Background downloader enabled

Eyonix points out that the background downloader should provide a faster download than normal. Go into the preferences of the downloader and check "Don't throttle background download" to see the new speed in action. However, this option has often been known to interfere with WoW and other applications accessing the intertubes, so I recommend you only turn it on when you're not going to be doing a lot of online activity.
This does point to patch 3.3 coming soon. Whether or not that soon is next week is too early to tell, but usually Blizzard runs the background downloader for a couple of weeks before rolling out a patch. But who knows -- we haven't heard anything yet on (or off) the record.
Update: Many readers are reporting that the downloader is now active.
Patch 3.3 is the last major patch of Wrath of the Lich King. With the new Icecrown Citadel 5-man dungeons and 10/25-man raid arriving soon, patch 3.3 will deal the final blow to Arthas. WoW.com's Guide to Patch 3.3 will keep you updated with all the latest patch news.Filed under: Patches, News items






Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Sedna Nov 18th 2009 2:09PM
"other applications accessing the intertubes"
HahahaHAAAA.
Dalaran needs a "PLEASE DO NOT CLOG THE INTERTUBES" sign.
staffan.johansson Nov 18th 2009 2:10PM
As I recall, generally the patches are split into two or more parts in the Downloader. The first one will likely have the graphical stuff - there's still programming and tuning to do regarding ICC, but I'm pretty sure all the models are finished by now.
Spiraea Nov 18th 2009 2:10PM
*Hopes for next week*
I need the LFG System SO bad. Hardly anyone on my server is running anything besides whatever the daily heroic is and raids. Makes getting geared up to join in on the raids a real pain
Kylenne Nov 18th 2009 2:14PM
Amen to that. It seems like everyone's waiting for the patch to run stuff, at least on my server. :\
Clevins Nov 18th 2009 3:00PM
Won't be next week. Next week is Thanksgiving week in the US and there's no way they want to release a patch 2 days before a 4 day weekend and risk having to call people in over that weekend. Yeah, be nice for us to be able to play over the long weekend, but it would be the suck for morale there. Plus it's usually 2-3 weeks from the first download like this.
Spiraea Nov 18th 2009 3:13PM
I'm by no means expecting it for next week. I'm going for the December 1st date as well but it would be a lovely surprise if it were next week :)
Skonged Nov 18th 2009 5:45PM
An insider source at Blizzard has confirmed with us that the patch is launching next Tuesday.
(cutaia) Nov 18th 2009 2:12PM
Oh man...I need to finish those last couple Proof of Demise quests asap!
Darthregis Nov 18th 2009 2:15PM
Heh, I need AN and OK for that. But I haven't seen either of those in weeks! Los bastardos!
Jason Nov 18th 2009 2:50PM
On my server (Steamwheedle Cartel - US) we've been seeing the same 5 instances cycle through...often for 2-3 days of the same dungeon and then it'll switch. I'm sick of running Halls of Stone, Utegarde Keep, Trial of the Champion, Old Kingdom and Utegarde Pinnacle. I know one of my guildies needs Halls of Lightning for the Proof of Demise achievement.
nieboh Nov 18th 2009 11:06PM
Yeah, I've been logging in daily to look at the quest giver hoping against hope that it will finally be Gal'darah. Then I sigh mightily and go about my day, a little more disappointed and a little more anxious for the next day than before.
It is my sincere wish that, for the week before the patch kicks in, Archmage Lan'dalock would have all quests available. You can still only take one a day, but you could take whichever one you wanted. Pipe dream...
Skonged Nov 18th 2009 2:22PM
Ahh yeah. Just about to ding 80 and ready to be carried to a full set of tier 9! Woot!!
curtisrutland Nov 18th 2009 4:13PM
QQ moar, elitists. It's such a crying shame that Blizz wants everyone to be able to experience end game content rather than only the top 5%. Such a shame that the unwashed masses will be able to get their hands on gear that you got a few months ago.
Skonged Nov 18th 2009 5:37PM
I know right. My shinny new epic set I can rub in their faces as I top the meters. Every time I do I will be sure to remind them I just hit oh 5 days ago.
QQ MOAR!
curtisrutland Nov 18th 2009 6:07PM
You go right ahead and do that.
If you can top the charts in proper gear, that means that you actually know how to play your character. Which is usually the argument against having such an easy time getting gear, because the time you have to take to earn it teaches you how to play your character correctly. If you already know how to play, why should you care it took 5 days.
ZOMG OTHER PEOPLE DONT'T HAVE TO SPEND FOUR MONTHS GRINDING FOR GEAR.
RRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGEEEEEEEEE!
Nick Nov 22nd 2009 12:49PM
If someone gets the same kind of cake as you yours tastes bad. It's true.
Skonged Nov 25th 2009 9:38AM
I know right. My shinny new epic set I can rub in their faces as I top the meters. Every time I do I will be sure to remind them I just hit oh 5 days ago.
QQ MOAR!
Re-post to get the info outa the dark. ;p
wenmadrien Nov 26th 2009 9:09AM
I don't agree. I don't have as much time to play WoW as the lifeless slobs, but I think if I pay for the game, I should be experienceing the same content as those, who neglect all just to play WoW.
Clarick Nov 18th 2009 2:23PM
It won't be next week. They won't drop a patch in the middle of their new holiday. Pilgrims Bounty is next week and Blizzard is asking for trouble dropping a major content patch in the middle of that.
Dec 1st is my bet.
danawhitaker Nov 18th 2009 2:34PM
Actually, that sounds exactly like something Blizzard would do, especially during the week of the 5th anniversary of WoW as well. I'm really hoping so anyway, I have a 500g bet on it.