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Topic: Some Cataclysm Launch Day Tips (Leveling, Professions, Etc)
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-Mithan-
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Subject:
Some Cataclysm Launch Day Tips (Leveling, Professions, Etc)
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I decided to write a few "tips" to cover Cataclysm Launch Day stuff for people. The Guide is aimed at Alliance, though most of it is relevant to Horde as well. If you were in Beta or have been reading a lot of the preview info, little of this is new.
Initial Preparation:
-This is probably a good time to use up old stock piles of Food and Pots, so get them ready for leveling as they wont be useful after a level or two.
-Grab your Frostweave bandages if you need them, but realize they become useless after a level or so since your Hit Points scale so much.
-Clean out your bank so you have room for all the new crap you will want to toss into it.
-etc, etc, (use common sense).
Hearth Stone:
-The best spot to be hearthed is in Stormwind, this is due to the portals that open up in the North East section (on the island) of the Stormwind map to all 5 of the new Zones plus Tol Barad.
-Which Inn you are hearthed at in Stormwind is up to you, I prefer the south bank myself but many will like the north as the portals are next to it and it is usually less congested.
Initial Log In Placement:
-Log your character out directly in front of "Bralla Cloudwing" (Flying Trainer-next to the Gryphon Master) in Stormwind. This is done so that immediately upon logging into the game on December 7, you can purchase the Flight Master's License (250 gold) and start flying everywhere and use the speed increase that gives you.
Trade Skills:
The next thing you should do is grab your Trade Skill upgrades from the profession trainers in Stormwind. If your memory is rusty, go visit all your Trainers before Dec 7, so you can find them again, thus saving you time and you wont be one of the idiots in chat asking where XYZ Trainer is.
Archeology:
If your main focus is to level your character first, then I suggest to just skip Archeology until level 85. This is not a profession that you "do while leveling" as everything else is, Archeology is a focused event and because of this, you can skip it until you get to level 85 and decide that you now want to do "Archeology".
However, most people will just want to go pick it up anyways, and the location is the Castle Library in Stormwind. Speak to Harrison Jones at 85,25. FLY here, don't ride. Remember, you have flying now!
Check the Bank Auction House:
Provided it isn't midnight and you are not geared up in ICC Raid loot, it can be worth taking a few minutes to go hit up the Auction House and see if there are any CHEAP level 80 "green" equipment upgrades for your character that you can buy. Don't pay inflated prices though, you will upgrade everything else eventually anyways.
A Note On Mob Difficulty:
If you are reading this, then you have probably heard by now that Mob's hit harder and have more health in Cataclysm. Initially, this isn't a big issue but by level 83 or so, you will notice that Mobs hit a lot harder than their level 80-82 Cataclysm counter parts and have a LOT more health than what you find in Vashj'ir and Hyjal. A level 80 Cataclysm Mob has about 3 times the health of a Level 80 Northrend Mob.
What this means is that most non-self healing type classes/specs will find that they have to stop and heal after a couple mobs and then go at it again. To me, this sucks.
Personally, my advice is to use a spec that gives up some DPS power in favor of healing yourself as you level up. (ie- Frost or Blood Death Knight vs Unholy). Myself, I prefer to kill a little slower but never stop, than kill faster but have to stop.
Where To Level First?
You have the choice of leveling in Vashj'ir or Hyjal as both are level 80 to 82 zones. To get these zones going, you need to do the starter quests that you will find appearing in Stormwind on Dec 7. Do those and they will lead you to the respective zones you want to start leveling in.
Is there any real advantage to what zone you start in?
Not really, both will be hugely busy and both have virtually the same quest loot. The only real difference is that Vashj'ir is obviously a very unique zone as it takes place totally under water and it will certainly give you more of a "this is a new expansion" feel than Hyjal will. Hyjal is still awesome but it isn't unique.
