Patch 3.3 PTR: Meet Arcturis, the newest and coolest Spirit Beast
by Eddie Carrington 
Oct 31st 2009 at 4:00PM
I was listening in on the Twisted Nether Blogcast and heard Nibuca mention that the new Spirit Bear image we reported earlier this week had been identified. Sure enough, I head over to the one place I knew would have the answer, Mania's Arcania. Sure enough there it was, Mania had a long post giving all the details.
Mania's Arcania member safrienaer reported that they had found the new spirit beast on the PTR Patch 3.3 in Grizzly Hills, north of Amberpine Lodge. Along with some really cool screenshots, safrienaer went on to describe that at the moment Arcturis doesn't have any special sounds. However, Mania thinks, and I have to agree, that we'll probably see some polishing of the graphic with some special glowing effects and sounds before the completion of the testing of Patch 3.3 on the PTR.
On a final note, Mania noted that Jangalian did some research on Wikipedia and found that it seems our new Spirit Beast might be a reference to Arcturus Mengsk from StarCraft.
Anyways, I'm excited about the prospect of taming Arcturis. My only problem will be stable slots and having to pick a new Elvis related name that matches his personality.
(Edit: I owe Jangalian an apology for overlooking that she had originally provided Mania the information about the different possible references for Blizzard choosing Acturis as the name for this really cool Spirit Beast.)
Patch 3.3 is the last major patch of Wrath of the Lich King. With the new Icecrown Citadel 5-man dungeons and 10/25-man raid arriving soon, patch 3.3 will deal the final blow to the Arthas. WoW.com's Guide to Patch 3.3 will keep you updated with all the latest patch news.Filed under: Hunter, Patches, Analysis / Opinion, Odds and ends, News items, Wrath of the Lich King, Rumors
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Adam Oct 31st 2009 4:06PM
Now if Blizzard could just fix the BM spec so it's not a big pile of fail then we could actually use these awesome pets! My spirit beast has been sitting in my stable for months and months.
Lokasenna Oct 31st 2009 5:06PM
I believe BM's getting buffed a bit for 3.3, probably not enough to put it up with MM and Survival, but it should at least be viable.
Zdouse Oct 31st 2009 4:07PM
Spirit cat next pl0x. http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=11957
jealouspirate Oct 31st 2009 4:13PM
Spirit cat was the very first spirit beast
Arrowsmith Oct 31st 2009 4:14PM
http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=32517
http://www.wowhead.com/?npc=33776
There you go!
Zdouse Nov 4th 2009 12:36AM
I meant the model -.-
Stella Oct 31st 2009 4:12PM
Hunters need more stable slots.
NorthernMarches Oct 31st 2009 4:14PM
Here's the real reason they named it Arcturis:
The name of the star derives from Ancient Greek Arktouros/Αρκτοῦρος, and means "Guardian of the Bear". This is a reference to it being the brightest star in the constellation Boötes (of which it forms the left foot), which is next to the Greater and Lesser Bears, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. - Taken from the Wikipedia entry for "Arcturus"
In all likelihood, Blizzard referenced the star in the name of the Starcraft character. Just thought I'd share that, cause knowledge is power.
brigthedwarf Oct 31st 2009 7:01PM
Thanks for the tip! Honestly, I didn't realize that Blizzard ever came out and said they named Arcturus Mengsk after the constellation. We probably should keep that in mind for some future Blizzard related Jeopardy question or something.
And just to clarify a point. Mania does have several different uses that could have influenced Blizzard including the one you mentioned. I just found the tie between WoW and Starcraft almost too good not to mention. :)
Thanks again for the tip!
Llanwyllan Oct 31st 2009 7:03PM
both sound likely though, i wouldn't put it past blizz to do something like that, even if it happens to coincide with starcraft
Scomparsa Oct 31st 2009 7:16PM
Also probably a reference to Arcturus Mensk, a character from Starcraft.
Just a thought!
Mitawa Oct 31st 2009 7:16PM
In addition, the easiest way to find the star "Arcturus" in the night sky is to follow the tail of the Big Bear. (I.e.- Follow the three stars in the handle of the big dipper in the direction away from the bucket. 'Arc to Arcturus'.)
Arcturus is the third-brightest star in the sky, although it's a summer star and you'd have to go out right at sunset to find it right now or it'll be lost over the western horizon.
I work in an astronomy observatory. :)
TLDR: You find Arcturus by following the Bear.
James Nov 1st 2009 9:30AM
Exactly, doesn't anyone rememeber those nights out earning their Astronomy Merit badge? "Arc to Arcturus" If you follow the arc of the Handle on the little dipper, it points to Arcturus. And the Little Dipper is Ursa Minor.
Arturis Nov 1st 2009 12:21PM
And here I was telling myself that they named it after me, but had a minor spelling accident... ^_^
MusedMoose Oct 31st 2009 4:17PM
I dunno... I think I'd have to see it in motion to know just how cool it really does or doesn't look. I like the glowing fur along the back, but the bright blue teeth kind of ruin the effect for me.
Also, I'm not sure why some people think that the Beast Master spec isn't any good. I've been running my hunter with it the whole way, and I do just fine. Then again, my hunter just hit 73 today, so it's likely that I'm missing something - I don't know how it holds up in the endgame.
I still want to get Loque'nahak, though. *grin*
mattc013 Oct 31st 2009 5:34PM
BM is the best leveling spec but the worst raiding spec
Nicholas Tam Oct 31st 2009 4:32PM
An Elvis-related name? Is "Teddybear" not obvious enough?
Eddy Oct 31st 2009 7:59PM
Bluesuede.
RetPallyJil Oct 31st 2009 4:32PM
Elvis, eh?
How about Ijuswanabe
It IS a teddy bear, after all :P
Nick S Oct 31st 2009 4:39PM
I hope it's a tenacity pet. A Spirit-tenacity pet would be amazing!