The big WoW patch 9.0 is live. We will tell you what you should do first to enjoy the WoW update.
Actually, the maintenance was supposed to last until 3:00 PM, but by late morning, the WoW realms in Europe were back online. The big pre-patch 9.0 is finally live and brought a lot of changes and improvements. If you feel overwhelmed by all the new features, here’s a little guide on what you should check and tackle first.
1. Update Addons
The first login after a major patch is often a nightmare, as the interface is typically “completely messed up.” This is due to many interface addons being outdated and now having errors or not loading at all.
Currently, addons can either be updated manually, or you can use additional software. Right now, the Twitch app can still do this, but this feature will be removed in the future, and you will need to choose an alternative.
Keep in mind that it usually takes a few days for all interface addons to receive an update. It might be easier to simply do without addons for a few days until the creators have released the necessary updates.
2. Get Familiar with Class Changes
As is usual for a pre-patch, Blizzard has made significant changes to the classes. All 12 classes have new (or old) abilities, revamped talents, or even a new playstyle. Be sure to take a look at your spellbook and examine all abilities closely. You are sure to discover one or two abilities that hadn’t been dragged into the action bars yet. Additionally, there are likely new passive effects that will be important going forward.
Since detailing all class changes for all 36 specializations would be too much, we refer you to the full patch notes for patch 9.0. There you will find all changes in detail.
3. Visit the Barber
Once the game is running smoothly, you should immediately take your characters to the barber. You can find them in major cities like Orgrimmar, Stormwind, or Dalaran – the guards will lead you there.
All races and classes have new customization options, allowing you to individualize your character even further. We have already presented some of the coolest new features here. This includes the option to change gender.
Especially for Druids and Worgen, visiting the barber is practically mandatory since you can alter your Worgen or animal forms independently of the humanoid form.
But all other races should quickly arrange an appointment as well. Which Night Elf would want to go without leaves in their hair, and which human can now resist a proper full beard? We won’t even start on the new skin colors…
4. Level a New Character
Take the time to create a new character that you level on the new starting island. The Exile’s Reach offers a cool story. This is worthwhile not only for newcomers but also for veterans who want to experience a new, small area.
Additionally, throughout the quest lines, some interesting rewards in the form of cool weapon models will become available to you, which you can then also unlock for transmog. This way, even your old level 50 veteran can wield a cool Alliance hammer, or your burly Orc warrior can finally use a proper war axe.
The Exile’s Reach is a must if you want to introduce a newcomer to World of Warcraft. New players cannot avoid it – they must start on the island whether they want to or not.
5. Unlock Allied Races
One of the best new features is the ability to unlock the allied races of World of Warcraft quickly. You no longer need to achieve a revered reputation with the corresponding factions, but simply need to complete the respective quest line.
This saves you many hours of farming and allows you to easily enjoy new species with their own racial bonuses and customization options.
Both newcomers and veterans who have previously avoided unlocking the races should now have no reason to shy away from it. So use the days leading up to the release of Shadowlands to unlock all allied races.
Is there more to come? Yes. In a few weeks, the big Scourge event will start, during which the first cinematic has already been pulled from the data. The event will seamlessly lead into the release of Shadowlands – whenever that will be. There is currently no official release date for the expansion.
But until then, the pre-patch will surely keep us entertained.
