Wow classic blacksmithing guide

Blacksmithing is one of the most essential crafting professions in World of Warcraft Classic for melee classes, particularly Warriors and Paladins. It allows players to forge powerful weapons and armor, making it a valuable skill throughout the leveling journey and into endgame content. Whether you're aiming to equip yourself or make gold at the Auction House, mastering blacksmithing is a rewarding pursuit.

If you're ready to begin your journey as a blacksmith, be sure to check out the complete WoW Classic Blacksmithing guide for step-by-step instructions and materials lists.

Why Choose Blacksmithing?

Blacksmithing pairs perfectly with the Mining profession, as many crafted items require large quantities of ore and stone. The profession features two specializations - Armorsmithing and Weaponsmithing - each of which allows players to create unique and powerful gear. Choosing the right path can provide a significant advantage in both PvP and PvE environments.

Best Classes for Blacksmithing

  1. Warriors - Tank and DPS options benefit from crafted plate armor and strong weapons.
  2. Paladins - Particularly useful for Protection and Retribution specs.
  3. Shamans (if you’re Horde) - Enhance gear with added stats and utility.

Leveling Blacksmithing: 1-300

To efficiently level Blacksmithing to 300, you’ll need a lot of materials, most of which can be gathered through Mining. Below are the different stages of training and recommended items to craft.

Apprentice to Journeyman (1-75)

Start by visiting a Blacksmithing trainer and crafting easy items like Rough Sharpening Stones and Copper Bracers. This phase mainly teaches the basics and uses easily obtained materials from starting zones.

Journeyman to Expert (75-150)

Begin crafting Bronze gear and Medium Sharpening Stones. Progress to Heavy Grinding Stones as you approach 150. This phase will take you through lower mid-tier items and introduce items that serve minor utility for you or others.

Expert to Artisan (150-225)

This stage includes crafting items like Heavy Mithril Gauntlets or Iron Counterweights. You’ll need to visit an Expert Trainer, typically located in major cities. Mithril becomes the key resource, and making stockpiles ahead of time can accelerate progress.

Artisan to 300 (225-300)

You’ll need to visit a special trainer to reach Artisan level, such as in Gadgetzan or Everlook. Some recommended recipes during this phase include Thorium Helm and Thorium Belt. Blacksmithing now becomes significantly more resource-heavy, favoring players who have invested in Mining or have access to a guild supply.

Blacksmithing Specializations

At level 200 skill and character level 40, you can choose a specialization: Armorsmith or Weaponsmith. This is a permanent choice, so pick wisely.

Armorsmith

Armorsmiths learn to craft powerful late-game armor sets like the Imperial Plate set. This path is useful for tanks and characters looking to enhance their survivability in dungeons or raids.

Weaponsmith

Weaponsmiths can select sub-specialties: Swordsmith, Axesmith, or Hammersmith. Each allows crafting powerful weapons such as the Arcanite Reaper or Dawn's Edge - weapons that are highly desirable for PvP and PvE alike.

Changing Specializations

Changing specialization is possible but requires you to unlearn the current one and start over. It's a costly and time-consuming process, so take time to decide which best suits your class and goals.

Blacksmithing Tips and Tricks

  1. Pair with Mining: Mining dramatically reduces the cost of leveling Blacksmithing by providing your own materials.
  2. Use the Auction House: Keep an eye out for underpriced ores or bars to save gold.
  3. Coordinate with your guild: Share rare recipes and materials to maximize efficiency and avoid overlaps.

Conclusion

Blacksmithing in WoW Classic is a time-intensive but rewarding profession, especially for melee classes. Whether you're forging your own gear or selling crafted items to others, investing in this profession adds long-term value and power to your character. It becomes even more exciting when you specialize in arms or armor tailored to your playstyle. Don't forget to refer to the full WoW Classic Blacksmithing guide to optimize your leveling process and choose the right path.