Gear Upgrading in MoP Classic
In Phase 5 of Mists of Pandaria Classic, gear progression has expanded significantly with Siege of Orgrimmar, the Timeless Isle, and the Legendary Cloak finale. Whether you are a fresh character catching up or a veteran pushing Heroic SoO, this guide covers all gearing paths available in the current phase.
Phase 5 Gearing Overview
Phase 5 adds three major gearing paths on top of existing systems:
| Source | Item Level | How to Get |
|---|---|---|
| Timeless Isle tokens | 496 (epic) | Loot from chests, rares, and mobs on Timeless Isle |
| Timeless Isle Burden of Eternity | 535 (epic) | Upgrade a Timeless token with Burden of Eternity (rare drop) |
| SoO LFR (Raid Finder) | 528 | Queue for Siege of Orgrimmar wings via LFR |
| SoO Flex | 540 | 10-25 player flexible difficulty |
| SoO Normal 10/25 | 553-559 | Fixed-size Normal mode raid |
| SoO Heroic 10/25 | 566-572 | Fixed-size Heroic mode raid (best gear in game) |
| Legendary Cloak | 600 | Complete the Legendary questline (Wrathion) |
| Grievous Gladiator (PvP) | 550 | Conquest points from Arena/RBG Season 14 |
| Celestial bosses (world) | 553 | Weekly world boss on Timeless Isle (Tier 16 tokens) |
| Ordos (world boss) | 559 | Weekly kill, requires Legendary Cloak to access |
Phase 5 Catch-Up Path (Fresh or Alt Characters)
The fastest way to gear a new character in Phase 5:
- Hit level 90. Quest through Pandaria or use our Powerleveling Services.
- Go to Timeless Isle immediately. Open chests for ilvl 496 tokens. You can get near-full 496 gear in one session.
- Grind for Burdens of Eternity. These upgrade Timeless tokens to ilvl 535. Target slots where you have no raid drops.
- Queue SoO LFR. At ilvl 496+ you qualify for LFR. Farm Tier 16 tokens and 528 gear.
- Join SoO Flex/Normal. Use Flex at ilvl 520+ for 540 gear, then Normal for 553+.
- Complete the Legendary Cloak. The ilvl 600 cloak with its on-use proc is the single biggest power upgrade in Phase 5.
- Kill Celestials weekly. Free shot at Tier 16 gloves/legs and PvP gear every week.
Need SoO clears for Tier 16? Check our Raid Carry Services.
Legendary Cloak Questline
The Legendary Cloak is the most important single item in Phase 5. It requires completing Wrathion's questline across multiple phases:
- Collect Sigils of Power and Wisdom (Phase 1-2 raids)
- Gather Titan Runestones (Throne of Thunder)
- Complete the Celestial Challenge on Timeless Isle
- Receive your class-specific ilvl 600 cloak
The cloak's proc deals massive damage (DPS cloaks) or provides burst healing/absorb (healer/tank cloaks). It also grants access to the Ordos world boss who drops ilvl 559 gear.
Tier 16 Set Bonuses
Tier 16 from Siege of Orgrimmar provides 2-piece and 4-piece set bonuses that are essential for most specs. Sources:
- LFR tokens: Dropped by specific SoO bosses in LFR
- Celestial world bosses: Drop gloves and legs tokens weekly
- Normal/Heroic SoO: Higher ilvl versions of the same tokens
Prioritize getting your 4-piece bonus. For most DPS specs, the 4-piece defines your Phase 5 performance.
Justice and Valor Points in Phase 5
Point currencies still matter in Phase 5:
- Valor Points: Used to upgrade SoO gear (+4/+8 ilvl per upgrade). Cap is 1000/week.
- Justice Points: Still used for older gear upgrades and heirlooms.
- Valor upgrades priority: Upgrade your highest ilvl items first (Heroic SoO pieces > Normal > Flex).
Mists of Pandaria Classic Reforging
Reforging in Mists of Pandaria Classic offers players a unique opportunity to customize their gear, tailoring secondary stats to meet specific combat needs and optimize performance. This system is vital for min-maxing characters in both PvE and PvP environments and remains a cornerstone of endgame gear optimization.
How Reforging Works
Reforging allows players to convert 40% of one secondary stat on an item into another secondary stat. However, it's important to note that only one stat per item can be modified, and not all gear or stats are eligible for reforging.
