Split Raiding: Step-by-Step Team Building
The practical sequence for creating split raids - composition first, loot distribution second.
Split Raiding: Step-by-Step Team Building
Split raiding means running multiple clears of the same raid to generate more total loot for your core team. This guide covers the practical steps to build functional split teams.
Not covered: RWF-level splitting with mirror characters and simultaneous runs. That level requires automation and is beyond the scope of this guide. I managed splits for <Pieces> during Sanctum of Domination and Sepulcher - it's incredibly complex and honestly needs machine assistance to optimize properly.
The Split Creation Sequence
Key principle: Build viable raid teams first, then optimize loot distribution around those teams. Most people think about loot first - that's backwards.
Step 1: Divide Core Raiders
Divide your core raiders between splits. More splits need more alts and helpers:
- 12-13 mains
- 12-13 alts
- 4-5 helpers
- 12-13 mains
- 12-13 alts
- 4-5 helpers
Reality check: Each additional split requires 25 more characters. Most guilds max out at 2-3 splits due to alt/helper requirements.
Resplitting with Saved Mains
The free optimization: If you're not at 30 players or you're cutting weak alts, bring saved mains instead. It costs you nothing.
- Split A goes well, Split B struggles with a boss
- You have raid spots available (under 30 total)
- Weak alts are causing wipes or slow kills
- Saved mains are available and need the practice
Example scenario: Split B is 28 players and wiping on a boss. You have 2 saved mains available. Swap them in for the 2 weakest alts - you lose a bit of loot (28 eligible → 26 eligible) but the upgrade from weak alt to strong main is massive.
The trade-off: You get less total loot, but swapping your weakest alt for a main is such a huge upgrade that it's usually worth it for execution.
Implementation Tips
- Start with Normal difficulty to test structure
- One officer owns all split coordination
- Keep some mains flexible for resplitting
- Document what works for next tier
- Trying to coordinate by committee
- Starting with complex Heroic splits
- Locking all mains into fixed splits
- Not tracking what worked/failed
- Sequence matters: Composition first (steps 1-3), then loot planning (steps 4-6)
- Step 1: Split mains/alts evenly between teams
- Step 2: Ensure raid buff coverage in each split
- Step 3: Balance boss-specific requirements (cleave, mobility, etc.)
- Step 4: Plan tier token distribution across splits
- Step 5: Spread trinket recipients to handle RNG variance
- Step 6: Plan special item recipients (Soul Hunter boots, etc.)