How to Get Heirloom Gear in WoW: A Comprehensive Guide
Heirloom gear in World of Warcraft (WoW) is a type of equipment that can be passed down to other characters, making it a valuable asset for both new and experienced players. These items are particularly useful for leveling up alts (alternative characters) quickly, as they provide significant stat boosts that scale with the character’s level. If you’re wondering how to get your hands on these powerful items, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Understanding Heirloom Gear
Before diving into how to obtain heirloom gear, it’s essential to understand what sets it apart from regular equipment. Heirloom items are unique because they can be used by multiple characters across different levels and classes. They also scale in power as the character levels up, ensuring they remain relevant throughout the leveling process. Additionally, many heirloom items have no level requirement, making them accessible to new characters right from the start.
Ways to Acquire Heirloom Gear
1. Purchasing from Vendors
The most straightforward way to obtain heirloom gear is by purchasing it from vendors. Blizzard introduced Heirloom vendors in major cities like Stormwind, Orgrimmar, Ironforge, and Undercity. These vendors sell a variety of heirloom items, including weapons, armor, and trinkets. Each item has a specific cost, usually in gold, and some require reputation with certain factions to purchase.
For example, the Cloak of Darkness, a popular heirloom cape, can be purchased from the vendor in Stormwind for a few hundred gold. This makes it an excellent choice for new players looking to boost their character’s movement speed early on.
2. Crafting Heirloom Items
Some heirloom gear can be crafted using professions like Blacksmithing, Tailoring, and Engineering. These crafted items often require specific materials and recipes, which can be obtained through various means such as drops from monsters, quests, or purchased from the auction house.
For instance, the Tattered Cloth Set, a series of heirloom gear for casters, can be crafted using the Tailoring profession. The recipes for these items are available from tailoring trainers once you reach a certain skill level.
3. Earning Through Quests and Achievements
Blizzard has introduced several heirloom items as rewards for completing specific quests or achievements. These items are often tied to significant events or expansions, making them a fun way to earn heirloom gear while experiencing the game’s story.
One notable example is the Inherited Enchanter’s Ring, which is awarded for completing the “Level 80 Heirloom” achievement. This achievement requires you to level a character to 80 without dying, which can be a challenging but rewarding feat.
4. Acquiring Through Dungeons and Raids
Some heirloom items can be obtained by running dungeons and raids. These items are often dropped by bosses or can be purchased with justice points or honor points earned through PvP activities.
For example, the Epic Purple Hat, a popular heirloom hat, can be obtained by completing a specific dungeon on heroic mode. This item is highly sought after for its high stat bonuses and stylish appearance.
Tips for Collecting Heirloom Gear
Start Early: Begin collecting heirloom gear as soon as possible to maximize their benefits during the leveling process.
Focus on Key Slots: Prioritize items for slots that provide the most significant stat boosts, such as weapons, chest, and shoulders.
Use the Auction House: If you’re struggling to find a specific heirloom item, check the auction house. Other players often list their unwanted heirloom gear for sale.
Leverage Your Professions: If you have a character with a crafting profession, consider making your own heirloom gear to save gold.
Conclusion
Heirloom gear is a fantastic way to enhance your WoW experience, especially when creating and leveling alternative characters. By understanding the various methods to acquire these items—whether through vendors, crafting, quests, or dungeons—you can build a collection that will serve you well throughout your adventures in Azeroth. Remember to plan ahead, focus on key slots, and don’t hesitate to explore different avenues to obtain these valuable items. Happy gaming!