WoW Battle for Azeroth: 5 Things That Weren’t Included in Tides of Vengeance

Blizzard may have added lots of content to World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth in the Tides of Vengeance update, but there are still many things they failed to add. While Blizzard surely has good reasons for this, it’s still a shame when you think about the things that aren’t in the game yet. Here’s a look at some of the content you’ll have to wait for so start grinding or even buying WoW gold today so you’d be ready when they come.

The Battle or Dazar’alor and a New Affix

At BlizzCon 2018, developers announced that the raid named Battle or Dazar’alor would be included in Patch 8.1. This is because they want guilds to play current raids as much as possible. With no new raid instances for this patch, it’s safe to assume that there will be no item level cap increase as well. That means players don’t have to worry about falling behind until the next update is released.

Another thing they have also postponed until the next patch is the Mythic +, AKA seasonal affix for season 2, “Reaping”. While the season 1 affix, Infested, puts a Ghun’s parasite inside non-boss enemies, the 2^ndseason’would cause all dead enemies to rise up and swarm the adventuring party every time they finish a 20% portion of the dungeon.

Next Season of PVP

Speaking of season 2, the next season of PVP will be released in January. This is a good decision on Blizzard’s part but some players disagree, as they believe that it could cause a few balance issues.

A poster in Battle.net forums even said: “many large and untested changes are going to be live which opens the door to last-minute rating gains with new traits/ abilities/ changes/gear scaling that may truly capture the mastery of players of these new mechanics.”

Will that actually be the case or not? The answer to that will be on the next update.

The Last Two Allied Races

One of the things that were heavily promoted in Battle forAzeroth was allied races–variations of already existing races–being selectable as characters. While most of these new inclusions to the lore and options to the character creation are already available since the launch of the expansion, two have yet to see Azeroth’s light of day. For the Alliance, that would be humans of KulTiras. As for the Horde, it would be the Zandalari trolls.

Players who are excited for these two can’t be blamed for being impatient. Especially for the latter, as it was advertised before the Mag’har Orcs. But according to Blizzard, the wait is inevitable but necessary, as they believe that the lore should take precedence before gameplay in this issue.

The Additional Azerite Gear Ring

The Fifth Azerite GearRing is also something that didn’t arrive in the game in Patch 8.1. A buff to something players have been claiming as underwhelming, players were expecting to find it in Tides of Vengeance. It goes without saying that those expectations have been shafted, but thankfully Blizzard, despite the delay, will add it to the game (hopefully) really soon.

Flying, Finally?

Last but definitely not least would be the ability to fly. Players not being able to fly at the start of expansions has always been an issue big enough to be discussed in online gaming forums, so it’s no surprise that it’s still the same this time around. Thankfully, Blizzard is hinting that there will be certain parts of the Pathfinder 2 quest line to be added to the game really soon.

As much as game devs would like to add as many things as possible in a single update, there are certain reasons, valid or otherwise, why some content has to wait. It’s a good thing that Blizzard, despite their shortcomings, does its best to correct its mistakes and deliver on its promises when the time is right—or when they finally got their stuff together.

How to Get World of Warcraft's Rare Baa'l Battle Pet

Data miners have found this adorable goat-like battle pet during the expansion's alpha and beta testing. It might've been mistaken as a WoW mount, but it's a battle pet. Players have scoured the game to figure out how to get it. Alas, their efforts have thus far proven unsuccessful. That is until the official release came around. They took a few weeks to figure it out, and now you don't have to.

To get Baa'l, you have to go around KulTiras and Zandalar, collecting pebbles along the way. They're in hidden or out-of-the-way spots, so this guide will come in handy. Keep in mind that the numbers in parentheses are coordinates to help you locate the objects or entrances.

The Scavenger Hunt

Start hunting for the pebbles in Nazmir. By the Heart of Darkness, there is a note hidden on top of the citadel (51 59). Get to it by jumping off a bridge (46 54) nearby using a glider and walk to the note. The note should say ‘Begin at the beginning'.

