The ultimate massively multiplayer online role-playing game news source
Posts tagged World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft: v5.3 ’Escalation’ Hits Servers
May 22nd
World of Warcraft players can update their game clients to the latest v5.3 version. Called 'Escalation', the new patch brings new scenarios, a new battleground and arena, pet accuracy updates and much more into WoW.
- Four new scenarios including Heroic Mode – A heroic difficulty option is now available to players seeking a greater challenge.
- New Battleground and Arena – Deepwind Gorge (Battleground) and Tiger’s Peak (arena) offer players new PvP experiences..
- Battlefield: Barrens – a new world event expands on the growing tension between the Horde and Alliance.
- Brawler’s Guild Updates – Two new tiers and eight new bossesare awaiting the mightiest adventurers.
- Pet Battle Accuracy Updates – Broad accuracy changes were made to reduce the uncontrolled amount of randomness.
- Item Upgrades Return – The Voidbinders have returned allowing players to upgrade their PvE and PvP gear.
- Loot Specialization – Players have more control over loot drops and quest rewards they receive.
- Major PvP Changes – We’ve narrowed the PvP gear gap and made it more accessible for all players.
Read more at any of the links above.
5.3 Escalation Patch Notes
May 20th
5.3 Escalation patch notes are now available! 5.3 Escalation Round-Up: Get an in-depth look at the new content and changes taking place in this patch. Patch Notes Archive: Find notes from previous World of Warcraft patches
Table of contents
General Death Knight
Quests Druid
Creatures Hunter
Pet Battles Mage
Raids, Dungeons, and Scenarios Monk
PvP Paladin
Battlegrounds and Arenas Priest
Professions Rogue
Items Shaman
UI Warlock
Bug Fixes Warrior
Updated May 21
World of Warcraft Patch 5.3
General
- New Battleground: Deepwind Gorge
- In the new Battleground situated in the Valley of the Four Winds, the Alliance and Horde continue their war for Pandaria’s precious resources. While the two factions battle for control over mines, they must also protect their own resources from being stolen and turned against them!
- New Arena: The Tiger's Peak
- Gladiator hopefuls have a new location to test their mettle amidst the Kun-Lai mountain tops, in the training grounds of the powerful Shado-Pan. Players must make use of the looming tiger statues and fenced platforms to gain an advantage that will bring victory and glory!
- New Scenario: Battle on the High Seas
- Help your faction fend off enemy forces in the midst of a battle for naval supremacy on the High Seas.
- New Scenario: Blood in the Snow
- An agent of Zandalar has infiltrated Dun Morogh and rallied the Frostmane trolls. At Varian’s request, Moira will lead her personal guard against More >
World of Warcraft: A Deep Look at Patch 5.3
May 18th
The next World of Warcraft patch is looming large on the horizon with tons of new information released about it recently. In our latest WoW Factor, we take a deeper look at what v5.3: Escalation will mean for players. Check it out and then leave us your thoughts about the next update in the comments.
Whether you fight for the Alliance or the Horde the objective for both factions remains the same: Remove Garrosh from his seat of power in Orgrimmar. The Barrens in Kalimdor serve as the focus of a new set of daily and weekly quests where those who have not sided with Garrosh will make preparations for the inevitable assault on the heavily fortified Horde city. In the Northern Barrens, a weekly quest will have players hunting for four different resources: oil, wood, meat and stone. These resources can be found in various locations including the Caravan Escort missions that I discussed in my last 5.3 preview article.
Read more of Reza Lackey's The WoW Factor: A Deep Look at Patch 5.3.
Major Payne’s Pet Menagerie: Netherspace Abyssal
May 17th
The void between our reality and the nether can be bridged only by the strong.
I guess that eliminates you!
Oh please, stop your pouting. At this point in your training, you should be used to my methods. Moreover, if you plan on taking down the Grand Master tamers of Pandaria, or even me (ha!), you’re gonna need to learn how to cope with debilitating injuries . . . not just to your person, but to your pride!
Here’s where I’m going with all this: Atop Medivh’s Tower in Deadwind Pass resides a prince of the man’ari eredar. Claiming to be a member of the Burning Legion (they couldn’t burn my toast—double ha!), Malchezaar has been busy preparing his legions of infernals, and working on the greatest set of one-liners this master of all things has ever heard! Your mission*—should you choose to accept—is to traverse the haunted halls of Karazhan, work your way to the top, and extinguish this egomaniac with extreme prejudice. You best not be eyeballin’ me, tamer!
My four-legged pal will now tell you about the prize you’re after. I’ll be back!
Crithto: The Hellfire-spewing embodiment of the very essence of Malchezaar, the Netherspace Abyssal is one of the largest, most More >
The Stranglethorn Fishing Extravaganza Awaits!
May 16th
Every week, keen anglers from each corner of Azeroth head to Stranglethorn Vale to participate in the Stranglethorn Fishing Extravaganza, a grand fishing tournament that awards highly coveted prizes!
OVERVIEW
CONTEST
ITEMS
OTHER REWARDS
EVENTS DETAILS
When Every Sunday, 14:00 (server time)
Where Stranglethorn Vale
Learn More Wowhead, Wowpedia.
ABOUT FISHING
Fishing is one of the four secondary professions available to all characters in World of Warcraft. Improving your fishing skill gives you the opportunity to capture fish and other creatures which lurk in the waterways of Azeroth and Outland. By doing so, you can supply the raw ingredients for many cooking recipes, gather delicious food for hunter pets, sell your surplus to other players, complete special quests and even take part in a very special weekly event!
EVENTS DETAILS
When Every Sunday, 14:00 (server time)
Where Stranglethorn Vale
Learn More Wowhead, Wowpedia.
