Crafting in 11.2
Why crafting weak slots like bracers is horrible for progression and what to craft instead.
The Real Talk on Crafting
Most guides will tell you your eventual BiS crafts. While you're progressing, crafting weak slots like bracers is horrible.
Read Slot Strength and Item Budget - then tell everyone else to read it too. Understanding slot power is critical for smart crafting decisions.
Crafting is an on-demand power spike. Just because you have Sparks available doesn't mean you have to use them instantly.
Don't craft just because you have Sparks available. Save them for when you actually need the power spike to clear content.
Craft Strategically
Crafting provides massive item level upgrades. Don't waste these on low-power slots.
You basically ALWAYS want a mythic weapon by week 3 of patch (week 2 of raid). With two Sparks available week 3, you can craft a 2H weapon - which is extremely crest efficient since dual wield specs have to upgrade two weapons.
Hold your crafts until you need the power spike. If you miss weapon drops and hit a DPS check, craft the weapon. If you can get away with greeding, do it.
The Weak Slot Trap
Bracers are BiS bait. Many specs list bracers as BiS because they will eventually be in endgame gear. But you want to get your important slots to high item level asap. Not spend crests on a weak slot.
If you're crafting purely for embellishment access, craft them at Heroic level. Save your high-level crafts for actual power.
Smart Crafting Priority
| Priority | Slot Type | Why Craft Here | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Weapon | Biggest upgrade for everyone, crest efficient for 2H | By week 3 if no mythic weapon |
| 2nd | Jewelry (rings/neck) | Best DPS return, you have 2 ring slots so vault still useful | High demand, great vault synergy |
| 3rd | Tier 1 Armor (helm/chest/legs) | Maximum stat budget (see slot-strength guide) | Situational power needs |
| 4th | Tier 2 Armor (shoulders/gloves/belt/boots) | 75% of Tier 1 power | Rarely optimal |
| Last | Tier 3 Armor (cloak/bracers) | Weakest slots, only for embellishments at low level | BiS trap |
The Bottom Line
Crafting slots follow the same power scaling as regular upgrades. Craft where the power is. Your two crafted items should be your biggest possible upgrades, not slots you picked because a guide said they're "eventually BiS."
- Crafting is an on-demand power spike - use it when you need it
- Weapon first - biggest upgrade, most crest efficient for 2H users
- Weak slots are BiS bait - don't craft them at high level just for embellishments
- Hold your Sparks - greed until you actually need the power
For detailed stat budgets and upgrade values, see Slot Strength and Item Budget.