Before the Storm - How it will change your WoW experience.

As many of you know, Today is the official patch day for "Before the Storm". This is the 2.0 patch that is preceding the Burning Crusade release in January, and includes many of the things that we did not think we would see until the Burning Crusade was released.

What are the important changes and how will the effect you? Don't worry the Messiah is here to answer all.

PvP honor system changes - This is arguably the biggest change. I say arguably as it only really effects you if you are into PvP. I despise PvP so it doesn't effect me at all! For everyone into PvP though the changes are being put into place to make PvP more about kills and long term gain than continuous grinding. In the old system it was almost impossible to achieve top ranks unless you spend 14 hours a day or more in PvP. The new system will be easier for people to earn rank and will automatically retain it. Rewards have changed to a turn in system, which should also make it easier.

Talent Changes - This to me is the biggest change since it effects everyone! All the new talents will be in the game opening up many different play styles and opportunities. I can't wait to be able to use many of the new talents in a live setting rather than just beta. It is important to note though that all the talents are still being tested in beta and may change again when the Burning Crusade is actually released.

Arenas added - This is a huge deal to the PvP crown and is yet another element being added to the game. Where the Battlegrounds are all about objectives and group play, arenas are all about killing. Look for some of the serious caffeinated twitch gamers to hang out here! It can be a fun distraction though for those interested in something fast to do between other things.

Disenchanting changes - No longer will we all be able to have disenchanting alts or pick up enchanting on a main just to disenchant items. You will now need to have a set skill level to disenchant different levels of items. This isn't really a nerf as some people are calling it, it is just making the enchanting system on par with many other professions. After all you don't pick up mining at high level and expect to jump to mining dark iron right away do you? This was a hole that should have been close long ago.

Skill Changes - This is the change from % based pluses on items to the combat skill rating system that I talked about in this article: Combat Skill Ratings. I really like the new system and once you are used to it, it makes allot of sense.

All of these things are big changes to the game. To me all appear very positive, however I have been playing with them in beta for over a month now. Before you judge them good or evil, give them a shot.

Comments or questions? Email us (Messiah@TenTonHammer.com) or better yet discuss in our forums!