World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth Will Retire Artifact Weapon Traits

The Mage's Tower open 24/7 to allow obtaining Artifact Weapon skins before expansion launches.

World of Warcraft’s next big expansion Battle for Azeroth is on the horizon. As is usually the case with such expansions, Blizzard Entertainment is looking to make some big changes. For instance, Artifact Weapon traits – introduced in the Legion expansion – will be phased out over time. In a new blog post, the developer explained the players’ Artifact Weapons will be used to “draw out the darkness from Sargeras’ sword and help stabilize Azeroth’s grievous wounds.”

It’s a long story but this will be part of the next expansion’s prologue. Artifact Weapons will become “destabilized” thus granting a temporary boost in power which will ramp up over time. When the pre-Battle for Azeroth patch arrives, Artifact Weapon traits will be disabled. While the weapons are still usable, Blizzard promises, “a new power waiting to be gained, if Magni has anything to say about it.”

Of course, that means unique Artifact Weapon skins can’t be earned after that. To help players who have yet to earn their skins, The Mage’s Tower in the Broken Shore will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Two Feats of Strength will also be retired – Ahead of the Curve: Argus the Unmaker and Cutting Edge: Argus the Unmaker – so better earn them quick.

World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth goes live on August 14th for PC. What are your thoughts on these changes? Let us know in the comments.

Blizzard EntertainmentpcWorld of WarcraftWorld of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth