Patch 5.3 interview with Ghostcrawler
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All of the latest Mists of Pandaria newsPatch 4.3 preview: The all-new Darkmoon Faire
by Mathew McCurley 
Aug 25th 2011 at 1:00PM
This is a huge content update to the Darkmoon Faire. From the preview, this appears to be the Molten Front of the Darkmoon Faire, a huge, fun questing and game experience that involves fun toys, games, and more. Games include Whack-a-Gnoll, Tonk Battle Royale, the ominious-sounding Cannon, a ring toss game, a shooting gallery, and more to be announced. A new Gurubashi Arena-style free-for-all PVP arena called the Darkmoon Deathmatch will be introduced, as well.
One of the most interesting parts of the new Darkmoon Faire is that you will be able to gain experience, prize tickets, and skill points for your professions -- up to five skills points per profession per Faire week. If you've been struggling with those last few points in a profession or want to level up alts' professions without spending too much on the Auction House, the first week of each month at the Faire opens up some new options.
Finally, a new item called the Darkmoon Field Guide will allow players to collect Darkmoon Artifacts from everything from PVE to PVP content. The book also acts as a Darkmoon hearthstone, bringing you to the Faire when it's in town. Collecting artifacts seems that it will be the new way to grind out reputation with the Darkmoon Faire.
Once a month, this new Darkmoon Faire will make its appearance. Carnival barkers will open up portals to Darkmoon Island, and the Darkmoon outposts in Mulgore and Elwynn Forest will offer free rides to the new faire grounds. This update is huge, and patch 4.3 just got even bigger. Pretty exciting stuff is on the horizon.
The all-new Darkmoon Faire, coming in patch 4.3
Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Step right up and prepare to be amazed!
It's incredible! It's unbelievable! You'll be dazzled. You'll be amazed! You aren't prepared for the Darkmoon Faire, 'cause it's like nothing you've seen before! Don't be shy now, don't be bashful, step right up for a tantalizing glimpse of what we've got in store for you when patch 4.3 arrives!
That old thing?
No, no, no, Clem. The Darkmoon Faire isn't what it used to be and it isn't where it used to be. The management hasn't changed but the Faire certainly has. It's a whole new animal. Tickets? You don't need those old tickets, just rip 'em right up, 'cause we've got new tickets! Out with the old, in with the new -- new quests, that is! Things have changed 'round here: we've got an island all to ourselves now, and what an island it is. Mist-shrouded Darkmoon Island is a conundrum wrapped in an enigma. It's a place of mystery and wonder, and you wouldn't believe the deals we made to get it... or who we made 'em with. But never mind that, just follow me right through here and I'll show you what the Darkmoon Faire is all about.
All new! All spectacular!
Catch a show at the marvelous main stage or witness a dazzling fireworks display. But don't stare too long or you might miss the stunning spectacles that surround you. Gaze in awe of our magical menagerie, get your fortune told by the amazing Sayge, go on a pony ride, experience the healthful effects of carnival food, and more!
Of course, there's more to the Darkmoon Faire than just fantastic shows and culinary delights. You can still turn in your Darkmoon Cards, but you wouldn't just come here for measly ol' cards when there's so much more to see, experience, and win. Yes, win! You like dancing bears, right? Everybody likes dancing bears. Even bears like dancing bears. How about a dancing bear... you can ride!
That's not all! We have adorable companion pets includin' a fez-wearing monkey, a plethora of profession recipes, toys, balloons, souvenirs, delectable carnival snacks and beverages, heirlooms for the little ones, and even replicas of long-lost suits of armor that we're offering for your Transmogrification needs. You can also make your mark with new achievements and titles. All it takes to earn these fabulous rewards is a few Darkmoon Faire Prize Tickets and a good reputation with the carnies. How do ya get your grubby mitts on some tickets? I'm glad you asked!
Step right up! Try your luck! Everyone's a winner!
