Can You Master Both Goblin and Gnomish Engineering in WoW?
The world of World of Warcraft offers a wealth of possibilities for crafting and character customization, and Engineering stands out as one of the most versatile professions. Within Engineering, players face a crucial choice: Gnomish Engineering or Goblin Engineering. But a question often arises: can you actually learn both? The direct answer is no, not simultaneously on a single character. However, there’s a workaround that allows you to experience the best of both worlds. Let’s explore the nuances of this exciting profession and how you can maximize your engineering potential.
Understanding the Specializations
Gnomish Engineering: The Whimsical Inventor
Gnomish engineering is known for its inventive and often unpredictable gadgets. It’s the specialization for those who appreciate the fun, quirky side of engineering. Expect to find an array of unique items, including:
- X-ray Specs: Allows you to see through some walls, a fun toy for exploration.
- World Enlarger: Temporarily increases your character’s size, a visually entertaining item.
- Shrink Ray: Temporarily shrinks enemies, leading to chaotic, amusing results.
- Gnomish Battle Chicken: A unique combat pet trinket that aids in battles, particularly popular in Classic WoW.
Gnomish engineering provides items that are more about fun, utility, and exploration. It is often described as the more “entertaining” of the two specializations.
Goblin Engineering: The Explosives Expert
Goblin engineering focuses on volatile and destructive items. It is a more combat-oriented specialization, offering tools that can be useful, though sometimes unpredictable. Some notable Goblin devices include:
- Various Bombs: A variety of explosive devices that can be deployed in combat, offering direct damage.
- Goblin Rocket Boots: A means of a quick short burst of speed, though they can be unreliable.
- Teleporters: While Gnomish Engineering has a teleporter, Goblin ones are often considered more reliable.
Goblin engineering is for players who prefer a more aggressive approach and appreciate the power of explosives.
The Method to Experience Both
While you cannot have both specializations active at the same time, you can indeed experience both by using a strategic method involving switching specializations. Here’s how it works:
- Level Engineering: First, level your general engineering skill to 200 (Artisan).
- Choose a Specialization: Choose either Gnomish or Goblin Engineering.
- Craft the Specialization Items: Learn and craft all the unique schematics provided by the first specialization you choose. For example, craft all the Gnomish items.
- Switch Specializations: Visit the location in Steamwheedle Port in Tanaris to change specializations by interacting with a specific book inside a hut.
- Learn the New Specialization: Once you switch, learn and craft the items of the new specialization. For example, after dropping Gnomish, learn Goblin and craft all of its items.
By using this approach, you can effectively learn all useful items from both specializations. It’s a commitment, but the reward is having access to both the fun gadgets and potent explosives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I switch between Gnomish and Goblin Engineering multiple times?
Yes, you can switch between specializations multiple times, by going to the book in Steamwheedle Port. There are no costs or cooldowns involved with the switching process. This allows you to adapt to what you need at any given time.
2. Is there a cost involved in switching specializations?
No, there is no cost involved in switching specializations. You just need to go to the book in Steamwheedle Port and change which one you want.
3. What level do I need to be to choose an Engineering specialization?
You typically need to reach an Engineering skill of 200 and be at least level 30 to learn a specialization. However, requirements can vary between versions of World of Warcraft (e.g., Classic vs Retail).
4. Which specialization is better for PvP?
For PvP, both specializations can offer advantages. Gnomish gadgets can be useful for utility, while Goblin bombs are a direct source of damage. The effectiveness often depends on personal playstyle and the situation. Many find the Goblin teleporters more practical for navigating combat situations.
5. Which specialization is better for PvE?
For PvE, many classic players preferred Gnomish Engineering due to items like the Gnomish Battle Chicken, which acts as a beneficial combat pet. Generally, Gnomish offers more utility, especially for melee DPS classes. However, some players may prefer Goblin’s explosive gadgets.
6. Where do I go to change my Engineering specialization in Classic?
In Classic WoW, you change specializations at a book in a hut just north of Steamwheedle Port in Tanaris.
7. Where do I learn Gnomish Engineering?
You first need to obtain Artisan Engineering which can be learnt in major cities. Then you can take a quest from Tinkerwiz in Ratchet to begin the Gnomish Engineering questline. You then will need to speak with Oglethorpe Obnoticus in Booty Bay and complete some quests for him. Alliance players can start their quest in a capital city with trainers.
8. Where do I learn Goblin Engineering?
You also first need to obtain Artisan Engineering. You can go directly to Steamwheedle Port and interact with the book without first doing the Gnomish quest line. Alliance players can find a trainer in a capital city to begin their quest.
9. Does Engineering pair well with Mining?
Yes, Engineering pairs extremely well with Mining. The majority of the materials used in Engineering recipes come from mining, making this a highly beneficial pairing.
10. What other professions could I use with Engineering?
Besides mining, Skinning can be helpful since some engineering recipes do use leather, although to a lesser extent than ores.
11. Can non-Engineers use items like the Gnomish Army Knife?
Yes, non-engineers can use the Gnomish Army Knife. It acts as several useful tools, including a [Gyromatic Micro-Adjustor], an [Arclight Spanner], [Flint and Tinder], a [Blacksmithing Hammer], a [Mining Pick], and a [Skinning Knife] making it a universally handy item.
12. Are there differences between the specializations in Dragonflight?
In Dragonflight, the general divide remains: Gnomish provides more fun, toy-like items, while Goblin leans towards more explosive options. However, both specializations continue to have unique advantages.
13. What are the most popular Engineering items?
Popular items often include Gnomish X-Ray Specs, the World Enlarger, Goblin Teleporters, and various bombs that Goblin Engineers can make. The most popular item varies based on player preferences and playstyle.
14. Are there any limitations on what I can do after switching specializations?
Once you switch specializations, you will lose the schematics from your previous specialization. You must then relearn new schematics if you wish to craft them from the new specialization. However, items that you have already crafted will remain yours, even if you change specializations.
15. Does the Gnomish Battle Chicken still summon a pet?
Yes, in Classic WoW, the Gnomish Battle Chicken still summons a pet, making it a desirable trinket for PvE. However, its impact and availability can vary in different versions of the game.
Conclusion
While you cannot master both Gnomish and Goblin Engineering on one character at the same time, by strategically switching between the two specializations, you can experience all the benefits of both. This allows you to have access to all the fun toys and explosive devices that Engineering has to offer. It is a time investment, but well worth the effort for those wanting to be a master engineer!