Tarnished Undermine Real
The concept in the "Classic line" was introduced with Heroic Alpha/Beta/Gamma Dungeons. This gameplay loop introduced currencies such as Sidereal Essence, which players could, for example, purchase an item like Dark Matter, which traditionally dropped from Algalon in 10-man Ulduar.
Badge of Justice Guide
In TBC, we know that there will be more need for Badges of Justice later as more items will be added once Zul'Aman is released and when the Isle of Quel'Danas debuts, but what about adding something like the almighty Dragonspine Trophy to a Badge vendor? What about a unique currency, like the one we saw debut in WotLK Classic?
"Bad Luck Protection"
One of the benefits of adding items like Dragonspine Trophy to a vendor could be providing a path to still earn the item without needing to deal with losing rolls, not being selected via your Loot Council, or simply not seeing one drop. We'll address the length of TBC Anniversary later, but as we know, it'll be a fairly quick timeline compared to TBC Classic, so some players are also discussing the idea of more loot per raid.
We've all been there — an item we really want never drops, or we cannot get our hands on it. Adding it to a vendor could give players hope to get it when they do their weekly raid, but if not, they can perform the task to receive the currency and work toward it as a side quest.
Could Make Older Raids Irrelevant
One thing that could happen when adding items like this to a vendor is that the content that gear comes from becomes trivialized or passed over altogether. So, instead of "playing the expansion," you're instead "playing the patch." Meaning, once you've earned those items or there's a way to get them outside of raiding, your guild could eliminate them from the raid schedule. It can still be fun to run Molten Core during Naxxramas to get your tank Thunderfury, Blessed Blade of the Windseeker.
Gruul's Lair Raid Guide
One thing the system in WotLK Classic had was that some items could be earned, but only the "Normal" version. For example, you could get Death's Verdict/Death's Choice from the Defiler's Scourgestone vendor, but it was only the Normal version. This allowed the player to acquire the item, but there was also a "Heroic" version of that item that could be obtained through raiding content.
That being said, in the specific example of Dragonspine Trophy, Gruul's Lair is a fast enough raid to still complete weekly for a chance at it, but for other raid content, be it Karazhan or Tempest Keep, this system could result in removing them from the rotation of raids you do with your guild every week.
The Condensed TBC Anniversary Roadmap
Based on the roadmap Blizzard provided for TBC Anniversary, we'll be in Sunwell Plateau this Autumn. In other words, all of the content for the game will be released this year. Sure, the lifespan of TBC Anniversary could last into 2027, but we know this iteration of TBC is going to move quickly.
In fact, we're set to get Phase 2, which includes Tempest Keep and Serpentshrine Cavern this Spring. We're not sure when it's coming out within that timeframe, but either way, we know it's coming and coming in a hurry.
So, in adding these items to a vendor, not only could it be viewed as bad luck protection, but there may not even be enough time to earn them via raid, regardless. Sure, it's an MMORPG, and you're not "entitled" to be continuously phase BiS, but in what's a glorified seasonal version and the third release of the expansion, what could be the harm in adding these items in a way that allows players to experience them?
What do you think? Should Blizzard add these items to the Badge of Justice vendor? Should a new currency be introduced? Should they not do any of this at all? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!
