So, You Wanna Ditch Those Gnomes? A Guide to Swapping Engineering Specs in WoW
Engineering is a fun path. You may have chosen Gnomish or Goblin back when bell bottoms were cool in Azeroth. But times change. Those Gnomish contraptions may seem mundane now. The thrill of Goblin gadgets can be appealing. Or you might want to switch from Goblin chaos to Gnomish precision. The key question is: Can you switch? And how?
No need to worry! The answer is yes. You can switch from Gnomish to Goblin or the other way around. It’s not as easy as flipping a switch. If it was that simple, it wouldn’t be as enjoyable. Fortunately, this guide helps you navigate an engineering specialization swap without causing a mess.
Dropping the Wrench: How to Unlearn Your Current Engineering Specialization
Before diving into Goblin Engineering or Gnomish inventions, you must first unlearn your current specialization. Think of it as breaking up with your old toolkit before starting fresh with volatile tools.
The process is simple. You’ll need to find your faction’s Engineering trainer. For Horde players, seek out Roxxik. Alliance players should go to Lilliam Sparkspindle. These trainers are key to your specialization-changing journey.
Once you’ve found your trainer, engage in friendly conversation. No need to discuss your crisis. Look for the gossip option, allowing you to unlearn your specialization. Click that, and poof! Your years of dedicated study are now paused. You are ready for a new path in engineering.
The Show Your Work Quest Chain: A Classic Roadblock (and How to By It)
A word of warning for Classic WoW players: things were more complicated back then. You couldn’t change specializations without proof of dedication. It’s like defending a thesis. You had to complete the “Show Your Work” quest chain for your original specialization.
Consider it an engineering thesis defense. Trust us, it’s a quest chain! After completing it, you can freely switch specializations or even abandon Engineering altogether for a fresh start.
The Gold Tax: Swapping Specs for a Fee
Now, let’s discuss gold. In Azeroth, changing your engineering specialization costs you some coins. It’s not overly expensive, but enough to make you think twice about frequent swaps. Switching specs costs 150 gold. Think of it as an investment in your noisy future.
You will need to find the right NPC to pay this fee. If you are ready to switch, Narain Soothfancy in Tanaris helps you. Just chat with him and pay your 150 gold. He’ll make the transformation easy.
Alternatively, some suggest paying the fee to the quest giver linked with your current specialization first. Then, talk to the quest giver for your desired specialization next. It’s like paying a toll for leaving one highway and then another for entering a new one.
Classic and Season of Discovery Shenanigans: The Book in the Hut
Classic WoW keeps things traditional. The Season of Discovery offers some interesting twists. Here, switching engineering specs uses a book instead of gold. Simply find a hut north of Steamwheedle Port in Tanaris.
Forget trainers and gold fees. Inside this hut lies a book—yes, just a book. This is the Book of Engineering Specialization Swapping. Click this mystical tome to switch either to Goblin or Gnomish Engineering, depending on your chosen path.
The Level and Skill Gatekeepers: Are You Worthy to Switch?
Before rushing off to Tanaris for magical books, meet some prerequisites first. Azeroth demands proof of your competence in engineering arts for switching specializations.
First, have an Engineering skill level of at least 200. No fresh newbs allowed. You must have crafted gadgets and shown you’re serious about engineering. Second, reach at least level 30. This signifies you have survived early game challenges and are ready for more complex engineering tasks.
The Blacksmithing Analogy: Abandoning to Advance
Let’s briefly discuss Blacksmithing while on the topic of profession switching. The process of changing blacksmithing specializations is quite different from engineering swaps. To change paths, the method is to “abandon Blacksmithing.” Yes, you read that right.
Nuke it from orbit. Forget it ever happened. And then re-learn Blacksmithing from scratch. After starting over, you need to level up your skill again to at least 225. It’s a reminder that some professions are a bit more complex than others.
