until 450 Archaeology)

Outlands
Unlocked at level 300 Archaeology
This continent offers 28 different digsites

• 15 Draenei digsites
• 13 Orc digsites

Northrend
Unlocked at 375 Archaeology
This continent offers 27 different digsites

• 5 Nerubian digsites
• 4 Night Elf digsites
• 5 Troll digsites
• 13 Vrykul digsites

Surveying

When you learn Archaeology you will learn a new ability called Survey. The Survey ability is a tool used to find and uncover fragments only when inside of a digsite. The Survey ability spawns a telescope on a tripod with a light. The telescope will point in the general direction of where the fragment is but will not always point directly at the fragment. The light will also show about how far you are away from the fragment. There are 3 colors of light, red, yellow, and green. The red light means you are far way from the fragment. The yellow light means you are getting closer to the fragment. The green light means you are close to the fragment. When you use the survey tool and are less than 10 yards away, the fragment will appear. You can find 3 fragments per digsite before that digsite despawns.Sometime while surveying you will find a fragment that is outside of the digsite and not available. By going to a different digsite and finding fragments there, you will reset the bugged digsite.

Dwarf Explorer Racial
As a Dwarf you are able to survey faster than non Dwarfs Archaeologists. A non Dwarf Archaeologist has a survey cast time of 1.0 second but a Dwarf Archaeologist has a survey time of 0.65 seconds. Although Dwarfs can survey faster they still have a 5 second cooldown like everyone else.

Red Light - Far Away



Yellow Light - Getting Closer



Green Light - Close



Fragments

Each fragment you find in a digsite will contain 2-6 fragments of a certain race. These fragments are not items and are stored in your Archaeology menu. As your Archaeology level increases the amount of fragments you can receive increases. You can sometimes also find keystones with fragments. These keystones are items and are kept in your bag. They are not BOP so they can be sold and purchased inside the Auction House. Keystones are helpful in making artifacts as they count as 12 fragments.



Keystones
Dwarf : Dwarf Rune Stone
Night Elf : Highborne Scroll
Troll : Troll Tablet
Draenei : Draenei Tome
Orc : Orc Blood Text
Nerubian : Nerubian Obelisk
Vrykul : Vrykul Rune Stick
Tol'vir : Tol'vir Hieroglyphic

Dwarf Explorer Racial
The Dwarf Explorer racial has a chance to increase the number of fragments you receive. At max level a non Dwarf Archaeologist will receive 3, 4, or 6 fragments from a survey. But a Dwarf Archaeologist has a chance to receive 3, 5, or 7 fragments from a survey. This allows a Dwarf to receive more fragments per digsite and to ultimately create artifacts faster than non Dwarfs.

Artifacts

Artifacts can take 25-150 fragments to create and can allow from 0-3 keystones to be used. Keystones are NOT required to make an artifact. Keystones count as 12 fragments and can be used on some artifacts. When using a Keystone, fragments that go over the amount needed for that artifact will go towards your next artifact. There are 2 types of artifacts you can create, Common Artifacts and Rare Artifacts. Common Artifacts are mostly poor quality unusable items. Rare Artifacts are either Rare or Epic quality items. Rare Artifacts include companion pets, mounts, toys, armors, and weapons. Finding a Rare Artifact is entirely based on luck and could take a lot of artifacts before found it. As well certain artifacts can't be found until you reach a certain level of Archaeology.



Dwarf
Unlocked at level 1 Archaeology
27 Common Artifacts
4 Rare Artifacts

• Chalice of the Mountain Kings (100 fragments / 3 Keystones) (150 Archaeology Skill)
• Clockwork Gnome (100 fragments / 3 Keystones) (225 Archaeology Skill)
• The Innkeeper's Daughter (150 fragments / 3 Keystones) (150 Archaeology Skill)
• Staff of Sorcerer-Thane Thaurissan (150 fragments / 3 Keystones) (450 Archaeology Skill)

Fossil
Unlocked at level 1 Archaeology
12 Common Artifacts
2 Rare Artifacts

• Fossilized Hatchling (85 fragments) (75 Archaeology Skill)
• Fossilized Raptor (100 fragments) (150 Archaeology Skill)

Night Elf
Unlocked at level 1 Archaeology
18 Common Artifacts
7 Rare Artifacts

• Druid and Priest Statue Set (100 fragments / 3 Keystones) (150 Archaeology Skill)
• Highborne Soul Mirror (100 fragments / 3 Keystones) (150 Archaeology Skill)
• Kaldorei Wind Chimes (98 fragments / 3 Keystones) (250 Archaeology Skill)
• Bones of Transformation (150 fragments / 3 Keystones) (450 Archaeology Skill)
• Queen Azshara's Dressing Gown (100 fragments / 3 Keystones) (450 Archaeology Skill)
• Tyrande's Favorite Doll (150 fragments / 3 Keystones) (450 Archaeology Skill)
• Wisp Amulet (150 fragments / 3 Keystones) (525 Archaeology Skill)

