With the release of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, players now have an opportunity to enjoy a new pastime that is sure to please with the lure of lost treasure: Archeology! The introduction of this new secondary profession allows treasure hunters to travel around and survey the land to reap its rewards and discover some forgotten lore.

For those of you that haven’t gotten your feet wet yet in the quest for glory and epic loot, you will start off being trained in your new profession by speaking with someone that knows a bit more then you do and being trained in your new skill.  For alliance, head over to the enigmatic Harrison Jones located in Stormwind.  For Horde, speak to his punned nemesis, Belloc Brightblade, located in Orgrimmar. However, don’t fret if you aren’t currently in your new “main” home city- for there are trainers located in the other major cities too.

After receiving your training, players will have two new abilities, Survey and Archeology, which will guide you to the dig site locations on your trusty world map.  Using Survey at the dig site will allow you to find your precious fragments, so that you may discover their hidden treasures. Then using the Archeology icon will pop open the window needed to forge it all together!

GETTING YOUR HANDS DIRTY:

Now that you know a little bit more about this new profession, it’s time to head out and level your new skill and get to the good stuff- Finding loot! Here are the steps you will follow:

1. FIND YOUR DIGSITE:

There will always be four dig sites on each continent noted by shovel icons on your world map and circled on your smaller area map.  Treasure hunters are able to dig three times before the location will be raided of all its fragments.

A dig site will not despawn without having all three fragment locations found and looted. Spawning dig sites help keep traveling to a minimal as there is usually a dig site location that will spawn near the one you are currently in- or at least along a path to another. The great thing is that dig sites are player specific so you won’t have to fight others for your fragments! 

2. SURVEY AND COLLECT FRAGMENTS:

Fragments are what you collect in order to piece together artifacts, while the artifacts themselves will take a varied amount of fragments in order to complete.  At times, higher level archeologist may also discover keystones which can decrease the number of fragments needed to solve an artifact as well as allow you to be able to decipher ancient text found throughout the game that can bring even better rewards- such as special party buffs.

By hitting your Survey icon, you’ll place your archeology equipment on the ground.  Take note of the color of the light on the indicator apparatus, as this will tell you the estimated distance from the fragment, while the telescope points you in the direction of your dig site!

Survey Equipment Color:
• Green - Fragment is less than 100 yards
• Yellow - Fragment is within 100-300 yards
• Red - Fragment is greater than 300 yards

Once you reach your destination, hit your Survey button again to receive the elusive artifacts, or another set of gear will drop that will continue to guide you to your final destination!

3. SOLVE ARTIFACTS:

By looking under the different races within your archaeology window, you will see when you have unearthed enough fragments in order to piece them back together using the “Solve” button.  Each race will show you the current artifact piece you are trying to solve, as well as the bonus of the lore attached to it! After you put the fragments together you will be awarded that item.

REAP THE LOOT:

As you level and progress your new Archeology profession, you will find special treasures that will make others drool with envy.  Through perseverance you can earn special loot that includes unique items, mounts, pets, and even epic weapons that will help you along on your quest to slay Deathwing.  So, pick up your shovel now- your treasure awaits!