Gearing up in World of Warcraft is key to taking on challenging content and optimizing your character’s potential. This guide provides you with effective strategies to increase item level quickly for both main and alt characters. We’ll cover the following aspects:
- Entry-Level Gear and Item Levels (Quests);
- Advanced Gearing Options (Normal/Heroic raids, Mythic Plus Dungeons)
- World Events and Upgrade Mechanics
Gear Categories and Item Levels
Each TWW gear tier has specific item levels tied to different types of content:
- Explorer Gear (iLvl 558-580): Acquired from low-tier dungeons and world quests, it’s ideal for initial leveling.
- Adventurer Gear (iLvl 571-593): Found in weekly events and heroic dungeons, this gear offers a steady boost.
- Veteran Gear (iLvl 584-610): Available from Mythic dungeons and the Great Vault, essential for tackling tougher dungeons.
- Champion Gear (iLvl 597-619): A solid choice for high-difficulty delves and Mythic+ up to Key Level 6.
- Hero Gear (iLvl 610-626): Dropped by Heroic raids and advanced Mythic+, providing significant power boosts.
- Myth Gear (iLvl 623-639): Only obtainable from the highest-tier Mythic raids and Great Vault rewards.
How to Upgrade WoW TWW Gear
Use Harbinger Crests and Valorstones to enhance your gear. Each crest type has specific applications:
- Weathered Crests: Upgrade Adventurer and Veteran gear.
- Carved Crests: Enhance Veteran and Champion gear.
- Runed Crests: Boost Champion and Hero gear.
- Gilded Crests: Maximize Hero and Myth gear levels.
Visit the Dornogal Mythic Aspiration Shop to upgrade your gear, and use discount mechanics to reduce upgrade costs based on item-level achievements.
Entry-Level Gearing Activities
For newcomers or recently leveled characters, focus on:
- 20th Anniversary Event Gear: Join Timewalking dungeons for Champion-level gear (iLvl 597) and raid Blackrock Depths for rewards up to iLvl 619.
- Renown Rewards: Unlock armor from specific factions after reaching Renown levels 7-8.
- Explorer Gear: Easy to obtain through basic world activities or the Auction House and can be upgraded with Valorstones.
- Heroic Dungeons: These offer gear with iLvl 580, a great foundation for more challenging Mythic content.
Weekly World Events
Weekly events provide opportunities to obtain valuable gear and currency:
- Spreading the Light: Available at level 80, this event grants Adventurer-level gear.
- Theater Troupe: Complete performance-related objectives for a Theater Troupe’s Trove.
- Awakening the Machine: Participate in this combat-focused event to earn unique caches with gear and rare mounts.
Advanced Gearing Strategies
Once you reach iLvl 590+, start focusing on these methods:
- Nerub’ar Palace Raid: Earn high-level rewards up to iLvl 639 by defeating bosses in this endgame raid.
- Mythic+ Dungeons: Progress through Key Levels to earn gear that scales from Veteran to Hero ranks.
- Higher Tier Bountiful Delves: Delves at higher tiers (Tier 7-11) provide Champion-level gear.
- The Great Vault: Unlock weekly rewards based on completed objectives in dungeons, raids, and world events.
Catalyst for Tier Set Creation
Use Catalyst to convert Veteran or higher PvP and PvE gear into Tier Set items for extra bonuses. Catalyst charges build up over the season, allowing you to accumulate up to 8 charges on each character.
Crafted Gear Options
For self-sufficient players or those with gold to spare, crafted gear is a valuable resource:
- Using Sparks of Omens: Combine Sparks with Harbinger Crests for Epic-level crafted gear up to iLvl 606.
- Upgrades: Raise item levels further with additional seasonal crests as you move into high-end content.
Sparks of Omens
Collect Sparks of Omens each week to craft items with boosted item levels up to iLvl 597. These components are ideal for creating powerful, endgame-viable gear.
As you progress, aim to obtain BIS items that maximize your character’s potential. Gear with the highest stats and tailored passives can make a significant difference in endgame content, especially in Mythic+ and raid scenarios.
General Recommendations for The War Within
- Complete World Weekly Quests for essential currency and gear.
- Aim for Champion-level gear as your baseline.
- Use upgrade vendors in Dornogal to enhance your items.
- Always monitor your Great Vault progress for potential upgrades.
- Target Mythic dungeons and high-tier delves for best rewards.
Final Thoughts
The War Within expansion offers plenty of ways to increase your item level and get your character well-geared. Whether you’re focusing on raiding, Mythic+ dungeons, or world events, there’s a path for every player. Equip your character, prepare for the most challenging encounters, and explore all that The War Within has to offer. Happy hunting, and may your loot be legendary!