Gnomish vs. Goblin: The Eternal Engineering Showdown
Now that you’re ready to switch, let’s explore which path to choose: Gnomish or Goblin? This debate resembles the classic “chocolate or vanilla?” choice but comes with more chaos and explosions. The option is yours.
The core difference between Gnomish
and Goblin engineering splits into two camps. Gnomish gadgets are reusable toys. Goblin creations are often one-time-use and explosion-prone. Gnomish engineering focuses on quirky tools. Goblin engineering is all about chaotic, high-impact devices.
Benefits of Each Flavor of Engineering Chaos
So, why pick one? It depends on your playstyle. Gnomish engineering offers a consistent form of utility. You can use your Gnomish Mind Control Cap multiple times. Success isn’t guaranteed. Often, backfires happen. That unpredictability is part of the fun. Strap on Gnomish Rocket Boots for speed too. They malfunction at times, but still reliable.
Goblin engineering is different. It’s about burst damage, impactful and explosive. Goblin Sapper Charges are one-time use and deliver damage. Goblin Rocket Fuel? Use it when you need an extra push. Goblin devices suit those who like to embrace chaos with controlled explosions.
Choosing Your Path: Focus on the Exclusives
When deciding between Gnomish and Goblin engineering, focus on exclusive items. Many recipes exist for both specializations. You can buy them regardless of your choice. However, unique gadgets are locked behind specializations.
Check exclusive lists for both Gnomish and Goblin engineering. What appeals to you? Do you want quirky, reusable tools? Gnomish might be right for you. Do you prefer explosive, high-impact gadgets, even if just once? Goblin could be your choice. Consider your class, playstyle, and how much chaos you enjoy. Choose wisely.
The “Best” Specialization? It’s All Relative (and Explosive)
The question of “which specialization is best” arises often. The answer? It depends. Likely, it’s Goblin. Goblin Engineering usually excels with raw power, especially in PvP.
Take the “Global Thermal Sapper Charge.” This powerhouse delivers significant damage and burst. Compare it to the Gnomish “X-ray Goggles.” While they might seem cool, they lack practical battle applications. Therefore, most believe Goblin Engineering wins out overall. Still, if you prefer quirky fun over power, Gnomish has appeal.
Dual Specialization: The Dream of Having it All (SoD Phase 3)
But what if you want both? The reusable Gnomish gadgets AND explosive Goblin creations? Good news! Season of Discovery Phase 3 may fulfill that wish. A special quest could emerge allowing players to learn both specializations.
Yes, you heard that correctly. Engineering nirvana awaits. Craft Goblin Sapper Charges and Gnomish Mind Control Caps all on one character. Watch for this quest in SoD Phase 3. It could mean the best of both worlds or just double chaos.
Notable Engineering Inventions: A Gadget Gallery
Let’s explore some star players in the engineering field. These gadgets sway engineers toward one side or the other, capturing each specialization’s essence.
Goblin Sapper Charge: The PvP Demolisher
The Goblin Sapper Charge is a classic. It’s a PvP must-have. This device embodies the philosophy of “when in doubt, blow it up.” These explosive charges deliver a strong damage burst. They can often disorient foes and secure kills. Critical explosions can occur too!
Gnomish Rocket Boots: Speed and (Occasional) Malfunction
Need fast movement on the battlefield? Want to escape danger? Gnomish Rocket Boots are ideal. When working properly (which is hit or miss), they grant a +50% speed boost. That equates to a constant Swiftness Potion effect. They may malfunction, but they aren’t destroyed like Goblin Rocket Boots would be.
Gnomish Mind Control Cap: The Ultimate (Unreliable) Crowd Control
Want to turn enemies into puppets? Maybe control yourself instead? The Gnomish Mind Control Cap offers a gamble with…results. It has an “instant cast.” Click and either target mind controls. A 20-second mind control may ensue, regardless of who’s controlling whom. Just don’t aim it at your raid leader unless you feel daring.
