Insanely Reconsidering WoW

[Fnord]

Garrisons look interesting. If you have been out of WoW for several years and are considering coming back, if you've missed the Panda expansion, how is the best way to move forward with toons- level up old toons (is that possible, bypassing the last expansion?) or roll a new L90 toon?

WoD comes with one free character boost to level 90, which will allow you to bypass playing through previous expansions. Newly boosted characters have only a subset of the level 90 abilities, the rest unlock durring the starting quest chain (you can unlock all abilities immediately by swapping specs or queuing for an instance). If you boost a character that is level 60 or higher their professions get boosted also.

Boosting a preexisting character could have a few advantages over boosting a new one. If you did the Argent Tournament durring the Wrath of the Lich King expansion and got yourself a squire with a pony he can still give you remote bank, mail or vendor access, and that is still per toon, not account wide.

 

[Plutonius]

Garrisons look interesting. If you have been out of WoW for several years and are considering coming back, if you've missed the Panda expansion, how is the best way to move forward with toons- level up old toons (is that possible, bypassing the last expansion?) or roll a new L90 toon?

When you pre-purchased the expansion, they immediately let you level one character (even a new one) to 90 (character boost). I'm not sure if the free boost still applies but you can purchase level 90 boost (I don't think it's cheap).

In any case, you can now purchase all the previous content (game and expansions) for $20. If you missed Pandaria, you can level an existing character very quickly to 90 (i.e. I would never pay for a boost).

 

[Huntn]

WoD comes with one free character boost to level 90, which will allow you to bypass playing through previous expansions. Newly boosted characters have only a subset of the level 90 abilities, the rest unlock durring the starting quest chain (you can unlock all abilities immediately by swapping specs or queuing for an instance). If you boost a character that is level 60 or higher their professions get boosted also.

Boosting a preexisting character could have a few advantages over boosting a new one. If you did the Argent Tournament durring the Wrath of the Lich King expansion and got yourself a squire with a pony he can still give you remote bank, mail or vendor access, and that is still per toon, not account wide.

Thanks! I'm considering jumping back in. Honestly I don't remember my toon levels, but that was in WotLK. If I do, most likely it will be with a damage or healing class.

 

[aloshka]

Garrisons look interesting. If you have been out of WoW for several years and are considering coming back, if you've missed the Panda expansion, how is the best way to move forward with toons- level up old toons (is that possible, bypassing the last expansion?) or roll a new L90 toon?

You can level up old toons, but you will need to do it in Pandaria as the new area is all lvl 90+. When you buy WOD expansion you get a free-insta-90 (might have been a preorder deal, otherwise it's $60). I would probably go that route, although Pandaria still has a lot of fun zones to try & play.

However, I have a insta-90 and going through WoD is very difficult because of the gear. My 90 toon that has legendary cloak, all prideful, etc, I have gone through and pretty much one-shotted everything including the 100+ lvl rares. Just an FYI, be ready for it to be a little tough.

 

[Huntn]

Thanks guys, I'm updating my client (27GB-full install) and it looks like MoP is free. I'll report back when I get back in. I'll have to relearn playing... You'd think that they would not make you play any new characters from scratch, ie L1. Where is the portal for MoP?

Having issues on Battle.net with:
Hmm, something went wrong with a security certificate. Please try restarting the Battle.net app. If that doesn't help, you should contact your network administrator. Sorry about that!
Error code: BLZBNTBNA00000640 (1207)

I've got some stupid issue with Security certificates. I've been looking for a solution, but so far, have found nothing. First seen while making Steam purchases and now seeing this on Battle.net. Steam is not resolved, instead I purchase Steam stuff on my Mac. Do programs like Steam and Battle.net have anything to do with certificates? I thought that was mostly web sites. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[aloshka]

Thanks guys, I'm updating my client (27GB-full install) and it looks like MoP is free. I'll report back when I get back in. I'll have to relearn playing... You'd think that they would not make you play any new characters from scratch, ie L1. Where is the portal for MoP?

You have to follow a questline before you see it. Go see the king in stormwind, should start automatically. Otherwise look for a huge red balloon. The portal is right by the tent near the balloon.

