Notes About Games

With Cataclysm fast approaching, let’s have a look at what we might expect from the expansion, in particular the effect it will have on the Blacksmithing profession with the introduction of the new tier and Level 525 Illustrious.

As usual Blizzard are keeping their cards very close to their chest. What little we do know suggests that their will be a great deal of “mix and match” possibilities in crafting that are derived from the new Archaeology profession.

The suggestion is that it seems that high end crafting recipes will have optional reagents from archaeology that can effect which buffs the end item may have.

This simple change is actually quite a radical departure for Blizzard. It means that level 525 Illustrious blacksmiths will have a far greater choice in the usability of the pieces they craft, perhaps allowing items to be tailored to be used by different classes dependant on the buffs etc.. We will have to wait and see.

Of course this benefits the developers as well. It adds choice to the players without them having to design many new graphic models for the weapons and armour made.

Another is that the developers have hinted that professions will be more interdependent than before. What this means is that to craft items with one profession will require pre-crafted items from another (similar to the way Blacksmith’s make the rods that Enchanters need now)

The race to level 525 Illustrious Blacksmithing will be keen. The top tier items available by normal Blacksmith training may well prove to be at their most profitable for a short period of time before players replace them with items looted from new dungeons and instances. With this in mind, getting characters levelled up in the support profession of mining – and possibly archaeology – might be a wise move.

I think all Blacksmith’s hope that the new weapons they can craft have a decent range of prospective buyers. Wrath of the Lich King’s Blacksmithing additions were woefully short, lacking even the most basic weapon types that a Blacksmith should be able to craft.

Cataclysm will bring change with it. I hope we can all look forward to having a great time reaching level 525 Illustrious Blacksmithing.

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