Archeology in WoW Cataclysm. Mechanics and features

Written by Ivo Teel — May 24, 2024 at 08:25

Introduction

The release of the new WoW Cataclysm Classic expansion is a significant event for players who miss the older expansions. WoW Classic has brought a lot of content and changes that diversify the game for veterans. One of these changes is the addition of a new profession called archaeology. Archaeology became available to players in the pre-patch, so players have begun to study and level it up, or use the Cataclysm Classic boost for this.

About archeology

Basic information

This profession allows players to explore ancient artifacts scattered throughout Azeroth and collect fragments of the world's history. Using their archaeological skills, players can find and restore various items, which may include rare mounts, pets, toys, and other things that help in other aspects of the game. Archaeology requires patience and attention: players need to travel to different zones, search for dig sites, and restore finds from fragments.

Archeology learning

To use the new profession, you need to learn it like any other secondary profession. You can do this when you reach level 20. After that, find a trainer in any major city and learn it. You will be able to upgrade your skill rank every 75 levels, which will open up new opportunities for you.

Archeology trainers

Trainers are located in many locations in the game and can be divided into three types: neutral, Alliance, and Horde. As the names suggest, some trainers will be unavailable to certain factions:

Alliance Archaeology Profession Trainers

• Diya – The Exodar, The Vault of Lights (34.6, 66.8 )

• Doktor Professor Ironpants – Ironforge, Hall of Explorers (75.6, 11.6)

• Hammon the Jaded – Darnassus, The Temple of the Moon (43.2, 83.6 )

• Harrison Jones – Stormwind, Stormwind Keep (85.6, 25.8 )

Horde Archaeology Profession Trainers

• Adam Hossack – Undercity, Magic Quarter (76.0, 36.4)

• Belloc Brightblade – Orgrimmar, Grommash Hold (49.0, 79.6)

• Elynara – Silvermoon City, The Royal Exchange (81.6, 63.8 )

• Otoh Greyhide – Thunder Bluff, Elder Rise (75.8, 28.0)

Neutral Archaeology Profession Trainers

• Boduro the Seeker – Shattrath, Lower City (62.5, 70.2)

• Brita Bramblebrush – Dalaran, The Legerdemain Lounge (48.5, 38.6)

Ways to get archeology levels

To level up your profession, there are several options, each tied to the profession's mechanics:

• Item Searching: For each excavated item, you receive 1 skill point, but this only works up to level 50.

• Crafting Artifacts: Creating a common artifact grants you 5 points, while creating a rare artifact grants you 15 points.

Main gameplay

On the map, players can see special markers in the shape of a shovel and highlighted areas, indicating where you can find ancient items.

When a player reaches a dig site, they use a special spell called "Survey" to determine the direction and distance to the nearest artifact. For finding items, you use a telescope that indicates the direction, and a special device. The device shows the distance to the nearest item with a light indicator: red light means the fragment is far away, yellow indicates a medium distance, and green means the fragment is close:

• Red: 80 yards+

• Yellow: 40-80 yards

• Green: Under 40 yards, very close

Players need to move in the direction indicated and use "Survey" multiple times until they find the item. You will be able to see it when you get very close, then collect fragments from it. Each successful fragment find adds to the player's collection. After gathering enough fragments, the player can restore an artifact.

Fragments

Each fragment belongs to one of the nine races available in archaeology. The type of fragment depends on the location that you explore. Each dig site has 3 containers, each containing 5-9 fragments. If you're lucky, you might find a keystone, which is equivalent to 12 fragments. Importantly, each type of fragment can only be used for specific items.

Dependence of fragments on your skill level

After learning the profession, you will be able to conduct excavations only in Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms. To unlock new locations, you must increase your skill level. This will open up new dig sites as well as new types of fragments.

Collecting Artifacts

Artifacts are items that you can create using fragments. Artifacts are divided into common and rare. When you collect an artifact of a certain race, that artifact will disappear from the list and a new one will appear. The quality of the new artifact depends on your luck. A high skill level allows you to explore better and more valuable artifacts, but it does not affect the chance of a rare artifact appearing in the list.

The best race for a new profession

In Cataclysm, the dwarf race is the best choice for the new profession. Dwarves receive a new racial ability, Explorer, which replaces Find Treasure. Dwarves will find additional fragments when looting archaeological finds and you can survey faster than normal archaeologists.

Using boost services

If you want to quickly level up your new profession in the game or need other assistance, you can use WoW Cataclysm boosting. WoW Cataclysm boost services provide players the opportunity to improve their gameplay and achievements with the help of professional players. For example, WoW Cataclysm carry services allow you to hire experienced players who will help you complete difficult dungeons and raids. WoW Cataclysm boosters provide support in leveling up characters and completing challenging tasks.

Conclusion

The new profession has diversified gameplay for some players. With hard work and patience, players will be able to obtain interesting rewards that will help them complete endgame content and also explore the vast world of WoW Cataclysm.