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Upgrading items in WoW is a key part of becoming stronger, tackling tougher challenges, and standing out in Azeroth. Whether you’re chasing epic gear or refining your equipment for PvE or PvP, knowing how to efficiently upgrade items can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of upgrading your items in WoW, explain the materials you’ll need, and share tips to get the most out of your gear.

Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrade Items in WoW:

Step 1: Understand the Upgrade System

Before diving in, familiarize yourself with WoW’s gear upgrade mechanics:

• Item Levels (iLvl): Higher item levels mean stronger gear. Your goal is to increase the iLvl of your equipment.
• Upgrade Tokens and Currencies: Most upgrades require specific materials like Valor Points, Primal Chaos, or Shadowflame Crests (depending on the expansion).

Step 2: Obtain Upgradeable Gear

Not all items can be upgraded. Look for gear labeled as “Upgradeable.” Common sources include:

• Mythic+ dungeons
• Raid drops
• PvP rewards
• World quests and events

Step 3: Gather the Required Currency

Different gear upgrades require specific resources. Here are some key currencies:

• Valor Points: Used for upgrading dungeon loot. Earn them by completing Mythic+ dungeons or weekly objectives.
• Honor and Conquest Points: PvP gear upgrades require Honor for low-tier gear and Conquest for high-tier gear.
• Shadowflame Crests (Dragonflight): Used for upgrading gear from raids, Mythic+, or world content in Dragonflight.

Step 4: Visit an Upgrade NPC

Head to an Upgrade Vendor in your capital city. Some common NPCs include:

• PvP Upgrade Vendor for PvP gear (near the PvP hub).
• Mythic+ Vendor for dungeon gear upgrades.
• Crafting Vendors for crafted gear enhancements.

Interact with the vendor to open the upgrade menu.

Step 5: Upgrade Your Item

1. Drag the gear you want to upgrade into the upgrade window.
2. Ensure you have enough currency and materials to meet the upgrade requirements.
3. Confirm the upgrade to enhance your item’s stats and iLvl.

Step 6: Optimize Your Upgrade Strategy

To get the most out of your upgrades:

• Focus on priority slots like weapons and trinkets, as they have the most impact.
• Save resources for endgame gear to maximize their value.
• Participate in activities that align with your goals (PvP, Mythic+, or raiding).

Step 7: Keep an Eye on Weekly Resets

Some currencies, like Valor Points, have caps or reset limits. Plan your upgrades around weekly resets to maximize efficiency.

Step 8: Enhance with Enchants and Gems

Upgrading your gear isn’t just about iLvl. After upgrading, enhance your gear with:

• Enchants: Boost stats on weapons, rings, and other gear.
• Gems: Slot gems into socketed items for extra stats.

Step 9: Stay Updated

WoW’s systems change with each expansion and patch. Always check patch notes or community forums for the latest upgrade mechanics and tips.

What types of gear can be upgraded in WoW?

A: Not all gear is upgradeable. Typically, gear from Mythic+ dungeons, PvP rewards, raids, and world content labeled as “Upgradeable” can be enhanced. Crafted gear can also sometimes be upgraded using special materials.

Where can I find an upgrade NPC?

A: Upgrade NPCs are located in major cities such as Orgrimmar and Stormwind. Look for specific vendors:

• PvP Vendors for Honor and Conquest upgrades.
• Mythic+ Vendors for dungeon gear.
• Crafting NPCs for enhancing crafted gear.

What currencies do I need to upgrade gear?

A: The required currency depends on the content:

• Valor Points for Mythic+ dungeon gear.
• Honor or Conquest Points for PvP gear.
• Shadowflame Crests (or other expansion-specific currencies) for raid and world gear upgrades.

How do I earn Valor Points or other upgrade currencies?

A:

• Valor Points: Complete Mythic+ dungeons or weekly objectives.
• Honor Points: Earned through PvP battles.
• Shadowflame Crests: Gained from raid bosses, Mythic+ dungeons, or specific world content in Dragonflight.

Is there a limit to how much I can upgrade gear?

A: Yes, each piece of gear has an upgrade cap. For example:

• Mythic+ gear can usually be upgraded to a specific item level based on the Mythic+ key level you completed.
• PvP gear upgrades depend on your PvP rating and the type of currency used.

Should I upgrade low-level gear?

A: It’s usually better to save resources for higher-quality gear. Focus on upgrading endgame gear like weapons and trinkets, as these provide the most significant stat boosts.

Can crafted gear be upgraded?

A: Yes, crafted gear can often be upgraded using special items like Primal Infusions or Spark of Ingenuity (expansion-dependent). These materials are earned through crafting quests or endgame activities.

What happens if I replace upgraded gear?

A: If you replace upgraded gear, the investment is lost on that piece. This is why it’s best to upgrade items you plan to use long-term.

Whether you’re dominating in PvP, scaling Mythic+ dungeons, or taking on epic raid bosses, upgrading your gear is a vital step to staying competitive. Keep an eye on the latest patch updates, plan your resource usage wisely, and never forget to enhance your gear with enchants and gems for that extra edge.