WoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.comWoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gifWoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/WoW Insider ShowEvery week, the WoW Insider Show brings you news and views from the World of Warcraft and the site that covers it all, WoW Insider. We introduce a panel of rotating guests, including bloggers from WoW Insider and other WoW blogs, and many popular personalities from around the WoW community. From the live listener chat and polls during the show, to the emails direct from listeners (reach us at theshow@wow.com), right on to the "meat" of the show -- in-depth discussion of the most popular news and posts on WoW Insider -- the WoW Insider Show is a terrific source of news and entertainment about what's going on with Blizzard and their World of Warcraft. Listen live every Saturday at 3:30 pm Eastern on our Ustream page (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/wow-insider-show) or subscribe to the feed and let us know what you think by reviewing the show right here in iTunes.Patch 4.3 hotfixes for April 17http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-april-17/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-april-17/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-april-17/#commentsFiled under:

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Hot on the heels of patch 4.3.4 is a small set of hotfixes, none of which have anything to do with what was introduced in the latest patch. Included in the official notes are one class fix, one item fix, and one UI fix that is sure to have guild leaders breathing a small sigh of relief.

Kaivax
April 17
  • Classes
    • Warlock
  • Destruction
  • Bane of Havoc no longer persists when the warlock changes to a spec that does not include the talent.
  • Items
  • Fras Siabi's Barely Bigger Beer is a now bit less big, and its effect no longer stacks.
  • UI
  • Inactive guild leader replacement now requires 90 days of absence, up from 30 days. Ascent to the rank of guild leader is now only available to guild members at Rank 2, 3, or 4.


The fix to Fras Siabi's Barely Bigger Beer was something that was actually implemented a few weeks ago. However, we now have an official announcement: Giant, tromping players on ridiculously huge mounts are no longer permitted. Sorry, everyone -- you'll just have to stick to Potions of Illusion for your wacky hijinks.
World of Warcraft: Cataclysm has destroyed Azeroth as we know it; nothing is the same! In WoW Insider's Guide to Cataclysm, you can find out everything you need to know about WoW's third expansion, from leveling up a new goblin or worgen to breaking news and strategies on endgame play.

WoW InsiderPatch 4.3 hotfixes for April 17 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredhotfixeswow-hotfixwow-hotfixesAnne StickneyWed, 18 Apr 2012 10:00:00 ESTThis Too Shall Pass: Balance and imbalance in World of Warcrafthttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/this-too-shall-pass-balance-and-imbalance-in-world-of-warcraft/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/this-too-shall-pass-balance-and-imbalance-in-world-of-warcraft/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/this-too-shall-pass-balance-and-imbalance-in-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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First off, we know that game balance is an eternal goal. As the game evolves and becomes more complex (as it does every expansion, because new abilities are introduced and new classes or races make their debut), balancing them all for every role they can fill and every aspect of the game (Arena PvP, BGs, 5-man instances, raiding) becomes ever more complicated. Abilities that seem minor in impact can mushroom in importance due to synergy with other talents or abilities. As an example, Vengeance in PvP became important enough to cause it to be turned off, as gear improved and health pools rose.

This has been the case in World of Warcraft since its debut. Heck, thanks to Indalamar, warriors got nerfed before the game went live. Balance is ephemeral. Your class may be on top one day, but your day will end. Anyone who's tanked for the past six years can attest to the roller coaster of which class is best at which aspect of the role. There was a time where paladins were the undisputed kings of AoE tanking, a time before Death and Decay or Blood and Thunder.

Continue reading This Too Shall Pass: Balance and imbalance in World of Warcraft

WoW InsiderThis Too Shall Pass: Balance and imbalance in World of Warcraft originally appeared on WoW Insider on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>balancebalancingClass-BalanceDPSExpansionsgame-balancehealPatchestankMatthew RossiMon, 09 Apr 2012 20:00:00 ESTPatch 4.3 hotfixes for March 26http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-march-26/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-march-26/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-march-26/#commentsFiled under:

While everyone may be up in arms over various Mists news, we are still playing through Cataclysm, of course. Today, we've got a few more hotfixes for patch 4.3 posted by Kaivax over at the official Warcraft blog. It's a pretty short list, but there are a few important changes and adjustments being made.
  • Healers coming back via Scroll of Resurrection will no longer find strength on their starter sets.
  • In Madness of Deathwing, Burning Blood will no longer prematurely spike to 100 stacks if you happen to damage the Arm and Wing Tentacles quickly.
Follow after the break for the full list of hotfixes.

