How Much is the Reins of the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur?
The Reins of the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur originally cost a whopping 5,000,000 gold when it was available from vendors in the Battle for Azeroth expansion. However, it is no longer directly purchasable from these vendors. Now, it only appears rarely on the Black Market Auction House (BMAH), where the price can vary wildly based on server economies and player bidding wars, but the price will likely be significantly higher than the original 5 million gold.
The Rise and Fall of the Auction House Dino
The Mighty Caravan Brutosaur was a game-changer. Not just a cool-looking mount, it was a status symbol, a mobile auction house, and a convenient merchant rolled into one lumbering, brontosaurid package. It was the ultimate flex, screaming, “I’m rich and I can buy and sell goods on the go!”. But its introduction and subsequent removal from direct sale sparked considerable debate within the World of Warcraft community. It was meant to be a gold sink, but many felt it exacerbated the inflation of the in-game economy.
This mount was obtainable from two vendors: Talutu and Tricky Nick, before the Shadowlands pre-patch, which is when they ceased selling it. At this time, the associated Feat of Strength, called Conspicuous Consumption, was no longer achievable.
The Brutosaur’s Legacy: Exclusivity and Server Load
The decision to remove the Brutosaur from direct vendor sale had several implications. For one, it instantly transformed the mount into a symbol of exclusivity. Owners of the Brutosaur now possessed something truly rare, a relic from a bygone era. Secondly, it addressed concerns regarding server load. The ability to summon auctioneer NPCs anywhere placed a strain on the game’s infrastructure, particularly in densely populated areas. Limiting the number of these mounts in circulation alleviated this issue. As you might expect, it’s very unlikely that there will be more auction house mounts due to the server load implications of spawning auctioneer NPCs whenever and wherever.
The mount is now a testament to the fact that things in World of Warcraft can change drastically, and that sometimes, what seems commonplace can become a highly sought-after rarity. Its existence, even in its limited availability on the Black Market Auction House, continues to fuel discussions about in-game economies, prestige, and the ever-evolving nature of the game itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur
1. Can I still buy the Reins of the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur from a vendor?
No, the Reins of the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur are no longer available from vendors like Talutu and Tricky Nick. They were removed from their inventories before the Shadowlands pre-patch.
2. Where can I get the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur now?
The only place to potentially acquire the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur now is through the Black Market Auction House (BMAH). It appears there rarely, and the price will be determined by player bids.
3. How much does the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur usually cost on the Black Market Auction House?
The price on the BMAH varies greatly depending on the server and the competition among bidders. It can easily exceed its original price of 5,000,000 gold, sometimes reaching the gold cap.
4. Why was the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur removed from direct vendor sale?
The decision was largely driven by concerns about the inflation of the in-game economy and the strain that having so many mobile auctioneers placed on the game servers.
5. Will the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur ever be available again through a direct vendor?
It is highly unlikely that the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur will ever be available again through a direct vendor. Blizzard has indicated that it intended for it to be a limited-time item.
6. Is the Feat of Strength “Conspicuous Consumption” still obtainable?
No, the Feat of Strength “Conspicuous Consumption,” awarded for purchasing the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur, is no longer obtainable, as the mount can’t be purchased from its original vendors.
7. Are there any other mounts that provide access to an auctioneer?
No, the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur was the only mount that provided access to a portable auctioneer. There are no other mounts currently available that offer this functionality.
8. How much would 5,000,000 gold, the original cost of the Brutosaur, translate to in real-world money?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely as gold-selling prices fluctuate. At the time, some estimates placed it around $475, based on the then-current rate of purchasing WoW Tokens and converting them into gold.
9. Are there any plans for Blizzard to introduce another mount with a portable auction house?
While anything is possible, it is unlikely that Blizzard will introduce another mount with a portable auction house due to the potential strain on server resources and the issues it caused with the in-game economy.
10. What are some other rare and expensive items or mounts in World of Warcraft?
Some other rare and expensive items and mounts include the Swift Spectral Tiger (from the TCG), Ashes of Al’ar, Invincible’s Reins, and The Big Love Rocket.
11. Does the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur have any unique animations or features?
Aside from its portable auction house and merchant, the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur is also one of the largest and tallest mounts available in the game, making it quite noticeable.
12. Can I still find Talutu and Tricky Nick in their original locations?
Yes, Talutu and Tricky Nick can still be found in their original locations in Battle for Azeroth zones. However, they no longer sell the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur.
13. What are some tips for earning gold in World of Warcraft to potentially afford rare items like the Brutosaur on the BMAH?
Tips for earning gold include farming materials, crafting valuable items, completing world quests, running old raids for transmog gear, and participating in the auction house.
14. Is the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur account-wide?
Yes, like most mounts in World of Warcraft, once learned, the Mighty Caravan Brutosaur is account-wide and can be used by all characters on your account.
15. Where can I learn more about the history and economy of World of Warcraft?
You can learn more about the history and economy of World of Warcraft through various websites, forums, and communities dedicated to the game. Additionally, the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) offers insights into game design, mechanics, and their impact on players and society. You can also explore resources focused on game studies to understand the economic and social aspects of virtual worlds better.