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All of the latest Mists of Pandaria newsBreakfast Topic: What's your weapon of choice?
by Adam Holisky 
Jan 30th 2009 at 8:00AM
One of the nice things about WoW is that it allows you a variety of choices for your character. You really aren't pigeon holed into one thing or another. There are some cases in the upper echelons of the game and theory crafting where one weapon or armor choice becomes superior – but that's only if you want to take the game to such a level.
And even then, min-maxing to that extent isn't really necessary to be successful in raiding anymore.
I've come across this in my play recently. My weapon of choice (and hence the forever awesome Christopher Walken music video attached to this article).
As a Shaman I have a choice of various slow 1H weapons, giving a variety of different stats that I'd like to have. When entering the starting zones of Wrath I can pretty much find any combination that I want to fit my needs. As a protection Warrior I've found the same thing, even at times finding it more advantageous to use a DPS based weapon over a Def based weapon.
For the Shaman (which I need to point out is just my favorite alt at the moment) my weapon of choice has shifted away from slow maces to whatever sexy fist weapon I can pick up. The DPS output is roughly the same, if not better in some cases, and I just like the way it looks.
Yes, I said it. And I'll take the beating that's about to begin.
Everything else being equal, I based my alt's weapon decision on looks.
Now looks aren't the only thing – my weapons have to perform. They do. Wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am. A 2.60 speed fist weapon goes down to about a 1.50 speed when all my haste buffs are up. Nothing crits a face off like that.
So I ask myself, what's the fun in swinging around maces to do the job when I can annihilate everything with old fashioned fisticuffs?
The choice is clear, a green fist weapon is my weapon of choice.
An alternative title to this article was going to be "Do you base your alt's gear off looks?" But then I wouldn't be able to use the awesome video shown above. Wait, is that the second time I've mentioned it's awesome? Because it totally is.
Filed under: Items, Breakfast Topics
Reader Comments (Page 4 of 4)
Frank Jan 30th 2009 11:00AM
my weapon of choice is the giant orbs of flame i toss from my hands.
Jim A Jan 30th 2009 11:05AM
On my Shammy -- Calamity's Grasp... It just looks painful and then when you add a Berzerking enchant... with the blood dripping... OMG... I just occasionally look at my toon for a few minutes to admire it. Kudo's to Blizz on this one :)
Shade Jan 30th 2009 11:14AM
Indeed. ROFLCOPTER PUNCH!
chaos spawn Jan 30th 2009 11:07AM
I still love the Greatsword of Horrid Dreams for my mage. Take that Titan's Grip.
Irshalthra Jan 30th 2009 11:10AM
I agree fist weapons look COOL! I do feel pick my weapon by stats, but when I get a nice fist weapon - currently in my shammies OH - I love it.
Great Vid - Great music.
Kar On E Jan 30th 2009 11:21AM
*loves that video...a lot*
Matrim Jan 30th 2009 11:45AM
Completely random comment without reading any of the discussion previous:
"Rogues may do it from behind, but shaman fist"
Lemons Jan 30th 2009 11:50AM
On my rogue I only use daggers. from the day he was created he used daggers, he used daggers in TBC even when swords were so dominant, and he uses daggers in Wotlk.
Hell, the only reason I raid now is because daggers are finally viable for PVE. Also, I hate combat spec, and I will never spec combat. A rogue with swords or maces or even fist weapons reminds me of a warrior, and warriors remind me of "special" children. I even have epic swords in my bank...they will probably be disenchanted soon.
Wrabbit Jan 30th 2009 12:17PM
Well, I play a Shaman and one thing I think we're missing in the game as far as choice goes are axes with spellpower and caster stats. I dunno, with a shield and a mace I just feel like a cheap pally. Or, I could use a staff and that'd be even worse.. Spellpower axes would be unique to Shaman and really give them their own identity as far as looks go.
Tenko Jan 30th 2009 12:30PM
God Yeah,
My Paly has 1 skill in maces, axes and polearms. I just won't use anything other than a sword :)
Not so bad as I'm always Prot specced but it would still be the same evenif i wasn't, so sad.
Plus if a piece of gear is particularly ugly it won't be worn. Thankfully the worse offenders are always helms which I can switch off.
Molloch Jan 30th 2009 12:51PM
Right now I'm kind of enthralled by the pair of weapons my rogue is using, because it makes him look like Voltron. Seriously, equip Greed (or Pride, if you're a shaman) and TRY not to feel like a giant robot. Hell, with his off-hand sword enchanted I can even make the "Form blazing sword!" cracks, much to the dismay of everyone. It also makes me happy that both of my weapons have mouths (especially the Hatestrike, with it's OM NOM NOM NOM animation).
I would seriously love to mainhand a fish, but in the meantime will have to satiate myself with off-handing the fish while mainhanding the Brewfest stein as I run around raids naked.
Drow Jan 30th 2009 2:56PM
I just don't get it...all weapons/armor on my main and my alt are the best available to me at that time that i can aquire. No matter it's raiding Malygos25 each week waiting for Black Ice, or having my alt level up on the dungeons that drop what I need or grinding the rep for that one item to last me the next level and will someday replace or that helm enchant. It doesn't matter what my toon looks like. If I want to play dress up, I'll put on Brewfest clothes and run around Dalaran, not raid/lvl in it.
"There are some cases in the upper echelons of the game and theory crafting where one weapon or armor choice becomes superior – but that's only if you want to take the game to such a level." - That's why the casuals get all in a ruffle about the "hardcore elitist asshats" right there. The people that raid the easy end game content for the best gear to be ready for Ulduar then Icecrown (and whatever else comes) and want to have fun, get pointed at and make it sound like it's some crazy high level that no one can reach unless you quit your job and spend 80 hours a week on WoW. Granted, some people do that, but not very many. Most of us log on a few nights a week, just go into all the 25-mans and just run through them in a couple nights.
Ogrehoof Jan 30th 2009 3:03PM
Yup I'll use anything that looks cool over stats :)
...and yes that has to be one of the coolest videos ever!
Wraithanne Jan 30th 2009 3:38PM
I've always considered myself casual hardcore. I've always been a casual player but I'm skilled enough and lucky enough to be around people who do the higher-end content. While I like the aesthetics of some gear, and will keep it in my bags for looks, I will always go for the stats.
There are some truly godawful headpieces for casters in Wotlk(bring out the gimp, anyone?) but I still wear 'em cause I need the stats. I do implore Blizz to please, please, PLEASE give me some better looking hats.
Odolb Jan 30th 2009 4:58PM
WOW!! that is such an old video i cannot remeber the last time i watched maybe 2 years ago maybe 5 i'm not sure. lol but what i do remeber is making fun of it and laughing my butt off when i saw it.
toromei Jan 31st 2009 12:58AM
i, on the other hand, am eternally grateful that no matter what godawful, ostentatious gear my druid has, im able to shapeshift and take refuge in the understated beauty that is cat form...
seriously, wrath epics may suit you if youre a prissy elfkin, but that ornate, gothic shit looks hideous and out of place on a druid...