Continue reading Patch 4.3 hotfixes for March 26

WoW InsiderPatch 4.3 hotfixes for March 26 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredhotfixespatch-4.3world-of-warcraft-patch-4.3wow-hotfixwow-hotfixeswow-patchwow-patch-4.3wow-patch-4.3-newswow-patch-newsAnne StickneyMon, 26 Mar 2012 19:15:00 ESTPatch 4.3 hotfixes for Feb. 7, 2012http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-feb-7-2012/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-feb-7-2012/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-feb-7-2012/#commentsFiled under:

A fresh round of hotfixes landed tonight, including a pair that will relieve the pain of many achievement hunters and event celebrants this week. The following fixes are included in this round:
  • Players are now able to receive Lovely Charms while on the quest Test Your Strength, when the player's inventory has both the Darkmoon Adventurer's Guide and Lovely Charm Collector's Kit.
  • Players now have the chance to receive both the Lovely Charm and Grisly Trophy from a single kill.
Hit the break for the full list of tonight's hotfixes, including an Ultraxion trash nerf.

Continue reading Patch 4.3 hotfixes for Feb. 7, 2012

WoW InsiderPatch 4.3 hotfixes for Feb. 7, 2012 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hotfixespatch-4.3world-of-warcraft-patch-4.3wow-hotfixwow-hotfixeswow-patchwow-patch-4.3wow-patch-4.3-newswow-patch-newsAlex ZiebartTue, 07 Feb 2012 21:25:00 ESTDarkmoon Faire achievement progress reset but will be saved in the futurehttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/darkmoon-faire-achievement-progress-reset-but-will-be-saved-in/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/darkmoon-faire-achievement-progress-reset-but-will-be-saved-in/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/darkmoon-faire-achievement-progress-reset-but-will-be-saved-in/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you're working toward your new Darkmoon Faire achievements, you've no doubt been frustrated by the event's inability to save your progress from month to month. Today, there's some good news: Starting with the February Faire and moving forward, achievement progress will be saved. The bad news? All the progress you made in past months can't be restored -- you still have to work from scratch.

Darkmoon Faire Achievement Progress - Update, 03/02
January's Darkmoon Faire achievement progress status was cleared prior to the launch of February's faire. Any achievements that were started but not completed have had their criteria reset. Completed achievements are unaffected.

However, any future achievement progress (February included) will be saved to your character and will continue to contribute towards progression of those achievements in subsequent visits to Darkmoon Faire.

Regrettably, we are not able to restore any progress you may have made during January's faire. We do appreciate the impact this may have had and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.


I'm not sure whether or not we should be playing the Final Fantasy 7 victory theme on this one or whether we should be playing the The Price is Right losing horns. What do they do when someone plays Plinko but only gets like $200 out of it?
Enjoy working on achievements? The Overachiever is here to help! Count on us for advice on patch 4.3 achievements, our guide to Mountain O' Mounts, and a good, hard look at what's wrong with archaeology and how Blizzard could fix it.

WoW InsiderDarkmoon Faire achievement progress reset but will be saved in the future originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>breakingcompleting-darkmoon-faire-achievementsdarkmoon-fairdarkmoon-fairedarkmoon-hotfixdarkmoon-patchfeaturedhow-to-get-darkmoon-faire-achievementswow-achievementswow-darkmoonFox Van AllenFri, 03 Feb 2012 15:00:00 ESTPatch 4.3 hotfixes for January 9, 2012http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-january-9-2012/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-january-9-2012/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-january-9-2012/#commentsFiled under:

It's been a while since we've seen a hotfix announcement, but now that the holidays are over, the hotfixes are back in full swing. Today's list is a short one with no class changes, but it does include some much-needed Darkmoon Faire fixes as well as adjustments to instances and raids.
  • Darkmoon items The Captured Journal and The Enemy's Insignia should now be able to be completed, even if they've been turned in in previous months.
  • Darkmoon Tonks and Darkmoon Zeppelins will no longer become a Horde Balloon after faction-switching from Alliance to Horde.
  • The proc damage from the Vial of Shadows trinket should now be increased by ranged attack power for hunters.
  • Killing bosses in a guild group while using the Dungeon Finder should now award guild reputation and experience.
Follow after the break for the full list of hotfixes.

