Of all the professions that one can take in World of Warcraft, Engineering is by far the most interesting and unique of them all. All other professions are both straightforward in what they aim to offer a player, and rather boring. Engineering, on the other hand, has always felt like it was the sum of every crazy, wacky idea conjured up by the developers.
Do you want green tinted goggles? Bombs? Rocket Boots? Engineering has you covered. Unfortunately, this profession is also one of the most expensive to level because one needs a variety of materials from other crafting professions. If this is your first profession and character in World of Warcraft: Classic, another choice may be far more sensible for the wallet. Otherwise, be prepared to be spending often at the Auction House for various components, or have a list of generous friends who do not mind helping out every so often.
What Exactly Is Engineering?
The profession is unique among all others in World of Warcraft. While Blacksmithing, Tailoring, Leatherworking, Alchemy, and Enchanting all produce items that can be in high demand to others at an Auction House, most of what is made within Engineering often requires the user to have the professions as a requisite for use.
This means that Engineering is a ton of fun, but it is highly focused on the single-player, as non-engineers can hardly benefit from most of what is made. As stated above, many items created are useful in a roundabout sort of way, but they can also comically backfire.
Mining Is A Must
At the very least, Mining should always be paired with Engineering because much of the crafting material needed will be metal. You will also need items that come from Tailoring and Blacksmithing, so be prepared to visit the AH or make some friends who are able to help you out in finding the various materials needed to progress in the profession.
Training
As with other professions, trainers can be found in the major cities and some smaller locations. Eventually, when one chooses in an Engineering specialization, they will need to travel to one specific place to continue learning.
The Alliance trainers can be found in the following locations:
- Bronk Guzzlegear is located at Steelgrill's Depot in Dun Morogh, just east of Kharanos.
- Deek Fizzlebizz is located at Stonewrought Dam in Loch Modan, on the western side.
- Sprite Jumpsprocket is located at the Dwarven District in Stormwind City, on the northwest side.
- Jemma Quikswitch is located at Tinker Town in Ironforge, inside of the Sprindspindle's Gadget building.
- Jenna Lemkenilli is located at Auberdine in Darkshore, on the north side outside of the large building.
- Lilliam Sparkspindle is located at the Dwarven District in Stormwind City, on the northwest side.
- Trixie Quikswitch is located at Tinker Town in Ironforge, inside of the Sprindspindle's Gadget building.
- Springspindle Fizzlegear is located at Tinker Town in Ironforge, inside of the Sprindspindle's Gadget building.
The Horde trainers can be located in the following places:
- Thund is located at the Valley of Honor in Orgrimmar, inside of the Nogg's Machine Shop building.
- Graham Van Talen is located at the Rogue Quarter in Undercity, near the Rogue trainers in the outer cloister.
- Mukdrak is located at Razor Hill in Durotar, near the north entrance.
- Nogg is located at the Valley of Honor in Orgrimmar, inside of the Nogg's Machine Shop building.
- Franklin Lloyd is located at the Rogue Quarter in Undercity, near the Rogue trainers in the outer cloister.
- Roxxik is located at the Valley of Honor in Orgrimmar, inside of the Nogg's Machine Shop building.
Gnomish Or Goblin Engineering?
Once a player reaches level 200 in Engineering and a character level of at least 30, they can choose to specialize in either Gnomish Engineering or Goblin Engineering. One of the most important points to note is that once this decision has been made, there is no way to change it without completely abandoning the profession and re-leveling back up to 200. Obviously, this requires some thought before a commitment is made.
Both specializations offer unique craftable items that are useful in their own ways. For the most part, Gnomish engineering is often more popular among the two because their items grant utility instead of only raw damage. For example, the Gnomish Mind Control Cap allows for the user to briefly take control of an opponent, assuming it works, while a Gnomish Net-o-Matic Projector snares an enemy in place. Both are fantastic in battlegrounds. There are also Bind on Equip (BoE) items that can be crafted and sold, though they often require the skill of Gnomish engineering, limiting your potential market.
Goblin Engineering meanwhile focuses far more on the “Boom!” Though there are also useful items that can help with mobility, and that is always welcome in the game, especially in battlegrounds later on. Ultimately, it may come down to personal preference, but since it cannot be changed easily, do not be hasty in your decision!
For a while after the launch of World of Warcraft: Classic, one should expect to see few high-level engineers around. Eventually, alts will be rolled with much deeper pockets to get into this money pit of a profession.
Still, if you are looking for the most creative and interesting of professions, Engineering is absolutely the way to go!