World of Warcraft patch 5.0.4 implements Pandaria talent system, major class changes

Blizzard's massive 5.0.4 update for World of Warcraft hit servers today, bringing significant overhauls to the MMO's talent system and class design as a forerunner for Mists of Pandaria's release on September 25.

Well, yes, actually. A single right-click now scoops up all loot from nearby slain monsters, boosting leveling efficiency and severely diminishing the onset of sore kneecaps from stooping every two seconds.

Before your head spins in amazement like a well-timed Whirlwind, know that cross-realm zones also arrived to rescue underpopulated zones with round-the-clock player presence. If you're grouping up with said players, check out the two Scenarios -- expanded, more complex group quests -- available for each faction when they switch on a few weeks before the expansion's release.

We've scraped the surface of 5.0.4's significance, but as always, Blizzard provided the full patch notes for our perusal. A handy survival guide exists as well.

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Omri Petitte is a former PC Gamer associate editor and long-time freelance writer covering news and reviews. If you spot his name, it probably means you're reading about some kind of first-person shooter. Why yes, he would like to talk to you about Battlefield. Do you have a few days?