Continue reading Patch 4.3 hotfixes for January 9, 2012

WoW InsiderPatch 4.3 hotfixes for January 9, 2012 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hotfixespatch-4.3world-of-warcraft-patch-4.3wow-hotfixwow-hotfixeswow-patchwow-patch-4.3wow-patch-4.3-newswow-patch-newsAnne StickneyMon, 09 Jan 2012 17:35:00 ESTPatch 4.3 hotfixes for Dec. 12, 2011http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/hotfixes-for-dec-12-2011/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/hotfixes-for-dec-12-2011/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/hotfixes-for-dec-12-2011/#commentsFiled under: ,

A big batch of new hotfixes has just been released for patch 4.3. Some of the more notable ones include:
  • The Mass Regeneration effect from the druid tier 13 bonus now heals 25% of the healing received by the druid from Frenzied Regeneration, down from 50%. The tooltip will be updated in a later patch.
  • Damage done by Forgotten Ones, Void Bolt AoE, and Searing Blood has been reduced on 25-person heroic difficulty.
  • Yor'sahj's health has been reduced by 10% on 25 person heroic difficulty.
  • The health pools for Burning Tendon, Corrupted Blood, Corruption, and Hideous Amalgamation have been reduced by 6% to 11% for 25-person raids on both normal and heroic difficulty.
  • Damage done by Deathwing's Elementium Blast, Corrupted Blood, and Blistering Heat have been lowered on Raid Finder difficulty.
Blizzard makes it clear on Twitter that several of the raid hotfixes will not be active until after tomorrow's realm maintenance. So don't expect to see them if you're currently engaged in the encounters.

The full list after the break.

Continue reading Patch 4.3 hotfixes for Dec. 12, 2011

WoW InsiderPatch 4.3 hotfixes for Dec. 12, 2011 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>breakinghotfixespatch-4.3world-of-warcraft-patch-4.3wow-hotfixwow-hotfixeswow-patchwow-patch-4.3wow-patch-4.3-newswow-patch-newsAdam HoliskyMon, 12 Dec 2011 22:35:00 ESTPatch 4.3 Hotfixes for Dec. 6, 2011http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-dec-6th-2011/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-dec-6th-2011/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-dec-6th-2011/#commentsFiled under: ,

You want some hotfixes, you say? Well, you're in luck! Blizzard has released one heck of a large list of hotfixes this evening, dealing with everything form class abilities to very big pains like the Yor'sahj encounter in the Raid Finder.

Some of the highlights include:
  • Yor'sahj had its Raid Finder HP for slimes, mana voids, and forgotten ones nerfed by 20%.
  • Ball damage is now splitting correctly on Zon'ozz in the Raid Finder.
  • Echo of Baine trash is hitting for less.
  • Deep Wounds is working better (more correctly) for warriors.
Lots and lots of changes after the break.

Continue reading Patch 4.3 Hotfixes for Dec. 6, 2011

WoW InsiderPatch 4.3 Hotfixes for Dec. 6, 2011 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>breakinghotfixespatch-4-3patch-4-3-hotfixespatch-4.3world-of-warcraft-patch-4.3wow-hotfixwow-hotfixeswow-patchwow-patch-4.3wow-patch-4.3-newswow-patch-newsAdam HoliskyTue, 06 Dec 2011 21:45:00 ESTPatch 4.3 hotfixes for Dec. 2http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-dec-2/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-dec-2/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/patch-4-3-hotfixes-for-dec-2/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hotfixes are in for Dec. 2, with the expected fix to the Raid Finder exploit that was causing incredibly fast gear-ups for players who queued over and over. Raid Finder loot should now work in its intended fashion. Dragon Soul and the three new 5-man dungeons also got some quick fixes for a few annoying bugs. Hit the jump for the full list of hotfixes.

Continue reading Patch 4.3 hotfixes for Dec. 2

WoW InsiderPatch 4.3 hotfixes for Dec. 2 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hotfixespatch-4.3world-of-warcraft-patch-4.3wow-hotfixwow-hotfixeswow-patchwow-patch-4.3wow-patch-4.3-newswow-patch-newsMathew McCurleySat, 03 Dec 2011 00:05:00 ESTPatch 4.3: Hotfix on the way for Dungeon Finder crasheshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/patch-4-3-hotfix-on-the-way-for-dungeon-finder-crashes/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/patch-4-3-hotfix-on-the-way-for-dungeon-finder-crashes/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/patch-4-3-hotfix-on-the-way-for-dungeon-finder-crashes/#commentsFiled under:

The launch of patch 4.3 has been smooth overall, but there's one major exception: The Dungeon Finder has developed a case of narcolepsy. If you've been in the queue for any of the new Hour of Twilight dungeons tonight, chances are good you've noticed the system suffering from crashes with extreme frequency.

