Tier Sets and Catalyst System
Tier tokens drop at 5% per player, omni tokens come from the final boss, and catalyst charges let you convert any piece - here's how it all works.
Tier Set Fundamentals
Tier sets are the most impactful pieces of gear you'll get each tier. Understanding how they work helps you make better distribution and upgrade decisions. In 11.2 every spec gets separate 2-piece and 4-piece set effects per hero talent. For example, Marksmanship Hunter will have different effects depending on whether they're Dark Ranger or Sentinel.
New in 11.2: Every spec gets separate tier set effects for each hero talent tree, making tier decisions more complex and powerful.
Tier Slots
Only 5 armor slots can be tier pieces:
Helm
Shoulders
Chest
Gloves
LegsSet bonuses activate at 2 pieces and 4 pieces. The 4-piece bonus usually provides the largest DPS increase, but you can often play an old 2-piece with the new 2-piece early in the tier. Always sim yourself.
Token System
Tier pieces drop as tokens that can be used by specific class groups:
Paladin
Priest
Shaman
Rogue
Warrior
Monk
Evoker
Warlock
Death Knight
Demon Hunter
Mage
Druid
HunterWhen a token drops you pick who gets it from the eligible classes. Prioritize getting 2-piece and 4-piece bonuses as quickly as possible. Know each spec's off-piece preference - the slot they don't want tier in.
Tip: Tier tokens can also roll tertiary stats! Useful for M+ players on farm.
How Tier Drops
Every boss that can drop tier has a 5% chance per player for one of the item drops to be a tier token. At 20 players this means you get one guaranteed. For every player above 20 you have 5% chance to get a second one.
Variance is real: Even with 30 players you can get as few as 5 tokens or as many as 10 tokens per clear.
Omni Tokens
Omni tokens can be used by any class for any tier slot. They only drop from Dimensius, The All-Devouring. They can also roll tertiary stats since 11.2. Blizzard probably added these for bad luck protection. Early on you should use them to either finish priority 2-piece or 4-piece sets or distribute it to the token you didn't get many of.
Players should always be aware that they do not have to use the omni tokens instantly. There are cases where you might want to save it for reclear, or after you've seen what drops on Mythic.
An omni token is bonus loot and doesn't replace loot like regular tier does. This means that if you are a 30 person raid on normal or heroic you are guaranteed 6 regular items from Dimensius and 3 omni-tokens.
Catalyst System
Players get catalyst charges that convert any piece into a tier piece for that slot. You have access to 2 charges in week 2 of the tier (raid opening) 1 naturally and 1 from achievement (M+ score achievement or full heroic clear). Additional charges come every 2 weeks.
When to Use Catalyst Charges
- You're not progressing a boss where the extra DPS makes a difference
- Your team has stronger sets and has committed their charges
- You want to save charges for higher item level Mythic+ pieces
- You're progressing a boss where DPS matters
- Playing an alt for specific bosses only
- Casual guild where Heroic is challenging
- Team decision for early progression
Guild Coordination: In semi-hardcore/hardcore guilds, discuss catalyst usage with your team before spending charges. Individual decisions affect the whole raid's optimization.
Distribution Strategy
- Give 4-piece to key players first
- Focus on specs with strong 4-piece bonuses
- Consider player attendance and skill
- Spreading tier pieces too thin, complete sets first
- Ignoring spec-specific off-piece preferences
- Not coordinating catalyst usage
- 5 tier slots: Helm, Shoulders, Chest, Gloves, Legs
- Token system: 4 types shared among class groups
- Drop rate: 5% chance per player for tier tokens (20 players = guaranteed)
- Omni tokens: Universal tokens from final boss (10% per player)
- Catalyst charges: 2 at start, 1 every 2 weeks - save for higher item level pieces
- Strategy: Complete 4-piece sets before spreading tier around