This system is particularly beneficial for players striving to hit crucial stat thresholds, which significantly impact combat effectiveness. For instance, melee and ranged DPS classes require a specific Hit rating to ensure their abilities connect with bosses, while healers might prioritize Spirit to manage mana effectively or Haste to achieve healing breakpoint thresholds.
🎯 Note: Reforging provides flexibility in gearing choices, allowing you to maximize the potential of even Best-in-Slot items.
Reforging Statistics
Understanding which stats can be reforged is crucial to utilizing this system effectively. Below is a breakdown of the stats eligible for reforging in Mists of Pandaria Classic:
Possible to ReforgeNot Possible to ReforgeHit RatingStrength, Agility, Intellect, StaminaExpertise RatingArmor, Resilience, PvP PowerHaste RatingSocket bonuses, Set bonuses, Proc effectsCritical Strike RatingMastery RatingSpirit RatingDodge / Parry
Keep in mind that you cannot transform a stat into itself or a duplicate.
Reforging Tips
To make the most of the Reforging system, consider the following tips:
Reforge Last: Always prioritize enchanting and gemming your gear before reforging.
Monitor Stats: Utilize your character sheet to observe stat changes in real-time and prevent overcapping.
Adjust as Needed: If you acquire new gear or your stat caps change, revisit the Reforger to make necessary adjustments.
Focus on Permanent Gear: Avoid spending gold on reforging temporary items. Prioritize epics and best-in-slot gear.
Cost Awareness: The cost of Reforging scales with the item's gold value, so higher item-level gear will incur higher costs.
Reforge Without Hesitation: Previous reforges can be reverted using the Restore option if needed.
These tips will ensure your reforging process is as effective as possible, providing the final adjustments needed to align your stats with your role in the game.
MoP Classic Stat Caps
Before you begin upgrading your gear through Reforging, it's essential to understand the stat caps. These targets should be prioritized before focusing on additional throughput or utility. The table below outlines common stat caps to aim for:
StatsTarget GoalHit Cap (Raid Bosses)7.5% = 2550 Hit RatingSpell Hit Cap (Casters)15% = 5100 Hit RatingExpertise Cap7.5% = 2550 Expertise RatingPvP Hit Cap3% = 1020 Hit RatingSpiritNo fixed cap, typically 4000-6000Haste BreakpointsVary by class; critical for DoT ticks or GCD reduction
Prioritize reaching these caps before optimizing your remaining stats based on your class and role. Some stats will be more relevant for certain classes and roles, so tailoring your approach is crucial.
Where to Reforge Items in Mists of Pandaria Classic
To upgrade your gear through Reforging, you must interact with specific NPCs, typically found in major cities. Each faction has access to these vendors, who are often identified by titles such as "Arcane Reforger" or "Warpweaver" and are usually of the Ethereal model.
Reforging is an invaluable tool for players aiming to upgrade their gear in Mists of Pandaria Classic. With the absence of modern upgrade systems like Valor tracks, Reforging remains your primary method. Use it wisely, and always pair it with proper enchants, gems, and an understanding of stat caps to maximize your character's potential.
See also: Challenge Mode Guide.
FAQ
What are the primary methods of upgrading gear in MoP Classic?
In MoP Classic, gear can be upgraded using Justice Points for PvE and Honor/Conquest Points for PvP. Reforging is also a vital tool for optimizing gear by converting secondary stats.
Where can Alliance players upgrade their gear?
Alliance players can visit Voidbinder Lunshur in the Shrine of Seven Stars to upgrade their gear.
How does the Commendation of Justice work?
The Commendation of Justice allows players to convert 125 Valor into 500 Justice Points, aiding in gear upgrades.
What are the benefits of Reforging?
Reforging allows players to adjust secondary stats on gear, helping them hit important stat caps and optimize performance for their specific role.
Which stats can be reforged?
In MoP Classic, secondary stats like Hit, Expertise, Haste, Critical Strike, Mastery, Spirit, and Dodge/Parry can be reforged.
Why should Reforging be the last step after gemming and enchanting?
Reforging should be the final step because it allows you to fine-tune your stats after accounting for the bonuses provided by gems and enchants.
How does the cost of Reforging work?
The cost of Reforging scales with the item's gold value, meaning higher-level gear will incur higher costs.