Dual (singular) fun

After re-activating my second account, I started thinking on ways to take the best out of my monthly money’s worth, and start a couple of new alts to dual-box. It’s the first time I’ve tried to dual box on World of Warcraft, and let me tell you, it poses some interesting challenges!

two clients versus two machines

Two heads are better then one, same goes for the machines.

Both my laptop and my desktop handle Wow very well, even with low latency on both machines. Having the “extra” monitor to check my surroundings and to better control the 2nd character is very handy.

2x keyboards and 2x mice isn’t such a thrill. I’ve looked around for software to enable me to use just one set of controllers. Synergy and Keyclone we’re among the top searches. Synergy acts has a KVM software switcher, thus requiring two machines rather then 2 clients. Keyclone is a key-press repeater to all selected windows, Can be used with two clients or with two machines (provided that you buy a 2nd key for the second machine)

Of these two options, Keyclone is by far the best. Even considering it’s price tag, if you’re looking for a two client solution, it’s your best choice.

Class choices

I’m “Dualing” (that means two) so what are my best choices and why? (1st/2nd)

• Warlock / Priest

Possibly the best comp for Pve and Future farming characters. They both deal Shadow damage, with a couple talents to make better use of it. One character heals, while the other tanks. Soul-freakin-stone! Crowd-Control galore. Healing options from the warlock side

• Mage / Priest

With no tank, this comp would have to deal massive damage in short periods of time. Again a good degree of CC options. Consumables for free, reducing the mana shortage down time. Going Frost will help keep fights under control.

• Druid / Shaman

I’ve tried this last night! Let me just tell you, this is crazy! Cross healing available, the totem buffs, mail armor healer and “Tank with your face” attitude. it’s just full of Win. Downside could be the speed reduction while leveling. So far it’s most the same on my test, but on higher levels  it can be a problem.

• Rogue / Druid

Having a Rogue for a tank can be a dangerous idea, but provided keyclone is working properly, the 2nd character druid will have no problems keeping Heals-over-Time on the main, and still have mobility to provide off-tanking (???), some damage and even crowd-control.

• Hunter / Priest

Same has Warlock / Priest comp. but with a twist! No shadow enhancement from the warlock, but the hunter can heal (more efficiently) his pet versus the warlock, Quick action crowd-control and sustained damage

• Warrior / Druid

Not much to discuss, best survivability, worse leveling time is my bet. Tank and spank 99%  of the time.

• Warrior / Shaman

Same has above, not so high on surviving but still very good.

All comps, are “same race” possibility’s witch makes leveling easier from the start. The test I made on Druid/Shaman were, if nothing else, hilarious and I had a good feel about the duet of healing, I’m looking forward to trying out the Warlock / Priest.

Add-Ons

Installed and updated (kinda) Dual-box toolkit. The icing on the cake, whispers are forwarded to the main character, and follow action can be reset without having to Alt-Tab (or switch). coupled with another set of Crafting add-ons, there’s an eminent tradesman user interface coming up.

Professions

The best choice, regardless of the classes used, would be to have your main be a dual gatherer and your 2nd be a Tradesman. (keep at mail box distance a third character for bank/Auction house trading). On the Warlock/Priest duo, I’m considering putting tailoring/Enchanting on the Priest (2nd) and having the warlock be a “farm-hog” and have Mining/Skinning to make some bucks.

Priest provides gear upgrades, and bag space, while the Auction house sale of ore’s and leathers raises the bank account for the lvl30 mount and such.