Good news: There's a fix in the works, and we're likely to see it tonight. Cross your fingers.

Bashiok - LFD Tool Down?
There's a known issue causing the LFG servers to crash, which is kicking people out of queue. A hotfix is already in production and we expect will be implemented this evening.

There's also an issue that's causing long queue times, and again a hotfix is in progress.


Brace yourselves for what could be some of most exciting updates to the game recently with patch 4.3. Review the official patch notes, and then dig into what's ahead: new item storage options, cross-realm raiding, cosmetic armor skinning and your chance to battle the mighty Deathwing -- from astride his back!

WoW InsiderPatch 4.3: Hotfix on the way for Dungeon Finder crashes originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>breakingdungeon-finderhotfixeslfdpatch-4.3world-of-warcraft-patch-4.3wow-hotfixwow-hotfixeswow-patchwow-patch-4.3wow-patch-4.3-newswow-patch-newsAlex ZiebartTue, 29 Nov 2011 19:58:00 EST"There are no simple solutions" -- Design diversity in WoWhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/there-are-no-simple-solutions-design-diversity-in-wow/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/there-are-no-simple-solutions-design-diversity-in-wow/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/there-are-no-simple-solutions-design-diversity-in-wow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In a recent post on the forums, Bashiok responded to the idea that 1.35% of all WoW players have completed normal Firelands and what that does or does not mean for the recent changes implemented to the raid instance. It's a very interesting and information-filled post that I think deserves a thorough examination, as it reveals elements of Blizzard's current design philosophy and how and why it chooses to alter raids from their initial difficulty levels.

I intend to go over the entire post carefully, but here are some highlights to ponder up front:
  • The 1.35% number is just plain wrong. Blizzard has its own numbers that it's not going to share, but the 1.35% is probably as accurate as could be expected without access to Blizzard's internal data gathering.
  • Blizzard's design intent is to make content for all of the playerbase. "It's both a blessing and a curse that the WoW player base is as large and diverse as it is."
  • Players raid for many different reasons, some challenge, others loot, and others just to see the content. Some players are happy if they just see a boss once, while others enjoy weekly clearing.
  • The idea of being willing to wipe a hundred or more times to clear a boss, a staple of the raider mentality for years, is not appealing to most players.
OK, so now that we've picked out a few highlights, let's go over the entire post and really consider the implications of designing for as many players as possible.

Continue reading "There are no simple solutions" -- Design diversity in WoW

WoW Insider"There are no simple solutions" -- Design diversity in WoW originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>BashiokDesigndesign-diversityDesign-iterationdifficultydragon-soulfirelandspatch-4.3Raidraid-finderworld-of-warcraft-patch-4.3wow-patchwow-patch-4.3wow-patch-4.3-newswow-patch-newsMatthew RossiSat, 15 Oct 2011 14:00:00 ESTOl' Grumpy and the Goblet of Firelands adjustmentshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/ol-grumpy-and-the-goblet-of-firelands-adjustments-anytime/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/ol-grumpy-and-the-goblet-of-firelands-adjustments-anytime/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/ol-grumpy-and-the-goblet-of-firelands-adjustments-anytime/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hello. I'm Ol' Grumpy. You may remember me from such posts as Ol' Grumpy's first week with Patch 4.1, Ol' Grumpy's guide to player reeducation, or perhaps Ol' Grumpy's guide to outdated content and you. As my name suggests, I am a hilariously old and crotchety curmudgeon who probably has forgotten more about hating things than you've ever known. Seriously, I hate everything, especially the things I enjoy. It's why I'm called Ol' Grumpy and not Ol' Smiley.

