Battle for Azeroth is going back to basics with a big focus on Horde versus Alliance, but the expansion will be dropping one thing that’s been a traditional part of the game for high-level players. Namely, tier sets.
For more details on how the new systems – including Azerite – work, check out everything we know about Battle for Azeroth.
That’s part of an effort to allow players more flexibility and customization, according to game director Ion Hazzikostas. “With sets and cosmetic appearances we’re always trying new things,” Hazzikostas tells Game Informer. “We’re currently not planning on carrying forward traditional raid class sets.”
In terms of art, “the gear will be more heavily themed from the place it comes. There’s more customization we want to express through the new Azerite system.”
Hazzistokas says that in the early days of WoW, you’d put together sets over the course of months of raiding in a particular zone. But now, with more sources of gear, “it’s very common to get 2 or 4 pieces at the start of a tier and it actually kind of locks down those character slots.”
Dropping tiers in favour of the Azerite system will hopefully open up more meaningful customization options for your gear.