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Raid Size Optimization

Every 5 players gives you one more item per boss, so 30-player raids get more loot per core member than smaller raids - if you can find good helpers.

7/6/2025
3 min read
Penkek

Raid Size: The Helper Strategy

Most guilds have 20-25 core raiders. Helpers who aren't in consideration for loot let you generate extra items for your core team.

The Math

Interactive Raid Size Calculator
Calculate how helpers generate extra loot for your core raiders (8-boss clear)
130
Raiders who need loot and compete for items
09
Extra players who don't need loot from this tier
Total Raid Size
25 / 30 players
1.9
Items per core raider
vs 1.6 baseline
+19%
More loot per raider
With 4 helpers
+6.4
Extra items per clear
For core team to share
Without Helpers
4.2 items/boss × 8 bosses = 33.6 total items
With 4 Helpers
5.0 items/boss × 8 bosses = 40.0 total items
Split Raiding Usage
This calculator also works for split raids! Count alts as helpers to see expected loot per main you're funneling.
Example: 10 mains + 12 alts + 8 helpers = 10 core raiders, 20 helpers. Your mains get the benefit of 30-player loot generation while only competing among themselves.
Key Insight
Helpers who don't compete for loot essentially generate free items for your core team. Even if they slow down your clear, the extra loot is usually worth it early tier.

Getting Quality Helpers

Good helpers are worth paying for. If 4-6 helpers generate 25% more loot for your core team, spending guild bank gold to lock in better players is one of the best ways to spend gbank gold.

What makes a good helper:

  • Knows the fights and won't cause wipes
  • Has their own consumables and gear
  • Shows up consistently when promised
  • Doesn't expect loot priority over core raiders
  • Even better if they're willing to come on voice!

When It's Worth It

Even if helpers slow you down significantly, the loot boost often pays off. Adding 30 minutes to your clear for 25% more loot per core raider? Usually worth it during weeks 1-4 when everyone needs upgrades.

Try the raid loot playground to see exact loot expectations for your setup.

When to Cut Helpers

  • Boss is too hard - If you're wiping because helpers can't execute mechanics
  • Complex strategies - Some fights require coordination that helpers can't provide

Check Understanding Loot Luck for tier token odds with different raid sizes.

TL;DR
  • Math is simple: Every 5 players = +1 item per boss, helpers don't compete for loot = more items per core raider
  • 25-30% loot boost from helpers even if they slow you down significantly
  • Cut helpers when: Boss too hard, complex strats needed
  • Best early tier: When loot is time-gated and everyone needs upgrades