So, this time I've been called back into service to talk about the recent Firelands adjustments, or as I like to call them, significant nerfs. Quite frankly, my take on these is a bit more nuanced than the last time, so I sadly won't get to grump around as much as I prefer. Frankly, there are several key differences between this series of nerfs and the ones to T11 content that make the situation a little less cut-and-dried.
  • This time, both normal and heroic content is being nerfed. Last time, normal mode fights were nerfed across the board, but heroic content was left unchanged so that people who wanted to experience it at the original challenge level could do so. This is a decision I lauded at the time, and I find the different implementation this time kind of baffling.
  • We got half as much time with tier 12 as we did tier 11 before the changes. Now, to some degree this isn't an entirely fair comparison because we also had to level from 80 to 85 before we got a chance to do tier 11, and in addition there were 13 total fights in tier 11 content plus a bonus heroic only encounter. Tier 12 has eight, seven in Firelands and one in Baradin Hold that barely even counts. But it still seems very early to nerf this content.
  • These are some serious nerfs to content that is still relevant. Unlike the T11 changes, which took place as T12 dropped, these fights are still the fights that we're all doing. There's nothing to replace them, no place for the players who have done it before the nerfs to go if they want to stay on the cutting edge of content. This is the cutting edge, and it's now between 15% and 25% less sharp.
All of this adds up to my being not exactly angry or disappointed but very much confused by the reasoning for these changes. And it makes me wonder: Did fewer people clear Firelands than Blizzard was expecting? What's happening with this raid tier, and just how close are we to patch 4.3? Probably closer than I expected a week ago.

Continue reading Ol' Grumpy and the Goblet of Firelands adjustments

WoW InsiderOl' Grumpy and the Goblet of Firelands adjustments originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Firelandshotfixespatch-4.2patch-4.3Raid-HotfixesRaidingworld-of-warcraft-patch-4.2world-of-warcraft-patch-4.3wow-hotfixwow-hotfixeswow-patchwow-patch-4.2wow-patch-4.2-newswow-patch-4.3wow-patch-4.3-newswow-patch-newsMatthew RossiWed, 21 Sep 2011 18:00:00 ESTPatch 4.2 hotfixes for Sept. 14http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/patch-4-2-hotfixes-for-september-14/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/patch-4-2-hotfixes-for-september-14/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/patch-4-2-hotfixes-for-september-14/#commentsFiled under: ,

Another day, another round of hotfixes for patch 4.2. Today's list is just a series of small tweaks to various mobs, quests and creatures scattered around Azeroth, as well as an adjustment to wine distribution. Wait ... what?
  • Bottle of Dalaran Red, Bottle of Aged Dalaran Red, Cask of Dalaran Red, and Cask of Aged Dalaran Red should no longer award the player the next tier of Dalaran Red when placed on the ground.
  • Alliance and Horde players are able to teleport to Anachronos as many times as they wish even after abandoning and re-accepting the quest A Legendary Engagement.
  • Players will no longer go invisible in Uldum during the quest Premature Explosionation. If players log out or disconnect during the cutscene, they will return to Khartut's Tomb instead of being ported to a nearby graveyard.
Follow after the break for the full list of hotfixes.

Continue reading Patch 4.2 hotfixes for Sept. 14

WoW InsiderPatch 4.2 hotfixes for Sept. 14 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>breakinghotfixespatch-4.2world-of-warcraft-patch-4.2wow-hotfixwow-hotfixeswow-patchwow-patch-4.2wow-patch-4.2-newswow-patch-newsAnne StickneyWed, 14 Sep 2011 16:30:00 ESTRetribution paladin buff and other hotfixes incoming tonighthttp://wow.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/retribution-paladin-buff-and-other-hotfixes-incoming/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/retribution-paladin-buff-and-other-hotfixes-incoming/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/retribution-paladin-buff-and-other-hotfixes-incoming/#commentsFiled under: ,

A number of hotfixes have been (or will be) applied to live realms today. One is a particularly noteworthy PVE retribution paladin fix intended to bring ret DPS up to match the competition in the Firelands, as paladin DPS has fallen a bit behind in this raid tier. Paladins will be receiving a +40% damage boost to Censure, the stacking DOT associated with Seal of Truth.

The other hotfixes are aimed at quest-related bugs that may have been interfering with players' solo progression. The explanation for the retribution buff and the details of these quest hotfixes can both be found after the break below.

