Perspective of New LFG

So there was a new build on PTR for Patch 3.3 which now makes the new Looking For Group system available. When I tested the new system I experienced some bugs and noticed that there were some unreported affects with the new system.

The Bugs.

When I queued up I did get a notice that my random party for my random Lich King heroic was ready. I accepted the group and instead of being transported to the dungeon I was sent back to where I entered the queue originally. Very much like when one returns from a battleground after it is over. I was also given a server notice stating "Heroic difficulty requires you to be level 80."

I was able to zone into an instance with another party member but no one else was able to port to the instance. I also failed to notice any indication as to what instance we were going to. Trying to get ported to the instance that was chosen still sent me back to my original queue spot.

Unreported Features.

I list this as unreported cause wow.com's post did not state these features.

Mini Map button.

The mini map has a button which will teleport you to the dungeon you have queued for. I tried this option as well but had the same original affect as when I accepted the group.

Dungeon Cooldown Debuff.

Once you accept a group you can't use the LFG system to group up again for 15 min.

While I can understand how this will punish those who flip groups if they object to the dungeon, the make up, etc. It affects our ability to recover from a group that breaks up. One suggestion to remedy this is to not make this debuff apply to anyone unless they leave the group prior to 15 min. My group broke up due to the bugs and I was not able to participate in another. I ended up logging due to it.

Normal Lich King Random Dungeon.

Most are talking about how the Heroic Lich King random dungeon awards 2 emblems of Frost and 68 gold. No one has brought up that the normal dungeon pays 49 gold 66 silver. and a emblem of Triumph.

My minor issue with this is that you're forced to do a normal instance. I am disappointed that you can't combine efforts anymore to complete the dungeon on heroic for the reward as you could when the daily dungeons were in effect. I understand that this seems intended and if you want the gold you run it normal. I can accept that. Just sad to see this aspect of the game change.

However I am happy to see that this is the replacement to the daily dungeons. These quests were removed on the PTR and the achievements for them were changed to feats of strength. I wanted to write about how disappointed I was with these changes but that is the issue with the PTR. Things change and nothing is final until it is live.

The new LFG looks interesting, makes pugging more profitable and eliminates having missed the daily or having to port over to obtain it. The fact that everyone will eventually be ported to the dungeon means I don't waste time waiting for lazy players anymore.

While there are better ways to generate gold then these new rewards, it is nice that time will be saved. Time really is money.

Brewfest Tokens

Just wanted to share with you all what could be done if you put in some effort. Two days ago I obtained 823 tokens. This was with missing 3 days of racing and 2 days of dailies. Even with the event being extended you can obtain a good chunk of them by racing. Even though you can only do it once every 18 hours, it is the best means of obtaining at most 40 tokens a run. As long as you are not distracted by typing and focused you should do fine.

I avoided buying a new Brew of the Month membership and the new pet in order to save up tokens. I probably could have generated 1000 with the extension but doing 2 hours of racing on alts burned me out of racing every day.

Now to focus on Del and get him to 75!

PTR 3.3. Short Guide

I am noticing many questions as to what is going on with the PTR. I figure I post from my experience.

Character Copy:

While it is often suggested to copy your own character I don't suggest it for the time being. There is currently a bug if your character has done or completed the phased quests in Ice Crown. They will not be able to see the portals to test out the new instances.

Pre-Made Characters:

I do recommend you make two copies of a pre-made character. This is to experience both Alliance and Horde versions of the dungeons. When you first log on your character you will suffer a disconnection. Just relog to access the character.

Your character will be already duel spec'd but no talents have been applied. (unless paladin). Hunters have 4 pets, one which is a spirit beast.

A pre-made character comes with the Raven land mount as well as the Bronze Drake flying mount. Your reputation with almost every home and Northrend faction is exalted. You have the Argent Tabard so while you begin in your home faction city you can port yourself to the Argent Tourney without having to ask a mage for a port.

Once at Dalaran you can go to the city trade district to purchase glyphs from a vendor. You may also want to visit the Barber to change your appearance.

Your gear will be Tier 9, unenchanted and not gemmed. However all of your bags will contain other gear (PVP/PVE) as well as consumables. Your bank will have 20 of each epic gem, meta and enchantment materials. A grinder and rod are provided in your backpack. Your character will be a max enchanter and jewel crafter.

Everything you need to enchant a full suit is provided. However there is a but with the new Shatter so it is not recommended you take an Abyss Crystal for lower level materials. Either copy another character to the same faction and mail the materials or just settle for enchanting only one suit.

There are a few glyphs missing and there are no scopes. However considering you are decked out and testing a normal and heroic instance this should not be a problem.

Currently only POS (Pit of Sauron) is available for testing. It is located on a west wing of the citadel but will take some time to familiarize yourself with the location. The run from the graveyard takes some getting used to.

For those of you testing it out, have fun doing so! I'm on the PVE server on a Horde Hunter named Rizahawkeye, and I started an Ally hunter named Nakoruru (with her Poppy).