Troll
Unlocked at level 1 Archaeology
14 Common Artifacts
1 Rare Artifacts

• Zin'rokh, Destroyer of Worlds (150 fragments / 3 Keystones) (450 Archaeology Skill)

Draenei
Unlocked at level 300 Archaeology
8 Common Artifacts
2 Rare Artifacts

• Arrival of the Naaru (124 fragments / 3 Keystones) (300 Archaeology Skill)
• The Last Relic of Argus (130 fragments / 3 Keystones) (300 Archaeology Skill)

Orc
Unlocked at level 300 Archaeology
9 Common Artifacts
1 Rare Artifact

• Headdress of the First Shaman (130 fragments / 3 Keystones) (300 Archaeology Skill)

Nerubian
Unlocked at 375 Archaeology
7 Common Artifacts
2 Rare Artifacts

• Blessing of the Old God (140 fragments / 3 Keystones) (375 Archaeology Skill)
• Puzzle Box of Yogg-Saron (140 fragments / 3 Keystones) (375 Archaeology Skill)

Vrykul
Unlocked at 375 Archaeology
5 Common Artifacts
1 Rare Artifact

• Nifflevar Bearded Axe (130 fragments / 3 Keystones) (375 Archaeology Skill)

Tol'vir
Unlocked at 450 Archaeology
7 Common Artifacts

• Canopic Jar (45 fragments / 2 Keystones) (450 Archaeology Skill)

6 Rare Artifacts

• Crawling Claw (150 fragments / 3 Keystones) (450 Archaeology Skill)
• Pendant of the Scarab Storm (150 fragments / 3 Keystones) (450 Archaeology Skill)
• Ring of the Boy Emperor (150 fragments / 3 Keystones) (450 Archaeology Skill)
• Scepter of Azj'Aqir (150 fragments / 3 Keystones) (450 Archaeology Skill)
• Scimitar of the Sirocco (150 fragments / 3 Keystones) (450 Archaeology Skill)
• Staff of Ammunae (150 fragments / 3 Keystones) (450 Archaeology Skill)

Alchemy - Recipe: Vial of the Sands

The only way for an Alchemist to find this recipe is through Archaeology. The recipe is found in the Canopic Jar which is a Common Artifact for the Tol'vir. 450 Archaeology is required to find Tol'vir artifacts but to see the recipe you must also have Alchemy as the recipe is BOP. The Canopic Jar requires 45 fragments and allows 2 Keystones. The recipe is NOT a guaranteed drop!

Dungeon Buffs

Certain Cataclysm dungeons allow you to turn in a Keystone for a buff for the group through out the dungeon. This buff will remain with the group even in the event of a wipe. You only receive these buffs inside the dungeon and they are not permanent and will reset each day.



Blackrock Caverns
Quest : Dark Iron Contingency Plan
Cost : 1 Dwarf Rune Stone
Buff : Reduces elemental damage done to you by 5%

Halls of Origination
Quest : Map of the Architects
Cost : 1 Tol'vir Hieroglyphic
Buff : Improves your movement speed by 15%

The Stonecore
Quest : Might of the Earthen
Cost : 1 Dwarf Rune Stone
Buff : Physical damage taken is reduced by 5%

Lost City of the Tol'vir
Quest : Tol'vir Heiroglyphics
Cost : 1 Tol'vir Hieroglyphic
Buff : Increases damage against the Neferset by 10%

Grim Batol
Quest : Vengeance of the Wildhammer
Cost : 1 Dwarf Rune Stone
Buff : Your critical chance is increased by 5%

Throne of the Tides
Quest : Waters of Elune
Cost : 1 Highborne Scroll
Buff : Increases damage against the Naga by 10%

The Vortex Pinnacle
Quest : Whispers of the Djinn
Cost : 1 Tol'vir Hieroglyphic
Buff : Regenerates 1% Health and Mana every 3 seconds

Achievements
Archaeology has 19 Personal Achievements worth a total of 190 Achievement Points. It is also apart of the More Skills to Pay the Bills Achievement which requires 525 skill points in all secondary professions.

Journeyman, Expert, Artisan, Master, Grand Master, Illustrious Grand Master in Archaeology
Requires : Obtain 150, 225, 300, 375, 450, and 525 skill points
Reward : Each Achievement is worth 10 Achievement Points for a total of 60 Achievement Points

Digger, Diggerer, Diggerest
Requires : Find 10, 50, and 100 unique common artifacts
Reward : Each Achievement is worth 10 Achievement Points for a total of 30 Achievement Points
The first time you find an artifact it is counted toward the achievement. If you find that artifact again it is NOT counted toward the achievement!

I Had It in My Hand
Requires : Find a rare artifact
Reward : Assistant Professor Title and 10 Achievement Points

What was Briefly Yours is Now Mine
Requires : Find 10 unique rare artifacts
Reward : Associate Professor Title and 10 Achievement Points

It Belongs in a Museum!
Requires : Find 20 unique rare artifacts
Reward : Professor Title and 10 Achievement Points

Blue Streak
Requires : Discover who slew the dread wyrm Kaldrigos by collecting the following artifacts.

