Even in video games we can’t escape the 9 - 5 grind. Raids and dungeons anddelvesalone can’t pay for half the things aWorld of Warcraftadventurer needs. But that is where Professions come in- these occupations, which can be done on the side, are excellent ways to give a character some character and earn some gold while you’re at it.

There are many different professions in the game, but some of them are more useful than others in The War Within Expansion. Fun and profitable (the best combination), these are some of the best professions to use inKhaz Algar.

A Kobold mines for ore.

10Mining

Eeney, Meeny, Mine-y, Moe

In terms of an early game Profession, Mining can’t be beaten. Mining is one of two professions that grant leveling experience when used. That means that every bit of ore mined gets a character closer to the max level. It is one of the best options to slap on when leveling a new character as it basically generates experience passively. Just run over to any node you see and get to work!

However, its use doesn’t end there. Ore is used in a lot of important recipes- making it very valuable in the auction house. While not the biggest gold earner, Mining is a classic choice for a Profession slot.

An Orc and a Human stand happily together, bonding in a mist of flowers.

9Herbalism

Go Touch Grass

Herbalism is the second Profession that awards leveling experience when used. This is a pretty powerful buff- some players have even used Herbalism to level up characters completely. But Herbalism isn’t just picking flowers. The herbs harvested from plant nodes play a very important part in Alchemy and Cooking recipes, making Herbalism one of the backbones of theAuction House.

While it may not earn the same amount as something trendy, Herbalism remains one of the steadiest investments in the gold-making market. And it’s fun - who doesn’t like hanging out outside gathering plants? Herbalism is a great choice for anyone looking for some extra coin and some extra XP.

A fisherman fishes up a boot on his fishing line.

8Fishing

Teach A Player To Fish, They’re Fed For a Lifetime

If there’s a more relaxing profession in World of Warcraft, Fishing would like a word with it. Fishing is one of the most zen ways to spend some time in the game- and it can be profitable too. Just head over to the nearest Fishing trainer and get started. Fishing is very easy- just cast out your line and stand in wait.

The bobber will move when a fish is on the line. Tap on the bobber and whatever is on the line will be pulled in. New fish can be found in The War Within, many of which are needed in recipes, so get to casting!

Chef Nomi, famous for burning things, offers out a plate of food while a fire burns behind him.

7Cooking

Let Them Cook

Everyone, from the Tankiest of Tanks to the Healiest of Healers, has to eat. A well-made meal could make all the difference in a dangerous raid, so it’s best to level up the Cooking profession early and often. The Cooking profession, which can be learned by every character without taking up a Profession slot, allows characters to cook all sorts of delicious and nutritious meals.

These meals can give buffs that give characters extra boosts to their skills, making certain cooked items very valuable at the auction house. The War Within added a whole plethora of recipes to learn, so get cooking in Khaz Algar.

A woman tailors a new outfit while a Tauren watches.

6Tailoring

Who Says Fashion Is Lame?

If your character is a cloth armor wearer, Tailoring is the perfect profession for them. Tailoring can make an assortment of things but primarily this Profession focuses on cloth armor. Mages, Warlocks, and Priests will be able to make their armor sets with Tailoring, and those who don’t use Cloth Armor can make it to sell at the auction house.

With the addition of Warbands in The War Within, Tailoring can be an excellent way to get armor for the Cloth Armor-using alts in your life. Plus, Tailoring can make bags- and everyone loves bags. Put down that sword and get sewing today.

A Gnome crafts a gem into a sword.

5Jewelcrafting

Shine Bright Like A Diamond

Best believe that players are still bejeweled in The War Within- Jewelcrafting remains one of the more popular professional choices. And not just for the bling either. Jewelcrafters craft jewels (shockingly), as well as necklaces and trinkets that can be used to boost players' power levels.

Grab mining to maximize your gold output, as then you won’t have to spend a fortune on ore from the Auction House. Then all you need to do is run around and mine everything in sight, and soon you’ll have a stockpile of ore to turn into beautiful jewels. They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but jewels are a Warcraft player’s best friend with Jewelcrafting.

A leatherworking kit sits on a background of blue and green.

4Leatherworking

Go Work That Leather

Leather is always cool, or so we’ve heard. in any case, leather is always in demand in World of Warcraft, making Leatherworking a very popular profession. Leatherworking provides the armor for classes such as Rogues, Druids, Shaman, and Monks. They can also make cloaks, which are in use by every kind of character in the game.

This large pool of potential clients means that Leatherworkers will almost always be making money in some way, shape, or form. It might not be glamorous, but hey, everyone needs a cloak and armor. Grab the Skinning profession so you can harvest reagents from slayed characters as you go.

An Orc blacksmiths, plunging a sword into a barrel of water.

3Blacksmithing

Stop, Hammer Time

Death Knights, Paladins, and Warriors need not worry- Blacksmithing is still around in The War Within, and it’ll have them looking more fashionable than ever before. Blacksmithing involves creating different metal pieces, primarily Mail and Plate armor for the classes that wear it. They can also craft intricate and powerful weapons, some of which are the best around.

But the real strength of Blacksmithing comes from the raw materials they can make for classes like Enchanters. Without the solid Blacksmiths, those nerds would be out of everything. The War Within is a very Dwarf-focused expansion, so get back to your Dwarven roots and pick up a hammer.

A cauldron of potions stand ready for adventurers.

2Alchemy

Double Bubble, Toil And Trouble

Who doesn’t like the thought of mixing up a potion or two- for those who want to get to brewing something more than beer, Alchemy would be the perfect Profession to pick up in The War Within. Alchemy is one of those professions that will always be in use, as Alchemists can make the flasks, potions, and oils sought after by people hoping to maximize their damage and healing.

Alchemists primarily use herbs, so it is a good idea to grab Herbalism while leveling Alchemy. Khaz Algar has many hidden places, and just as many hidden plants- make sure to harvest them and turn them into liquid gold with Alchemy.

An enchanted cauldron sits on a stone floor.

1Enchanting

I Put A Spell On Y​ou​​​​​​

Enchanting is consistently one of the best Professions available in World of Warcraft- and this is entirely due to what it produces. Enchanting produces enchantments, which are used on different kinds of armor. These enchantments give different kinds of boosts to the armor’s stats- which are vital to those doing end-game content like Mythic+ or Raids.

In certain situations, a good enchantment might be the difference between victory and a wipe, which means plenty of people are willing to pay very well for them. Going into Enchanting is guaranteed gold, but it can be hard to get into due to the time and gold required. For those willing to put in the work, Enchanting is still really worth it.