Where to Buy Runecloth in WoW: A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is, you cannot directly buy Runecloth from vendors in World of Warcraft. Unlike some other materials that are sold by specific NPCs, Runecloth is a loot drop obtained by defeating humanoid enemies primarily in higher-level zones of Classic WoW, and from chests. The real question, therefore, is how to acquire Runecloth, and where to find the best sources. This article will explore all the nuances of obtaining this valuable material, including the best farming locations, reputation rewards, crafting uses, and other common questions.
Runecloth: Understanding the Basics
Runecloth is a vital crafting material used by tailors, first-aid trainers, and for reputation grinds. It drops from level 50+ humanoid mobs, often found in particular zones and instances. Its value stems from its use in creating high-level cloth gear, bandages, and for reputation turn-ins. Therefore, even though you can’t buy it from a vendor, knowing how to effectively obtain it is essential for any WoW player.
Where to Farm Runecloth Effectively
While you can’t buy Runecloth, there are a few key locations where it’s abundant and relatively easy to farm.
Blackrock Depths – The Premier Farming Location
Blackrock Depths (BRD) consistently tops the list as the best place to farm Runecloth. Nearly all humanoid enemies within this dungeon have a good drop rate. The dungeon’s layout allows for quick clears, making it incredibly efficient for collecting large quantities of cloth. A single run usually takes about 6-7 minutes, but be mindful of the 10 instance-per-hour limit if you’re clearing it too quickly. The humanoid population is high, and the rate of Runecloth drops are usually the best you’ll find.
Open World Zones
While not as efficient as BRD, you can also find Runecloth by farming in several open-world zones:
- Eastern Plaguelands: This zone is filled with high-level humanoids and Scourge, many of which drop Runecloth. Keep an eye out for patrolling packs and concentrated areas of enemies.
- Western Plaguelands: Similar to the Eastern Plaguelands, this zone is also a viable option for farming Runecloth. Be prepared for some competition with other players.
- Winterspring: This zone contains humanoid camps that provide a decent source of Runecloth. The area is generally less congested, offering a more relaxed farming experience compared to Plaguelands.
- Felwood: The Satyrs in Felwood are another common source, though the rates aren’t as high as other locations and the drop rates are lower.
Auction House as an Option
Although technically not “buying” from a vendor, you can acquire Runecloth from the Auction House (AH). Prices fluctuate based on server supply and demand. If you don’t have time to farm, purchasing Runecloth from the AH might be a suitable alternative. Be aware that prices can be much higher than the actual value the material holds for its other uses, and that the market price for a stack is normally around 2 gold.
Runecloth Uses and Benefits
Runecloth is valuable for several reasons:
- Tailoring: Used to craft a variety of high-level gear, making it essential for tailors looking to create powerful items or level their skill.
- First Aid: Used to create Runecloth Bandages, a vital resource for healing in combat, especially for non-healing classes.
- Reputation Grinds: Runecloth can be turned in to various factions for reputation, allowing you to access new rewards and achieve exalted status.
- Crafting Runecloth Bags: The Pattern: Runecloth Bag is highly sought after, making the material valuable for crafting the 16-slot bags.
Runecloth Reputation Grinds
Turning in Runecloth for reputation is a worthwhile endeavor. Here are the key points:
- Repeatable Quest: After completing the initial cloth donation quests (Wool, Silk, and Mageweave), you unlock the repeatable Runecloth donation quest.
- Reputation per Stack: Each stack of 20 Runecloth turned in grants you a significant amount of reputation with the corresponding faction.
- Exalted Goal: To reach Exalted, you will need to turn in a massive amount of Runecloth (around 10,400 total), making effective farming or purchasing from the AH necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I learn the Runecloth Bag pattern?
The Pattern: Runecloth Bag is sold by Qia, who is located in the bank building in Everlook (Winterspring).
2. Is Runecloth harder to find in Outland?
Yes, Runecloth does not drop in Outland. Therefore, if you are leveling in Outland, you will need to acquire Runecloth from Classic WoW zones. It’s also worth noting that some players farm for runecloth while leveling in 55-60 level zones.
3. How much reputation do I get per Runecloth stack?
You receive 75 reputation per stack (20 Runecloth) when turning in the repeatable quest.
4. How much Runecloth do I need to get exalted with a faction?
You need to turn in the quest approximately 520 times, which translates to 10,400 Runecloth to go from Friendly to Exalted.
5. Is it better to level in Outland at 58 or 60?
If your gear is not optimal, it’s recommended to wait until level 60 before venturing into Outland. At level 58-59, the quests and mobs will likely be challenging. This delay will make questing in Hellfire Peninsula much smoother.
6. Who sells the Runecloth Bag Recipe?
The Runecloth Bag recipe is sold by Qia, and she appears to only stock one at a time. The restock rate is not consistent or well-documented, and can be tricky to nail down. It appears to restock roughly every ten minutes, but could share a restock with the other patterns sold by the same vendor. These other patterns are: Formula for Enchant Chest – Major Health, Pattern for Frostsaber Boots, and Pattern for Runecloth gloves.
7. What level can I begin turning in Runecloth for rep?
You can turn in Runecloth for reputation at level 50, but only after completing the prior cloth donation quests for that faction.
8. How do I make a Bolt of Runecloth?
You need a Tailoring skill of 250 to craft Bolts of Runecloth. These bolts are used in many tailoring recipes.
9. Where can I get the Runecloth Bandage Recipe?
The Runecloth Bandage recipe can be learned from Doctor Gregory Victor in Hammerfall (Arathi Highlands), but you need a First Aid skill of 260.
10. At what level can I start donating Runecloth?
The Donation of Runecloth becomes available at level 50, following the successful completion of the previous cloth donation quests (wool, silk and mageweave).
11. What’s the most efficient way to farm Runecloth?
The most efficient method is to farm Blackrock Depths (BRD), due to the sheer number of mobs and high drop rate.
12. How long does it take for the Runecloth Bag Pattern to respawn?
Informal experimentation indicates that the Runecloth Bag Pattern appears in Qia’s inventory about every ten minutes on the 8’s (i.e. 1:48, 1:58, 2:08). It doesn’t stay in the inventory for long.
13. What level can I enter Hellfire Peninsula?
You can enter Hellfire Peninsula at level 58.
14. What skill level is needed for the heavy runecloth bandage?
You need a first aid skill of 290 to learn Heavy Runecloth Bandage.
15. How can I get to Outland quickly?
In the lower part of the Orgrimmar Portal Room you can find a Thrallmar Mage who can teleport you directly to Outland. Depending on your current timeline, this mage may send you to the Dark Portal in Blasted Lands.
Conclusion
While you can’t simply buy Runecloth, acquiring it through farming, strategic gameplay, and a little knowledge can be quite effective. Understanding the best locations to farm and the various uses for Runecloth will greatly benefit your World of Warcraft experience. From crafting powerful gear to gaining reputation, this valuable resource plays a pivotal role for many players.