One of the main perks of playing World of Warcraft is the sheer amount of things you can do in-game. But while most players typically engage in either end-game raids or PvP battlegrounds, there are other unorthodox ways to spend your time in Azeroth. One of them is the challenges, and in this post, we’ll take a closer look at the WoW Ironman challenge tips for success!
This is arguably one of the most popular player-generated challenges in World of Warcraft. It’s also one of the most brutal and unforgiving ones, so stick around as we explore what it’s all about and what you can do to increase your chances of succeeding!
What is the WoW Ironman Challenge?
The WoW Ironman challenge is a popular and tough self-imposed challenge with strict rules. The main idea of the challenge is to reach the level cap with only fundamental means in terms of gear and without dying, not once. You might have heard of Old School RuneScape’s Ironman mode – well, this (sort of) follows the same path. This means that the player taking the challenge is subject to harsh restrictions regarding gear, talents, food, addons, potions, etc. In other words, this challenge is so arduous that it’s safe to say that it’s for hardcore players only.
The Origin Story
The original and first Ironman challenge in WoW appeared back in July 2011 when two guys (Vrykerion and Psynister) came up with the idea over on Twitter. Then others joined the discussion, and the rules and restrictions of the challenge slowly began to take shape.
And the character that’s often recognized as the first to complete the Ironman Challenge is Kripparrian, who reached level 85 in Cataclysm this way. He was a Troll Hunter playing on the US server Turalyon.
What are the Rules of the Ironman Challenge?
According to the official WoW Challenges set of rules, each player entering the challenge is subject to the following conditions and restrictions:
- Don’t die (not even once), as you’ll get disqualified
- No primary or secondary professions (FA bandages are allowed via the AH)
- Only White and Grey gear is allowed
- Enchanting your items is prohibited
- No arenas, raids, BGs, and dungeons
- No potions, elixirs, and flasks
- No Talents (Warlock Healthstones and DK enchants are allowed), although you can still change specs
- Any XP-boosting means are forbidden
- Joining a group, raid, or party to get help is not allowed
- No character boosting
- You can join a guild as long as you don’t use any guild-related perks
- No buffs are allowed except class and race-specific buffs
- Leveling through Pet Battles is prohibited
Players can still use mounts and food to regen despite these unforgiving rules. This includes heirloom mounts and even account-wide toys. On a side note, the current set of rules for the challenge is much more brutal and unforgiving than the original ones from July 2011, which allowed dying.
Tips & Tricks for Succeeding in the WoW Ironman Challenge
Your chances of succeeding in this challenge largely depend on the server you choose, how smart you pick your quests and routes and how closely you follow the rules. So let’s have a more detailed look at essential tips that can help you to overcome the Ironman challenge:
Always be Mindful of the Rules
Being successful in the Ironman challenge is all about being strict and following the rules. And while avoiding death is your number one priority, you have to keep track of all other restrictions. That’s why you have to keep them before you so that you don’t accidentally forget about something. Also, always check for any expansion-specific rules that may apply to the game version you’re currently playing (e.g., Classic WoW).
Choose An Appropriate Server
Although you can make a character on any server, it’s wise to go for a Normal one instead of a PvP server as any death counts, and you have a much higher chance of failing if someone ganks you.
That’s why players typically opt for PvE servers and sometimes even RP ones, although you’ll have to be respectful to RP policies and rules if you choose to play on a roleplaying server. Despite that, you’ll find <Ironman Challenger> guilds on any server. Thus, you can do a “/who ironman challenger” to find fellow challengers and join the specific guild on your server.
Avoid Certain Quests and NPCs
As a general rule of thumb, do your best to avoid any escort quests. They are almost always complicated and require several players to complete, which you can’t do in this challenge.
You can pretty much forget about Elite and group quests too when doing the Ironman Challenge, since it’s not worth risking doing them solo, regardless of your class and spec. Other things to avoid are elite mobs and murlocs because they often pull in packs. So wherever you spot a murloc encampment near a shore, just turn the other way – it’s not worth the risk.
Why the Ironman Challenge is Worth Doing
Why the Ironman Challenge is worth doing is for the same reason you do a lot of other in-game activities in WoW – fame, recognition, joy, and a sense of fulfillment. This particular challenge is reserved only for hardcore players, so the list of players who have completed it isn’t that extensive. Thus, if you successfully finish the Ironman challenge, Blizzard will add your character to the hall of fame on the WoW Challenges site, i.e., the list of successful challengers.
Not Child’s Play
The WoW Ironman Challenge is one of the most brutal and hardcore in-game challenges. It’s not a walk in the park, and it requires incredible dedication and motivation to complete. However, if you are successful, you’ll have your name added to the list of players who beat this incredibly tough challenge.
Have you personally tried the Ironman Challenge? What are your thoughts about it in general? Let us know down below!
