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Patch 5.4 is bringing a slew of changes
to World of Warcraft. Quests, PvP, classes, and more will all see
major changes in this patch. Not to mention the much anticipated
siege on Orgrimmar is set to begin and Garrosh's downfall draws ever
closer. Along with these exciting changes players can expect to see
major changes come to World of Warcraft's favorite mini-game; Pet
Battles. From a brand new battle ground to test out your skills, to
various changes with the battles themselves, Patch 5.4 is sure to be
an interesting tie for Pet Batlles.

Learn more about what Patch 5.4 holds
in store for Pet Battles below:

General Pet Battle Changes

While there are no huge changes here,
players will be pleased to see a lot of minor changes that will
hopefully result in Pet Battles being easier and more fun. Small
changes intended to improve the quality and ease of battles includes
viewable pet battles showing working health bars and various changes
to how some passive pet skills work. For example Aquatic type Battle
Pets passive effect now reduces damage from damage over time effects
by 50%, up from 25%. Types who have also had their passive effects
changed include; Critters, Dragonkin, Elemental, and Magic.

Battle Pet levels have also been
removed from view unless the player is tracking Battle Pets. This
means no more stalking about the world seeing critters with levels
above their heads. Also done for convenience is the ability for
players to turn in 3 of the same family of Flawless Battle-Stone for
a single Marked Flawless Battle-Stone.

PvP Pet Battles will also hopefully
take less time as round timers will get progressively shorter for a
player who takes longer than 15 seconds to issue a command when it is
their turn. Finally, Battle Pet Training cost, as well of the price
of pets sold by Battle Pet Trainers have been reduced. Hopefully,
this will mean more players will be able to enter into the fun world
of Pet Battles.

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Battle Pet Changes

Specific Battle Pet changes are slim in
Patch 5.4 and rather insignificant. Changes here include ability
positions being swapped on pets such as the Darkmoon Zeppelin and the
Mechanical Pandaren Dragonling. While the Tiny Twister pet's
Sandstorm ability has been replaced with Call Lightning. Wild Silk
Worms will now also be correctly classified as a Critter. The biggest
change in this category is the news that Battle Pets obtained from
the Throne of Thunder on Raid Finder difficulty can now be won from a
bonus roll, in addition to the standard roll.

Battle Pet Ability Changes

Battle Pet abilities will be earning a
slew of small, but important changes in Patch 5.4. Some abilities
will see nerfs, while others will see great improvements. A sampling
of the changes players can expect in this area include Accuracy that
now affects the whole pet team, Nether Gate damage being reduced by
33%, and Trihorn Shield now displays the correct amount of damage
reduction. For a more complete list of the changes coming to Battle
Pet Abilities check out the Patch 5.4 patch notes on Blizzard's
official website.

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Celestial Tournament

While this juicy tidbit would probably
naturally fall under the “General” section of Pet Battle changes,
it is exciting enough that we decided it deserves it's own section.
In fact, the Celestial Tournament may be the most exciting change Pet
Battles will see in the newest patch. What is it you ask? The
Celestial Tournament is a vaguely hinted about Pet Battle tournament
set to launch in Patch 5.4.

Wondering how you get in? In order to
compete int his select arena you must have at least 30 pets that have
obtained level 25. A simple thing for those who live and breathe Pet
Battles, but a slight more difficult for those of us who are less
dedicated. Inside players will compete with their pets and earn
various rewards. Keep checking back for an overview of the Celestial
Tournament or check it out for yourself on the PTR by visiting Master
Li on the Timeless Isle.

What do you think about the Pet Battle
changes coming in Patch 5.4? What would you like to see in future
patches? Share your thoughts with us by using the comments section
below!