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All of the latest Mists of Pandaria news2012 World of Warcraft Arena Pass coming soon
by Mathew McCurley 
Apr 4th 2012 at 12:00PM
For those of you on the fence about whether to try out the Arena Pass, Blizzard is once again offering up Murkimus the Gladiator to any player who play and participate in some fights. The best of the best are awarded with the Vanquisher title, and players who sign up now will get access to a level 90 PvP realm for Mists of Pandaria PvP events coming when the expansion goes live.
Check out more information on the official World of Warcraft community site.
2012 PvP Arena Season coming soon
We're pleased to announce that the 2012 World of Warcraft Arena Pass is nearly here. Starting April 10, players will be able to sign up to compete against like-minded individuals in a dedicated Arena sandbox. The Arena Pass service will feature access to the special tournament realms with level-85 character templates and epic gear from Cataclysm.
As an added bonus, we have included an exclusive reward that players can earn by purchasing their Arena Pass and participating in the competition -- an Armored Murloc in-game pet. Top players will also contend for a chance to achieve the "Vanquisher" title for their live characters. Players that choose to take part in the 2012 Arena Pass will also receive access to a special level-90 realm with upgraded epic gear after they've upgraded their accounts with the upcoming Mists of Pandaria expansion.
If you would like to demonstrate your Arena prowess, are eager for a chance to earn the exclusive loot, or just want to reserve a spot in the level-90 Mists of Pandaria Arena Pass realm, please check back next week for more details and be sure to register!
As an added bonus, we have included an exclusive reward that players can earn by purchasing their Arena Pass and participating in the competition -- an Armored Murloc in-game pet. Top players will also contend for a chance to achieve the "Vanquisher" title for their live characters. Players that choose to take part in the 2012 Arena Pass will also receive access to a special level-90 realm with upgraded epic gear after they've upgraded their accounts with the upcoming Mists of Pandaria expansion.
If you would like to demonstrate your Arena prowess, are eager for a chance to earn the exclusive loot, or just want to reserve a spot in the level-90 Mists of Pandaria Arena Pass realm, please check back next week for more details and be sure to register!
It's open warfare between Alliance and Horde in Mists of Pandaria, World of Warcraft's next expansion. Jump into five new levels with new talents and class mechanics, try the new monk class, and create a pandaren character to ally with either Horde or Alliance. Look for expansion basics in our Mists FAQ, or dig into our spring press event coverage for more details!
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
Aaron Apr 4th 2012 2:57PM
Criticizing Blizzard is fine, as long as it adds to the discussion. Complaining doesn't move the conversation forward; research, facts, and reasonable suggestions do. If you're referring to the Annual Pass, what promise did they break? Except for a short rumored window at the beginning, the Annual Pass didn't promise you'd have access from day one of the beta. There's a lot of beta left, and I'm sure you'll get your chance.
Also, it's "renege". From Mid-Latin "renegere", to reject or deny something. It's the same root as "renegade", somebody who rejects allegiance to a given person or cause.
Noyou Apr 4th 2012 3:06PM
It depends on the negative comment. If it is just baseless whining done by someone who can't process information, then yeah, it will get downranked. If there are substantiated ideas then chances are someone might agree with you and vote you up.
Caliea Apr 4th 2012 1:47PM
Does anyone here have experience with the Arena Pass in past years?
I'm a fairly new arena-goer, and I'm wondering if I'll have any chance at all to just to try my hand if I join in. Or will I get a 2.0-second smack down that completely demoralizes me, every single time I queue?
Greg Apr 4th 2012 4:00PM
It is about the same as other arenas in regular WoW play, but this time, you get access to all the same gear as everyone else.
I've had about the same results in the tournament as I do on other realms. There are some teams that are easy to beat, and some that stomp us in seconds. If you don't think you are ready, play and become more proficient and standard arenas first, then pay for the arena pass, or wait till next year.
Bottom line, if you aren't enjoying regular arenas, the tournament doesn't offer anything different, in terms of game play.
Caliea Apr 4th 2012 4:41PM
Thanks Greg.
I'm enjoying arena - I'm just not particularly good at it :) I have a great partner (meaning: very very patient with me) and we're hovering around 1300-1400... depends on who we face as to how well we do :)
ChaseHammerJ Apr 4th 2012 1:49PM
Sigh, Im still only in the Lich King exp. Much less Cata and Mists. Sheesh.
Nyold Apr 4th 2012 1:51PM
Question: in order to get the pet, do you have to win? I'm not that good, but I'm willing to play several times (however many it's required) for a chance at the pet.
tgrhwke Apr 4th 2012 2:02PM
The only requirement to getting the pet, at least from previous years, is to compete in 100 battles regardless of win or lose.
Caliea Apr 4th 2012 2:21PM
Wait.... since they're opening up another realm with level 90 stuff after you buy the MoP upgrade, does that mean that this arena pass will still be active when MoP is released? O.o
hwacha Apr 4th 2012 3:58PM
Yes, I was still able to log into last year's realms a few weeks ago. It's absolutely barren, but still up.
tydygunn Apr 4th 2012 2:46PM
I wonder if April 10th is just a coincidence, or if they're trying to distract from Guild Wars 2's pre-purchase launching, and any other announcements that day, like a possible release date...
Aaron Apr 4th 2012 3:03PM
I consider myself a mediocre PvP'er, and I have no experience with Arenas. Would this be good way to get started? I like the idea of premades with decent gear, and I like the idea of working through the initial suckitude on a disposable anonymous toon.
Greg Apr 4th 2012 4:09PM
As long as you don't mind spending the $20 to get going, it is a pretty good way to get started. It definitely removes the gear-farming aspect of PvP. However, I think you will find your performance to be at about the same level as on a standard realm.
Since full Ruthless gear is available on standard realms for honor points and can be quickly farmed, I'd recommend going that route first. Seek out kind experts who will help you develop your game play. Stay open to tips. Queue constantly. Duel often. Don't be afraid to lose a fight.
Best of luck!
Kar On E Apr 4th 2012 6:08PM
@Greg
I'm actually quite surprised to read this. I would have imagined that anyone willing to pay $20 would at least have a vested interest in being competitive...and that the competition would thus be steeper and harder to beat.
Khamul Apr 4th 2012 8:56PM
I believe you get the title on all characters over a specific level. Wrath I believe it was over level 70, not sure if that holds with Cata or not. (( Didn't manage to find a third partner this last year so didn't enter. ))
The pet you get on every character. Even ones that you create past the tournament closing.