Decrypting the Myth: What are Traders in Mythic 15?
In the world of World of Warcraft’s Mythic+ dungeons, specifically at the Mythic 15 keystone level, the term “trader” often refers to a specific strategy employed by players to maximize gear acquisition. A “trader,” sometimes called a “loot funnel,” is typically a character played by a member of a boosting team who wears the same armor type as one or more of the paying customers in the run. Their primary purpose is to trade any gear that drops for them to the paying customer(s), thereby increasing the chances of those customers receiving upgrades. This is a popular method in Mythic+ carry runs where the priority is to gear up the customer as quickly and efficiently as possible.
This strategy isn’t officially endorsed by Blizzard, and its effectiveness relies on the unwritten rules of the transaction between the boosting team and the customer. The trader’s role is purely supplemental; the core benefit of a Mythic 15 carry still lies in the guaranteed item level (ilvl) gear from the end-of-dungeon chest and the Great Vault. However, the trader offers an added layer of probability, increasing the number of potential gear upgrades from a single run. This service, while offering a tactical advantage, primarily serves to augment the rewards associated with the Mythic 15 dungeon and is an additional service from the boosters.
Diving Deeper: The Mechanics of Loot Trading
The Underlying Principle
The premise behind using a trader is simple: the more loot that is available to be distributed among the paying customers, the higher the odds of those customers getting an upgrade. This strategy is especially potent when several customers are wearing the same armor type (cloth, leather, mail, or plate), as it allows the trader to funnel multiple pieces of gear to a more limited pool of recipients.
The Logistics of a Trade Run
When engaging in a Mythic 15 run with a trader, the boosting team typically communicates the arrangement beforehand. The trader’s character will be of the same armor type as the customer, and they agree to trade any unwanted gear acquired during the run. The “unwanted gear” will vary according to the customer and boosters, but it typically involves trading the gear as long as it is an upgrade. If the customer finds it is not an upgrade, the “unwanted gear” is likely to be disenchanted or sold. This requires communication and coordination throughout the dungeon to avoid misunderstandings. The key is the clear communication as to which specific items will be traded.
Is It Worth It? Weighing the Costs and Benefits
Whether engaging a “trader” is worth it depends on individual circumstances and priorities. For players looking to rapidly gear up and are willing to spend gold for the service, it can be a beneficial option. On the other hand, those who are more budget-conscious or prefer to earn their gear through their own gameplay might find it less appealing. It’s essential to evaluate the cost of the run, the likelihood of receiving upgrades, and personal preferences before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mythic 15 and Traders
1. What item level (ilvl) gear can I expect from a Mythic 15?
A Mythic 15 carry guarantees a 437 ilvl item from the Great Vault. You also have a chance to receive 424 ilvl gear (2 items for a timed run) in the end-of-dungeon chest, randomly spread across party members.
2. What is the point of getting a Mythic 15 carry if the gear is randomly distributed?
While the gear from the chest is random, a carry service ensures you complete the dungeon, giving you a chance at receiving an item. Moreover, you get a guaranteed 437 ilvl item from the Great Vault the following week, based on completing the Mythic 15. Additionally, the trader’s role aims to improve the odds of getting more gear.
3. How does the Mythic+ rating system work, and why is it important?
The Mythic+ rating system tracks your performance in Mythic+ dungeons. Completing dungeons within the timer increases your rating. Reaching certain rating thresholds unlocks achievements like Keystone Master (KSM), which currently requires 2000 mythic score. A higher rating can also make you more appealing to groups when applying for pugs (pick up groups).
4. What ilvl is recommended for running Mythic+ dungeons?
While you can start at lower levels with around 340-350 ilvl, having an ilvl of 374 should allow you to comfortably tackle lower Mythic+ levels. Mythic 10 typically needs a minimum ilvl of 402. These levels can change depending on the patch of the game.
5. What do I need to do to achieve Keystone Master (KSM)?
To obtain Keystone Master, you generally need to reach 2000 Mythic+ score. This requires completing all dungeons in the Mythic pool on at least +15 difficulty on both Fortified and Tyrannical affixes.
6. Can my Mythic+ rating go down if I fail a key?
No, your Mythic+ score will never decrease by running a key out of time or a lower key level. The system only considers your highest scoring run for each dungeon.
7. How much gold does a Mythic 15 carry typically cost?
The cost varies based on the server, demand, and group offering the service. A Mythic +15 can range around 100k gold, but you might need to triple that to avoid scams.
8. Can I acquire multiple Mythic items simultaneously?
A player can only equip 1 Mythic item at a time from the current raid tier. This limitation ensures that players do not fully gear up immediately.
9. What rewards can I expect from completing a Mythic 20?
Completing a Mythic 20 offers a chance to receive a 431 ilvl item from the end-of-dungeon chest and a 447 ilvl reward from the Great Vault.
10. How can I increase my Mythic+ rating quickly?
To increase your Mythic+ rating quickly, focus on completing higher keystone levels within the time limit. Successfully timing the key grants more rating.
11. What is the difference between a Mythic dungeon and a Mythic+ dungeon?
A Mythic dungeon is a base difficulty setting for certain dungeons, whereas Mythic+ adds affixes and timers to increase the challenge and rewards. Mythic+ dungeons require a keystone to activate.
12. What are Mythic 0 dungeons?
Mythic 0 (M0) dungeons are the base Mythic difficulty, without any keystone affixes. They serve as an entry point to higher-level content.
13. What does it mean to be in the top 0.1% of Mythic+ players?
Being in the top 0.1% of Mythic+ players means you have achieved a very high Mythic+ score, placing you among the elite players on your region’s leaderboards. This often requires a score of 3150+ on EU servers.
14. What classes are considered strong for Mythic Plus?
Strong DPS classes for Mythic Plus include Enhancement Shaman, Fury Warrior, Balance Druid, and Retribution Paladin. The balance of power between classes will change depending on the patch and the game developers.
15. How does Mythic difficulty compare to Heroic difficulty?
Mythic difficulty is significantly harder than Heroic. Bosses in Mythic have more health, deal more damage, and often have additional mechanics. Mythic+ introduces timers and affixes, further increasing the challenge.
Hopefully this answers your questions about traders in Mythic 15s and more information about Mythic + dungeons in general. To further your knowledge of the gaming world, consider checking out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for insights into the educational aspects of gaming and how games contribute to learning and development. The Games Learning Society is a great way to learn more about gaming!