Illustrious Level 525 Blacksmithing – The Changes In Cataclysm
by Paul Rone-Clarke on May.20, 2010, under Warcraft
It’s probably a good time to take a look at the changes that we can expect in the Blacksmithing profession in Warcraft as we approach Cataclysm. In particular, looking at what the new level 525 Illustrious Blacksmith may bring.
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.
This is one way that the developers can add variation to the crafted weapons and armour in the game without having to create many more graphic models of the items.
Expect the interaction between crafting professions to be a real feature when Cataclysm hits. You will find that many items can only be crafted with reagents sourced from other professions as Blizzard looks to integrate them all into some kind of symbiosis. I expect this to be similar to the way that that say you currently make the rods for Enchanters etc.
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 many long term Blacksmiths are hoping that the profession is given a boost this time. WotLK added a very unbalanced tier to the craft, not even allowing you to make a decent tanking weapon, which is (after all) one of the main reasons many people took the Blacksmithing route in the first place.
With Cataclysm bringing in many changes to the profession I think we can all look forward to the reaching Illustrious level 525 Blacksmithing
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