WoW Addons

After a six month break from the game, I re-activated my World of Warcraft account. The first thing I noticed after logging in was that all of my addons were out of date or broken.

Addons or "add-ons" are third party programs or interface modifications that interact with the WoW client. The vast majority of them change the user interface (UI) or add enhancements, such as statistics, to an already flashy environment. Nearly all mods/addons are likely safe for use and sanctioned by Blizzard, but it is important to check on their status from time to time to ensure that they have not been banned. As with any modification, these are all "use at your own risk". Some may cause odd environment behavior.

My current favorite is FuBar 2.0. FuBar is really a base modification that allows for a slew of smaller modules, or plugins, to be used with it. All of the plugins end in "..Fu", so you know they they'll work with FuBar. Some of the best plugins include LocationFu, BagFu, QuestFu, and RegenFu which help manage the game elements they are named after. For example, BagFu tells you how many total slots you have open out of your maximum available, and QuestFu adds real-time checking of quests you have in the area you are currently located in.

Another popular standard base is Titan Panel 3.1. With the standard install, Titan Panel shows your current XP stats (how much you're getting per hour, time to level, etc), a real time clock, bag information, a one-click all bag opener, group loot mode, and PVP honor stats. Just as with FuBar, Titan allows you to load dozens of plugins to enhance its basic features.

If you hope to make any money in WoW, you have to check out Auctioneer. The main draw to this addon is its ability to scan and track auctions in near real-time. Once a scan is completed, statistical data appears when mousing over items in your bank and inventory. Even if not using the auction extensions, the Informant tool shows where items are used. Did you ever wonder if that black pearl you found is worth keeping? Auctioneer will tell you what trade skills need it. The latest version also includes tools to post multiple items at once and compare all available statistics to compare what you want to sell with what is on the market.

Another essential is Gatherer. This one is absolutely awesome for any character that mines or gathers herbs. Gatherer will update your world map with nodes as you find them, and probabilities of what other elements were gained over time. This in itself is worth the download, however, if your guildmates also use the mod, you will receive updates from nodes they find, and vice versa! Over time, you could may have all your maps filled with nodes from your endeavors and your industrious guildmates!

Our growing World of Warcraft information page has these links and more to enhance your playing experience!