You might recall a blog post I created towards the end of last year called Island Expedition Transmog. This post looked at the gear you could earn completing Island Expeditions (or purchasing from the Auction House) and the prices you could flip these items on the Auction House, some for a considerable profit. The introduction of Shadowlands and players playing new content, thus leaving behind old content, meant a significant increase to the value of Island Expedition Transmog as the supply lowered and the demand increased – which was excellent for gold-makers.
In Shadowlands 9.1 this will all change with the introduction of the solo queue for Island Expeditions. This change could have a negative effect on the Island Expedition Transmog market.
Wowhead’s article confirming Solo queues
Jeremy Feasel’s interview with Vanion
Island Expeditions in Battle for Azeroth:
Back in Battle for Azeroth, Blizzard introduced Island Expeditions. You could group up with two other players and participate in one of three maps available for that week. There were four various difficulties, Normal, Heroic, Mythic, and PvP. The aim was to acquire Azerite and the team that reached the goal first won. There were also side objectives, that influenced the loot you could win, once the Island Expedition completed. There’s a lot of exciting loot, which is why many players still complete them today. Players are still trying to earn Island expedition Transmog, Mounts, Companion Pets, and Seafarer’s Dubloons for supply crates. The Supply Crates were introduced to give players another chance to loot items that they were unsuccessful to loot at the end of the Island Expedition.
As Shadowlands progressed, it became apparent that those still interested in Island Expeditions couldn’t find a group because there was a lack of interest from other players. Thankfully for those players, the developers have decided to introduce a solo queue that will eradicate the need for other players.
Island Expeditions in Shadowlands 9.1:
Sadly for gold-makers, 9.1 will introduce a new solo queue option for players wanting to run Island Expeditions. The changes will ultimately make farming Island Expedition Transmog a lot more efficient. With more players able to queue solo, this will increase supply bringing a negative effect to the Island Expedition Transmog market as the supply outnumbers the demand. With this in mind, it may be beneficial to reconsider some of the valuations we’re demanding for our Island Expedition Transmog. However, for many of the high tier ticket items, I would suggest keeping the same value until we know the full extent of the patch.
It’s worth noting at this point that although the solo queue is confirmed, the increase to gear is purely speculation. Developers could lower drop rates or adjust exchange rates for Salvage Crates with Seafarer’s dubloons; If this happens, there may be no need to adjust our values at all. Only when testing starts will we have a greater understanding of Island Expeditions in Shadowlands 9.1.
Tier Lists:
If you’re unsure of the high tier ticket items, here’s a list below of Expedition Transmog ≥50k gold (TSM: Region Market Value Average (RMA))
Firekin Amice
Plundered Flamecaster Stave
Rattling Bone Greatbelt
Razorfin Helm
Stinkrot Smasher
Duskhaven Top Hat
Plundered Barb-Edged Dagger
Plundered Beacon-Light Bulwark
Plundered Heart Hacker
Plundered Petrified Tree
Plundered Shadow-Infused Blade
Plundered Tenderizing Crusher
Wild Marauder Chainmail
For items within the 10k-50k bracket (mid tier), it’s up to you what you wish to do. Most of the Transmog at this price point is already in moderate supply. It wouldn’t hurt to lower your valuations or consider sticking to them and reacting once 9.1 hits.
Anything ≤10k (low tier) will likely be in high supply, and if the changes in 9.1 happen and no changes to drop rates, it’s worth looking at reducing your stock in this price range immediately. After all, there’s a reason why this gear doesn’t break the 10k mark; the supply exceeds the demand, and this will only get worse!
Conclusion:
Since Shadowlands dropped, the Island Expedition Transmog market has been excellent. I’ve made some great sales over the last couple of months. With the release of 9.1 and solo queues for Island Expeditions, it’s only right we prepare too. If there’s an increased supply of Transmog to the Auction House, we could find ourselves struggling to meet our valuations and moving our stock. That is why I recommend checking your valuations and where you feel possible, consider reducing them to get a head-start on your competitors. I’d suggest leaving the values on your high tier items!
If you have access, consider checking out the PTR and seeing whether the developers adjust the drop rates and conversion rates for Supply crates via Seafarer’s Dubloons. If there is a change to the drop rates, ignore the need to adjust your valuations on your Transmog. If solo queuing becomes more efficient but items harder to obtain, there will be no effect on the current Transmog market.
Monitor the market closely and adapt as the patch progresses.