The next location is at the Broken Shore. In Drak'thul's hideout, there's a table (37 71) where one of the Kosumoth Orbs is located. One of the pebbles on it is a light color, and you can interact with it. When you do, a prompt will show up saying, ‘An ordinary pebble, unremarkable in every way'. If Drak'thul is standing on the table, wait for him to move away. Otherwise, drink an invisibility potion, stand on top of him, and angle the camera down.

Another pebble to collect is at the Hook Point in Boralus. There's a cave behind some nets (49 40) and the pebble is near the end of it. Because of its light coloring, it shouldn't be hard to miss. On this pebble and all pebbles after, no prompts will appear. If you need the assurance, there are macros that keep track for you. Be sure to check if you've really collected them when using one.

There's also one in Atal'dazar in Zuldazar. Go to the non-instanced version by heading to the right of the dungeon portal. Keep your eyes peeled as it's rather hard to find. You have to follow a path up, behind a waterfall, behind a golden ruin, glide down a cliff and land near a cave hidden by trees. The pebble is near the entrance, beside a wooden post and two other rocks. A video can show you the exact route.

A hidden cave behind the waterfall in GolOsigr, Drustvar hides a pebble as well. Climb the mountain near Arom's Strand, find the top part of the waterfall (36 53), and jump down. There's an effigy inside, and the pebble is in its eye.

A Clatterback guards the next pebble. By the tortollan settlement in Tortaka Refuge, Vol'dun, jump down to the rocks from the Flightmaster, landing near a tree (63 21). There's a small cave nearby that houses the creature. The pebble is hidden among the rocks near it.

After that, sail to the island near the Shrine of the Storm in Stormsong Valley. The pebble is a cave network, but the easiest entrance is under a canopy of trees (65 11). The pebble is in the middle section of the cave, on a wheelbarrow by a small pond.

Go diving in The South Seas for the next pebble. Within the fatigue zone next to Nazmir, a sunken ship (54 7) holds it. It is recommended to take supplies that increase swim speed or breath duration and the like to help you get there. You'll find the pebble near a skull design on a window.

The Proudmoore Keep in Boralusholds the next pebble. Somewhere in the hedge maze, you'll find cadets role-playing and an entrance hidden by some shrubbery (37 80). The pebble hides behind some barrels.

On the Western Watch in Drustvar, climb around the lighthouse to get to a cave. Mind the gaps as you do so! The pebble is actually well-hidden among the shrubbery around the entrance, not inside the cave.

Two pebbles are in Tiragarde Sound, one in a cave above Kennings Lodge(75 70), the other in a waterfall cave (80 19). Be careful in going to the first cave, as it is filled with undetectable hidden Clatterbacks. Make use of invisibility effects, or use crowd control skills as they rush you. The pebble is in a puddle of blood between a carcass and an ice block. In the waterfall cave, the pebble you need is under a scroll.

The second to the last pebble, if you've been following this guide, hides in an underwater cave near Boralus. Algae (10 82) conceals the entrance, as well as the pebble's position. Some shrinking effects can make interacting with it easier.

The last pebble rests in the ocean, way off the coast of Vol'dun(55 -10). It's past the fatigue zone and deep underwater. The pebble's right at the entrance. Try to find a video showing where it is because words won't be enough. When you've interacted with it, a prompt will appear with the words, ‘Heckler of the Murkiest Thugs, sheathe your Bat and remove the Keg Cork, Wot?'.

It's an anagram, and solving it will reveal the phrases‘Get back to work' and ‘Kurgthuk the Merciless'. You'll find the latter near a volcano (62 22). At this point, Baa'l waits in the middle of the volcano. Defeat him to gain the ability to summon him in battle. However, he'll be almost impossible to defeat, unless you or someone else also trying to get him completely equips Uuna. She can weaken Baa'l for 15 minutes for everyone which makes it easy for any level 25 pet to beat him.

Enjoy Your New Battle Pet!

Baa'l can learn 6 skills as he levels up. Go and use him in your adventures! You've worked hard to get him. Just don't mind his ramblings so much.

See you on the battlefields!

Farming for Battle: Gathering War Resources in WoW

As in previous WoW expansions, Battle for Azeroth has a unique mission table currency: War Resources. Here are a few tips to help gather this vital commodity.

