Rex's Goldmaking Guide: Part 2 - Trends in Wrath

In my last post, we had a look at the general process I apply when making gold, but these rules aren’t much help unless you can make solid predictions on where the market is likely to head. So where are the trends in Wrath?

Death Knights

No surprises here. The introduction of DK’s to the game has brought about increasing demands to several areas of the market where demand was pretty low in TBC (e.g. strength gems). At the start of Wotlk, players levelled their mains and now that most players are 80, in their spare time, some would be levelling their alts which I would assume may include a DK.


So I believe that there is likely to be a ‘second wave’ of DKs coming through. There is a limit though. Many guilds are at saturation point with DKs given that every man and his dog has one, so players may be discouraged from rolling a DK main.

The rise of dps hybrids

Blizzard’s changing stance on hybrid dps has opened the door to a much more diverse range of damage dealers. There are rising numbers of Balance Druids, Retribution Paladins, TG Warriors and of course Death Knights. This has led to an increased demand for dps items and gear.

Changing face of tanking

I don’t think Blizzard was happy with the way that tanks generally geared themselves, with the defence cap being too easy to reach. After reaching 490, tanks just slammed pure stamina gems and enchants and that was it. Now, with the defence cap at 540, there is an interesting change to demand for defence stats as the defence cap is harder to reach. Adding to the demand was the removal of defence from talents such as Anticipation for prot paladins.

Tanks now need to consider whether to socket or enchant for defence on their gear. As a result, an increasing demand for defence stats will reduce demand for stamina.

Stat consolidation

Stat consolidation, e.g. spellpower, hit, haste has meant that there is a greater demand for a smaller set of products. This is good as suppliers can shorten the list of goods that need to be supplied to the market. For example, casters and healers will pursue similar stats (apart from hit which is a caster only stat).

Achievements

Achievements are a big thing in Wrath, as people chase titles and drakes. Trying to make gold out of it is difficult though, as the aim is to have items for sale for an achievement. Seasonal achievements, where players are trying to finish the achievement in a short period of time spring to mind. A good example of this is the 'Tis the Season achivement when winter clothes were in high demand.

Looking forward, Children's Week looks promising to make some nice gold as Tasty Cupcake and Delicious Chocolate Cake are needed for the Bad Example achievement.


So there we have it. In the next part, we will look at the real gold, and what is profitable and what isn't.