ABOUT FISHING
Fishing is one of the four secondary professions available to all characters in World of Warcraft. Improving your fishing skill gives you the opportunity to capture fish and other creatures which lurk in the waterways of Azeroth and Outland. By doing so, you can supply the raw ingredients for many cooking recipes, gather delicious food for hunter pets, sell your surplus to other players, complete special quests and even take part in a very special weekly More >
Blizzard Insider #48—Interview with Tom Chilton on Patch 5.3: Escalation
May 16th
In Patch 5.3: Escalation, players fight back against the aggressive reign of Garrosh Hellscream, once proud War Chief of the Horde. His crimes are many and his allies are dwindling, but he still holds the Horde capital city of Orgrimmar and retains full command of a vast army of loyal Kor’kron elite soldiers, fed by reinforced supply lines running throughout the Barrens.
Toppling the tyrant will not be easy.
To prepare you for this monumental struggle, the Blizzard Insider discussed the content in Escalation with Game Director Tom Chilton.
Blizzard Insider: Before we dive into the details of Patch 5.3, can you tell us about how the previous patch, 5.2: Rise of the Thunder King, has gone?
Tom Chilton: Overall we’re very happy with how the Thunder King raid turned out. I think it ranks among our best ever as far as size, scope, and overall quality of raid mechanics goes. Lei Shen in particular stood out as a great final encounter for the raid, on par with Yogg-Saron or Ragnaros. One of the more experimental aspects of the Thunder King patch that we’re especially happy with is the Determination buff, which gives all Raid Finder group members a 5% boost whenever they wipe. More >
Community Spotlight: Fan Art by Robert Maldonado
May 14th
Whether you are a hero of Azeroth, a Blacksmith in New Tristram, or an artist intent on illustrating the demonic invasion from the Burning Hells, you need to come prepared with the proper passion, tools, and vision to get the job done. But great art doesn’t make itself, and a lot of work goes into crafting a truly epic experience.
This week’s community spotlight showcases artist Robert Maldonado and his dramatic Blizzard fan art.
Robert’s artwork includes everything from concept work and 3d models to fantasy paintings and fan art inspired by Diablo, World of Warcraft, and Starcraft. We caught up with him to find out more about he and his art.
Q. How long have you been making art?I would like to start off by thanking you for this opportunity!
I've been painting digital concept art since the beginning of 2011. I taught myself how to use the Wacom tablet with Photoshop, which was challenging. I'm so used to looking at where my pencil meets the paper and all that.
I taught myself how to paint traditionally back in mid/ late 2007, and at the beginning of 2008 I held my own solo art showing at an art gallery here in More >
5.3 PTR Patch Notes – May 14
May 14th
Patch 5.3 is now available for testing on the Public Test Realms! By participating, you can help us test new content before it's available. This patch includes a brand new Battleground, a new Arena, new Scenarios, assorted bug fixes, and more.
If you'd like to help test and provide feedback, you can start by copying your character and downloading the PTR client. Once you've had a chance to try things out, be sure to visit our PTR Discussion forum to discuss the patch, and the PTR Bug Report forum to report any issues or errors.
Please keep in mind that the below notes are not final, and a great deal could change before the final patch 5.3 release.
Table of contents
General Death Knight
Quests Druid
Creatures Hunter
Pet Battles Mage
Raids, Dungeons, and Scenarios Monk
PvP Paladin
Battlegrounds and Arenas Priest
Professions Rogue
Items Shaman
UI Warlock
Warrior
Updated May 14
World of Warcraft PTR Patch 5.3
General
- New Battleground: Deepwind Gorge
- In the new Battleground situated in the Valley of the Four Winds, the Alliance and Horde continue their war for Pandaria’s precious resources. While the two factions battle for control over mines, they must also protect their own resources from being stolen and turned against them!
- New Arena: The Tiger's Peak
- Gladiator hopefuls have a new location to test their mettle amidst the Kun-Lai mountain tops, in the More >
Major Payne’s Pet Menagerie: Winterspring Cub
May 10th
I have a motto my closest friends are lucky enough to hear me say quite frequently: I’m humble, and I’m proud of it! From my rippling chest muscles to my bulging biceps, becoming the chiseled Grand Master you tremble before each day didn’t happen overnight. I try not to make a point of this too often . . . but there’s no escaping reality today!
It’s going to take dedication and focus for you to reach the heights I have. Chances are you won’t! Unless, of course, you follow my every command. Aside from exercising your mind and body every day through Pet Battles, you must also work on your spirit, heart, and temperament. Recently, you learned the virtue of patience by associating with needy children. Now it’s time for you to learn humility.
For those of you who pledge allegiance to the Alliance, the snow-covered hills and valleys of Winterspring is your destination. For those of you who scream “For the Horde!”, your destination is the steamy swamps of Un’Goro Crater. Your assignment? Develop a deep-seated sense of humility by trying to slowly, methodically earn the respect of cute widdle kitty cats and hatchlings! Bwahahaha!
Break it down for 'em, Crithto!
Crithto: Vibrant colors and More >
BlizzCon Ticket Reminder: Attendee Information Deadline—May 14
May 10th
If you purchased BlizzCon 2013 tickets for family or friends, just a reminder you have until next Tuesday, May 14 to enter or edit attendee information, including:
- The names to be printed on the badges
- Battle.net account names for the pre-show online merchandise sale for BlizzCon ticket holders—more details to come. (Please note that only registered accounts will be able to access this pre-show sale.)
- Optional game information such as World of Warcraft character, realm, clan, and BattleTag.
If this information hasn’t been entered by May 14, all badges will default to the name on the purchaser’s Battle.net account. Don’t miss the opportunity to customize your badges!
For more info, check out the Badge Information page.
Head to your Order History within Battle.net account management to edit attendee information before it’s too late!