Patch 8.2 is the next major update of World of Warcraft. We have compiled all the information for you so that you are ready for the patch.
After the developers presented Patch 8.2 of World of Warcraft in a stream, a lot of information has been pouring in. After all, Patch 8.2 Rise of Azshara is packed with content and is likely to be one of the largest content updates in the history of WoW.
In addition to two new zones, there are numerous changes to the game mechanics and enough content to hopefully keep players entertained for several weeks.
This article will be updated regularly over the coming weeks and months as new information about Patch 8.2 Rise of Azshara is released.
Update: The article was last updated on 20.06.2019.
The new areas Nazjatar and Mechagon
Patch 8.2 brings two new areas that players can explore to their heart’s content. In addition to the Naga area of Nazjatar, located in an exposed cave complex deep in the sea, there is the technological city of Mechagon, where crazy gnomes do even crazier gnome things.
What we know about Nazjatar
At the heart of the patch is the new area Nazjatar. This is where players land after the Horde sails out to fulfill one of Sylvanas’s plans. The Alliance begins to pursue them. However, both sides are surprised when the sea suddenly opens up, causing the ships to plunge into the depths.
On the ocean floor, we meet new allies and even receive companions that we can level up and strengthen to accompany us on adventures.
New armor sets are also available – although they have a rather strange appearance. To compensate for this, they apparently come with very cool passive effects.
The area also introduces new reputation factions – one for the Horde and one for the Alliance. They again have their own armorers with great rewards. However, it is also known that the new reputation factions will unlock the story of the area piece by piece (new!).
Nazjatar is also home to the new raid “Eternal Palace,” where players will face Azshara. If you use the wrong emotes, Azshara will kill you instantly.
You can also already see first impressions of the fight against Azshara (new!).
What we know about Mechagon
At the same time, players encounter the Mechagnomes waiting in Mechagon. In this new area, a mad robot attempts to transform all living beings into machines as well. The area itself bears similarities to the Timeless Isle, offering many rare spawns and small puzzles – for example, a rare mob does not take damage and requires a trick. Additionally, players can create their own trinkets tailored to their character’s preferences.
Mechagon is said to hold more secrets than any other area in World of Warcraft.
Also in Mechagon is the dungeon “Operation: Mechagon.” This is a mega-dungeon that will keep average groups busy for a long time. There are a total of 8 bosses waiting to be defeated by players. Most interestingly, Mechagon will probably receive a secret “Hard Mode” (new!).
Changes to game mechanics
Rise of Azshara is also Blizzard’s first real opportunity to respond to the criticism of the launch of Battle for Azeroth. This means that there will be many changes to existing game mechanics and systems. Especially, the Heart of Azeroth receives some truly powerful new abilities.
Especially the professions will be greatly improved. Each profession will get several new recipes that are sometimes four times stronger than the previous items.
Fans of dungeons can look forward to a new affix that will haunt the instances in Season 3. The new affix can have several different effects (new!).
Hunter players can double their excitement. Hunters can tame a variety of brand new, giant companions (new).
The better Heart of Azeroth
The trinket Heart of Azeroth had not held a good standing with players so far, as it was simply boring and posed a barrier for new Azerite traits. However, with Patch 8.2 this is becoming a thing of the past.
The most important new feature is the introduction of a new active ability that players can choose at will. There are several abilities to choose from, each existing in different strengths. Those who want the best abilities will have to play a lot or be among the best players. The final upgrade is purely cosmetic and creates an imposing effect.
PvP players can also rejoice. They can use one of their PvP talents in PvE.
Moreover, Azerite traits can now be unlocked immediately in armor pieces. Long farming of artifact power is omitted for these abilities.
Flying and mounts in Patch 8.2
With Patch 8.2, players in Battle for Azeroth will finally be able to unlock flying again. To do this, it will be necessary to complete the achievement “Pathfinder of Battle for Azeroth, Part 2.” This won’t take long, average players will need only two to three weeks for it.
But mounts will also receive further changes. From now on, you can grant your mounts equipment that gives them special properties. This allows all mounts to walk on water.
There are also plenty of new mounts. Soon we can ride a monowheel and other cool mounts.
New rewards for all characters
Blizzard remains true to the trend and gradually adds more unlocks of the “Heritage Armor.” Thus, Gnomes finally receive their heritage armor.
Tauren also receive their heritage armor and even encounter Cairne Bloodhoof.
There will also be new and better Azerite armor. The prices here are increasing significantly and players will need to accumulate a lot of Titan Residuum. We have revealed how expensive the best gear is here (new!).
In line with this, old reputation factions will also receive new mounts (new!). These can cost quite a bit of gold.
Changes to classes
Major patches also bring many updates to the classes. The first changes can be seen here. Rogues receive a few nerfs while Demon Hunters come out ahead.
More war campaign, more story
With Patch 8.2, there are, of course, also a lot of new quests and stories to be told in World of Warcraft. For example, it became known that dragons will play an important role again.
But the war campaign also continues. There, the fate of Baine is decided, who is in captivity of the Banshee Queen. Even Thrall appears with a brand new model to help his old friend Baine. In a stylish cinematic, he meets Saurfang.
On the other side, there is finally a conclusion to the story of Lady Ashvane.
Equally exciting is the story of the Heart of Azeroth. This will gain a new, dark purpose.
The many small in-game cutscenes have already been mined from the game data (new!). You can already watch them.
By the way: Players are already hearing creepy voices in preparation for the patch.
Other changes in Patch 8.2
Apart from the major highlights, there will certainly be many minor changes that we will compile here over the coming weeks and months:
- Ivus and Lokholar will be relevant in Alterac Valley again after 12 years
- Junkrat and Roadhog will get an Easter egg in Mechagon
- A dance of the Mechagnomes suggests a new allied race
- The size of mounts for gnomes and taurens will be changed
- “Level Groups” for Island Expeditions will receive 95% less experience (new!)
- Transmog fans can rejoice: Soon you’ll only have to wear pants! (new!)
- Anyone who can only play at night will soon be able to turn on the sun in WoW (new!)
Dates and release of Patch 8.2
Meanwhile, the release of Patch 8.2 is not far off. The release date in Europe is 26.06.2019 (new!). As usual, the raid “Eternal Palace” will open its gates a few weeks later. We have the exact dates for the Eternal Palace in all difficulty levels (new!) here.
Are you looking forward to Patch 8.2 Rise of Azshara?
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