In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to gear up your alternate characters (alts) quickly and efficiently in World of Warcraft: War Within. This method will help you reach a respectable item level of 600 in just four days, making you eligible for lower Mythic+ keys (2-4).
Note: While this guide is primarily aimed at alt characters, new players can also benefit from these strategies. However, some techniques rely on the warband system and may require a bit of gold, which might be more challenging for brand new players.
The Importance of the Warband System
The warband bank is a crucial tool for quick alt gearing. It counts as your main inventory, allowing you to immediately queue for LFR (Looking for Raid) and heroic dungeons as soon as you hit level 80. This is possible because the game considers warband items in your bank when calculating your item level.
Tip: Before leveling an alt, ensure your warband bank is stocked with high-level items to give your new character an immediate boost.
Gearing Strategy: Fill the Gaps
Instead of crafting everything immediately, we'll use crafting as a "gap filler" at the end of our gearing process. This approach ensures you don't waste resources on slots that might be quickly replaced.
Step-by-Step Gearing Process
- Participate in Timewalking events (when available)
- Queue for LFR wings
- Complete weekly world events
- Visit Renown vendors
- Obtain trinkets
- Complete Bountiful Delves
- Craft remaining gear slots
LFR and Group Strategy
When queuing for LFR, bring friends who are eligible for loot. This increases your chances of getting gear, as they can roll on items and trade them to you. While this might seem questionable, it's an effective strategy given the current loot system in LFR.
World Events and Delve Keys
Complete at least four weekly world events to obtain gear and Delve keys. Focus on efficient combinations like the World Quest weekly from Dagal and the Azket weekly quest.
Renown Vendors and Gear Acquisition
Visit all Renown vendors to obtain head, shoulders, and chest pieces. This also provides additional Delve keys, Valor Stones, and Crests, which are valuable for further gearing.
Warning: You may need to complete a world event that rewards Resonance Crystals to unlock the ability to purchase gear from Renown vendors on a new character.
Trinkets and Weapon Upgrades
Consider purchasing two Darkmoon Trinkets for a quick boost. For weapons, complete the short quest line for Story Mode to obtain a 619 item-level weapon using Sparks and a Runed Crest.
Bountiful Delves and Final Gearing
Complete your Bountiful Delves before crafting final gear pieces. This ensures you don't craft items for slots that might be quickly replaced by Delve rewards. Aim for Tier 8 Delves if possible, but adjust based on your comfort level and Bran's level.
Crafting to Fill Gaps
Use Enchanted Weathered Harbinger Crests to craft 590 item level gear for remaining slots. Don't overspend on these pieces, as they will be replaced eventually.
Final Result: By following this guide, you should achieve an item level of 595-600+, depending on your luck with drops and available resources.
