Currently, there is a lot to do in World of Warcraft. However, it is too much for secondary characters, which simply can’t keep up. “Twink players” hardly stand a chance.
The Patch 8.2 Rise of Azshara has been available in World of Warcraft for quite a while now. While mythic raiders are still struggling through Azshara’s Eternal Palace, the “normal” players are busy with other content. They are farming reputation, playing the dungeon Operation: Mechagon, collecting mounts and toys.
There is plenty to do, but one group of players has a significant problem: players with multiple characters.
Those who like to have more than one character at the current level ready for raids or other content have a tough time. Patch 8.2 is quite tormenting for twinks, even if it seems otherwise at first glance.
Benthic gear is a positive: Clearly on the “plus” side of Patch 8.2 is the benthic gear. This is solid entry-level gear that should primarily help twinks to stand their ground in the new areas. The necessary tokens for the gear can even be mailed. So, if you have a main character, you can send items to your twinks. That sounds pretty good so far and ensures that even second and third characters get solid gear. But unfortunately, that’s not all.
The Heart of Azeroth causes problems: The problem is the Heart of Azeroth. Although at a glance, no grinding is necessary anymore because most traits in Azerite gear can now be unlocked immediately, the system is still a horror for players with multiple characters. The issue here are the essences that can enhance the Heart of Azeroth.
The essences of the Heart of Azeroth come from all kinds of game content. They can be unlocked by gathering reputation, through tough “Mythic+” dungeons, through PvP, or raids. Each essence comes from a different source, and if you want to have all essences, you have to play a lot.
Worse yet: Each essence comes in four different ranks. The first three are upgrades and enhancements (an essence at rank 3 is significantly more powerful than an essence at rank 1). Only the 4th rank is purely cosmetic and not required.
Passive bonuses amplify the disadvantage: Additionally, the levels of the Heart of Azeroth are no longer necessary for Azerite gear, but they still unlock valuable upgrades. Thus, in addition to the active Azerite ability, there are two more passive effects that must also be unlocked. Currently, this involves a lot of grinding, although it will become easier in the coming weeks. There are also substantial bonuses to health points that are unlocked every few levels.
All of this means that Patch 8.2, while offering a lot of content, is rather unsuitable for twink fans. At least if the twinks are to be kept at a strong level. Because apart from flying, these unlocks are not account-wide. A lot of work must be invested in the characters.
However, those who only have one main character and play it intensively should still have a lot to do with Patch 8.2 for several weeks.
Do you play secondary characters in the current patch of World of Warcraft? Or do you focus on your “main”?
