Working with other players in a guild has always made getting ahead easier, but Blizzard has decided to start rewarding players for collaborating. New guild achievements (received when a guild quests together or runs dungeons, raids, or arena play) are sold by guild vendors in capital cities. The rewards are exceptional, too, and include pets, mounts, gear, and recipes.

This makes it tougher, though, for folks who prefer to play solo. While guild perks are not crucial for success in the game, they can offer significant advantages, while individual achievements gained in solo play rarely come with such rewards.

Skill trainers have a great deal more to offer high-level players, including a higher terminal skill level (525) and a title of Illustrious Grand Master. While the essentials of using your professions remain the same, the updated interface makes it easier to track and understand your progress.