Which Profession Makes Mail Armor in Dragonflight?
In World of Warcraft: Dragonflight, the primary profession responsible for crafting mail armor is Leatherworking. While Blacksmithing has traditionally played a role in creating mail at lower levels in previous expansions, Dragonflight shifts the focus almost entirely to Leatherworking for crafting mail armor, particularly at higher levels. This means that if you’re a Hunter, Shaman, or Evoker looking for expertly crafted mail gear, a skilled Leatherworker is your go-to crafter.
Leatherworking’s Role in Mail Armor Creation
Leatherworking in Dragonflight isn’t just about leather armor anymore. The profession has evolved to encompass a wider range of materials and techniques, allowing for the creation of both leather and mail armor. This makes Leatherworking a crucial profession for classes that rely on mail for their defenses. Leatherworkers use their skills to transform raw hides and scales, often obtained through Skinning, into finely crafted armor pieces, providing a reliable source of essential gear for players progressing through the Dragon Isles.
Blacksmithing and Mail: A Limited Role
While Blacksmithing might conjure up images of hammering out chainmail, in Dragonflight, its focus is predominantly on plate armor and weapons. Although Blacksmithing might craft basic mail in the early game, its ability to create mail armor tapers off significantly, becoming primarily a provider of plate armor and powerful weapons. Blacksmiths in Dragonflight do play a vital role but in a different armor sector than mail armor.
Specialization Matters: Focusing on Mail
Within the Leatherworking profession, players can choose different specializations, and some specializations directly enhance their ability to craft mail armor. For those wishing to make mail armor, a specialization in Leather Armor Crafting/Mail Armor Crafting is essential. This specialization allows players to hone their skill and access unique recipes to create high-quality mail. This allows for the production of highly sought-after gear for mail-wearing classes. Choosing the right specialization is critical for aspiring mail armor crafters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Blacksmithing make mail armor in Dragonflight?
While Blacksmithing might create some low-level mail items, its primary focus in Dragonflight is on creating plate armor and weapons. For high-quality mail armor, Leatherworking is the go-to profession.
2. What are the best classes for Leatherworking in Dragonflight?
Leatherworking pairs exceptionally well with classes that utilize its crafted gear, such as Hunters, Shamans, and Evokers, all of whom wear mail armor, and Druids and Demon Hunters, who wear leather.
3. What is the best profession to pair with Leatherworking?
Skinning is the ideal companion profession for Leatherworking, as it provides the raw materials (hides, scales) needed to craft gear. Leveling both professions together makes gathering materials significantly easier.
4. Where do you learn Leatherworking recipes in Dragonflight?
You can obtain new Leatherworking recipes from multiple sources, including Leatherworking trainers, through PvP activities, and as you gain renown. Knowledge points are also essential for learning advanced recipes.
5. What is the best Leatherworking specialization for mail armor?
The Leather Armor Crafting/Mail Armor Crafting specialization is crucial for those wanting to create the highest quality mail armor in Dragonflight.
6. How does Dragonflight change leveling Leatherworking?
Unlike previous expansions, you cannot quickly level Leatherworking to max by simply using vendor-learned recipes. Reaching skill level 100/100 requires earning renown and utilizing knowledge points to access and craft a variety of recipes.
7. Is Leatherworking a profitable profession in Dragonflight?
Yes, Leatherworking can be highly profitable in Dragonflight, especially due to the demand for crafted mail armor, leather gear, and consumables. Well-geared mail-wearing classes will always be in need of crafted upgrades.
8. What materials are needed for Leatherworking?
The primary materials needed for Leatherworking are leathers, hides, and scales, obtained through Skinning. Some recipes also require other materials obtained from various sources in the Dragon Isles.
9. Can chainmail armor be crafted in Dragonflight?
While the term ‘chainmail’ is used generally to describe mail armor, Leatherworking is the primary source for creating this style of armor in Dragonflight. Blacksmithing doesn’t specifically focus on “chainmail” as it did previously.
10. What are the different types of mail armor?
Mail armor can vary in type, design, and properties. For example, scale mail is a type of mail armor made of overlapping scales, and ring mail or chain mail are made of interlinked rings. All of these types fall under Leatherworking’s domain in Dragonflight.
11. Is mail armor good in Dragonflight?
Yes, mail armor is a very important armor type. It offers a significant boost to defense for specific classes and is necessary for progress in Dragonflight.
12. Can Leatherworking make more than just armor?
Yes, Leatherworking creates various items, including cloaks, armor kits, and even other utility items, in addition to mail and leather armor.
13. Will Leatherworking be good in the Dragonflight expansion?
Leatherworking is a highly valuable profession in Dragonflight, both for personal gear and for generating income through crafting. The demand for mail and leather gear will keep the profession busy throughout the expansion.
14. How is mail armor made historically?
Historically, mail armor, also known as chainmail, is constructed from thousands of small metal rings linked together. Leatherworking in WoW, while inspired by historical methods, simplifies this process for gameplay.
15. Why does Leatherworking create mail armor in WoW?
In World of Warcraft, Leatherworking specializes in crafting armor using leather and other natural materials, and with the addition of mail in the skill set, it made sense that this profession handles both types of armor. This design decision streamlines gameplay and allows for a more focused crafting experience.