How to Get the Goblin Sapper Charge in World of Warcraft
The Goblin Sapper Charge is a classic, highly sought-after explosive item in World of Warcraft. It’s notorious for its powerful area-of-effect (AoE) damage, capable of decimating groups of enemies (and sometimes, unsuspecting allies!). However, this power comes at a price, as using a Goblin Sapper Charge also damages the caster. To get your hands on these volatile devices, you’ll need to dive into the world of Goblin Engineering. Here’s your complete guide to obtaining them.
Becoming a Goblin Engineer
The journey to crafting Goblin Sapper Charges begins with choosing the Goblin Engineering specialization. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Starting Your Engineering Journey
First, ensure your character has a minimum skill level of 205 in Engineering. This means you need to progress your general engineering skill before specializing. This is done by crafting various items from the Engineering profession.
The Goblin Engineering Questline
To become a Goblin Engineer you need to complete the following steps:
- Initiation: Begin by speaking with Tinkerwiz in Ratchet to pick up the initial quest to learn Goblin Engineering.
- The Pledge of Secrecy: Travel to Gadgetzan in Tanaris and seek out Nixx Sprocketspring. Accept the quest, “The Pledge of Secrecy,” from him.
- Completing the Pledge: In your inventory, right-click on Nixx’s Pledge of Secrecy to complete the quest. Upon completion, you will be a Goblin Engineer.
Important Note: Choosing the Goblin Engineering specialization is permanent. Once you complete the specialization quest, you cannot switch back to Gnomish Engineering without first unlearning your chosen path.
Crafting the Goblin Sapper Charge
Once you have become a Goblin Engineer, you are now able to craft a Goblin Sapper Charge. The recipe for this item is not something you find, but is taught by the Goblin Engineering trainers after you have completed the pledge quest.
To craft a Goblin Sapper Charge, you will need the following materials:
- 4 x Heavy Stone
- 2 x Mithril Bar
- 1 x Unstable Trigger
- 1 x Handful of Thorium Bolts
These materials can be obtained through mining, crafting, or purchasing from the Auction House.
The Risks and Rewards
It’s essential to understand the risks involved in using Goblin Sapper Charges:
- Damage to Caster: When a Goblin Sapper Charge detonates, it inflicts damage on everyone within its radius, including you. This self-damage is significant, and poor timing could mean your death.
- Area-of-Effect (AoE) Damage: The charge causes significant damage in a wide area, making it effective against groups of enemies, but also risky in close-quarters combat or around allies.
- Unpredictable: While they are very powerful, their potential for self-damage and friendly fire makes them risky and sometimes unpredictable.
Why Go Goblin?
The main draw of Goblin Engineering, especially for PvP, is the exclusive access to the Sapper Charge. Gnomish Engineering specializes in utility devices like the shrink ray, but it lacks the explosive power of the Sapper Charge. Because it’s exclusive to Goblin Engineers, non-engineers often have to buy them from others, often at inflated prices, making it a lucrative trade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is a Goblin Sapper Charge?
The Goblin Sapper Charge is a powerful bomb crafted by Goblin Engineers. It deals significant AoE damage to everything in its blast radius, including the user.
2. Where can I learn Goblin Engineering?
You can learn the specialization from Tinkerwiz in Ratchet and Nixx Sprocketspring in Gadgetzan.
3. Can I switch from Goblin Engineering to Gnomish Engineering?
Yes, but only after unlearning your current specialization. You can do this by speaking with the Engineering trainer for your faction: Roxxik (Horde) or Lilliam Sparkspindle (Alliance). After you unlearn the specialization you can start a new quest to pick either Gnomish or Goblin.
4. What is the difference between Gnomish and Goblin Engineering?
Gnomish Engineering focuses on utility devices (such as the shrink ray), while Goblin Engineering focuses on explosives (such as the Goblin Sapper Charge).
5. Do I need a specific level to become a Goblin Engineer?
Yes, you need to be at least level 30 and have an engineering skill of at least 200.
6. What materials are needed to craft a Goblin Sapper Charge?
You need 4 Heavy Stone, 2 Mithril Bar, 1 Unstable Trigger, and 1 Handful of Thorium Bolts.
7. Where do I find the materials for the Goblin Sapper Charge?
The materials can be found through mining, crafting, or by buying them from the Auction House.
8. Is there any risk in using a Goblin Sapper Charge?
Yes, the charge inflicts significant damage on anyone within its blast radius, including the user.
9. Why is Goblin Engineering considered better for PvP?
Because only Goblin Engineers can craft Goblin Sapper Charges, making them highly valuable for PvP engagements.
10. Can I be both a Goblin and Gnomish Engineer on the same character?
Yes, but not at the same time. You can switch between specializations by unlearning your current one and completing the required questlines.
11. Is Goblin mode related to Goblin Engineering?
No. Goblin mode is an unrelated, modern term describing a rejection of societal norms and indulging in personal comfort, that has nothing to do with the World of Warcraft skill.
12. Where is Lilliam Sparkspindle located?
Lilliam Sparkspindle is a gnome artisan engineering trainer located in the Dwarven District in Stormwind City and can also be found in other expansion areas.
13. Where is Roxxik located?
Roxxik is the Horde engineering trainer and is located in Orgrimmar.
14. Can Goblin Sapper Charges be used on friendly targets?
Yes, they are not target specific and will do damage to all units within range of the blast, friend or foe.
15. Is the Goblin Sapper Charge still worth crafting today?
The Goblin Sapper Charge is still a useful item in the game, though its risk-to-reward ratio needs to be considered. However, the charge is more useful in previous expansions, but still has its applications today.
By understanding the requirements and risks associated with Goblin Engineering and Goblin Sapper Charges, you can effectively add a powerful tool to your arsenal in World of Warcraft. Be sure to use the Sapper Charge with caution and strategy.