Where is the Heirloom Tab? The Ultimate Guide for WoW Players
The heirloom tab in World of Warcraft, as it previously existed, no longer exists as a distinct interface. Instead, heirlooms are now integrated directly into your Collections interface, specifically under the Appearances tab. You’ll find them alongside your transmog options, mounts, pets, and toys.
Understanding the Transition: From Tab to Collection
The move from a dedicated tab to the Collections interface was part of a broader effort by Blizzard to streamline the player experience and reduce interface clutter. Before the change, many players complained about the increasing number of tabs and windows they needed to navigate. Consolidating heirlooms into the Collections tab aimed to address this concern. This change came with other UI improvements over time, like removing the need to mail heirlooms.
The Logic Behind the Integration
By integrating heirlooms into the Collections system, Blizzard aimed to make them more accessible and easier to manage. Now, they are logically grouped with other cosmetic and collectible items, making it simpler to browse and find what you’re looking for. It also allowed for further streamlining, making it possible to create and upgrade heirlooms directly from the interface.
Navigating the Appearances Tab
To access your heirlooms, open the Collections window (default keybind is Shift+P). Then, click on the Appearances tab located at the top of the window. On the left side, you should see a list of categories. Scroll down, and you’ll find the Heirlooms category. Clicking on this category will display all the heirlooms available to your account.
Benefits of the New System
While some players initially missed the dedicated tab, the integration into the Collections system brought several benefits:
- Account-Wide Access: Heirlooms are now truly account-wide, usable by any character on your Battle.net account, regardless of server.
- Simplified Upgrade System: Upgrading heirlooms is handled directly through the interface, eliminating the need to visit specific vendors for each upgrade.
- Centralized Management: All your cosmetic and collectible items are now in one place, making it easier to manage and browse your collection.
- Reduced Clutter: Eliminating the separate tab reduces interface clutter and simplifies the overall player experience.
How to Use Heirlooms in the New System
Once you’ve located your heirlooms in the Appearances tab, using them is straightforward:
- Select the Heirloom: Click on the heirloom you want to use.
- Create the Item: If you haven’t already created an instance of the item for that character, a “Create” button will appear. Click this button. This will use any materials needed (usually gold).
- The item then appears in your inventory ready to be equipped. You are no longer required to mail Heirlooms to alternate characters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about heirlooms in World of Warcraft, covering everything from their purpose to how to obtain and upgrade them:
1. What are heirlooms and what are they for?
Heirlooms are special items in World of Warcraft that scale with your character’s level, providing a consistent boost to your leveling experience. They typically offer increased experience gain, making leveling faster and more efficient. They also provide reasonable stats for their level. They are designed to be used by multiple characters on your account, offering a significant advantage when leveling alts.
2. How do I acquire heirlooms?
Heirlooms can be acquired from various sources:
- Vendors: Certain vendors in major cities sell heirlooms for gold.
- Darkmoon Faire: Some heirlooms are available for purchase with Darkmoon Prize Tickets.
- Timewalking Vendors: During Timewalking events, special vendors offer heirlooms for Timewarped Badges.
- Holiday Events: Some holiday events offer heirlooms as rewards.
- Guild Vendors: Certain heirlooms are available from guild vendors, requiring reputation and gold.
3. How do I upgrade my heirlooms?
Upgrading heirlooms is done directly through the Appearances tab. Select the heirloom you want to upgrade, and if you have the necessary materials (typically gold), an “Upgrade” button will appear. Clicking this button will upgrade the heirloom to the next level range. You used to need specific heirloom upgrade items that were purchased to be mailed to specific characters. This is no longer the case.
4. What is the maximum level an heirloom can reach?
The maximum level an heirloom can reach depends on how many times you’ve upgraded it. Typically, they can be upgraded to scale up to level 60, 70, and eventually, the current level cap. The more you upgrade them, the higher level they can reach.
5. Are heirlooms account-wide?
Yes, heirlooms are account-wide. Once you acquire an heirloom, it’s available to all characters on your Battle.net account, regardless of server.
6. Do heirlooms still grant bonus experience?
Yes, most heirlooms grant bonus experience, significantly speeding up the leveling process. Some heirlooms may have other unique effects, such as increased stats or reduced cooldowns.
7. Can I transmog the appearance of my heirloom?
Yes, you can transmog the appearance of your heirloom just like any other piece of gear. This allows you to customize your character’s look while still benefiting from the heirloom’s stats and effects.
8. Do all classes have access to the same heirlooms?
No, not all classes can use all heirlooms. Heirlooms are designed for specific armor types (cloth, leather, mail, plate) and weapon types, so you’ll need to choose heirlooms appropriate for your class.
9. Are there any limitations to using heirlooms?
While heirlooms are generally very beneficial, there are a few limitations:
- They can only be used by characters within the level range they are upgraded to.
- Some heirlooms may have specific class or race restrictions.
- They cannot be traded to other players.
10. What is the best way to level with heirlooms?
The best way to level with heirlooms is to combine them with other experience-boosting methods, such as:
- War Mode (for Alliance and Horde players).
- Experience potions.
- Timewalking dungeons.
- Completing quests in zones appropriate for your level.
11. Can I get heirlooms from quest rewards or dungeons?
No, heirlooms are not typically obtained from quest rewards or dungeons. They are primarily acquired from vendors, events, or other specific sources.
12. What happens to my heirlooms when a new expansion is released?
When a new expansion is released, you may need to upgrade your heirlooms to allow them to scale to the new level cap. Blizzard usually introduces new upgrade items or methods to allow players to keep their heirlooms relevant.
13. Is it worth investing in heirlooms?
Yes, investing in heirlooms is generally worth it, especially if you plan to level multiple characters. The increased experience gain and consistent stats make the leveling process much faster and more enjoyable.
14. How do I know if an heirloom is fully upgraded?
You can check if an heirloom is fully upgraded by looking at its item level and comparing it to the current level cap. If the heirloom’s item level is appropriate for the maximum level, it is fully upgraded.
15. Are there any new heirlooms being added to the game?
Blizzard occasionally adds new heirlooms or updates existing ones. Keep an eye on patch notes and news updates to stay informed about any new additions to the heirloom system. These can provide different stat arrays or cosmetic apperances.
Conclusion
While the original heirloom tab is gone, the integration into the Collections interface has streamlined the process of managing and using heirlooms in World of Warcraft. By understanding the new system and utilizing the resources available, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of heirlooms and level your characters efficiently. With the help of this guide, you’ll never have to ask, “Where is the heirloom tab?” again! Remember to check back regularly for updates and changes to the heirloom system.