Decoding Naxxramas: A Guide to Emblems and Rewards
Naxxramas, the chilling necropolis floating above Dragonblight, is a cornerstone raid instance in Wrath of the Lich King (WotLK) Classic. For adventurers brave enough to face Kel’Thuzad and his undead legions, understanding the emblem system is crucial for acquiring powerful gear. So, what emblems exactly can you snag from Naxxramas? Let’s dive in!
Naxxramas drops several types of Emblems throughout the different phases of Wrath of the Lich King Classic. Initially, Naxxramas (both 10-man and 25-man versions) primarily drops Emblem of Valor. As the game progresses through phases and new raids are introduced, the emblems dropped by Naxxramas are eventually replaced with Emblems of Conquest. Finally, you could even trade your emblems for Emblems of Heroism.
Emblem Evolution in Naxxramas
The emblems rewarded from Naxxramas are subject to change as the game moves through the different phases in Wrath of the Lich King. This is because the emblem system is designed to keep content relevant and allow players to continually progress their gear.
- Phase 1 (Launch): Emblem of Valor – This is the initial reward from Naxxramas and other early Wrath raids like Obsidian Sanctum and Eye of Eternity. These emblems are used to purchase iLvl 213 gear, including Tier 7 set pieces.
- Phase 3 (Patch 3.2): Emblem of Conquest – With the introduction of the Trial of the Crusader raid, Naxxramas (along with all pre-3.2 raids and heroic dungeons) will drop Emblem of Conquest instead of Valor. This is to encourage players to engage with the newer content while still providing a path for gearing up.
- Later Phases (Emblem Downgrading): Emblems of Heroism – Although you won’t directly loot Emblems of Heroism from Naxxramas itself, it’s important to remember the emblem downgrading system. This allows players to convert higher-tier emblems down to lower-tier emblems. So, even if you’re running Naxxramas and getting Emblems of Conquest, you can downgrade them (eventually) to Emblems of Heroism if you need to purchase items that require them.
Naxxramas: Difficulty and Rewards
The difficulty between 10-man and 25-man Naxxramas is often described as manageable. The 25-man raid offers more opportunities for error due to the increased number of players and mechanics, whereas 10-man is less forgiving to player death. Both modes offer emblems and gear upgrades, and it’s important to consider what’s most rewarding for your time and raid composition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naxxramas Emblems
To further solidify your understanding of Naxxramas and the emblem system, here’s a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions:
1. Do Naxxramas 10 and 25 share a lockout?
No, Naxxramas 10-man and 25-man do not share a lockout. You can complete both versions each week. However, the normal and heroic (25-man) versions of each raid share a lockout.
2. What’s the difference between Naxxramas 10 and 25?
The primary differences are the size of the raid and the loot that drops. 25-man Naxxramas drops more loot per boss and has some items that are unique to that version. The 10-man raid provides less margin for error, whereas the 25-man raid provides more opportunities for a raid member to die.
3. Does Naxxramas 10 drop Valor?
Initially in Wrath of the Lich King Classic, both 10-man and 25-man Naxxramas drop Emblem of Valor. This is a change from the original Wrath of the Lich King, where Valor only dropped from the 25-player version. As the game progresses, this is changed to Emblem of Conquest.
4. Is there a Naxxramas Heroic?
While there isn’t a difficulty officially named “Heroic” for Naxxramas, the 25-man version is often considered the more difficult version and is associated with the “Valorous” Tier 7.5 gear. The 10-man version is associated with the “Heroes'” Tier 7 sets.
5. Who is the final boss of Naxxramas?
The final boss of Naxxramas is none other than Kel’Thuzad, a powerful lich and one of the key antagonists in the Warcraft universe.
6. Do you have to be level 80 for Naxxramas?
Yes, you must be level 80 to enter Naxxramas in Wrath of the Lich King.
7. How many healers do you need for Naxxramas 25?
The general recommendation for Naxxramas 25 is around 7 healers, but it can be done with 6 with competent players and good gear. The exact number depends on your raid composition, gear, and the skill level of your healers.
8. How long does 10-man Naxxramas take?
The time it takes to complete 10-man Naxxramas can vary widely depending on the guild or group. A well-organized group can clear it in around 2-3 hours, while less experienced groups might take longer.
9. Can you enter Naxxramas at level 79?
No, Naxxramas requires you to be level 80 to enter.
10. Do you need 3 tanks for Naxxramas 25?
While some strategies might call for three tanks on specific encounters, generally you only need two tanks for Naxxramas 25.
11. How long is the Naxxramas lockout?
The Naxxramas lockout resets every Tuesday.
12. How often does Naxxramas reset?
Naxxramas resets weekly, typically on Tuesdays during the server maintenance period.
13. How many healers do you need for Naxxramas?
The number of healers needed depends on the raid size. For 10-man, 2-3 healers are usually sufficient. For 25-man, 6-7 healers are generally recommended.
14. Can you convert Valor to Heroism?
Yes, there is an emblem downgrading system. You can trade Emblems of Triumph for Emblems of Conquest, which in turn can be traded for Emblems of Valor, which in turn can be traded for Emblems of Heroism.
15. How many Emblems does Naxxramas 25 have?
Running both 10-man and 25-man Naxxramas can net you a substantial number of emblems each week. The exact number of emblems varies based on the phase, but it’s typically around 32 emblems per week for both raids combined.
Diving Deeper
For those interested in the intersection of gaming and education, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society. Their work explores the powerful ways games can be used to enhance learning and engagement. You can find them at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Mastering the emblem system in Naxxramas is key to progressing your character and maximizing your gear potential in Wrath of the Lich King Classic. By understanding what emblems drop and how to efficiently farm them, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer Kel’Thuzad and claim your rewards. Good luck, adventurer!