 

[MICHAELSD]

It amazes me how much money Blizzard is still making off this cow.

This will probably be the last game capable of enticing millions of people to spend $230/year (with expansions etc.).

 

[Plutonius]

Thanks guys, I'm updating my client (27GB-full install) and it looks like MoP is free. I'll report back when I get back in. I'll have to relearn playing... You'd think that they would not make you play any new characters from scratch, ie L1. Where is the portal for MoP?

Having issues on Battle.net with:
Hmm, something went wrong with a security certificate. Please try restarting the Battle.net app. If that doesn't help, you should contact your network administrator. Sorry about that!
Error code: BLZBNTBNA00000640 (1207)

I've got some stupid issue with Security certificates. I've been looking for a solution, but so far, have found nothing. First seen while making Steam purchases and now seeing this on Battle.net. Steam is not resolved, instead I purchase Steam stuff on my Mac. Do programs like Steam and Battle.net have anything to do with certificates? I thought that was mostly web sites. Any ideas? Thanks!

I have never seen it but there are some post online about it. One solution I saw is

Attempt to logon to battle.net, when the error window pops up, "show certificate". On mine it displayed Digicert High Assurance EV CA-1. Next under the Trust arrow box, changed to "Always Trust" instead of "Use System Defaults".

 

[Huntn]

Hopefully this is not the start of a torrent of questions, but...

*Best soloable class? Please include spec in suggestion. I play exclusively Alliance.
I read some articles that states that DK and Hunter are among the best. Fortunately I have both of those around 60. I've got a warrior at 80 but have given up on tanking. Too much responsibility and guilt when a party wipes. I've also got a Priest I might continue on with.

I'll be looking at guides.

You have to follow a questline before you see it. Go see the king in stormwind, should start automatically. Otherwise look for a huge red balloon. The portal is right by the tent near the balloon.

Thanks!

I have never seen it but there are some post online about it. One solution I saw is

Attempt to logon to battle.net, when the error window pops up, "show certificate". On mine it displayed Digicert High Assurance EV CA-1. Next under the Trust arrow box, changed to "Always Trust" instead of "Use System Defaults".

Usually it offers me a chance to install a certificate, but that does not seem to resolve the issue, but I'll look for what you are referencing.

 

[Plutonius]

Hopefully this is not the start of a torrent of questions, but...

*Best soloable class? Please include spec in suggestion. I play exclusively Alliance.
I read some articles that states that DK and Hunter are among the best. Fortunately I have both of those around 60. I've got a warrior at 80 but have given up on tanking. Too much responsibility and guilt when a party wipes. I've also got a Priest I might continue on with.

I'll be looking at guides.



Thanks!



Usually it offers me a chance to install a certificate, but that does not seem to resolve the issue, but I'll look for what you are referencing.

I found the best soloable class has either a pet or can stealth.

Pet classes include unholy DK, hunters, and warlocks.
Stealth classes are a rogue or druid (feral cat).

The monk class gets bonus exp each day from training so it goes up quickly.

I would probably recommend a hunter since you have a pet and can play dead if things get bad.

For the warrior, I wouldn't worry about tanking. Scenarios (quick 3 player instances) don't require a tank and most people now run tanks as dps (Note - Paladins, druids, monks, and DKs can also tank).

My main (since the game first came out) has always been an enhancement shaman but my favorite character is my sub rogue. I'm leveling my DK first in WoD since he is a skinner / leatherworker and most of my characters wear leather / mail.

 

[Jovian9]

Depends on what you are soloing really.

Staying alive on tough fights while you level and quest would easily go to a Death Knight or Hunter.

Avoiding lots of mobs and getting in and out of quests areas would easily go to a stealth class such as a rogue or kitty druid.

Running old raids/dungeons for transmog and mounts is far and away ruled by the Death Knight. But plenty of classes can solo old stuff.



If you have a toon at 60 or above make sure before using your level 90 boost to check and see that they have professions (main ones especially). It does not matter if they are only at level 5 or maxed for the last expansion you have. Once you boost you get those maxed to 600 (which was the MoP level). Then you can jump into Draenor and the new expansion with max level profs and that will help you in the long run with your garrisons.



