What Are Fated Normal Raids? A Comprehensive Guide
Fated Normal Raids represent a unique twist on the traditional raid experience in World of Warcraft’s Shadowlands Season 4. Essentially, they are the normal difficulty versions of the three Shadowlands raids—Castle Nathria, Sanctum of Domination, and Sepulcher of the First Ones—that have been enhanced with increased difficulty and improved rewards. During the Shadowlands Season 4, instead of all raids being fated all the time, one specific raid would be designated as “Fated” each week, rotating with each weekly reset. However, towards the end of Shadowlands, this rotation was removed, and all three raids became Fated simultaneously, allowing players to experience all of them in their empowered state at the same time.
What distinguishes Fated Normal Raids from their standard counterparts is the boost in boss health, damage output, and the addition of unique “Fated Powers” that introduce new mechanics and challenges. These powers force players to adjust their strategies, making even familiar encounters feel fresh and engaging. Crucially, to compensate for the elevated difficulty, Fated Normal Raids offer higher item level loot than their non-fated versions. This makes them an attractive option for players looking to gear up for more challenging content. They provide a balanced step up from standard normal raids, offering a worthwhile challenge without requiring the extreme coordination and skill needed for Heroic or Mythic modes. This mode also forms the baseline for acquiring the much desired Jigglesworth Sr. mount.
Understanding the Fated Raid System
Fated Powers and Mechanics
The Fated system is not just about boosting health and damage. Each boss in a Fated Raid is infused with specific Fated Powers. These powers introduce unique mechanics that can vary from boss to boss and from week to week if the rotation system were still in place. Players must learn and adapt to these mechanics to succeed, which adds an exciting layer of complexity. These powers change how you will fight and what your responsibilities as a player are within the raid.
Weekly Rotation and Availability
Originally, Fated Raids followed a weekly rotation. This meant that only one of the three Shadowlands raids would be “Fated” each week. This system has changed, and all of them are available in fated status now. Players would have to wait for the rotation to access a specific raid. With the change to no rotation, you now have access to all of the raids at the same time in a fated setting.
Difficulty and Rewards
Fated Normal Raids are designed to be more challenging than standard normal raids. The increase in difficulty is substantial enough that players cannot simply roll through the encounters. However, the rewards are also significantly better, with higher item level gear dropping. This makes Fated Normal Raids an excellent stepping stone for players looking to progress their characters and prepare for the challenges of Heroic or Mythic raiding. The item level for Fated Normal raids starts at 278 and goes to 285.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fated Normal Raids
Here are some common questions about Fated Normal Raids, designed to provide additional clarity and guidance:
1. How hard are Fated Normal Raids?
Fated Normal Raids are moderately difficult. While they aren’t as challenging as Fated Heroic or Mythic raids, they require players to understand the boss mechanics, be aware of the new fated powers, and perform their roles effectively. Expect some wipes and learning curves, especially on less familiar bosses or when learning the fated mechanics. Some of the fated mechanics can cause a 1 shot, meaning you die if you do not avoid them.
2. What item level is dropped in Fated Normal Raids?
Fated Normal Raids drop item level 278-285 gear, depending on the specific boss. This is a significant upgrade compared to non-fated normal raids and is essential for progressing your character.
3. Can I do normal fated raids without doing normal versions first?
Yes, you can jump straight into Fated Normal Raids without having cleared the non-fated versions. However, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the base encounters prior, for an easier transition.
4. Are fated raids still a thing?
Yes, Fated Raids still exist, and with the pre-patch before Dragonflight, they are all available at the same time. You can still use Dinars and upgrade tokens to purchase transmogs from the fated raids.
5. What are all three Fated Raids?
The three Fated Raids from Shadowlands are:
- Castle Nathria
- Sanctum of Domination
- Sepulcher of the First Ones
6. Can you do all fated raids in one week?
Yes, with the Dragonflight Pre-Patch, all Shadowlands raids became Fated at the same time, removing the weekly rotation. This allows players to run all three Fated Raids in a single week.
7. Can you do non-fated raids?
Yes, while a raid is Fated, it will only be available in its Fated difficulty. However, the other two raids will still be available that week in their non-Fated difficulty. However, the loot in non-fated raids will not be the same higher ilevel loot.
8. Can you get the mount from fated LFR?
No, the Jigglesworth Sr. mount requires completing all Fated Raids on Normal difficulty or higher. LFR (Looking For Raid) difficulty does not count towards this mount.
9. Can you do normal and heroic legacy raids in the same week?
Yes, you can defeat each raid boss once per week per character. You could do normal, heroic, and mythic all in the same week for the raids.
10. How do I get Mr. Jigglesworth?
You can obtain the Jigglesworth Sr. mount by completing all of Season 4’s Fated Raids on Normal difficulty or above. This requires participating in all three Fated Raids.
11. What are the item levels for fated heroic and mythic?
Fated Heroic raids drop item level 291-297 gear while Fated Mythic drops 304-311 gear. These are significant increases over the fated normal loot.
12. What level should I be for Mythic difficulty fated raids?
It’s generally recommended to have an item level around 340+ for mythic fated raids, and upwards of 350-360+ for a comfortable experience.
13. Is there an easier way to learn mechanics for fated raids?
Watching guides online, joining raid communities, and practicing in normal difficulty or LFR versions of the raids before doing the fated versions can significantly help. Communicating with your raid group is crucial.
14. What are the “Dinars” mentioned in relation to fated raids?
Puzzling Cartel Dinars were a currency introduced during Shadowlands Season 4 that could be used to purchase specific items from vendors. They provided a guaranteed way to obtain transmogs and gear from the Shadowlands raids. These are still available to be earned by doing fated raids.
15. What is the best way to find a fated normal raid group?
Use the Group Finder tool in-game, search for communities focused on raiding, or join a guild that actively engages in raiding. Also look for groups advertising in general chat.
Conclusion
Fated Normal Raids provide a compelling experience for World of Warcraft players looking for a challenging and rewarding activity. By combining familiar raid encounters with new mechanics and increased rewards, they offer a fresh take on Shadowlands content. Whether you’re aiming to gear up, learn advanced raid tactics, or chase the coveted Jigglesworth Sr. mount, Fated Normal Raids provide a great opportunity. Understanding their unique features and requirements can significantly improve your raid experience. Get in there, defeat the powerful bosses and have fun!