Continue reading Retribution paladin buff and other hotfixes incoming tonight

WoW InsiderRetribution paladin buff and other hotfixes incoming tonight originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>breakingcensurehotfixespaladinret-paladinretribution-paladinwow-hotfixwow-hotfixesAlex ZiebartFri, 09 Sep 2011 19:00:00 ESTPatch 4.2 hotfixes for Sept. 8http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/patch-4-2-hotfixes-for-september-8/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/patch-4-2-hotfixes-for-september-8/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/patch-4-2-hotfixes-for-september-8/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Blizzard has just updated patch 4.2 with some new hotfixes, including confirmation of the dreaded Smouldering Essence-gate that is plaguing the community at this very moment. In case you have been out of the loop, Blizzard is drastically lowering the number of Smouldering Essences that drop off Firelands bosses for the Dragonwrath, Tarecgosa's Rest quest line in order to complete the legendary staff.

Guilds in 25-man raiding groups were completing the staff too quickly, making it easy for each guild to obtain many of the legendaries. Having multiple legendaries per guild, especially when moving into the next tier of content, is going to be a pain to balance, so Blizzard has put the kibosh on being able to reasonably get multiple staffs per raiding group. Such is the way of things. Hit the jump for all of the new hotfixes.

Continue reading Patch 4.2 hotfixes for Sept. 8

WoW InsiderPatch 4.2 hotfixes for Sept. 8 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hotfixhotfixespatch-4.2patch4.2Mathew McCurleyThu, 08 Sep 2011 20:00:00 ESTPatch 4.2 hotfixes for August 16http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/patch-4-2-hotfixes-for-august-11/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/patch-4-2-hotfixes-for-august-11/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/patch-4-2-hotfixes-for-august-11/#commentsFiled under: ,

Blizzard's Zarhym released a new set of hotfix notes tonight. While many of these should be live as we speak, remember that some of these fixes may require a server restart to take hold. Among some of the highlights:
  • Threat generation for all tanks has been increased to 500%, up from 300%. This is in line with today's Dev Watercooler.
  • Occu'thar has come into a larger supply of PVE gear than he previously possessed.
The full list of hotfixes is as follows after the break.

Continue reading Patch 4.2 hotfixes for August 16

WoW InsiderPatch 4.2 hotfixes for August 16 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hotfixhotfixesoccutharthreatDaniel WhitcombTue, 16 Aug 2011 21:52:00 ESTPatch 4.2.2 on test realms could signal patch 4.3 soonhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/patch-4-2-2-on-test-realms-could-signal-patch-4-3-soon/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/patch-4-2-2-on-test-realms-could-signal-patch-4-3-soon/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/patch-4-2-2-on-test-realms-could-signal-patch-4-3-soon/#commentsFiled under:

Intrepid dataminers over at MMO-Champion have spelled out the changes made recently to the public test realms (PTR). This update solidifies all the changes made in recent bug fixes. It could also signal the ramping up of more PTR action as patch 4.3 heats up for prime time testing.

Currently, the PTR is up to patch 4.2.2, so no new content is up, but the realms are now updated with the hotfixes and bug fixes that the servers have already received. Most of the changes listed are tooltip changes that are already live on the servers but might not have been reflected on the PTR while it was in a dormant state. Hopefully this means that after a round of cleanup and bug fixes on the PTR, we'll get some news about patch 4.3 and the wonders that await.

What does patch 4.3 hold for the future of World of Warcraft? Well, we don't know yet. It could be new 5-mans, the War of the Ancients raid promised at BlizzCon, or new daily content not unlike the Molten Front. We could even see a tier of raiding pitting players against Deathwing himself soon.

While the code strings are nothing new, it might signal that the guild transfer service is in the pipe as we speak; hopefully we'll have more information on this service for patch 4.3. While the strings are focused on naming violations, I can still dream, right? I want to believe! We will find out in time. Read the full list of changes after the break.

Continue reading Patch 4.2.2 on test realms could signal patch 4.3 soon

WoW InsiderPatch 4.2.2 on test realms could signal patch 4.3 soon originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>new-ptr-patchpatch-4.2patch-4.2.2ptrpublic-test-realmworld-of-warcraft-patch-4.2wow-patchwow-patch-4.2wow-patch-4.2-newswow-patch-newsMathew McCurleyWed, 10 Aug 2011 19:00:00 ESTPatch 4.2 hotfixes for August 4http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/patch-4-2-hotfixes-for-august-4/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/patch-4-2-hotfixes-for-august-4/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/patch-4-2-hotfixes-for-august-4/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's been awhile since our last hotfix update from the World of Warcraft community managers, but have no fear: Zarhym has been ever-vigilant in recording the ongoing changes to the game. Tonight he has provided us with another update to the hotfix notes, confirming a few things players may have noticed already.
  • Unheeded Warning now grants 1,926 attack power instead of 680 weapon damage.
  • Balloon pets can no longer be sold to vendors.
  • Numerous item, item set, and raid balancing changes are in.
Hit the cut below for the full list of recently implemented hotfixes.