I'll post something on here with a review of WoD when I get a moment. I've played this game since vanilla and have played all classes and most specs. If you have any questions; toss them in this thread and I'll try my best to answer

 

[Huntn]

Depends on what you are soloing really.

Staying alive on tough fights while you level and quest would easily go to a Death Knight or Hunter.

Avoiding lots of mobs and getting in and out of quests areas would easily go to a stealth class such as a rogue or kitty druid.

Running old raids/dungeons for transmog and mounts is far and away ruled by the Death Knight. But plenty of classes can solo old stuff.



If you have a toon at 60 or above make sure before using your level 90 boost to check and see that they have professions (main ones especially). It does not matter if they are only at level 5 or maxed for the last expansion you have. Once you boost you get those maxed to 600 (which was the MoP level). Then you can jump into Draenor and the new expansion with max level profs and that will help you in the long run with your garrisons.



I'll post something on here with a review of WoD when I get a moment. I've played this game since vanilla and have played all classes and most specs. If you have any questions; toss them in this thread and I'll try my best to answer

Thanks! For anyone:

STupid L70 Hunter Questions 1
I spent a couple hours trying to get the interface sorted out, I respecced my hunter to Beast Master and my pet to Tenacity (Tank).

*I assume that both Charge and Last Stand (pet tenacity speci) can be commanded, but I'm having trouble pulling them to my action bar. I checked and made sure my action bar is unlocked. Are these by chance auto command? Or (aha!), are these not associated with flying pets? (currently using a 2 headed white chimaera).




STupid General WoW Questions
* Have they greatly simplified the class talent tree? I remember these complicated trees or am I thinking of another game?

 

[Plutonius]

Thanks! For anyone:

STupid L70 Hunter Questions 1
I spent a couple hours trying to get the interface sorted out, I respecced my hunter to Beast Master and my pet to Tenacity (Tank).

*I assume that both Charge and Last Stand (pet tenacity speci) can be commanded, but I'm having trouble pulling them to my action bar. I checked and made sure my action bar is unlocked. Are these by chance auto command? Or (aha!), are these not associated with flying pets? (currently using a 2 headed white chimaera).

View attachment 515971


STupid General WoW Questions
* Have they greatly simplified the class talent tree? I remember these complicated trees or am I thinking of another game?

They simplified the talents and spells since you played.

Look up pet macros. Put the ones you like on the action bar. My most used macro command is /petattack .

I highly recommend a shale spider. My favorite pet by far.

How did you end up solving your computer problems ?

 

[DMJG]

Thanks! For anyone:

STupid L70 Hunter Questions 1
I spent a couple hours trying to get the interface sorted out, I respecced my hunter to Beast Master and my pet to Tenacity (Tank).

*I assume that both Charge and Last Stand (pet tenacity speci) can be commanded, but I'm having trouble pulling them to my action bar. I checked and made sure my action bar is unlocked. Are these by chance auto command? Or (aha!), are these not associated with flying pets? (currently using a 2 headed white chimaera).

View attachment 515971


STupid General WoW Questions
* Have they greatly simplified the class talent tree? I remember these complicated trees or am I thinking of another game?

You can drag those pet commands to the pet bar (only). I think you can right-click Charge to make it auto; Last Stand is manual-only. Flying pets aren't really any different from other pets. By the way, you can stable up to 50 pets now, so go wild. You'll probably want a Water Strider for water-walking, a tank pet, a Spirit Beast for healing, etc.; there's really no limit.

They have discarded the skill tree system for a much simpler selection. It was getting unwieldy and no one chose anything but the most optimized tree anyway.

 

[dec.]

I really like WOD so far (100 Warrior Arms). The garrison is a nice addition and major change in the sense of having a real base with some micro management functionality. I'm slightly sad that I cannot make 100k's on mats anymore during the first few months of a new exp, especially since I focus on pets (pricey stuff), but that's ok. I've done my first heroic tonight and really feel that they have put in a lot of work into the entire exp. The feedback in the guild has been similar (and I must say that while we're not a top raiding guild, this guild definitely one of the most pleasant experiences I've ever made in World of Warcraft - Madoran/Warcraftpets ).