For those that hate under water zones, don't worry about it. 3 or 4 quests into it, you get a permanent breathing buff and a movement speed buff and then about 15 quests in, you get a fast under water mount. You can basically think of being under water as "flying" once this happens.
How do I get to Vashj'ir, Hyjal and the other new zones?
As I said above, you DO THE QUESTS. The quests are gotten from the Hero's Call Boards.
How do the portals open up in Stormwind?
I forget exactly, but after you do about 20 or 30 quests in each zone, the Portal to that zone opens up in Stormwind.
Leveling Ranges:
Current level ranges are basically set for:
80-82 - Both Hyjal and Vashj'ir
83 Deepholm
84 Uldum
85 Twilight Highlands
Do you need to do "both" Hyjal and Vashj'ir?
No. Either zone will raise you to level 82 at which point you enter Deepholm, however you can do them both if you want and then move to Deepholm and then over to Uldum and then over to Twilight Highlands. If you are an achievement whore, then this may be the best route for you.
How is the story?
The story in Cataclysm is VERY WELL told. For this reason, I recommend reading each quest and doing ALL zones. It really is worth it, there are dozens of little in-game cinematic and "epic" quests worth doing.
How is the Loot?
Level 80 Green Loot starts at about ~IL270. It kicks ass and your alts will love it.
Are instances worth it?
Yes, for 4 reasons:
-The loot is good (if you get lucky and get an item drop you need)
-The XP is good.
-You are setting yourself up to learn the instance before you do it as a Heroic.
-It is part of the game, go see something. The game isn't just about "phat lewt".
Are instances hard?
Yes and no.
Personally, I don't find them hard if everybody follows classic play formulas. If you think you can run in and blow all your AOE's or tank on the spot and ignore patrols or blow up CC's, then yes, they will be hard and yes, you are stupid and I hope I never get grouped with you (but probably will find the LFG tool putting you with me). A lot of people are in for a lot of grief initially with Cataclysm.
Is loot progression required before Raids?
Yes.
Everything Blizzard has said is that progression rules are in effect in Cataclysm, meaning you need to do Regular instances to gear up to do Heroic instances to gear up to do Raids. It wont be as "easy" as Wrath of the Lich King was, where people in crappy blue quest loot went right into Naxxramas.
From what I have seen, most guilds are waiting until after the holidays to start raiding.
Do new Factions exist?
Yes. Each zone has its own faction and some daily quests associated with it. This is similar to WotLK. I have a link here with Faction Locations and Info:
Faction Locations
Useful Links:
Useful Dungeon Links
MMO Champion:
Blackrock Caverns
Grim Batol
Halls of Origination
The Stonecore
Throne of Tides
Vortex Pinnacle
Lost City of the Tol'Vir
Heroic Deadmines
Heroic Shadowfang Keep
Useful Trade Links:
Crafter's Tome
Mitarn's Archeology Guide
MMO Champion:
Archeology
Alchemy
Blacksmithing
Cooking
Enchanting
Engineering
Inscription
Jewelcrafting
Leatherworking
Tailoring
-----signature-----
I survived to the end and got nothing out of it, but hey.
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jojo263
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Subject:
Some Cataclysm Launch Day Tips (Leveling, Professions, Etc)
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Nice
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Get armed
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_Kewk_
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Subject:
Some Cataclysm Launch Day Tips (Leveling, Professions, Etc)
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How do we get to Hyjal? When I was in beta we just spoke to an NPC. Will it be the same in live?
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The_Korrigan
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Subject:
Some Cataclysm Launch Day Tips (Leveling, Professions, Etc)
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-Mithan- posted:
A Note On Mob Difficulty:
As a DK, my solution to this was, past 82/83ish when the mobs really start to hit hard and if you get adds, you can die (yes, true story, you can die again while questing if you get adds), to level in tank spec while wearing DPS gear. I specced blood but kept my DPS gear. I was facerolling 5 mobs without dying while I was watching the other melee being crushed around me in beta.
-Mithan- posted:
Is there any real advantage to what zone you start in?
