As the gaming community prepares for the arrival of Phase 2 in Blizzard’s Shadowlands of Desolation (SoD), a significant update has been announced regarding the acquisition of experience points (Exp). Specifically, Waylaid Supplies, previously a reliable source of Exp after achieving level 25, will no longer contribute to players’ experience gains in the forthcoming phase.
| Feature | Description |
| Phase 2 Level Cap | The level cap will increase to 40, encouraging players to find efficient leveling strategies. |
| Experience Points from Waylaid Supplies | Previously, Waylaid Supplies offered a significant source of Exp. With Phase 2, supplies acquired after level 25 will not grant Exp. |
| Source of Waylaid Supplies | Supplies can be acquired by defeating mobs across Azeroth and offered Exp upon redemption. |
| Blizzard’s Announcement | Blizzard announced that only Waylaid Supplies obtained from Phase 1’s level band will not offer Exp past level 25, impacting players’ leveling strategies. |
| Alternative Leveling Methods in Phase 2 | Waylaid Supplies from higher-level mobs, chests, and other sources during Phase 2 will still provide Exp, remaining a viable leveling method. |
| Community Reaction | The community is encouraged to share their opinions on Blizzard’s decision, highlighting the impact on players’ plans for leveling up. |
Detailed Analysis of the Experience Points Adjustment
With the introduction of Phase 2, the level cap within the game will elevate to 40, prompting players to explore various strategies to expedite their progression. Among these strategies, the collection and redemption of Waylaid Supplies had emerged as a prevalent method. These supplies, which players could acquire by defeating various mobs throughout Azeroth, offered substantial experience points upon their return. Nonetheless, a recent statement from Blizzard has significantly altered the landscape for players aiming to utilize this method for leveling.
Implications of the Level Band Adjustment for Waylaid Supplies
Josh Greenfield, a Senior Game Producer at Blizzard, conveyed through Twitter that Waylaid Supplies garnered from the initial phase’s level band will cease to yield experience points past level 25. This development implies that supplies accumulated with the intent of facilitating a swift progression to level 40 will no longer serve this purpose.
Despite this change, there is a silver lining for the player community. Greenfield further elucidated that Waylaid Supplies obtained through engagements with higher-level adversaries, discoveries in chests, and other sources during Phase 2 will continue to award experience points. This adjustment ensures that while the approach to leveling via Phase 1’s supplies will be phased out, the practice of gathering and redeeming supplies from Phase 2 remains a viable strategy for advancement.
Community Reaction and Engagement
The decision to modify the experience points system for Waylaid Supplies has prompted a wide range of reactions within the World of Warcraft community. Players who had been amassing these supplies in anticipation of a rapid ascension to the new level cap might find this update particularly impactful. The community is encouraged to share their perspectives and discuss the ramifications of Blizzard’s decision in the comments section below.