Patch 7.1.5 introduces Artifact Research catch-up mechanic

The patch 7.1.5 PTR cycle is in full swing and Wowhead has recently uncovered the Artifact Research Synopsis. Though the PTR is always subject to change, this appears to be the form Artifact Research catch-up will take: Rather than relying entirely on Work Orders, players will be able to turn in 500 Order Resources to instantly receive a Synopsis. Though the Synopsis claims it works up to Artifact Knowledge 15, it only actually functions up to Artifact Knowledge 10 at the moment. Whether 10, 15, or some other number will be the final number, we don’t know.

Given these Synopses still cost 500 Resources each, it won’t necessarily be easy for an alt (or new player) to get caught up. Artifact Knowledge 15 would require 7,500 Order Resources, which is quite the up-front investment, especially if that character has yet to complete their Order Research. While players will certainly be able to get Synopses faster than one every 3-5 days, a fresh level 110 isn’t going to be able to accomplish this in a lazy afternoon.