When choosing professions as a new player in World of Warcraft (WoW), you want to consider several factors: ease of leveling, potential for generating in-game currency (gold), and the generation of useful items for your character or for sale. WoW features two types of professions: primary and secondary. Each player can learn two primary professions, while secondary professions can be learned by all. Here are some suggestions on primary professions that can be beneficial for new players: 1. Gathering Professions: - **Mining:** Enables you to collect ores used in various crafting professions. Ores typically sell well on the Auction House as they are always in demand for Blacksmithing, Engineering, and Jewelcrafting. - **Herbalism:** Allows you to gather herbs that are utilized in Alchemy and Inscription. Just like ores, herbs are consistently needed and can be sold for a good amount of gold. - **Skinning:** Lets you skin hides from beasts, which Leatherworkers and sometimes Tailors can use. It's a steady way to make gold as skins and leathers are often in demand. Gathering professions are traditionally beneficial for new players since they provide materials that are always required in the game's economy and can be a steady source of income when sold on the Auction House. 2. Crafting Professions: - **Alchemy:** Allows the creation of potions, elixirs, and flasks, which are consistently in demand, especially by players involved in raiding and PvP. - **Enchanting:** Enables the player to disenchant unwanted gear into materials that can be used to enchant gear, another essential service for players looking to maximize their characters' power. - **Jewelcrafting:** You can craft rings, trinkets, and gems that are needed for weapon and armor slots. While more resource-intensive, it can be highly profitable, especially if paired with Mining. Crafting professions can be more time-consuming and expensive to level up, as they require resources that you either need to collect or purchase. However, they can be more rewarding in the long run when you craft high-demand items. 3. Secondary Professions: - **Cooking:** Useful for creating food that provides buffs, which is always needed for raiding and other end-game content. - **First Aid:** Less relevant in later expansions since self-healing abilities and spells from classes have reduced its necessity. - **Fishing:** Can be combined with Cooking, as many recipes require fish. It’s also a relaxing way to potentially catch valuable items. - **Archaeology:** Lets you uncover rare items and artifacts, though it isn't typically a big money-maker. When determining which professions to take, consider your playstyle. If you enjoy exploring the world and farming materials, gathering professions might be right for you. If you're interested in the markets and economies within WoW, crafting professions offer a deeper engagement with the Auction House. A popular combination for new players looking to make gold and useful items could be a gathering and a crafting profession that align, such as Mining and Blacksmithing, or Herbalism and Alchemy. This setup minimizes dependence on the Auction House for materials. Ultimately, the best professions are those that you will enjoy and invest time in. Professions in WoW are designed to complement each other, so whichever path you choose, there will be opportunities to make in-game currency and useful items. Remember that you can always change professions if you feel another would be more beneficial or enjoyable for your playstyle.