• Notched Sword of Tunadil the Redeemer : Dwarf Common Artifact (35 fragments / 1 Keystone)
• Dented Shield of Horuz Killcrow : Dwarf Common Artifact (35 fragments / 1 Keystone)
• Scorched Staff of Shadow Priest Anund : Dwarf Common Artifact (35 fragments / 1 Keystone)
• Silver Kris of Korl : Dwarf Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)

Reward : 10 Achievement Points

It's Always in the Last Place You Look
Requires : Recover archaeology artifacts from each of the following races.

• Dwarf, Fossil, Night Elf, Troll, Draenei, Orc, Nerubian, Vrykul, and Tol'vir

Reward : 10 Achievement Points

Kings Under the Mountain
Requires : Discover the following artifacts of the Dark Iron thanes.

• Mithril Chain of Angerforge : Dwarf Common Artifact (35 fragments / 1 Keystone)
• Moltenfist's Jeweled Goblet : Dwarf Common Artifact (34 fragments / 1 Keystone)
• Winged Helm of Corehammer : Dwarf Common Artifact (35 fragments / 1 Keystone)
• Ironstar's Petrified Shield : Dwarf Common Artifact (36 fragments / 1 Keystone)
• Skull Staff of Shadowforge : Dwarf Common Artifact (35 fragments / 1 Keystone)
• Spiked Gauntlets of Anvilrage : Dwarf Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)
• Warmaul of Burningeye : Dwarf Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)

Reward : 10 Achievement Points

Seven Scepters
Requires : Recover the following scepters from the various races of Azeroth.

• Scepter of Charlga Razorflank : Dwarf Common Artifact (35 fragments / 1 Keystone)
• Atal'ai Scepter : Troll Common Artifact (35 fragments / 1 Keystone)
• Scepter of Xavius : Night Elf Common Artifact (35 fragments / 1 Keystone)
• Scepter of Nekros Skullcrusher : Orc Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)
• Scepter of the Nathrezim : Draenei Common Artifact (46 fragments / 2 Keystones)
• Scepter of Nezar'Azret : Nerubian Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)
• Scepter of Bronzebeard : Dwarf Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)

Reward : 10 Achievement Points

The Boy Who Would be King
Requires : Recover the following tol'vir artifacts that tell of the rise and fall of Emperor Ninjter.

• Cat Statue with Emerald Eyes : Tol'vir Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)
• Soapstone Scarab Necklace : Tol'vir Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)
• Tiny Oasis Mosaic : Tol'vir Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)
• Engraved Scimitar Hilt : Tol'vir Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)
• Sketch of a Desert Palace : Tol'vir Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)
• Canopic Jar : Tol'vir Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)

Reward : 10 Achievement Points

The Harder they Fall
Requires : Discover how orc Chieftan Hargal was killed by collecting the following artifacts.

• Tiny Bronze Scorpion : Orc Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)
• Maul of Stone Guard Mur'og : Orc Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)
• Gray Candle Stub : Orc Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)
• Rusted Steak Knife : Orc Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)

Reward : 10 Achievement Points

Tragedy in Three Acts
Requires : Recover the following night elf artifacts that tell the fateful story of Pyramond and Theleste.

• Delicate Music Box : Night Elf Common Artifact (35 fragments / 1 Keystone)
• Cloak Clasp with Antlers : Night Elf Common Artifact (35 fragments / 1 Keystone)
• Hairpin of Silver and Malachite : Night Elf Common Artifact (35 fragments / 1 Keystone)
• Chest of Tiny Glass Animals : Night Elf Common Artifact (34 fragments / 1 Keystone)
• Cracked Crystal Vial : Night Elf Common Artifact (35 fragments / 1 Keystone)
• Silver Scroll Case : Night Elf Common Artifact (45 fragments / 2 Keystones)

Reward : 10 Achievement Points

Leveling Archaeology
Survey and collect fragments but do NOT solve any artifacts until you are at 100 skill points . You will gain skill from collecting fragments until you reach 100 skill points. After 100 skill points the only way to level is to solve artifacts. Solving artifacts will give you 5 skill points for solving a Common Artifact and 15 skill points for solving a Rare Artifact. Use your Keystones as often as possible since they are equivalent to 12 fragments. Using your hearthstone and any other type of teleport effectively can help speed up the leveling process. As well using the Zeppelin system in Eastern Kingdoms will speed up on the leveling process as well.

Thoughts??
Archaeology is one of the most time consuming activities currently in World of Warcraft. Leveling and using this profession will take a lot of time and patience. After leveling Archaeology to 525 I can say that the best way to level is to do it in intervals. Set a goal for yourself to reach that day and after that take a break. This profession will bore you to death and back,but it's just getting through the grind and hopefully getting the items you want that make it worth it! I hope you found this guide informative and useful. If you have any constructive comments or criticism please let me know!