Sockets are a big problem in WoW – Patch 8.3 will fix this

Random socket slots are both a curse and a blessing in World of Warcraft. But Blizzard has a plan on how to fix this in the upcoming patch.

The system of “Titanforging” and “Warforging” is quite unpopular in World of Warcraft. Especially when upgrading results in a socket, as it completely throws items off balance and makes them extremely powerful. With Patch 8.3, Blizzard is attempting to fix the issue and grant players more freedom. We will reveal what exactly is changing.

What is the problem? When items are looted in WoW, they can randomly be upgraded. They either have a higher item level, additional tertiary stats (like lifesteal or avoidance), a socket slot, or a combination of several of these bonuses. In particular, socket slots are a problem here, as they can drastically increase the value of an item. For example, a player might prefer to use a ring with item level 415 if it has a socket instead of a ring with item level 440 that has no socket slot.

What will change? In Patch 8.3 Visions of N’Zoth, players will have a way to farm socket slots. They can then simply add a socket slot to an item that previously had none if they wish. This gives players much more freedom in choosing their gear and allows them to use new equipment even if they weren’t lucky.

How to get the socket slot? For this, you need the item “Gouged Eye of N’Zoth”. This can be purchased from Furorion (Wrathion). The currency required is Corrupted Memento, and it costs a whopping 25,000 pieces. These can be obtained from the horrific visions, scenarios in Orgrimmar and Stormwind. Farming for this is likely to take a while since so far, only a few mementos can be earned in the visions. To give some key figures:

Completing the main mission grants 500 mementos.
Side missions give about 200 mementos.
Failing missions gives about 50 mementos.

Additionally, it seems that adding a socket gives an item a “Corruption Value” – just as it is the case with all other upgrades in Patch 8.3.

Please keep in mind that the costs may still change, as everything is currently happening on the PTR.

How is this received by players? Even though many players still wish that Blizzard would simply get rid of Titanforging altogether, they see these socket slots as a good solution. This allows players to specifically upgrade individual items and avoids frustration when a strong item can’t be used because it lacks a socket slot.

What do you think of this change? Is it good and sensible? Or just another annoying grind for the top players?