WoW Patch 4.0.1

Patch 4.0.1 for World of Warcraft has to be one of the most game-changing patches in a long time. It remains to be seen if it draws more players into the game. So far, the players seem to be sparse because they are still figuring out the new system.

I had more than 30 addons that needed updating after I came back from a short trip, then I encountered the download and installation of the patch, which took about an hour. Paladin talents and skills have all been reworked to include a new dynamic called Holy Power. Some skills build up three tics of Holy Power similar to the Death Knights' runes, then they are expended using another skill. Crusader Strike is available at level 1 to provide another skill through the entire leveling process. Crusader Strike replaces the previous skill of judging Seal of Righteousness that provided some self-healing.

That is just the beginning of the changes. Blessing of Kings and Blessing of Might are the only blessings available, eliminating greater blessings, which is a real blessing. That awkward Pally Power is no longer needed. Pally Power is awkward because it is only useful for one character class, but left a ridiculous spot that had to be moved aside for all other classes. Even after I updated Pally Power, it now does not work correctly, so forget it. The programmers never provided a filtering mechanism to prevent its loading on other character classes. Totem Timers, for instance, loads only for Shamans. Rather than Pally Power, it is much better to use a utility like Healbot that can be used on any healing class, or any class for that matter, to serve as a reminder to refresh certain buffs.

All classes now have a new profession box, a new guild box, and a new talent mechanism.