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There’s more to World of Warcraft than merely gathering WoW mounts. There are, however, exceptions to the rule. Right now is one such case in point because it’s once again time to gather an expansion-exclusive resource! For the mission table currency, Warlords of Draenor had to collect Garrison Resources, and Legion had Order Resources. In Battle for Azeroth, it’s War Resources, which is a rather fitting name.

You’re going to need lots of this stuff, and to help you get them in spades, here’s a short guide.

Military Adventurism

For Battle for Azeroth, war resources are going to be used to recruit troops, send them to missions, and do research upgrades. You can also donate some to your faction’s Warfront or buy Seal of Wartorn Fate, which can give you the chance to bonus roll item drops in Mythic + dungeons.

One good way to earn War Resources would be by finishing World Quests. Easy ones will give you 30 to 45 War Resources, which should be enough for many of the missions. The harder ones, especially those that include dungeon objectives, can garner you 100, and even up to 200 war resources.

The problem, however, is that they’re not always available. But as long as you do them regularly, you’re sure to have a steady supply of War Resources.

Spoils Before War

Another way to earn War Resources would be by collecting zone-specific treasures, a feature that Blizzard added in Mists of Pandaria. In Battle for Azeroth, you’ll find ten hidden treasures for each zone. You won’t have much difficulty finding them, since they’re in fixed locations, and tracking them is even easier if you have add-ons.

Do note that each treasure can only be obtained once, so the War Resources you can get this way is very limited. But hey, this is a war, so you’ll definitely want to squeeze each and every War Resource you can get.

And while we’re treasure-hunting, you should also look for hidden treasure chests, which spawn at random locations. You won’t be able to find them with specific coordinates or add-ons, you’ll be able to see them as a gray icon on your mini-map if you happen to come close to one. Once you get to the exact location, there will be a faint purple glow emanating from the chest.

You won’t be getting a lot of War Resources this way, and these kinds of chests only give vendor trash items, so don’t expect World of Warcraft Mounts. Still, better a little than none at all. Plus, you’re already in the area, so you might as well get them anyway.

All About Control

To get war resources, you need to engage in war. Thus, it makes perfect sense that one of the best ways to make War Resources is to complete Warfront weekly quests when it’s your faction that controls Arathi Highlands.

When it’s the enemy faction that holds Arathi Highlands, members of your faction will have to contribute to the war effort by completing weekly quests for profession turn-ins. Other than war effort, this will also contribute to your faction’s award reputation and artifact power.

Once you finally reach 100% contribution, your faction can now launch a Warfront, giving you control of the contested location. While under your faction’s control, you’ll be able to take on a handful of quests offered in Arathi. However, you can only do these quests once per cycle, so you’ll have to wait until you lose control of it and seize it again after completing all those quests.

A war isn’t just about fighting in the frontlines and winning them. It’s also as important to get the much-needed resources to wage one and seize even more resources by the end of it. So if you want your faction to truly dominate, start getting as much War Resources as you can.

It’s A Steal: World of WarCraft Subscription Changes

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Not a lot of gamers jump into an MMO for the first time if it’s already five years old or more. Everyone except you already got the mechanics memorized by heart and has a competitive-level character that runs endgame content, while you’re just catching up when it comes to level, gear, and game knowledge. Blizzard, however, came up with a way to entice new players for World of Warcraft: free base game and expansions.

Pay to Play Legion

Aside from the aforementioned reasons, another deterrent for new players is the fact that they have to buy the base game and all the expansions just to play the most recent one. And while Blizzard has come up with some steps to lower this particular hurdle, such as offering bundles and packs that get you the expansions for a single purchase and a much lower price as compared to buying them one by one.

As if that deal isn’t a steal enough, Blizzard decided to do give expansions – including Legion – for free simply by subscribing to the game. This basically means the game has become pay-to-play – until Battle for Azeroth rolls out on August 14, that is. No doubt that a lot of prospective players see it as a good move, especially since it’ll be saving them a lot of money.