 

[Huntn]

They simplified the talents and spells since you played.

Look up pet macros. Put the ones you like on the action bar. My most used macro command is /petattack .

I highly recommend a shale spider. My favorite pet by far.

How did you end up solving your computer problems ?

Really I have not, from an overall standpoint. However it looks by clicking on the certificate warning (a Java icon in the task bar), that pops up and choosing to install the certificate, that I can now play WoW without getting a warning. This issue is on my PC, not Mac. I have no clue what on my computer is causing this issue for many programs. I see the warning frequently. The most commonly cited reason online is a clock that is out of sync, but that is not the problem in my case, I don't think as the clock appears to be working properly. I initially thought I had some corrupted file on my computer or maybe a virus, but I've run maintenance, and anti-virus, malware scans to no avail.

 

[Huntn]

I played last night for a couple of hours. Honestly, you guys are probably going to scream at me, but I'm not sure how long I'll indulge.

I picked up my L70 hunter in Outland (Shadowmoon Valley) and to get back into the groove, and after spending a couple of hours configuring, fought a couple of L69 mobs, and was shocked at how easily they dropped. My pet was basically one-shoting them.

Of interest Battlenet does not tell me that MoP is something I need to upgrade too. When I select upgrades in Battle.net, WoD appears, but the game launch screen is showing TBC. Hmmm, I did play the WotLK expansion. I need to get over to Stormwind and see if there is a portal to MoP. With Outland I feel like been-there-done-that, and frankly it was one of my least favorite areas overall. I think it would be better or move over to the MoP area now for some new scenery, and there has to be L70 friendly zones there., but maybe not. I know WotLK has them, but then it requires leveling through Cataclysm too. Hmm.

 

[pmiles]

I played last night for a couple of hours. Honestly, you guys are probably going to scream at me, but I'm not sure how long I'll indulge.

I picked up my L70 hunter in Outland (Shadowmoon Valley) and to get back into the groove, and after spending a couple of hours configuring, fought a couple of L69 mobs, and was shocked at how easily they dropped. My pet was basically one-shoting them.

Of interest Battlenet does not tell me that MoP is something I need to upgrade too. When I select upgrades in Battle.net, WoD appears, but the game launch screen is showing TBC. Hmmm, I did play the WotLK expansion. I need to get over to Stormwind and see if there is a portal to MoP. With Outland I feel like been-there-done-that, and frankly it was one of my least favorite areas overall. I think it would be better or move over to the MoP area now for some new scenery, and there has to be L70 friendly zones there., but maybe not. I know WotLK has them, but then it requires leveling through Cataclysm too. Hmm.

Blizzard updated all accounts to include MoP a little while before WoD went beta. Basically, if you purchase the standard edition, you get everything from classic through MoP for like $19.99 plus 30 days game time.

As for leveling, I've leveled 7 toons to 90 and working on the last 4 now. One of each class. You can level through all the zones in pretty crappy gear, they assumed that as soon as you hit the minimum level requirement you'd mosey on into the next expansion... in gear that in some cases could literally be an entire expansion behind the one you just left.

To give you an idea, I dinged 90 just after the starter zone in MoP. I'm sitting in iLvl 399-404 gear. If you boosted a toon to 90, you'd be in iLvL 483 gear. You can still do WoD in the crappy gear, you just won't be one-shorting stuff like those in full raid or PVP gear from MoP.

Also, the stat-squish is very evident during MoP content. It literally flatlines. The iLvl changes but the stats do not. My DK in WotLK raid gear (iLvL 264) has better stats than what dropped in MoP before I hit 90. I hit 90 in my WotLK raid gear.

Most everyone who did anything in MoP outgears 90% of the content in WoD until the level 100 zones. Now my newly dinged 90 sitting in iLvl 399-404 gear will actually see some upgrades in WoD.

Gear will only become relevant once you start PVPing and dungeon grinding/raiding. For leveling purposes, any old gear will do. The higher the gear, the more faceroll leveling will be. If you are in really low level gear like me, you might actually have to worry about getting killed.