Goblin Engineering: More Than Just Explosions (But Mostly Explosions)
Let’s take a deeper look at Goblin engineering. Becoming a Goblin Engineer means embracing specific chaos, the Goblin brand. You need a “referral from an engineering trainer” to .
This referral involves a quest named “Goblin Engineering.” What do you need? Gather Goblin-y materials! Specifically, collect twenty big iron bombs, twenty sticks of dynamite, and five explosive sheep. Yes, explosive sheep are required! Submit these items to a trainer and become part of the Goblin Engineering fraternity.
Goblin Leadership: Gazlowe Takes the Helm
Who leads these chaotic engineers? Trade Prince Gazlowe. After Gallywix’s departure post-Fourth War, goblins needed new leadership. Gazlowe now represents the Bilgewater Cartel on the Horde council with clever wits and explosives in tow.
Notable Goblin Items: Transportation and Resurrection (Goblin Style)
Beyond Sapper Charges, explore more notable Goblin inventions. The “Dimensional Ripper – Everlook” allows quick travel to Everlook in Winterspring! Just use it, and *poof*, you appear there—hopefully intact.
Then there’s the “Goblin Rocket Helmet.” Crafted with a minimum skill of 245, it promises some exciting features. The description is vague but expect rockets or helmets. Perhaps both may not function together as intended.
Finally, there’s something that can resurrect targets for daring engineers. It’s described as “not day-to-day usage really.” However, if successful, it could resurrect a target without sickness or significant downsides.
You can use them again in 30 minutes. Success! Resurrection! Goblin style! But there’s a catch. “On a failed attempt, the item breaks, and you can loot 2 or 3 components back (I never got the wiring back though).” Goblin resurrection is a gamble. But isn’t everything in Goblin Engineering?
Gnomish Engineering: Precision, Quirks, and Stranglethorn Trainers
Now, let’s focus on Gnomish engineering. It is about precision, or at least the attempt at it. It’s also about quirky gadgets that may or may not work as intended. But hey, that’s part of the charm!
If you want Gnomish engineering training, go into Stranglethorn Vale and find Oglethorpe Obnoticus. This NPC resides in the jungle depths. He is your Gnomish engineering guru. Seek him out, and he’ll guide you to crafting Gnomish wonders.
Notable Gnomish Items: Mind Control and…Boots, Again
We’ve touched on the Gnomish Mind Control Cap and Rocket Boots. They are iconic Gnomish creations. The Mind Control Cap has an instant-cast, 20-second mind control gamble. It shows Gnomish optimism. The Rocket Boots offer speed bursts with potential issues. They are classic Gnomish utility.
Engineering in Cataclysm: Leveling Up in the Shattered World
Fast forward to Cataclysm. Azeroth got a makeover (and by “makeover,” we mean “earthquake and dragon apocalypse”). Engineering adapted to these changes. Learning Cataclysm Engineering is straightforward. You find trainers in “the main cities of old Azeroth.” If you’re directionally challenged (who isn’t in Azeroth?), just “ask a guard in any major city about the Engineering trainer.” Those guards will “mark your map at the trainer’s location.” Technology! Even after an apocalypse, customer service persists.
Cataclysm Engineering Benefits: Combat Enhancements and Cogwheels
So, why try Cataclysm Engineering? “Engineering is a primary profession allowing players to craft a variety of combat-enhancing gear, utility items, and Engineering helms that can hold powerful Cogwheel gems.” In short, Cataclysm Engineering is about making you more powerful, versatile, and awesome in combat. Gear enchants? Check. Utility items? Check. Helmets with Cogwheel gems? Double-check. If you want serious engineering in Cataclysm, you’re in for a treat.
Engineering and Professions: The Perfect Pairings
No profession stands alone. Engineering thrives with other professions. What are the best ones to pair with your engineering obsession?
