Valor Points System Returns in World of Warcraft: Shadowlands
The latest expansion of World of Warcraft, Shadowlands, has primarily favored players who engage in PvP for gear acquisition. However, Blizzard’s recent announcement regarding the return of the “Valor Points” system might level the playing field.
In a forum post today, Blizzard revealed its plans to test a reward system in the upcoming 9.0.5 update on the Public Test Realm (PTR).
Upgrading Gear through Mythic Keystone Dungeons
The Valor Point system will introduce an upgrade feature for Mythic Keystone Dungeon gear, which will be based on a scale tied to players’ achievements in Mythic Keystones and Callings. By completing these activities, players can earn Valor Points that can be exchanged for upgrades.
While the cost of upgrades and the weekly cap for earning points remain undisclosed, it is important to note that Valor Points can only be used to upgrade items acquired in Mythic+ Dungeons.
Scaling Benefits for Elite Players
This new system will heavily favor the most dedicated players who have already achieved the “Shadowlands Keystone Master: Season One” title by successfully timing every dungeon at a +15 Keystone level or higher. These accomplished players will be able to upgrade their gear to an item level of 220.
Players who have attained the “Keystone Conqueror” achievement by timing every dungeon at a +10 level will have the option to upgrade their items to 213. Similarly, those who have completed dungeons at a +5 level will be capped at gear of item level 207. However, all players will have the opportunity to upgrade their items up to ilvl 200.
Addressing Player Complaints
The introduction of this system by Blizzard is a response to complaints from players who engage more in PvE content and believe that the best rewards come from PvP activities such as Arenas.
According to the official post, “After a rewarding first few weeks, we know that many dungeon-focused players reached a point where the only relevant rewards from the system come from the Great Vault. We want to find a way for the loot from the chest at the end of a challenging Mythic Keystone run to feel relevant, without bringing back random upgrade systems such as Warforging.”
Positive and Mixed Reactions
Top players have posted their opinions on this change, and their reactions have been mixed. Echo raider and Mythic Dungeon International competitor Gingi expressed his enthusiasm for the new system, tweeting “BRO THIS IS SICK.”
Similarly, Echo player Fleks, known for his previous critical remarks towards Blizzard, commended the change as a “good thing.” However, he questioned the rationale behind capping the system at ilvl 220.
Meanwhile, Golden Guardians healer JdotB, who competes in the MDI, considered the cap of ilvl 220 as “more insulting than doing nothing.”
Twitch’s most popular World of Warcraft streamer, Asmongold, shared his thoughts on the change. Continuing his showman persona, he simply remarked, “There it is, dude.”