For the first time in 18 years,World of Warcraftis updating the icons for the major crafting and gathering professions. The brand-new icons will be implemented alongsideWorld of Warcraft: Dragonflight’s overhaul of the profession system.
WhenWorld of Warcraft: Dragonflightwas first announced, it confirmed big changes were coming to professions, including work orders, cosmetic equipment, and specializations. Now, it seemsWorld of Warcraft’sprofessions are also getting some shiny new icons as well.
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Each of the 11 primary professions, as well as two secondary ones, has received the new icons. While the old icons were drawn mostly from tooltip icons fromWarcraft 3, the new profession icons are gorgeous, simple, and unique to the professions themselves. The new icons will look excellent alongsideDragonflight’ssleek new user interface update.
Unfortunately, Archaeology–a gathering professionintroduced inWorld of Warcraft: Cataclysm–does not seem to have received a new icon. Likewise, the pseudo-professions Lockpicking, Riding, or Runeforging have not received new icons yet, though they could in the future.
Many fans are impressed with thenewWorld of Warcraftprofessionicons. While it may take a little bit to get used to them, the new icons are clear and obvious as to what they are supposed to be. Some of the old icons–especially for professions like Herbalism and Enchanting–were harder for newer players to recognize, while other professions shared their icons with other items and abilities. The new icons will ultimately provide more clarity forWorld of Warcraftplayers.
Of course, many players are disappointed Archaeology seems to have been left out of the new icon update. The lore-hunting profession has been gathering dust sinceBattle for Azeroth, and itwill not be featured inDragonflight, despite the explorative and archeological focus of the expansion. Considering the theme of the expansion, Archaeology could have provided awesome opportunities to dig up ancient dragon lore and acquire special items relevant to the Dragon Isles. Sadly,World of Warcrafthas already confirmed it had no plans for Archaeology in the immediate future.
That said, there is still plenty forWorld of Warcraftlore lovers to look forward to. In addition to the new expansion and its profession overhaul,World of Warcraftrecently announcedThe Dragonflight Codex, a new lore book that will explore the creatures, locations, and lore of the Dragon Isles in even more depth. Players can expectThe Dragonflight Codexto hit shelves on June 18, 2025.