Have we got games? You bet we've got games, and they're so easy to play an orc could do it. Just head on over to the midway, buy some Darkmoon Game Tokens, and get ready to play. Easy to learn, difficult to master, anyone can play and everyone can win. Just lay your tokens down for a chance at winning Darkmoon Prize Tickets playing games like Whack-a-Gnoll, the Tonk Battle Royale, the Cannon, Ring Toss, the Shooting Gallery, and more! Five games are there to test your skills at any one time. The better you play, the easier it is to win a bucket of Darkmoon Faire Prize Tickets! Once a month, you've got a shot at tickets, and the fun never stops 'cause you can play as many times as you like. But that's not the only way to win big!
The Darkmoon Faire Field Guide
It's your passport to riches, my friend. Y'see, we need a few things -- just some junk, nothing valuable to a big hero like you. We call 'em Darkmoon Artifacts, and there's all different kinds to be found all over Azeroth. The Darkmoon Field Guide helps you discover artifacts while you're explorin' dungeons, slayin' monsters, and fightin' in Battlegrounds. Without a guide, you'd never notice 'em, and it'll help keep you focused on the stuff we want. Whether you just reached level 10, or you've crushed the biggest baddies in the land, we need somethin' from nearly everybody. You won't have to go too far out of your way to get 'em and each month you'll get a new opportunity to seek out an Artifact for us. What do you get out of the deal? Don't you worry, you'll get your cut. When you bring a Darkmoon Artifact back to us, you'll get valuable experience (it builds character, you know!), earn a better reputation, and possibly earn precious Darkmoon Faire Prize Tickets too!
Oh, did I mention that you can use the Field Guide to get to Darkmoon Island whenever the Darkmoon Faire's monthly extravaganza is up and running?
So, you want to work in show business?
Maybe you'd like a little peek behind the scenes, eh? Want to see what it takes to run the greatest show on Azeroth? Well, it's not all sunshine and cotton candy, my friend. There are beasts to heal, food to cook, and buildings to fix. If you're willing help keep the show going and put your skills to work, you'll not only impress us, but you can get experience, Darkmoon Prize Tickets, and even polish up your skills -- up to five skill points per profession, per Faire week, if you're good at what you do!
Darkmoon Deathmatch!
Like any good carnival, the Darkmoon Faire has a shady side. You can leave the skilled labor to the suckers and go for a faster score instead. If you've got the minerals, the Darkmoon Deathmatch offers an experience unparalleled since the Gurubashi Arena. Pitmaster Pei has a big old treasure chest just brimming with goodies and Darkmoon Faire Prize Tickets that he'll drag out into the Darkmoon Deathmatch Pit every three hours or so. Everybody wants it, so if you want a piece of the action you'll just have to jump in and prove that you're the toughest one in the Pit.
Oh, the Faire is perfectly safe, Clem. Just don't wander into the woods.
Now, now, don't panic. Darkmoon Isle might be a bit spooky, but except for the Deathmatch Pit, the Faire itself is completely safe, I guarantee it. It's a sanctuary even, and we won't let anybody's beef ruin the fun. The shadowy woods surroundin' the fair are another thing entirely, though. I wouldn't say that people have disappeared into those woods never to return, but, well... people disappear into those woods never to return. So watch your step , and your back, when you leave the Faire. Don't say I didn't warn ya!
Mark your calendar
Now that you know how amazing the new Darkmoon Faire is, you won't want to miss it. Just take a look at your in-game calendar, and the Darkmoon Faire dates will show up there on the first week of every month. Darkmoon Faire barkers and displays will also pop up in every capital city to herald the arrival of the Faire. Silas Darkmoon himself has even started up a mailer to make sure that no one misses out!
Hitch a ride
During the first week of each month, convenient Darkmoon Faire outposts with Darkmoon Portals will appear in Elwynn Forest and Mulgore, offering free rides to Darkmoon Island and the Faire!
Darkmoon Mages in capital cities and on Darkmoon Island will also be around to help you get between the Faire and various capital cities. There's no such thing as a free lunch, so naturally you're obliged to compensate them for their services.