Continue reading Patch 4.2 hotfixes for August 4

WoW InsiderPatch 4.2 hotfixes for August 4 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cataclysmhotfixhotfixespatch-4.2world-of-warcraft-patch-4.2wow-patchwow-patch-4.2wow-patch-4.2-newswow-patch-newsAlex ZiebartThu, 04 Aug 2011 21:30:00 ESTMasterwork Elementium Deathblade hotfixedhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/masterwork-elementium-deathblade-hotfixed/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/masterwork-elementium-deathblade-hotfixed/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/masterwork-elementium-deathblade-hotfixed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you are a warrior, DK or paladin looking to pick up the Masterwork Elementium Deathblade, well, you probably don't care that it is simply hideous. Reusing the same model as pretty much every blue sword outside of the crafted 2H blue Obsidian Executioner (which, in my opinion, had a superior model) was bad enough. But a lot of people were still interested in it due to its stats -- specifically, a slow swing speed of 3.8 and a top-end damage of 3,256. (To give you an idea, the Skullstealer Greataxe, a weapon with nearly 100 more DPS, has lower top-end damage.) Top-end damage is often used to calculate special attacks for various melee classes, making the sword very attractive for the ilevel.

However, if you were looking to pick up the MED for that reason, don't bother. As you can see from the original link, its top-end damage has been lowered to 2,769, while its swing speed has been increased to 3.5. Forum posters immediately noticed, and Blizzard's Zarhym soon clarified the change.

Now, of course, there's debate raging back and forth about the change and if the sword is even worth crafting anymore. My take on it is yes, it's worth crafting -- it's just not better than Firelands drops for some players anymore. It shouldn't be even close, which it was. If you're crafting or buying this sword, you're still getting a better weapon than drops in normal mode tier 11 raids, and that's fine. It shouldn't outperform heroic tier 11 and be able to compete with tier 12 weapons. It's meant to help you catch up to Firelands, and it will still do that.
The news is already rolling out for the upcoming WoW Patch 4.2! Preview the new Firelands raid, marvel at the new legendary staff, and get the inside scoop on new quest hubs -- plus new tier 12 armor!

WoW InsiderMasterwork Elementium Deathblade hotfixed originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Hotfixmasterwork-elementium-deathbladepatch-4.2world-of-warcraft-patch-4.2wow-patchwow-patch-4.2wow-patch-4.2-newswow-patch-newsMatthew RossiFri, 29 Jul 2011 16:30:00 ESTPatch 4.2 hotfixes for July 26http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/patch-4-2-hotfixes-for-july-26/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/patch-4-2-hotfixes-for-july-26/http://wow.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/patch-4-2-hotfixes-for-july-26/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've got another round of hotfixes this evening, courtesy of the official WoW blog. Today's list is a little longer and contains the usual bout of Firelands hotfixes. Also included however, are a few class tweaks as well as some adjustments to Molten Front dailies and quests.
  • For elemental shaman, the Shamanism passive now causes Lightning Bolt, Chain Lightning, and Lava Burst spells to gain an additional 32% benefit from spellpower, up from 20%.
  • Hey, warriors -- Deep Wounds should no longer ignore damage modifiers on a target.
  • Players who die and release before a boss is killed should now receive valor and justice points. However, players who release at the moment the boss dies and are at the loading screen will become locked to the dungeon but won't receive any currency for the kill. Blizzard's working to address this.
  • In the Molten Front, players who are hated or hostile with the Steamwheedle Cartel can still turn in the quest Well Armed to Ricket. Bloodsail Admirals, rejoice!
Follow after the break for the full list of hotfixes.

Continue reading Patch 4.2 hotfixes for July 26

WoW InsiderPatch 4.2 hotfixes for July 26 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>breakinghotfixespatch-4.2world-of-warcraft-patch-4.2wow-hotfixwow-hotfixeswow-patchwow-patch-4.2wow-patch-4.2-newswow-patch-newsAnne StickneyTue, 26 Jul 2011 23:14:00 EST