WoW Cataclysm Archaeology Guide (Level 1 – 525)

WoW Cataclysm Archaeology Guide (Level 1 - 525)

A new profession in Cataclysm Classic is archaeology. You can survey excavation sites like an archaeologist to gather fragments. These fragments are needed to solve artefacts that could grant you epic possessions, new pets, etc. Though generally simple, there are a few instances where WoW Cataclysm Archaeology can become a little complex in this line of work. Along with levelling up, you should do a few more things to obtain the fantastic new items and accomplishments available at higher skill levels and gain skill the quickest.

Your world map in the game will show you little shovel icons after you learn about archaeology, directing you to general locations where you can search for dig spots. Each continent will display four dig locations; the more continents you can reach, the better your skill level will be. The current level cap for this profession is 525.  In this guide, we will elaborate how you can level up Cataclysm Archaeology profession more efficiently.

Best Levelling Locations for Archaeology

Knowing the best location for digging operations to garner more rare relics is a good practice for levelling up the Archaeology profession. Eastern Kingdoms is the finest continent on which you can level up. This is because, compared to Kalimdor, Eastern Kingdoms are smaller and typically have dig sites closer to one another.

  • At level 300, you can access Outland dig sites containing Draenei and Orc relics.
  • Northrend dig sites for artefacts from the Nerubians can be accessed at level 375.
  • Uldum dig sites can be accessed at level 450 for artefacts from Tol’vir.

What are fragments?

The field of WoW Cataclysm archaeology in the game is centred on fragments. To eventually transform them into artefacts, players search for fragments. They come in several varieties, and before excavating them, you must advance to a certain degree in Archeology. Examples of fragment types include Draenei, Orc, Night Elf, Dwarf, Fossil, etc.

WoW Cataclysm Fossil Archaeology Fragment

How to interact with the Dig sites?

  • Locate the shovel icons on the map by opening it and zooming to the continent level. These indicate the open dig sites.
  • Every continent has four dig sites.
  • Dig sites are unique to each individual and cannot be taken from them.
  • Until you dig a site, it won’t disappear.
  • Each of the nine races of archaeology has a dig site. Which kind of keystones and fragments you receive depends on your race.
  • Click on the shovel icon for surveying.  It is included in your spellbook’s profession tab.  There will be a light-equipped telescope.
  • Check the light colour and the direction the telescope is pointed.
    – If it’s Red: this shows that the fragment is 80 yards away or can be more.
    – If it’s Yellow: this shows that the Archaeology Fragment is 40 to 80 yards away from you.
    – If it’s Green: The archaeology Fragment is less than 40 yards from you.
  • Once again, utilize Survey (shovel icon) while moving in the direction the telescope is looking. Continue until a new Archaeology fragment appears.
  • Now take all the fragments and after that the excavation site vanishes, and a new one becomes available to you.

What are Artefacts?

To unravel or solve the artefacts, you require fragments. The fragments you have discovered will be used to craft both common and uncommon items. You will be given a new artefact of that race each time you finish one of those races’ artefacts. Every artefact requires a maximum of three keystones and a set quantity of fragments.

Levelling up your Archaeology profession

In World of Warcraft Cataclysm Classic, you can level up Archaeology using the following strategies:

  • Digging up a fragment earns you one point.
  • Five points for resolving a fairly common Artefact.
  • 15 points for figuring out a unique artefact.

Level up from 1-100

Every time you Survey a dig site, you will advance your skill for levels 1 through 100. Save solving your artefact for higher levels; don’t solve any on levels 1 through 100.

Level up from 100-300

Now that you are at level 100, use the artifacts you have saved. Given that Eastern Kingdoms are smaller than Kalimdor and that the spawn sites appear to be closer to one another, try digging there.

Level up from 300-375

Now that you’re at level 300, the Survey is now available in Outlands. Try digging up artefacts from the Draenei and Orcs.

Level up from 375-450

Dig sites in Northrend will become visible at 375. You can now dig up Nerubian and Vrykul Artifacts.

Level up from 450-525

Uldum is now the place to dig artefacts from Tol’Vir.  The continent of Kalimdor is shared by the Uldum dig sites. Thus, in order to dig in Uldum, you will need to dig all around Kalimdor.

WoW Cataclysm Archaeology Level Up

How to solve artefacts?

Once you have enough fragments, you can use them to solve an artefact puzzle and get a random artefact that belongs to that particular race.

What are keystones?

Your artifact gathering speed is significantly accelerated by keystones. Every keystone you find functions as twelve fragments of the same kind.  Only one to three keystones can be accommodated by each artefact. However, fragment collection is still essential to the completion of artefacts.

Conclusion

Reaching levels 1 through 525, playing the WoW Cataclysm Archaeology will open up many undiscovered benefits. From locating and evaluating dig sites to interpreting artefact fragments, this guide ensures you get the most out of your journey. As your skills grow, you’ll get access to uncommon and rare relics and be able to use specialized equipment to further level up your profession. Don’t forget to purchase WOW Cataclysm Classic Gold from U7BUY for a smoother gameplay experience as archaeologist.