The all new Darkmoon Faire is coming to Darkmoon Island in patch 4.3. Don't miss it!
It's incredible! It's unbelievable! You'll be dazzled. You'll be amazed! You aren't prepared for the Darkmoon Faire, 'cause it's like nothing you've seen before! Don't be shy now, don't be bashful, step right up for a tantalizing glimpse of what we've got in store for you when patch 4.3 arrives!
That old thing?
No, no, no, Clem. The Darkmoon Faire isn't what it used to be and it isn't where it used to be. The management hasn't changed but the Faire certainly has. It's a whole new animal. Tickets? You don't need those old tickets, just rip 'em right up, 'cause we've got new tickets! Out with the old, in with the new -- new quests, that is! Things have changed 'round here: we've got an island all to ourselves now, and what an island it is. Mist-shrouded Darkmoon Island is a conundrum wrapped in an enigma. It's a place of mystery and wonder, and you wouldn't believe the deals we made to get it... or who we made 'em with. But never mind that, just follow me right through here and I'll show you what the Darkmoon Faire is all about.
All new! All spectacular!
Catch a show at the marvelous main stage or witness a dazzling fireworks display. But don't stare too long or you might miss the stunning spectacles that surround you. Gaze in awe of our magical menagerie, get your fortune told by the amazing Sayge, go on a pony ride, experience the healthful effects of carnival food, and more!
Of course, there's more to the Darkmoon Faire than just fantastic shows and culinary delights. You can still turn in your Darkmoon Cards, but you wouldn't just come here for measly ol' cards when there's so much more to see, experience, and win. Yes, win! You like dancing bears, right? Everybody likes dancing bears. Even bears like dancing bears. How about a dancing bear... you can ride!
That's not all! We have adorable companion pets includin' a fez-wearing monkey, a plethora of profession recipes, toys, balloons, souvenirs, delectable carnival snacks and beverages, heirlooms for the little ones, and even replicas of long-lost suits of armor that we're offering for your Transmogrification needs. You can also make your mark with new achievements and titles. All it takes to earn these fabulous rewards is a few Darkmoon Faire Prize Tickets and a good reputation with the carnies. How do ya get your grubby mitts on some tickets? I'm glad you asked!
Step right up! Try your luck! Everyone's a winner!
Have we got games? You bet we've got games, and they're so easy to play an orc could do it. Just head on over to the midway, buy some Darkmoon Game Tokens, and get ready to play. Easy to learn, difficult to master, anyone can play and everyone can win. Just lay your tokens down for a chance at winning Darkmoon Prize Tickets playing games like Whack-a-Gnoll, the Tonk Battle Royale, the Cannon, Ring Toss, the Shooting Gallery, and more! Five games are there to test your skills at any one time. The better you play, the easier it is to win a bucket of Darkmoon Faire Prize Tickets! Once a month, you've got a shot at tickets, and the fun never stops 'cause you can play as many times as you like. But that's not the only way to win big!
The Darkmoon Faire Field Guide
It's your passport to riches, my friend. Y'see, we need a few things -- just some junk, nothing valuable to a big hero like you. We call 'em Darkmoon Artifacts, and there's all different kinds to be found all over Azeroth. The Darkmoon Field Guide helps you discover artifacts while you're explorin' dungeons, slayin' monsters, and fightin' in Battlegrounds. Without a guide, you'd never notice 'em, and it'll help keep you focused on the stuff we want. Whether you just reached level 10, or you've crushed the biggest baddies in the land, we need somethin' from nearly everybody. You won't have to go too far out of your way to get 'em and each month you'll get a new opportunity to seek out an Artifact for us. What do you get out of the deal? Don't you worry, you'll get your cut. When you bring a Darkmoon Artifact back to us, you'll get valuable experience (it builds character, you know!), earn a better reputation, and possibly earn precious Darkmoon Faire Prize Tickets too!
Oh, did I mention that you can use the Field Guide to get to Darkmoon Island whenever the Darkmoon Faire's monthly extravaganza is up and running?
