How Much Does the Reins of the Red Drake Cost?
The Reins of the Red Drake is obtained by completing the achievement Glory of the Hero, a meta-achievement for 5-man dungeons in World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King. The Reins of the Red Drake is a reward for those who successfully achieve Glory of the Hero, but there are other ways to acquire it. Therefore, there is no direct gold cost. It requires time, dedication, and often a group of skilled players to complete the associated dungeons and achievements. Think of the cost in terms of time investment and, potentially, the cost of consumables or gear repairs during your attempts.
Obtaining the Reins of the Red Drake: A Detailed Guide
The Reins of the Red Drake doesn’t come cheap in terms of effort. It is a reward granted to players who successfully complete the Glory of the Hero meta-achievement, which involves conquering a series of challenging achievements within the Heroic 5-man dungeons of Wrath of the Lich King. To embark on this quest, you’ll need a character that’s at least level 80 and geared enough to tackle the Heroic dungeons.
Understanding the Glory of the Hero Achievement
Glory of the Hero is a meta-achievement, meaning it’s an achievement earned by completing a set of other achievements. These individual achievements are dungeon-specific and require players to perform certain tasks within those dungeons, often under specific conditions. Some achievements focus on defeating bosses in a certain way or without using certain abilities, while others involve completing side objectives within the dungeon.
The Dungeons Involved
The Glory of the Hero meta-achievement involves the following dungeons:
- Utgarde Keep
- The Nexus
- Azjol-Nerub
- Ahn’kahet: The Old Kingdom
- Drak’Tharon Keep
- The Violet Hold
- Gundrak
- Halls of Stone
- Halls of Lightning
- Utgarde Pinnacle
Each of these dungeons contains achievements that must be completed to earn credit toward Glory of the Hero. The specific achievements for each dungeon can be found in the Achievements panel in-game, under the Dungeons & Raids section, then Wrath of the Lich King.
Tips for Completing Glory of the Hero
- Form a Dedicated Group: Attempting these achievements with a consistent group of friends or guildmates is highly recommended. This allows for better communication, coordination, and a shared understanding of the strategies involved.
- Research Strategies: Before entering each dungeon, research the specific strategies and requirements for each achievement. There are numerous guides and videos available online that can provide detailed instructions and tips.
- Communication is Key: Clear and concise communication is essential during the dungeon runs. Designate roles, call out mechanics, and coordinate strategies to ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Patience and Persistence: Some achievements may require multiple attempts to complete successfully. Don’t get discouraged by failures; learn from your mistakes and keep trying.
- Gear Up: Ensure your character is adequately geared to handle the challenges of Heroic dungeons. This will make the achievements easier to complete and reduce the likelihood of wipes.
Consumables and Preparation
While the Reins of the Red Drake doesn’t have a direct gold cost, preparing for the achievement runs can involve some expense. Consider the following:
- Potions and Flasks: Consuming potions and flasks can provide temporary stat boosts that can be helpful during challenging encounters.
- Food Buffs: Eating food that provides stat buffs can also improve your performance in dungeons.
- Repair Costs: Wiping and dying repeatedly can result in significant repair costs for your gear.
Reins of the Red Drake FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Reins of the Red Drake and how to obtain it:
1. Can I solo the Glory of the Hero achievements?
While some classes and skilled players can solo certain achievements, many require a group due to the mechanics involved. It’s generally best to form a group for a smoother experience.
2. What level do I need to be to attempt Glory of the Hero?
You need to be at least level 80, the level cap for Wrath of the Lich King content.
3. Is the Red Drake account-wide?
No, the Red Drake is character-specific.
4. Is there a faster way to get the Red Drake?
No legitimate faster way exists other than completing the Glory of the Hero achievement.
5. Can I buy the Red Drake from the Auction House?
No, the Reins of the Red Drake cannot be bought from the Auction House. It is only obtained through the Glory of the Hero achievement.
6. Do I need to complete all the achievements at once?
No, you can complete the achievements over time and still earn the meta-achievement.
7. Which achievement is the most difficult in Glory of the Hero?
Difficulty varies by player and group composition, but achievements like “Lodi Dodi We Catapult the Gnomes” in Utgarde Keep and “Volazj’s Quick Demise” in Ahn’kahet: The Old Kingdom are often cited as challenging.
8. What gear level is recommended for Glory of the Hero?
A gear level appropriate for Heroic dungeons is recommended. Aim for gear from Naxxramas or similar content.
9. Can I complete Glory of the Hero in a raid group?
No, the achievements must be completed in a 5-man dungeon group.
10. Are there any add-ons that can help with Glory of the Hero?
Yes, add-ons like “GTFO” can help with awareness of mechanics, and others that track achievement progress can be useful.
11. Does the Red Drake drop in retail WoW?
The Red Drake is available in Wrath of the Lich King Classic. The current retail WoW equivalent is obtained through similar meta-achievements in current expansions.
12. What are the recommended classes for a Glory of the Hero group?
A balanced group with a tank, healer, and three DPS classes is recommended. Class composition is less important than player skill and coordination.
13. How long does it take to complete Glory of the Hero?
The time it takes to complete Glory of the Hero varies depending on the group’s skill and familiarity with the dungeons. It can take anywhere from a few hours to several days.
14. Do I need to complete all the optional objectives in the dungeons?
No, you only need to complete the specific achievements required for Glory of the Hero.
15. Are there any strategies that can help with specific Glory of the Hero achievements?
Yes, many strategies are available online. Researching specific achievements and watching videos can be very helpful. Furthermore, understanding the principles of game-based learning can enhance your approach to these challenges. More information on game-based learning can be found at Games Learning Society.