Is There a Limit on Crafted Gear in Shadowlands?
No, there is no limit on the number of crafted gear pieces you can equip in World of Warcraft: Shadowlands. However, there were significant limitations on the unique bonuses and embellishments these items could provide. Specifically, you could equip as many crafted items as you could obtain and afford, but only a certain number could carry special, powerful effects. This system encouraged players to engage with crafting while preventing any single character from becoming overly powerful solely through crafted equipment.
Understanding the Embellishment Limit
The primary limitation on crafted gear in Shadowlands stemmed from the “Unique Equipped: Embellished” tag. You could only wear a maximum of two items with this embellishment at any given time. This restriction wasn’t based on the number of crafted pieces but on their special effects. It meant you could have multiple crafted items equipped, but only two could have those additional powerful buffs.
This system was implemented to ensure a balanced progression and to allow crafted items to be powerful without overwhelming other types of gear obtained through various game activities like raids and dungeons. It also provided a layer of strategic choice in gear selection, as players had to decide which two embellished items would benefit them the most.
Embellishments vs. Other Effects
It’s crucial to understand the difference between general crafted item effects and embellishments. Many crafted items in Shadowlands offered decent stats and could fill gear slots. The ‘Embellished’ tag, however, signified the presence of a potent special effect that was usually game-changing or significantly enhanced your character’s abilities. These could range from dealing additional damage to providing increased survivability.
The ’embellishment limit’ only restricted the items with this particular tag, and it was a significant factor in gearing strategies. You might have six crafted items equipped, but only two could have the ‘Embellished’ tag and provide the additional unique benefits.
How Does This Compare to Dragonflight?
The embellishment system continued into Dragonflight but with the same type of two-embellishment cap. The same concept remained valid. There are still no restrictions on the total number of crafted items you could wear but you can only benefit from the unique effects of two embellished items at any time. This design philosophy promotes the importance of player choice and prevents any one method of gearing from becoming overwhelmingly dominant.
The Toxified Armor Patch Exception
A unique consideration within the ‘Embellished’ system is the Toxified Armor Patch. This item, while categorized as an embellishment in gameplay mechanics, is a modifier that enhances other embellished pieces. It doesn’t directly offer a buff but doubles the effects of another item carrying an embellishment. In terms of the limit, this means that you cannot use the Toxified Armor Patch, to bypass the two embellishments cap, but it is an excellent way to optimize your two embellishment slots for greater power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions and answers that further clarify the nuances of crafted gear in Shadowlands and its evolution into Dragonflight.
1. How many crafted items can I equip at once?
You can equip as many crafted items as you have gear slots for, as long as you have the necessary items and recipes for the crafting process.
2. What exactly is an “Embellished” item?
An “Embellished” item is crafted gear that carries a potent special effect beyond its basic stats. This could be additional damage, healing, or other unique abilities. These items are denoted by the “Unique Equipped: Embellished” tag.
3. Can I have more than two “Embellished” items in my inventory?
Yes, you can have as many “Embellished” items in your inventory as you want, but only two can be actively equipped.
4. Does the “Unique Equipped: Embellished” limit still exist in Dragonflight?
Yes, the restriction on a maximum of two “Embellished” items remains in Dragonflight. This mechanic was carried forward from Shadowlands to maintain balanced gameplay.
5. What happens if I try to equip a third “Embellished” item?
If you attempt to equip a third “Embellished” item, it will not activate its special effect, and you will not gain its embellishment benefits. The previous two embellishments would be the only ones still active.
6. Can I remove an embellishment from a crafted item?
Yes, in Dragonflight, you can remove an embellishment by recrafting the item using Griftah’s All-Purpose Embellishing Powder. This is useful if you want to change or update your selected embellishments.
7. Can crafted gear be upgraded in Shadowlands or Dragonflight?
In both expansions, crafted gear can be upgraded using specific items or methods. In Dragonflight, you can use Enchanted Shadowflame Crests of various difficulties to craft items of higher item level. This can range up to item level 447.
8. Can I turn crafted gear into Tier gear?
No, crafted gear is not eligible for conversion into Tier sets via the Creation Catalyst. The catalyst generally only allows gear from dungeons, raids and PvP to be converted into their respective tier set pieces.
9. Can I disenchant crafted gear?
Yes, crafted gear can be disenchanted. When you craft an item, a “Disenchant” button will be available to quickly disenchant multiples.
10. What is the Toxified Armor Patch, and how does it interact with embellishments?
The Toxified Armor Patch is a unique embellishment that doesn’t directly provide a buff. Instead, it doubles the effect of another embellishment. It is also subject to the two-embellishment cap and does not bypass that restriction.
11. Can I get my Spark of Shadowflame back after crafting an item?
No, once you use a Spark of Shadowflame to craft an item, you cannot reclaim it by disenchanting or discarding the item. These sparks are meant to be used once. There is a catchup mechanic for alts and new characters of receiving half a spark every week.
12. Are there specializations for professions in Dragonflight, and can I unlock them all?
Yes, profession specializations exist in Dragonflight, and you unlock them by leveling your profession. You can eventually unlock all specializations without any restrictions.
13. What is the highest item level I can reach with crafted gear in Dragonflight?
The highest item level for crafted gear can reach 447 in Dragonflight using the appropriate Enchanted Shadowflame Crest, such as the Enchanted Aspect’s Shadowflame Crest.
14. Can you get Ancient versions of crafted gear?
Yes, it is possible to craft Ancient versions of crafted Legendary and Set items in Dragonflight. It might take several attempts, but the odds are the same regardless of difficulty.
15. How many Primary Professions can I have in World of Warcraft?
Players are limited to two Primary Professions per character. It’s often beneficial to pair complementary crafting and gathering professions.
Conclusion
While there was never a hard cap on the number of crafted items you could wear in Shadowlands (and this remains true in Dragonflight), the limit on items with the “Unique Equipped: Embellished” tag played a crucial role in character progression. You could have as many crafted pieces as you wanted, but only two could provide those powerful special effects. Understanding these limitations and how to optimize your embellishments was essential for crafting-focused players and remains a key aspect of gearing strategies in Dragonflight.