So, you want to work in show business?
Maybe you'd like a little peek behind the scenes, eh? Want to see what it takes to run the greatest show on Azeroth? Well, it's not all sunshine and cotton candy, my friend. There are beasts to heal, food to cook, and buildings to fix. If you're willing help keep the show going and put your skills to work, you'll not only impress us, but you can get experience, Darkmoon Prize Tickets, and even polish up your skills -- up to five skill points per profession, per Faire week, if you're good at what you do!
Darkmoon Deathmatch!
Like any good carnival, the Darkmoon Faire has a shady side. You can leave the skilled labor to the suckers and go for a faster score instead. If you've got the minerals, the Darkmoon Deathmatch offers an experience unparalleled since the Gurubashi Arena. Pitmaster Pei has a big old treasure chest just brimming with goodies and Darkmoon Faire Prize Tickets that he'll drag out into the Darkmoon Deathmatch Pit every three hours or so. Everybody wants it, so if you want a piece of the action you'll just have to jump in and prove that you're the toughest one in the Pit.
Oh, the Faire is perfectly safe, Clem. Just don't wander into the woods.
Now, now, don't panic. Darkmoon Isle might be a bit spooky, but except for the Deathmatch Pit, the Faire itself is completely safe, I guarantee it. It's a sanctuary even, and we won't let anybody's beef ruin the fun. The shadowy woods surroundin' the fair are another thing entirely, though. I wouldn't say that people have disappeared into those woods never to return, but, well... people disappear into those woods never to return. So watch your step , and your back, when you leave the Faire. Don't say I didn't warn ya!
Mark your calendar
Now that you know how amazing the new Darkmoon Faire is, you won't want to miss it. Just take a look at your in-game calendar, and the Darkmoon Faire dates will show up there on the first week of every month. Darkmoon Faire barkers and displays will also pop up in every capital city to herald the arrival of the Faire. Silas Darkmoon himself has even started up a mailer to make sure that no one misses out!
Hitch a ride
During the first week of each month, convenient Darkmoon Faire outposts with Darkmoon Portals will appear in Elwynn Forest and Mulgore, offering free rides to Darkmoon Island and the Faire!
Darkmoon Mages in capital cities and on Darkmoon Island will also be around to help you get between the Faire and various capital cities. There's no such thing as a free lunch, so naturally you're obliged to compensate them for their services.
The all new Darkmoon Faire is coming to Darkmoon Island in patch 4.3. Don't miss it!
Brace yourselves for what could be some of most exciting updates to the game recently with patch 4.3. Look at what's ahead: new item storage options, cross-realm raiding, cosmetic armor skinning and your chance to battle the mighty Deathwing -- from astride his back! Filed under: News items, Cataclysm
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 11)
Hollow Leviathan Aug 25th 2011 1:00PM
Oh! I feel it. I feel the cosmos...also what Blizzard is getting at. So many people have criticized their plan for this expansion, but I think I figured it out.
They've already devoted so many man-hours this expansion to updating/awesome-ing obsolete or vestigial portions of the game, they decided to go full out and really give quality of life improvements 110%. Raiders might be ticked, but they'll be back in 5.0 if they even leave, and everyone else will have a better game for it.
This is a really smart long-term move by Blizz, and the admitted dip in players will probably pay for itself in the coming years.
omedon666 Aug 25th 2011 1:03PM
It's definitely felt like an "infrastructure" expansion, before they launch into something (hopefully) groundbreaking. I've had similar thoughts to yours, you're not alone.
Bellajtok Aug 25th 2011 1:34PM
I've definitely noticed a quality of life improvement. Especially when I do dungeons at a relaxed pace. Even the new tanking change falls under this, letting amateur and undergeared tanks do their job more easily, without feeling hassled. Which of course is quality of life improvement for everyone else who's waiting in queues. With in mind, I eagerly await the next expansion. The groundwork that blizzard has laid in this one should make the next even better.