 

[Huntn]

Blizzard updated all accounts to include MoP a little while before WoD went beta. Basically, if you purchase the standard edition, you get everything from classic through MoP for like $19.99 plus 30 days game time.

As for leveling, I've leveled 7 toons to 90 and working on the last 4 now. One of each class. You can level through all the zones in pretty crappy gear, they assumed that as soon as you hit the minimum level requirement you'd mosey on into the next expansion... in gear that in some cases could literally be an entire expansion behind the one you just left.

To give you an idea, I dinged 90 just after the starter zone in MoP. I'm sitting in iLvl 399-404 gear. If you boosted a toon to 90, you'd be in iLvL 483 gear. You can still do WoD in the crappy gear, you just won't be one-shorting stuff like those in full raid or PVP gear from MoP.

Also, the stat-squish is very evident during MoP content. It literally flatlines. The iLvl changes but the stats do not. My DK in WotLK raid gear (iLvL 264) has better stats than what dropped in MoP before I hit 90. I hit 90 in my WotLK raid gear.

Most everyone who did anything in MoP outgears 90% of the content in WoD until the level 100 zones. Now my newly dinged 90 sitting in iLvl 399-404 gear will actually see some upgrades in WoD.

Gear will only become relevant once you start PVPing and dungeon grinding/raiding. For leveling purposes, any old gear will do. The higher the gear, the more faceroll leveling will be. If you are in really low level gear like me, you might actually have to worry about getting killed.

Lol. Thanks for the report! The reason I would roll a toon to 90 would be to quickly get into the new WoD area, and play with the garrison, but I'm hesitant to do that to my established toons for some emotional reason. Can you create a new L1 toon and boost them to 90? I'm imagining someone who has never played the game, doing this, and have to chuckle. I assume they get some appropriate gear.

If not boosting to 90, it looks like L85 is required to jump to MoP. I took my L71 Hunter to Northrend and started questing in an area I visited with my L80 Palladin a long while back. It's not Northrend, the rich environment, or the game which is beautiful as always, it's just that the routine is so BTDT. The mechanics of killing mobs is so repetitive and that uneasy feeling is coming back quickly. Sorry for sounding negative, but this could be a one month visit. :-/

 

[antonis]

Lol. Thanks for the report! The reason I would roll a toon to 90 would be to quickly get into the new WoD area, and play with the garrison, but I'm hesitant to do that to my established toons for some emotional reason. Can you create a new L1 toon and boost them to 90? I'm imagining someone who has never played the game, doing this, and have to chuckle. I assume they get some appropriate gear.

If not boosting to 90, it looks like L85 is required to jump to MoP. I took my L71 Hunter to Northrend and started questing in an area I visited with my L80 Palladin a long while back. It's not Northrend, the rich environment, or the game which is beautiful as always, it's just that the routine is so BTDT. The mechanics of killing mobs is so repetitive and that uneasy feeling is coming back quickly. Sorry for sounding negative, but this could be a one month visit. :-/

Yes, you can boost a newly created toon to lvl 90 for free, if you bought the new expansion. But you can do that only once for free, then it is still available as a payed service.

If you have already a toon at WotLK areas/level, it is a benefit to skip the Cataclysm and especially the Pandaria content for various reasons:

1. WoD is much better designed in every aspect

2. Pandaria content is really awfull (well, the final raid might worth something, but you'll find no people to get there anyway) so you won't miss anything skipping it

3. Everyone is gathered to WoD areas now, so this is where the fun is (I'd expect most older areas to be deserted now)

My suggestion, choose the toon you enjoy most, boost to 90, and start having fun with one of the best WoW expansions yet as long as it lasts.

 

[Huntn]

Yes, you can boost a newly created toon to lvl 90 for free, if you bought the new expansion. But you can do that only once for free, then it is still available as a payed service.

If you have already a toon at WotLK areas/level, it is a benefit to skip the Cataclysm and especially the Pandaria content for various reasons:

1. WoD is much better designed in every aspect

2. Pandaria content is really awfull (well, the final raid might worth something, but you'll find no people to get there anyway) so you won't miss anything skipping it

3. Everyone is gathered to WoD areas now, so this is where the fun is (I'd expect most older areas to be deserted now)

My suggestion, choose the toon you enjoy most, boost to 90, and start having fun with one of the best WoW expansions yet as long as it lasts.

