Guide Navigation
- Getting Started with PTR
- Access and Initial Setup
- Key Resources and Locations
- Exploring the Searing Basin and the Testwerk Challenge
- Class Adjustments and New Features
- Conclusion
Development Update for Phase 4 PTR Season of Discovery: Fresh Runes and Class Adjustments
Welcome to the latest update from WowCarry on the ongoing advancements in WoW Classic, specifically focusing on the Season of Discovery Patch 1.15.3, also known as Phase 4, now available on the Public Test Realm (PTR). The PTR opened its doors on June 12th, 2024, offering a fresh battlefield for testing and refining the balance of the game, with sizable changes and additions waiting to be explored. In this post we'll detail how to engage with PTR, the available resources for testing, and the notable updates to classes and gameplay.
Getting Started with PTR
Access and Initial Setup
To delve into the PTR, players must select the WoW Classic Era PTR option from their game client. This launches a special realm under the "Seasonal" tab where all testing takes place. Once there, creating a new character automatically sets you up with a Level 60 character complete with gear, including the newly introduced Dungeon "Tier 0" and "Tier 0.5" sets.
Key Resources and Locations
In both Stormwind and Orgrimmar, PTR participants can find vendors providing basic testing necessities such as gear from the upgraded Sunken Temple raid. Additionally, the cities are fitted with target dummies positioned near their main gates, allowing for convenient testing of combat scenarios and spell efficacy.
Exploring the Searing Basin and the Testwerk Challenge
The test raid can be accessed by speaking with Gurgthock in the aforementioned cities, who teleports players to the Searing Basin. Here, players can challenge the raid boss Testwerk either solo or in a group of up to 20 members, making it a versatile testing ground for both individual and team-based strategies.
Class Adjustments and New Features
The ongoing PTR phase brings a plethora of class specific changes aimed at refining gameplay and balancing the capabilities of different classes. Below is a condensed summary of notable changes.
| Class | New Features | Adjustments |
| Druid | Improved Swipe, Tree of Life, Starfall | Modifications to Wild Growth and Rake, Gore proc chance increase |
| Hunter | Improved Volley, Resourcefulness, Hit and Run | Redesign of Heart of the Lion, introduction of Cobra Slayer |
| Mage | Arcane Barrage, Overheat, Frozen Orb | Temporaly Anomaly and Advanced Warding adjustments |
| Paladin | Shield of Righteousness, Vindicator, Righteous Vengeance | New rune Divine Light, adjustments to Infusion of Light and Aura Mastery |
The PTR also targets the exploration and possible reconfiguration of the defensive mechanisms for classic tanks, tailoring the defense skills to increase damage output in an innovative attempt to enhance gameplay dynamics.
Conclusion
The alterations and new features introduced in Phase 4 of WoW Classic's Season of Discovery offer a rich playground for players to test and provide feedback. WowCarry remains committed to keeping the community updated as Blizzard continues to refine these changes. Your feedback is invaluable and will determine the trajectory of future updates in the realm of WoW Classic.