Personal Loot vs. Group Loot: Understanding the Differences
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At its core, the difference between personal loot and group loot lies in how items are distributed after defeating enemies, particularly in raids and dungeons. Personal loot is a system where the game determines which players receive loot and which items they receive, based on their class and specialization. The group loot system, on the other hand, allows eligible players to roll for items that drop, regardless of who the game initially selects to receive loot. In simpler terms, personal loot is game-directed, while group loot is player-directed. This difference has major impacts on gameplay, trading, and strategy within player groups. Personal loot often feels more individualized and streamlined, whereas group loot often creates a more social (and sometimes tense!) experience amongst players.
Key Differences Explained
Personal Loot: Individualized Rewards
With personal loot, the game makes two key decisions. First, it decides which players will receive loot. This selection is based on group size and difficulty level, and it’s not always guaranteed that everyone will receive an item. Second, for those selected to receive loot, the system rolls a specific item tailored to their character’s class and currently selected specialization. This means a priest will receive intellect-based gear, and a warrior will get strength or tanking gear. Importantly, the game automatically assigns loot based on these decisions. Typically, if you’re not selected to receive loot, you will receive a small amount of gold. This gold is scaled with difficulty and group size, as compensation. Mounts that drop from bosses can also be distributed this way. Personal loot is characterized by the following:
- Game-Directed: The game determines who gets loot and what that loot will be.
- Individualized: Loot is tailored to your class and spec.
- Less Trading: Items generally cannot be traded unless they are an upgrade.
- Automatic Awarding: Items are directly placed into the inventory of the player.
- Gold Compensation: Players not awarded gear usually receive gold.
Group Loot: Rolling for Rewards
Group loot, by contrast, offers a more participatory approach. When a boss is defeated, several items drop, and anyone who is eligible to equip that item can roll on it. The raid leader or group leader usually chooses a loot threshold that sets the item quality for group rolling. For example, they might set the threshold to blue rare items, meaning all blues and above will be rolled for. The available items are displayed to the group, and players can choose between ‘Need’ or ‘Greed’ rolls. A player choosing “Need” is indicating they need it for their main gear set, while “Greed” means they simply want the item but don’t need it. Rolling allows players a sense of control, but can also lead to loot disputes and drama. Group loot is characterized by:
- Player-Directed: Players choose to roll on items they want.
- Shared Drops: Everyone can see and potentially roll on all available loot.
- More Trading: Items can be traded to other players in the group as long as trade timers are not in play.
- Need/Greed System: Players can indicate they need an item for their gear or simply desire it.
- Rolling: A random number generator decides who wins.
Trading and Fairness
One crucial difference between the two systems is the approach to trading. In personal loot, traded items are greatly restricted. You can only trade a personal loot item if it’s of lower level (worse) than the item you already have equipped, and is to a person who could have received that item on their own. This is done to reduce selling or exploits. With group loot, items can typically be freely traded between party members, as long as trade timers have not been triggered, allowing for the gear to be distributed to the most appropriate player. This promotes more group collaboration and strategy, as players can help each other gear up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Loot Systems
1. What does the “Need” and “Greed” system mean?
In the group loot system, when an item drops, you can roll ‘Need’ if the item is an upgrade for your main spec (or if there is not any other option for a current slot). You’d use ‘Greed’ if you want it for another spec, off-spec, transmog, or simply to sell to others.
2. Can I trade loot received from personal loot?
Generally, you can only trade an item received from personal loot if it is a lower item level than the one you have equipped and can only be traded to someone who could have received the same item on their own. This restriction is designed to prevent abuse of the trading system.
3. Does Personal loot guarantee an item for everyone?
No. With personal loot, not everyone will receive an item. The number of players who receive loot is based on the size of the group, the difficulty of the encounter, and the specific loot tables of the boss. This system tends to provide fewer drops, but to fewer players.
4. Why do some raids still use Group loot?
Some raids might still use group loot due to player preferences or by those who have groups they frequently run with and trust. There are also some raid content that forces group loot, such as the LFR (Looking For Raid).
5. What is “Round Robin” loot system?
Round robin loot is a system where items are awarded in a rotating order to members of the group. It’s a more structured and predictable approach that cycles through the members.
6. How does shared loot work?
Shared loot is a mechanic that allows nearby players who have contributed to killing a mob to have a chance to receive loot. This applies mainly to open-world mobs.
7. Why do some refer to “loot” as money?
In some contexts, especially within the hip-hop culture, “loot” is slang for money.
8. What is the meaning of “looting”?
Looting refers to the act of stealing, particularly in times of war or turmoil, or in video games, the action of taking items from mobs, bosses, or chests.
9. What are loot tables?
Loot tables are JSON files used to define how items are generated within a game and what an entity drops upon death. These tables determine drop rates and the potential items that can be obtained from different sources.
10. Can you loot raid bosses more than once a week?
You can kill a boss as many times per week as you like, but can only loot it once per difficulty. For example, you can loot the same boss once on Normal, once on Heroic, and once on Mythic.
11. What is a loot lockout?
Loot lockouts prevent players from looting the same boss multiple times within a set period. These lockouts are per difficulty, not per boss (in most circumstances).
12. Can you leave LFR after rolling?
Yes. You can leave LFR after rolling, and any items you have won will be mailed to you.
13. Can you queue LFR with a raid group?
Yes. You can queue for LFR with a raid group. This makes for faster queues.
14. What was “Master Looter”?
Master Looter was a loot system where a designated player distributed the loot. It was used for most raid content in the past. It was removed in Patch 8.0.1
15. What is the difference between “need before greed” and group loot?
In Need Before Greed, players who cannot use an item automatically pass. This is a form of group loot with an extra filter. With group loot, everyone eligible can roll, regardless of if they can equip it or not.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between personal loot and group loot is critical for navigating the complexities of online games. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference and the specific group dynamic. Personal loot emphasizes individual rewards and reduces potential conflicts, while group loot promotes cooperation and strategic decision-making. Knowing the nuances of both systems will enable players to maximize their loot opportunities, making the journey all the more rewarding.