I appreciate the suggestion. You've given me something to think about. I'm wondering if you are all ready subscribed and buy the expansion, do you get 30 extra days tacked onto your subscription?

If I boost a toon it will be my Hunter. It seems like the changes with Hunter pets, they automatically stay synched to your level, it makes me wonder if there is any advantage of taming higher pets, other than for appearances sake?

 

[Plutonius]

Pandaria content is really awfull (well, the final raid might worth something, but you'll find no people to get there anyway) so you won't miss anything skipping it.

Everyone has different preferences. Pandaria was one of my favorite expansions but I don't raid.

I appreciate the suggestion. You've given me something to think about. I'm wondering if you are all ready subscribed and buy the expansion, do you get 30 extra days tacked onto your subscription?

The expansions no longer give you 30 days play time .

 

[Huntn]

Everyone has different preferences. Pandaria was one of my favorite expansions but I don't raid.



The expansions no longer give you 30 days play time .

Pandaria looks like a cool place. Actually it's beautiful.

Expansions-

I've often lamented that Blizzard does not create a large sandbox world lbased on any of a dozen WoW zones but make them huge the size of continents, and allow players to run around, build garrisons, and find activities outside the standard quest chains. What am I thinking of? Don't really know. I just lament that zones are perishable, outgrown, and then you must move on. I wonder if they are all ready delving into procedurally created landscapes?

 

[antonis]

Well, let me tell you of the first dungeon in Pandaria that I've met:

So, there we are leveling from 85 to 90 by doing all type of quests (most of them containing annoying dialogs and lore consisting of badly-copied fragments ripped of the chinese philosophy - which I don't find annoying by itself) and queue for dungeons in order to boost up the process and get some nice blue gear on the way.

And the first dungeon comes up: We enter as 5 bad-ass heroes with their bad-ass-looking weapons and armor, and suddenly we must follow a giant bunny (??) with a huge carrot in its mouth (!!!) along the instance, calling other smaller evil bunnies that hoping around, threatening to kill you (how on earth can a little bunny kill a full-plate paladin and why the paladin should attack it anyway, is beyond me) along with a bunch of other not-so-evil-looking creatures. Finally getting out of the dungeon, back to quests, where in most of them the player helps some Pandas brew and transfer some beer (!!??)

This is more or less the theme for the rest of the leveling areas and dungeons, with few exceptions here and there. They are indeed very well designed visually, and the terrains show how much work is being put on this, but the theme, dialogs etc are just...meh.

Well, at least WoD has put the lore and the world's ambient atmosphere back on track.

 

[Plutonius]

Well, let me tell you of the first dungeon in Pandaria that I've met:

So, there we are leveling from 85 to 90 by doing all type of quests (most of them containing annoying dialogs and lore consisting of badly-copied fragments ripped of the chinese philosophy - which I don't find annoying by itself) and queue for dungeons in order to boost up the process and get some nice blue gear on the way.

And the first dungeon comes up: We enter as 5 bad-ass heroes with their bad-ass-looking weapons and armor, and suddenly we must follow a giant bunny (??) with a huge carrot in its mouth (!!!) along the instance, calling other smaller evil bunnies that hoping around, threatening to kill you (how on earth can a little bunny kill a full-plate paladin and why the paladin should attack it anyway, is beyond me) along with a bunch of other not-so-evil-looking creatures. Finally getting out of the dungeon, back to quests, where in most of them the player helps some Pandas brew and transfer some beer (!!??)

This is more or less the theme for the rest of the leveling areas and dungeons, with few exceptions here and there. They are indeed very well designed visually, and the terrains show how much work is being put on this, but the theme, dialogs etc are just...meh.

Well, at least WoD has put the lore and the world's ambient atmosphere back on track.

If lore is very important to you, I can see why you would dislike Pandaria. I myself, enjoyed that instance and the rest of the Pandaria expansion .