Jaq Aug 25th 2011 1:00PM
Blizz, if you put the DK blue starter set here, I will love you forever.
squig_masta Aug 25th 2011 1:29PM
Screw that, I want the deathknight GREEN starter set! or at least the hood. Something about a huge armored guy with a hood on seems so bad ass.
Fletcher Aug 25th 2011 1:49PM
That hood is in fact the only bit of DK starter gear I kept on my DK! I ought to get to making a set to go with it, since I don't have the rest. It's too cool to just sit in my bank forever.
Jonisjalopy Aug 25th 2011 4:05PM
A lot of gear from Naxx was just a recolor for that set (the blue set). I remember my warrior having a pretty nice brown/red pallet swap of that for a while.
omedon666 Aug 25th 2011 1:01PM
"I wouldn't say that people have disappeared into those woods never to return, but, well... people disappear into those woods never to return."
I LoL'ed :)
Noyou Aug 25th 2011 2:48PM
"Mist-shrouded Darkmoon Island is a conundrum wrapped in an enigma. It's a place of mystery and wonder, and you wouldn't believe the deals we made to get it... or who we made 'em with."
Mists-Pandas. Anyone?
"Or who we made 'em with." Pandas? Will be interesting to see if maybe a pandaren NPC makes their way to the fair. 4.3 most likely won't roll out until after Blizzcon ;)
ravyncat Aug 25th 2011 4:09PM
The first thing I'm going to do once this goes live is to venture into those woods.
Because now I must. I want to know why they are so dangerous. XD
AudreyR Aug 25th 2011 5:06PM
Pandaren were the first thing that popped into my mind.
The name "Pei" practically confirms it.
Suzaku Aug 26th 2011 12:18AM
It certainly wouldn't be the first time they slipped hints at future content into an expansion.
They secretly included the RELEASE DATE for Cataclysm in their Operation Gnomeregan announcement.
digitalrogue Aug 26th 2011 9:24AM
http://us.media1.battle.net/cms/gallery/NMUQ18FOV2GO1314243346041.jpg
Those training/combat dummies look an awful lot like pandas to me.
digitalrogue Aug 26th 2011 9:30AM
Oh, apparently that is the Whack-A-Gnoll game.
Still, the heads more resemble pandas than gnolls.
Ata Aug 26th 2011 2:04PM
@NoYou
Ah, Im glad Im not the only one who saw that.
I have a feeling that this was intended to roll out with 5.1, but someone had the brilliant idea to have a vendor there to sell old gear for Mogging, so it was pushed forward for 4.3. If this was meant for 4.3 we likely would have heard of it with the rest of the Gamescom stuff, but with that fantastic idea to put the transmogrifying stuff there, it got moved up a little.
I will put real money on the bet that this is a hint that Mists of Pandaria is that long hoped for 'islands of WoW' expansion and we'll get Kul Tiras and other 'forgotten' places with that. That little 'Misty island' line really sealed the thought for me.
Of course I'll happily pay up if Im wrong!
Drack Aug 25th 2011 1:05PM
A fez-wearing monkey pet?
A fez-wearing monkey pet?!
A FEZ-WEARING MONKEY PET?!
SQUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
Oh... that...uh... that other stuff looks neat, too.
StClair Aug 25th 2011 1:11PM
will he have cymbals to bang together?
RuzGofDI Aug 25th 2011 1:13PM
The Doctor's a monkey now. Monkeys are cool.
Al Aug 25th 2011 2:57PM
Heh heh... Monkey.
Bellajtok Aug 25th 2011 4:00PM
"Coming in the next expansion: engineers will be able to make teleports again! Uniquely, this item will also function as an epic flying mount with room for TWO passengers! Known as the SIDRAT, or Situated In Death-Rated Anywhere Transport, this mount will work in fine engineering tradition, with random malfunctions such as falling out of the sky and accidentally sending the users to a Caverns of Time instance. These malfunctions will occur only about once per week, as we don't want to constantly interrupt travel. We aren't sure what form this will take yet, but we're thinking a red sphere or a yellow pyramid.