The new skins for artifact weapons in Patch 7.2 of WoW are not for everyone – hard work lies ahead.
Already at the release of World of Warcraft: Legion, there were small, class-specific tasks to unlock the hidden appearances of artifact weapons. While some classes had really long questlines, others only had to wait for the right drop from a boss. This was not particularly fair and was received with mixed feelings by the fans.
In Patch 7.2, there is a new appearance for each weapon, but it is not as easy to obtain. As a prerequisite, the character must reach level 110 and unlock at least 35 traits of the artifact weapon.
Furthermore, the Mage Tower of the Legion judges must be unlocked. This building is constructed by all players at the same time and then lasts for 3 days before it is destroyed (and a new building can be constructed). As long as it is active, you receive a quest that initiates a particularly difficult scenario.
Depending on the specialization, either a tough enemy must be defeated (DPS), a group of NPCs must be protected (Tanks), or a group of NPCs must be kept alive (Healers).
The first time you try it, it’s free, but if you fail – and Blizzard estimates the chances of that quite high – further attempts will cost Nether Shards, which can be obtained on the Broken Shore.
Blizzard refers to “hard challenges to the skills of the players” and alludes to past questlines from Classic. Back then, Priests could get the epic switch weapon Curse/ Blessing and Hunters could earn a combo of staff and bow. Both were particularly difficult quests that often required weeks of practice and preparation.
Since not only pure skill but also gear decides victory or defeat, it may take a while before players unlock the new artifact weapon skin. However, with better gear and the opening of the raid “Tomb of Sargeras”, the task will become increasingly easier.
For more details, you can learn in the official preview of the new appearances of the artifact weapons (see sources).
Patch 7.2 is just around the corner – the “Release Candidate” is already on the PTR.
