How to Switch to Goblin Engineering in WotLK
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Switching to Goblin Engineering in World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Classic (WotLK) requires a specific process, and it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. Unlike modern WoW where specializations can be changed more freely, in WotLK Classic, your choice is much more permanent. The short answer is that you can’t simply “switch” from Gnomish Engineering to Goblin Engineering or vice versa without first unlearning your current specialization and relearning the profession from scratch. This involves more than a simple interface interaction.
Here’s the detailed step-by-step guide on how to make the switch:
- Unlearn Your Current Engineering Specialization:
- You’ll need to visit your faction’s Engineering trainer. For the Horde, this is Roxxik, and for the Alliance, it’s Lilliam Sparkspindle.
- Talk to them and select the gossip option to unlearn your specialization. Be warned, this doesn’t reset your general Engineering level, only your specialization.
- Unlearn Engineering:
- You’ll then need to unlearn the entire Engineering profession. Do this by selecting the option within the profession window. This step is important because it clears your existing skill to make sure that you start with a fresh slate.
- Relearn Engineering:
- You will need to return to any Engineering trainer and relearn Engineering.
- Reach an Engineering Skill of 200:
- You must level your Engineering skill back up to 200.
- Character Level Requirement:
- Ensure that your character is at least level 30.
- Begin the Goblin Engineering Questline:
- Head to Tinkerwiz in Ratchet, in the Barrens.
- Accept the Goblin Engineering quest from him.
- Travel to Gadgetzan in Tanaris.
- Speak with Nixx Sprocketspring and accept “The Pledge of Secrecy” quest.
- Complete the Pledge of Secrecy:
- Right-click the Nixx’s Pledge of Secrecy item in your inventory. This will complete the quest. Be certain that Goblin Engineering is the specialization you want, as it’s now permanent!
- Enjoy Goblin Engineering!
- You’re now a Goblin Engineer! You will now have access to the unique Goblin Engineering schematics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freely switch between Gnomish and Goblin Engineering in WotLK Classic?
No, you cannot freely switch between Gnomish and Goblin Engineering in WotLK Classic. Unlike in modern WoW, switching requires you to unlearn your existing specialization and the entire Engineering profession and then redo the levelling process up to skill level 200 and completing the required quests to choose your new specialization. The choice you make with either Goblin or Gnomish is permanent.
2. What are the differences between Gnomish and Goblin Engineering?
Gnomish Engineering focuses on utility devices and gadgets, such as teleporters, mind control helmets, and shrinking rays. Goblin Engineering emphasizes explosives and devices that can cause chaos, like sapper charges, rockets, and bombs. Gnomish is often favored for its utility, while Goblin is popular for PvP due to its powerful explosives.
3. What level do I need to be to choose an Engineering specialization?
You must be at least level 30 to choose either Gnomish or Goblin Engineering. You also need an Engineering skill of 200.
4. Where do I start the Goblin Engineering questline?
The Goblin Engineering questline begins with Tinkerwiz in Ratchet (Barrens). He will give you the quest to meet with Nixx Sprocketspring in Gadgetzan (Tanaris).
5. What is “The Pledge of Secrecy” quest?
“The Pledge of Secrecy” is the final quest in the Goblin Engineering specialization questline. You’ll pick it up from Nixx Sprocketspring in Gadgetzan. Right-clicking the quest item in your inventory completes the quest and locks in your choice of Goblin Engineering.
6. Does unlearning my specialization reset my Engineering skill level?
No, unlearning your specialization does not reset your overall Engineering skill level. However, unlearning the entire profession does remove any skill points you have achieved. You will have to level your profession skill back up after you have unlearned it.
7. Can I make Sapper Charges as a Gnomish Engineer?
No, only Goblin Engineers can make Goblin Sapper Charges. This is one of the primary reasons why Goblin Engineering is popular for PvP.
8. Where can I learn Goblin Engineering schematics?
You can learn Goblin Engineering schematics from the Goblin Engineering trainers found in various locations, primarily in Gadgetzan. Specific recipes are also learned from vendor trainers all throughout the world.
9. Can non-Engineers use tinkers?
Yes, non-Engineers can use tinkers if they have the required slots. Typically, this is achieved by wearing Engineering-made bracers which create additional slots for tinkers. Helmets with tinkers, however, require the user to have the Engineering profession.
10. What are the best Engineering specializations for PvP?
Generally, Goblin Engineering is considered superior for PvP due to its access to potent explosives like Sapper Charges and bombs. The ability to deal significant burst damage is highly valued in PvP encounters.
11. What are the best Engineering specializations for PvE?
Both specializations are useful for PvE and provide different benefits. Gnomish Engineering can provide utility through devices and gadgets. Goblin Engineering can be useful for DPS builds with their additional explosives.
12. Is Engineering considered a good profession in WotLK Classic?
Yes, Engineering is considered one of the best professions in WotLK due to the tinkers it provides. These tinkers can add powerful stat increases and other effects to your gear, making them incredibly valuable in both PvP and PvE.
13. Can I have both Gnomish and Goblin Engineering recipes at the same time?
No, you can only access the recipes unique to either Gnomish or Goblin Engineering, never both at once. Your choice is permanent once you’ve completed “The Pledge of Secrecy.”
14. Is it worth it to switch to Goblin Engineering late in the game?
Switching to Goblin Engineering late in the game depends on your goals. If you plan to seriously PvP or want access to the exclusive explosives for PvE, it can be worth the investment of time. However, consider if you need to level engineering from scratch and if your character has sufficient funds for this expensive endeavor.
15. What materials do I need to level Engineering to 200 for the specialization?
To level to 200, you will need various materials such as: Copper bars, Tin bars, Bronze bars, Silver bars, Iron bars, Steel bars, Gold bars, Mithril bars, and Truesilver bars. You will need to refer to an Engineering guide to see what exact items you will be crafting and which materials are needed for said items. The Auction House is a great tool for those who do not wish to farm for the resources.