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All of the latest Mists of Pandaria newsPatch 4.3: Zarhym clarifies tier 13 drop methods
by Daniel Whitcomb 
Sep 19th 2011 at 8:00PM
- All pieces will drop from multi-class set tokens. Ten-man raids will see a slight buff to drop rates to compensate for the lack of purchasable tier pieces.
- Valor point gear will feature a wider array of gear for a wider array of slots, meant both for people who are having trouble with token drops and for people who don't raid at all.
- There will be three tier 13 sets for each class: Looking For Raid level, normal level, and heroic level. Each will have a different item level, but you'll be able to mix and match pieces from all three sets for your set bonuses as needed.
ZarhymThe way tier 13 pieces will be obtained in the 4.3 raid won't be unlike raids past, meaning players will still need to roll on multi-class set tokens. That said, we'll be tweaking the tier 13 10-player drop rates a little bit (for the better) relative to the 25-player version, given that these tier pieces can't be purchased from vendors for Valor Points.
In addition, due to tier pieces not being offered for Valor Points, another thing you'll see in patch 4.3 is a much wider array of desirable non-set loot (covering more slots than prior patches) available from the vendors, for those players who are unlucky with specific token drops, or who aren't interested in raiding -- although, once you get more details about the Raid Finder, we hope you'll find interest in having a go.
I felt this warranted its own response in a separate thread, but for those who missed it, here's my response to the original thread about tier 13 pieces being raid drops only:
http://us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/3196022133?page=23#456
Quote:
Keep in mind we do intend to allow tier 13 set pieces to drop for those using the upcoming Raid Finder. Similar to the difference between normal and Heroic versions of tier sets, the Raid Finder set will have a lower item level than the normal and Heroic counterparts.
Set pieces from all three difficulty levels can still be mixed and matched for the 2- and 4-piece bonuses.
Keep in mind we do intend to allow tier 13 set pieces to drop for those using the upcoming Raid Finder. Similar to the difference between normal and Heroic versions of tier sets, the Raid Finder set will have a lower item level than the normal and Heroic counterparts.
Set pieces from all three difficulty levels can still be mixed and matched for the 2- and 4-piece bonuses.
Brace yourselves for what could be some of most exciting updates to the game recently with patch 4.3. Look at what's ahead: new item storage options, cross-realm raiding, cosmetic armor skinning and your chance to battle the mighty Deathwing -- from astride his back! Filed under: Blizzard, News items, Raiding
Reader Comments (Page 5 of 5)
Glaras Sep 20th 2011 8:21AM
So Blizz has made it their official policy that "if you're not raiding, you don't need (real) tier gear."
I always thought that sentiment was wrong, dismissive of people that don't have the time to spend endlessly wiping in pug raids, and elitist in the worst possible way.
And for those who are talking about how much easier it is to get into raids with the LFR: who said anything about getting *into* them? It's getting something *out* of them that's the problem, particularly in a reasonable timeframe with anything like a proverbial full head of hair.
- a reformed hardcore raider
reptile Sep 21st 2011 2:17AM
Not to seem elitist or anything but I really can't see why you need tier gear if you're not raiding. If you enjoy doing dungeons then you'll be more than geared enough just doing the previous dungeons; if you only want to do regular mode raiding then you're not gonna need bis heroic pieces.
As for the LFR, I understand what you're saying but at the same time I expect blizz will start throwing massive nerfs out to make LFR easier and easier until it becomes about as easy as za/zg.
Sorry if I misunderstood what you said.
Krytture Sep 20th 2011 9:32AM
My hunter really wanted to have the Kaluak Fishing pole strapped to his back all the time. He is a hunter, and stat sticks are stupid anyway. Let me look like a hunter, with a Fishing Pole of immense power!
Kelsar Sep 20th 2011 9:39AM
I think it's a good change for those of us who are unable to raid. I've come this close: | | to dropping BS and picking up Engineering just to replace my head slot.
DracoSuave Sep 21st 2011 6:14AM
MultiDotting isn't the best thing against eyes. I mean it's better than nothing, but if the hunter's multishotting, he might as well multishot.
Tho, BM isn't something I'd considered, seeing as BM is rare in raids right now.
Still some good points for sure.
DracoSuave Sep 21st 2011 6:28AM
If you're raiding half seriously, even quarter seriously, then all this talk about 'What's right for me, me me me' is completely irrelevant.
It's 100%, when raiding, about what's good for the team.
Having a raiding tier one step below the normal is absolutely GOOD for the team.
First, it gives you a TON of chances to testdrive the mechanics so that the fiddly bits aren't as costly in repairs. You'll get to see alternative strats, what works, what doesn't. This will increase the team's ability to down contant simply through having more experienced raiders.
As well, a raid team can set minimum requirements like 'must have practiced in LFR' which will have the off-advantage of having a better gearing going into the raid.
Lastly, sometimes, you just don't get to have all the core team. People have lives. Shit happens. With this, you're more likely to have alternates ready -and knowledgable- so you're not taking twelve steps back in your progression.
The fact that casual guilds can simply LFR and call it a raid night is only gravy. But does that have anything to do with =your- team?
The real point here, is there's many people who understand it doesn't negatively impact them, there's people who see upside in it, and there's the other guys.
Look, I'm gonna be absolutely blunt. If LFR, VP systems, badges, emblems, or any other loot distribution system steals your prestige, then you don't actually have the prestige you think.