How to Be a Successful Engineer in World of Warcraft

Engineering is one of the most fun professions you can take! You can make pets, clothing, bombs, dynamite and all manner of other contraptions! However, due to material costs and lots of component construction, Engineering is also rather expensive and time-consuming to level. Not to worry, though, we've got some tips that will help you out!

Instructions

1. Take Mining! As one might expect, Engineering involves making things from metal. The simplest and most efficient way of supplying your Engineer with metal is to make them a Miner as well. As luck would have it, there is usually a Mining trainer within earshot of the Engineering trainer! How about that!

2. Buy a large bag as soon as you can. Ideally, you're looking for a Runecloth bag or equivalent (14+ slots). Engineering requires making lots of small components like Bolts, Modulators, Blasting Powder and the like. As such, you'll need to make and store large quantities of these to make bigger items. Having a 14-slot or larger bag right off the bat helps tremendously!

3. Crank out the small stuff! As mentioned, Engineering necessitates manufacturing a large number of basic components in order to build larger items. Always keep a steady stream of Blasting Powder, Modulators, Bolts and other small goodies handy.

4. Make yourself an Arclight Spanner. You will need this to build higher items. Like the Skinning Knife, Blacksmithing Hammer and Mining Pick, you'll want to keep it on you at all times. Just make one, that's all you need (unless you want to level your skill, in which case, make some and sell them).

5. Sell those Greens! Like all crafting professions, Green (uncommon) items sell better than white ones. If you're looking to make some cash early on and need a crafted item to sell, try the Rough Boomstick. It is easy to make and usually easy to sell (depending on your server economy).

6. Make your choice. At level 30 and Engineering skill 200, you will be faced with a choice of either Gnomish or Goblin engineering. Gnomish Engineering tends toward gadgets that make your life easier and enhance your abilities. Goblin Engineering leans more toward gear that makes things go boom: explosives, rifles and bombs. Neither one is clearly better than the other and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Be aware that once you choose a specialization, you CANNOT reverse your choice, not even if you unlearn Engineering and start from scratch!

7. Share the wealth! As an Engineer, you can craft several items that can be used by other characters: pets (like the Mechanical Squirrel), EZ-Throw Dynamite, rifles, scopes and ammunition. Selling these items may also help expose your goods to the non-engineer market.

8. Make friends with other Engineers, preferably those who took the opposite specialization you did. This will allow both of you the advantage of attaining high-level specialized Engineering gear at discount prices!

9. Keep an eye out for Fused Wiring. This is one of the most difficult Engineering items to get. It only drops off Mechanical mobs and (very occasionally) out of used Target Dummies. If you're lucky enough to find some, either use it sparingly or sell it. Because it is a pain to find, Fused Wiring almost always sells for a ton in the Auction House!

10. Be aware of the hazards. Some items you craft (explosives in particular) have a habit of blowing up in your face. This is part of the territory. If you cannot accept that, you may want to reconsider being an Engineer. Think of it as the ultimate slapstick moment! If you can stand your character walking away from a fight with hair blown back and covered in soot, then you are definitely Engineer material!