Patch notes have been updated on the PTR for 2.4, and there are some more major class changes that could again change the meta-game for several lineups. Biggest of which: (1) NS and EM for shaman will now share a 10 sec cooldown and (2) PI for disc priests is now reworked to give 20% spell haste.

Quick rant: As a shaman player since release, I must admit, that I’m a little saddened by the NS/EM change. The ability to use NS and EM in different combinations, to me, defines TBC and the elemental shaman. I’m all for balance, especially in the arenas, but if Blizzard removes something that practically takes elemental shaman back to pre-expansion days, they also should give something back in return imo.

Along with the changes already to drinking and resilience, this is shaping up to be a big class tweak patch after all. Blizzard is just being smart and slowly introducing changes a little at a time to prevent the forums from drowning in a pool of QQ.

Again brief reminder that this is only on the PTR, so these changes may or may not go through when 2.4 hits live. However, they are an overall good indicator of what the devs are thinking. ie. the shaman/priest burst combo needs tweaking.

Here is the list of PvP related changes:
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Tags: PvP · News

Blizzard just released some more information about their upcoming 3v3 tournament on the updated tournament page:

“We invite the most dedicated and skilled Arena combatants around the world to enter the new World of Warcraft Arena Tournament. Your glorious victories in the tournament will not only grant recognition and renown for your prowess, but they’ll earn your team a chance to win cash prizes as well…”

Ok, slight RP intro aside, the new tournament page has some interesting information - best of which, a bunch of screenshots showing how to play dressup with the premade characters. The 3 slots available for any race, class, and gear combo you desire, plus however much gold you require may be worth the $20 price for admission alone.
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Tags: PvP · News

This time, it’s a little hard to summarize with just few screen shots. We had this new layout in the works for over a month and it was finally completed last night! Design credit all goes to Snitchers from EU-Neptulon (Ripsaw on EU-Defias Brotherhood). Many thanks to his hard work and contribution!

We also added yet another feature to the Matrix Strategies section. You may now claim your name as well as edit your previous entries, if you enter a password at the time of entry. However, all entries entered before today will still not be editable. There will also be a contest for the Matrix Strategies section coming soon, so stay tuned.

As always, we appreciate very much if everyone can report any bugs or mistakes they spot on the site. So please do not hesitate if you see something out of place and toss us a post over at Suggestions and Feedback!

Tags: Site

In a curious move on the PTR, Blizzard is now allowing PvP gear to be purchased with PvE tokens:

• T4 tokens may be used to buy Season 1 Gladiator set
• T5/Tier 6 tokens may be used to buy Season 2 Gladiator set
• Badges of Justice may be used to buy S2 honor gear
• T6 Sunwell tokens may be used to buy season 3 belt/bracers/boots

I suppose the reuse/recycling of PvE tokens is not a bad thing. With the world going green and all, the digital world should follow suit in spirit. Although, no guild in their right mind would allow these tokens to be turned in for the outlet PvP pieces until the entire guild has been geared out… much less the Sunwell>S3 pieces.

Season 4 Gear Found on PTR
Some Season 4 pieces have been found on the PTR by MMO-Champion. From the stats of the pieces found, it’s no surprise that S4 is just another incremental upgrade. Here is a quick comparison of the S4 and S3 warrior sets:
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Tags: PvP · News

Ziss: Will you be joining the 3v3 tournament? Vote here!

2008 World of Warcraft Arena Tournament!!!
Another tournament has crept into the picture and most importantly, this one is from Blizzard itself. This 3v3 tournament open to anyone with a World of Warcraft account (plus $20 registration fee). Much like the 5v5 tournament from last year, the qualifying rounds will be online but this time on an event realm with premade characters. The top four teams in the two qualifiers will then go on to compete in a live regional event. Then the regional champions will face off in a global championship.

Total prize money is a cool $200,000, so Blizzard has both feet in this tournament. Definitely a step in the right direction. Full details here.

Resilience And Mana Drain
On a side note, new build is up on the PTR and one major change for PvP is that resilience now affects mana drain spells. The change is not yet in the patch notes, but shows up on the resilience tooltip. The amount of mana drain reduction is roughly 1% per 20 resilience. That amounts to a huge 20-25% reduction in mana drain effects for a well geared (400-500 resilience) arena player.

Tags: PvP · News