In my opinion, there is a quite non negligible part of the WoW player base that is suffering of aquaphobia, meaning they hate underwater zones. So, still in my opinion, the underwater area will be sensibly less populated than Mt Hyjal, which is not only an aerial area, but also a place many want to visit since a long time.
-----signature-----
SWTOR: 50 Jedi Shadow (Tank), 50 Sith Marauder (Annihilation).
LOTRO: Lifetime account, playing very casually.
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GW2: Future Warrior.
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-Mithan-
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Subject:
Some Cataclysm Launch Day Tips (Leveling, Professions, Etc)
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_Kewk_ posted:
How do we get to Hyjal? When I was in beta we just spoke to an NPC. Will it be the same in live?
It is what I said above:
Start the quest from the bulletin board near the bank and it takes you there.
-----signature-----
I survived to the end and got nothing out of it, but hey.
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Sprawl-zero1eye-
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Subject:
Some Cataclysm Launch Day Tips (Leveling, Professions, Etc)
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FAMQ (frequently asked Mithan-questions)
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Subject:
Some Cataclysm Launch Day Tips (Leveling, Professions, Etc)
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The_Korrigan posted:
-Mithan- posted:
A Note On Mob Difficulty:
</blockquote>As a DK, my solution to this was, past 82/83ish when the mobs really start to hit hard and if you get adds, you can die (yes, true story, you can die again while questing if you get adds), to level in tank spec while wearing DPS gear. I specced blood but kept my DPS gear. I was facerolling 5 mobs without dying while I was watching the other melee being crushed around me in beta.
<blockquote>-Mithan- posted:
Is there any real advantage to what zone you start in?
In my opinion, there is a quite non negligible part of the WoW player base that is suffering of aquaphobia, meaning they hate underwater zones. So, still in my opinion, the underwater area will be sensibly less populated than Mt Hyjal, which is not only an aerial area, but also a place many want to visit since a long time.
You'z gotta get your underwater mount!
-----signature-----
Mirkwood MUD, OneEye IvoryFang, Lord of the VampireZ (Retired) AC Frostfell, Clan Z - Lvl 239 Grief Dagger (Retired) WoW Lightbringer Alliance, Z Guild - Lvl 85 Combat Rogue (Retired) Making iOS Apps these days at http://zsprawl.com/iOS
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Dums
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Subject:
Some Cataclysm Launch Day Tips (Leveling, Professions, Etc)
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You have like 17 hours to work on a Horde version. Thanks.
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Nakal
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Subject:
Some Cataclysm Launch Day Tips (Leveling, Professions, Etc)
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Thank You, Mithan 
-----signature-----
Currently in the MMO unemployment line.
Can I get $15/month for not playing them?
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Trigeminal
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Subject:
Some Cataclysm Launch Day Tips (Leveling, Professions, Etc)
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How do the Horde get to Hyjal?
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PvPing since 1975
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JzeroVN
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Subject:
Some Cataclysm Launch Day Tips (Leveling, Professions, Etc)
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I imagine Horde do the same thing and start the quests to get there - just in Org instead of SW.
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http://www.TheOrderoftheSilverHand.com Rift: Reclaimer-PvP, Guardian Krashkart - cleric: sometimes I heal but don't bet your life on it  Myxmo - Bard "Remember kids, VN boards are for entertainment purposes only." - Spookysheep, 12/20/2010
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-Mithan-
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Subject:
Some Cataclysm Launch Day Tips (Leveling, Professions, Etc)
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The_Korrigan posted:
-Mithan- posted:
A Note On Mob Difficulty:
As a DK, my solution to this was, past 82/83ish when the mobs really start to hit hard and if you get adds, you can die (yes, true story, you can die again while questing if you get adds), to level in tank spec while wearing DPS gear. I specced blood but kept my DPS gear. I was facerolling 5 mobs without dying while I was watching the other melee being crushed around me in beta.
-Mithan- posted:
Is there any real advantage to what zone you start in?