On the other hand, older players and those who just recently bought Legion are pissed, and understandably so after paying for something that they never imagined would be free later on. Hopefully, Blizzard comes up with a solution that will appease the veteran players.

Past for the Future

Blizzard is intent on bringing fresh blood into Azeroth’s circulation because it’s going to have its new expansion: Battle for Azeroth. To get new and returning players up to speed, the latest expansions have been all about bringing the game to its roots.

Legion was about revisiting the Burning Legion, the army of demons headed by the titan Sargeras; they’re also the chief antagonists of Warcraft III and the reason for the events of World of Warcraft’s base game.

Battle for Azeroth, on the other hand, brings the conflict between Alliance and Horde to the forefront once again. Truce after shaky truce, the two major factions are finally done with the handshaking so off to war against each other they go. The war between the two hasn’t been this focused on by the franchise since WarCraft II, so a lot of long-time players are excited for this.

Looking Forward to the War

In true World of Warcraft style, the new content for the upcoming expansion is going to be tightly tied to the lore. A good example of this would be Battlefronts, a Warcraft II-heavily inspired game mode which will put you in the battle boots of a commander. With 20 allied players, you’ll either be launching an assault on an enemy stronghold or defending the stronghold that you conquered.

As for other additional new content, players will be getting the Heart of Azeroth, the new “artifact weapon”. There is also the Island Expeditions, which are 3v3 PVP content where you’ll face off either AI or other players in islands while trying to find Azerite and Tratures. Last but definitely not least, there will be 10 new dungeons, which are definitely enough to last until the next expansion.

World of Warcraft is headed in a new direction, not only when it comes to lore and in-game content but also in its history as a game, thanks to Blizzard’s creative new idea on how to get new players on-board. After all, war is coming, so both factions should pump up their numbers.

The Inflation of WoW Gold and Why You Should Care

While it has only been a few weeks since the release of Battle for Azeroth, the game's economy is already going bonkers. Sure, that's to be expected with all the updates and the ‘soft reset' of crafting resources and crafted items in the Auction House. There's also the rush of new and returning players which muddles things even more. To sum the problem up, the price of WoW Gold relative to real money has plummeted. You may think this expansion's economy problem won't affect you because it didn't before. Well, there were factors and circumstances during those expansions that kept things stable. They protected the majority of players from inflation's effects.

Things are different now, so you have to be ready.

But First, Let's Look Back

During the days of Legion, the announcement that WoW tokens could be redeemed for Blizzard credit should've had the same effect. However, here are some circumstances that kept prices stable.

First, the value of goods and gold stayed the same relative to each other. Factoring into this is the fact that the announcement came about six months after the launch of the expansion. By that time, players have leveled up their professions and established trade supplies.

Then, Legion was the expansion that introduced flying and aerial travel routes. Farming resources and traveling became more efficient, increasing the gold output of players. Combine that efficiency with how Blizzard made gathering easy and you get a sustainable trade.

Lastly, even though it's illegal, botters were able to provide enough goods and resources to keep things in balance.

Because of all the circumstances listed above, prices were stable enough even as the demand for more tokens increased. A surplus of goods offset the surplus of gold. Thus, casual players didn't feel or see anything amiss.

And Now, Let's Look Forward

Circumstances for Battle for Azeroth are quite different. For one thing, Blizzard is making ingredients scarcer again. Players need the Anchor Weed to create the newer flasks, but they're found randomly in place of other herbs. With the influx of new and returning players, demand for new equipment and consumables will spike hard. It'll intensify once players start running the mythic+ dungeons and raids.

The problem is, everybody's still leveling up, either in professions or character level. Otherwise, they're exploring the new content, quests, and locations. They're not prioritizing collecting and crafting yet. That means a scarcity of trade goods and a high demand for it. All of this contributes to the plummet in the value of gold relative to real money. To sum it all up, there's a surplus of gold, but not enough supplies.

Expect and prepare for expensive goods. You might have to shell out real money for some stuff. Then again, it would be difficult to sell tokens since it'll be expensive. At any rate, it'll be tough trying to get stuff from the AH. The economy will settle soon enough, so just hold on until then.

See you in the battlefields of Azeroth!