Mining: The Indispensable Partner
The best partner for engineering is Mining. “In World of Warcraft, the best profession to pair with Engineering is Mining since most engineering recipes need a lot of ore.” It’s simple math: Engineering needs ore. Mining provides it. Therefore, Engineering + Mining = a great profession pairing. Mining is the most efficient gathering profession for your engineering needs. End of story. Or maybe not, but definitely the best logical pairing.
Other Viable Profession Partners
While Mining is the top choice for engineering companions, other professions can help. Enchanting is useful for disenchanting unwanted crafted items, making enchants to enhance your gear (or engineering items). Alchemy can provide potions and elixirs that work with gadgets or a steady supply of consumables. And Skinning…well, Skinning is also an option. Maybe for crafting leather components for certain recipes? Or simply for selling leather to fund your engineering addiction. Details on that are a bit…thin.
Easiest and Funnest Professions: A Quick Detour
While we discuss professions, let’s touch on the “easiest” and “most fun” categories. Opinions vary, but some emerge. “Mining, Tailoring, and Skinning are the easiest.” They involve clear paths and do not need too much complex crafting (beyond mining ore, skinning beasts, tailoring cloth). But “Engineering is the most fun, with gadgets providing unique utility.” Subjective, sure, but people generally agree that engineering’s quirky gadgets and unpredictable outcomes make it entertaining. Even if half your inventions blow up. That’s part of the fun!
Bonus Azerothian Knowledge Nuggets
Before we finish this engineering specialization journey, let’s offer a few more nuggets of Azerothian wisdom. Consider these bonus tips or trivia that may help in your WoW adventures.
Dual Spec in Classic: Yes, It Exists (Sometimes)
“Yes, you can dual-spec in WoW Classic, specifically on fresh anniversary realms, for 50 gold.” Dual specialization lets you switch between two talent builds on the fly; it’s a feature modern WoW players enjoy. But in Classic? It’s fairly new and on “fresh anniversary realms.” It costs 50 gold. If you’re on a Classic anniversary realm and want talent flexibility, dual spec is available for a price.
Darkmoon Faire: Carnival Time! (Once a Month)
The Darkmoon Faire in World of Warcraft lasts one week starting on the first Sunday of each month at 12:01 AM server time and ending the next Sunday. The Darkmoon Faire, Azeroth’s traveling carnival of curiosities, is a monthly event. Mark your calendars if you seek Darkmoon Faire fun, quests, or carnival atmosphere.
Fall Damage Mitigation: Water is Your Friend (Usually)
“Fall damage can be avoided by falling into a body of water (make sure it’s deep water if you’re falling from high; falling too far may cause you to submerge).” Falling from heights? Water is your ally. Deep water works best. Shallow water might not save you from a true epic drop. But a nice deep body? Fall damage gone. Physics! Azeroth style!
Parachute Cloaks: Timing is Key (Don’t Deploy Too Early)
“If you activate the cloak too early, the slow fall effect will end too high off the ground.” Parachute cloaks are engineering’s answer to fall damage (when water isn’t handy). They need finesse. If you deploy them too early, you’ll face a hard landing. Timing matters for parachute cloaks. Deploy too late? Splatter. Deploy too early? Potential splatter again. Engineering is a delicate art.
Leather Boots: They Need to Break In (Apparently)
Lastly, a seemingly random fact: “Leather is natural material needing time to adjust to your foot’s shape.” Why it matters for engineering? Unknown. Perhaps leather boots are crucial for advanced gadgets? Or maybe a random fact for…color? Either way, your leather boots need time to mold to your feet. So, break them in.
There you have it! A comprehensive, chaotic, and informative guide to switching engineering specializations in World of Warcraft. Whether you prefer Goblin Engineering’s explosive allure or Gnomish contraptions’ quirky charm, your path is clear. Choose wisely, engineer, and may your gadgets be ever beneficial. Or at least not backfire *too* much.