In my opinion, there is a quite non negligible part of the WoW player base that is suffering of aquaphobia, meaning they hate underwater zones. So, still in my opinion, the underwater area will be sensibly less populated than Mt Hyjal, which is not only an aerial area, but also a place many want to visit since a long time.
I leveled my DK twice to 85 and both were via DPS armor on my Blood Tanking Spec, which I did modify slightly to put more points into DPS based talents.
I am not sure if you are aware of this, as only a few of us know it, but with the use of Lichborne at 81, you can heal yourself with Death Coil. Lichborne has a 2 minute refresh so obviously, this is something you will do either when you are low on health or during a big fight, but the possibility is there to heal yourself and a DC will heal you for about 15000 health per shot.
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The_Korrigan
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-Mithan- posted:
I am not sure if you are aware of this, as only a few of us know it, but with the use of Lichborne at 81, you can heal yourself with Death Coil. Lichborne has a 2 minute refresh so obviously, this is something you will do either when you are low on health or during a big fight, but the possibility is there to heal yourself and a DC will heal you for about 15000 health per shot.
I gave a shot to this, but it's not as efficient overall as it seems to be. The blood spec + dps gear solution is way more efficient in my own experience.
But until 82, there's no reason to go blood. Go frost (or unholy) and faceroll.
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Boone-Eldar
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Thanks Mithan.
I am so pumped for Midnight!
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Is it better to just buy the game at walmart or download off Blizzard Store? Will Tomorrows Patch Day Hamper play time Much? What is everyone thinking on that topic?
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--Syrus--
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mrsmoto posted:
Is it better to just buy the game at walmart or download off Blizzard Store? Will Tomorrows Patch Day Hamper play time Much? What is everyone thinking on that topic?
If you are not buying CE you might as well digital download from the Blizzard store.
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Maxximus17
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how much is the underwater mount?
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Deionnara
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--Syrus-- posted:
mrsmoto posted:
Is it better to just buy the game at walmart or download off Blizzard Store? Will Tomorrows Patch Day Hamper play time Much? What is everyone thinking on that topic?
If you are not buying CE you might as well digital download from the Blizzard store.
Do you actually need to download anything (other than probably a large patch tomorrow)? My understanding was that we already had the content anyway ... isn't this just an account flag issue at this point?
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Are there any disadvantages to getting the boxed copy other than the inconvenience of going to a store?
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Azure-TheBlueOne
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JJANIME posted:
Are there any disadvantages to getting the boxed copy other than the inconvenience of going to a store?
You'll probably have a slight content download, whereas those with digital copies are presumably all set, but otherwise not really.
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/tagalicious
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-Mithan- posted:
How do the portals open up in Stormwind?
I forget exactly
 THREAD ROONED!
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Thanks for this post. I haven't dared to ask anybody, and really haven't read all the lebenty million posts about the expansion. And, well, I was sort of wondering where to head first!
Now, if I can just truly decide which 80 I want to work on first.
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Iarwin
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Subject:
Some Cataclysm Launch Day Tips (Leveling, Professions, Etc)
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 I wish someone would create a Firefox addon that does that.
also
Dums posted:
You have like 17 hours to work on a Horde version. Thanks.
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_Kewk_
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Maxximus17 posted:
how much is the underwater mount?
Pretty sure the mount was a quest reward. At least thats how I remember it >_<
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Rill_of_WE
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_Kewk_ posted:
Maxximus17 posted:
how much is the underwater mount?
Pretty sure the mount was a quest reward. At least thats how I remember it >_<
This.
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For clothies, a quick note regarding which of the two zones to start in: the first 3-4 quests in Hyjal awarded my mage a new staff, chest and waist, whereas my priest is 50% of the level in Vashjir and has got just a new headpiece. If your clothie is at 80 in quest gear, get the Hyjal rewards first, it will help *a lot*.
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Nice, can't wait for my CE to arrive. /taps foot
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