Preparing for Wrath Day 4: Addons for leveling
by Adam Holisky 
Nov 9th 2008 at 11:00PM
While many of us have an army of alts, it's probably been a while since we've leveled our mains. Our mains are the special character for us. The main is the character that we agonize over every stat and piece of gear. With that kind of dedication and interest, we want to be sure that leveling our main goes as smooth as possible. Even if you don't take care of your main to that extent, getting out into the world and leveling again can be somewhat of a transition.
One of the best ways to help with this transition is to make sure that you have all the necessary addons already configured properly before Wrath of the Lich King goes live this Thursday. While there are hundreds that you can choose from, only a few are going to really help you level quickly and like a pro.
Continue reading on after the break for a quick and efficient list of addons that are going to help you level.
One of the best ways to help with this transition is to make sure that you have all the necessary addons already configured properly before Wrath of the Lich King goes live this Thursday. While there are hundreds that you can choose from, only a few are going to really help you level quickly and like a pro.
Continue reading on after the break for a quick and efficient list of addons that are going to help you level.
Cartographer
Download from: Curse
The default world map is good, but it's not great. I like to be able to view coordinates and other important data. Also, I prefer it if my map does not have unexplored space on it. It just makes it easier to level and move around in areas I haven't been in before.
Cartographer is the premier addon for this. Cartographer does a lot, and it can be a memory hog if you have everything turned on. But at the same time if you just use its basic features you won't have to worry too much about memory and performance issues. You'll just be presented with beautiful and productive maps.
LightHeaded
Download from: WoWInterface
LightHeaded is my favorite mod in the world. It provides a listing of WoWHead comments and coordinates. The listing is attached right to the quest log in game, and makes leveling extremely simple. Combine LightHeaded with TomTom and moving around the world to quest destinations becomes as simple as following an arrow that appears on your screen.
The addon will be updated to Wrath data as soon as WoWHead pushes its data live. This should happen anytime, so I would pay very close attention to this mod in the next couple days.
QuestHelper
Download from: Curse - WoWInterface
QuestHelper also contains a database of quests, and it uses that database to help draw lines and directions on your map. These lines will show you the quickest way to complete your quests. QuestHelper also displays an arrow on the screen, much like TomTom, that directs you to the quest goals.
Overall I prefer LightHeaded because I like the finer amount of control over which quests are displayed – and I don't particularly enjoy my map being cluttered up with stuff. But I realize I may be alone and in the minority with my opinion. Several people I know love QuestHelper.
TomTom
Download from: WoWInterface
TomTom will display a arrow on your screen when you provide it with coordinates. That arrow will always direct you to those coordinates, just like a GPS does in your car. The TomTom arrow and those like it have changed the way many people quest and level. It is extremely useful and I suggest that you get it if you haven't already.
Stay tuned to WoW Insider all this week. We're going to have a few more posts in this preparation series, along with lots more new and information about Wrath of the Lich King. We'll also be rolling out a gigantic listing, complete with direct download links, for many of the popular addons for Wrath.
Author's Note: Yesterday Allison commented on an action shot of Arthas. In my opinion, a conversation between Jeff Kaplan and a Blood Elf clearly wins over a shot of some corrupted paladin's rump. After all, just look at that look Kaplan is giving the Blood Elf. Cree-py.
Are you ready for the challenges that await you in Northrend? WoW Insider has you covered with our 8-day guide to Preparing for Wrath. Also, check out our feature on AddOns new, old and outdated written especially with the expansion in mind.Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Add-Ons, Leveling, Wrath of the Lich King
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 7)
romiress Nov 9th 2008 11:08PM
Personally I suggest Carbonite... which more or less does all four of these in one. :)
Ryan Pierce Nov 9th 2008 11:45PM
Yeah I agree. Carbonite gets all these jobs done in one sweet package and it just keeps getting better. Kind of disappointed to not see it mentioned here...
diarx Nov 10th 2008 12:17AM
carbonite paid + lightheaded is possibly the best combo
lightheaded is still very useful for the few quests that carbonite misses (lightheaded coordinates are obviously useable as waypoints in carbonite).. it's also pretty handy for item use quests that aren't explained well by the blizzard quest log (ie. tldr)
the punks feature in carbonite is awesome for avoiding mid mob gankings whilst leveling and can often give you a chance to get out of combat/bandage/stealth etc. before engaging in world pvp
Gemski Nov 10th 2008 1:17AM
Carbonite isn't better because it includes so many features in one addon. If anything that is what is making it worse over time. They need to learn when to stop or make it modular.
Do not pay for this mod (which is a monthly fee btw). I did out of curiosity. The additional features aren't worth it. The customer service is really bad. The authentication mechanism is poor. Quest helper and light headed have more quest information. Compatibility with other mods is an issue.
naikrovek Nov 10th 2008 2:05AM
I agree - Carbonite is the best leveling mod ever. It works great, and if you want to level fast in Wrath or with a Death Knight... well just try it. It's not like you can't uninstall it if you wind up somehow disliking it.
blkmasta55555 Nov 10th 2008 3:10AM
I agree with Gemski in that the paid version isnt worth it, but the free one is excellent, particularly the map aspect. IMO, if you want a map you can get additional mods for, go cartographer, if you want a quick all-in-one map, get carbonite. The quest log type thing on carbonite is also good, but using lightheaded as well is still the best way to go.
Fabstar Nov 10th 2008 3:10PM
I like having the mods around in case I get stuck on a quest or forget where the quest giver / turn-in was located. Other than that the quests usually are straight forward, if you take the time to read it.
Btw, I heard something about key logger in questhelper... is it true? or are my friends blaming the wrong mod for getting their account key logged?
Kalerender Nov 9th 2008 11:13PM
People who level using questhelper/lightheaded etc need to be sent back to kindergarten.
Seriously, less bloody hand holding.
Saiforune Nov 9th 2008 11:18PM
I agree. Where's the fun in finding out stuff on your own?
I've leveled two characters and a lvl 64 Pally so far and I have not once needed to use any of the mentioned addons. I've did have to use WoWhead occasionally, but that's why I've searched the area five times and I can't remember where the darn lootable item is at.
Osi Nov 9th 2008 11:23PM
Umm .. grow up? Adults use tools that makes the job easier and quicker to do.
For you Kiddies who do not know what work is .. (Kalerender ..), The faster and more accurately you get your work done, the more time you have to enjoy things in life ...
But don't worry. You might figure that out once your old enough :)
DM7000 Nov 9th 2008 11:26PM
I agree to a point....I've leveld a good amount of characters but after a while it just gets old....I welcome the quest helpers. They make the process so much faster and a lot easier.
Wolly Nov 9th 2008 11:38PM
Not all people who use these addons are effectively retarded. There are 70 levels in WoW, soon to be 80. If people don't want to stand around wondering, "where's Mankriks wife?" for an hour then I would definitely say that Lightheaded is warranted.
All these addons do is give people quicker access to known information from other players. I use Lightheaded in conjunction with Tomtom myself, and they've done nothing more than enrich my playing experience. I don't use them for every quest, in fact the most I use them for is directions. They basically help you cut the fat and back to the game you like quicker.
But hey, if you've got the time to run to a quest area, kill a bunch of mobs, run back to turn it in only to find that you forgot to check the altar back at the quest area then by all means carry on.
theholyevil Nov 9th 2008 11:53PM
true i hate mods that basically play the game for you, carrot stick style.
on the other hand you have those quests that contain those "useful" quest notes....
"kill a monster, i don't know where he is, i don't know if you'll find what your looking for on that monster, but bring it to me....."
some mods i disapprove of, but at times when you just..... want.... to.... move.... on....... that's when i find myself switching on questhelper.
smcn Nov 10th 2008 1:11AM
I played in beta, finished nearly every zone (only got through half of Icecrown), read every quest, got immersed in the lore. I plan on using QuestHelper on live.
How would ye judge me, o' wise one?
Camaris Nov 10th 2008 5:21AM
I essentially agree with that, but only as far as mains go. For alts, I do use addons like this, because in that case I just want to level up as easily as possible.
But I'd never use addons like this for my first runs through Northrend.
alwaypwns Nov 10th 2008 6:54AM
Yep, I plan on turning off all of my addons for wrath except gatherer. IMO questhelper is nice for getting loremaster done, but when it comes to brand new quests in brand new zones ive never seen before, I would prefer to wander around lost for a few hours. The other day I was complaining to a guildee how I've been so many places in WoW that i can't get lost anymore... Nothing breaks the fun of a good quest chain faster than a big red arrow pointing somewhere saying 'Talk to mysterious rock' or 'Kill mob X for drop.' If I wanted to do nothing but wait for my character to travel somewhere, I would turn on questhelper, but if you want to have fun questing, you gotta explore it for yourself.
Balius Nov 10th 2008 7:01AM
I've never seen a reason to download any of these either. In almost all the quests in the game, the text itself is pretty explicit about where to go and what to do. In the rare event that it isn't, asking nicely in chat takes seconds and can usually find you an answer, someone to run you there, and maybe even a contact you can use in the future to help with those group quests. And if all that doesn't work and you're still in the dark, Alt-tab to WowHead.
Falcio Nov 10th 2008 8:07AM
You sound like the kind of person that their wife would hate on a roadtrip.
"Honey, we should've asked for directions at the gas station."
"Listen, I know exactly how to finish this. I don't need any directions."
"Daddy, Kate keeps pushing me."
"You started it!"
"WILL YOU TWO STOP IT? I'll turn this car back to Outland. I'm not afraid to! Then who'll get the epic loot? NOT YOU!"
Honestly, don't use the mod if you don't want to, but don't insult the people that do use it.=/
sephirah Nov 10th 2008 8:14AM
I bet you're one of those annoying people that in /trade
"Where is the X trainer?"
"Can someone link the mats for Y enchant?"
Disturbed Nov 10th 2008 8:17AM
it just goes to show you so many ppl cant remember squat. dont care to, dont want to. lazy.
my first time through im going to read the quests and try to figure them out myself. i will have to go to wowhead a few times if i get stuck, but lightheaded takes longer to read than it does to go to wowhead and read the page full screen with links to other pages available.
to all the ppl who agree with that but say they will use stuff like quest helper for their alts.... why? cant you remember where the quest objectives are? youve done them once? how can you forget? really!
i have an alt of every class at level 70. they got there before xp nerfs. they got to 60 before xp nerfs. i hate mods that are there to tell me where to go. we should know. plain and simple. these same ppl who dont know jack about quests are the ones who act elite when it comes to end game dungeons and class roles.
the only mod i like is a quest minion from uberquest so that i dont have to open my questlog every few minutes to see how many mobs or items i need to complete the quest.
cartographer was nice for the gathering and flight paths but latest version sucks.