Best Ways to Gear Up for Season 3 in The War Within - Week 1

Season 3 of World of Warcraft: The War Within kicks off with the Ghosts of K’aresh content update on August 5, 2025, but the bulk of competitive content, including Mythic+ dungeons and the Manaforge Omega raid, becomes available on August 12. During the first week, players are limited to Mythic 0 (M0) dungeons, Delves, and open-world content to gear up. This guide outlines the most efficient strategies to boost your item level (iLvl) and prepare your character for the challenges of Season 3.

1. Complete the K’aresh Campaign

The new zone, K’aresh, introduced in Patch 11.2, offers a campaign that provides an excellent starting point for gearing. Completing Chapters 1–3, available during the first week, rewards an almost full set of Explorer track gear at iLvl 642, along with Valorstones for future upgrades. The campaign also grants the Reshii Wraps, a legendary cloak starting at iLvl 694, which can be upgraded to 727. This cloak is a significant boost for new characters and is essential for certain mechanics in the Manaforge Omega raid and the new Delve, The Archival Assault.

2. Tackle Weekly Activities in Khaz Algar

Weekly activities in the Khaz Algar zone remain a reliable source of gear and resources. Completing at least two weekly activities rewards a Veteran track gear piece at iLvl 691, which can be upgraded further with Valorstones. These activities also provide Coffer Keys and Weathered Ethereal Crests, which are crucial for upgrading gear and accessing Bountiful Delves in Week 2.

• Objective: Prioritize completing two weekly events to secure the Veteran gear piece.
• Additional Rewards: Accumulate Valorstones and Crests for upgrading gear obtained from other sources.

3. Run Mythic 0 Dungeons

Mythic 0 (M0) dungeons are available from Week 1 and offer Champion track gear at iLvl 681. These dungeons are a step up from Heroic difficulty and provide high-quality loot that can significantly boost your iLvl. Since M0 dungeons can only be completed once per week per dungeon, plan to run as many as possible to maximize your gear drops.

• New Dungeon: Eco-Dome Al’dani, located in K’aresh, drops iLvl 681 gear on Mythic difficulty and is a great starting point.
• Tip: If you have friends or a guild, group with them to make runs smoother, especially if your character is undergeared.

4. Engage with Delves

Delves are solo-friendly content that offer a flexible way to gear up. During Week 1, all tiers of regular Delves are available, but Bountiful Delves and Coffer Keys unlock in Week 2. Focus on completing Delves to earn gear and resources, particularly aiming for higher-tier Delves (Tiers 5–6) that drop Veteran track gear up to iLvl 645.

• New Delve: The Archival Assault, located in the Azure Vaults, provides unique rewards and requires the Reshii Wraps for certain challenge gateways.
• Strategy: Push for higher-tier Delves as your gear improves to maximize rewards. Save Coffer Keys earned from weekly events for Bountiful Delves in Week 2, which can drop Champion track gear at iLvl 684.

5. Pursue the DISC Belt Quest

The DISC Belt, a best-in-slot item from Season 2, remains a valuable piece in Season 3. It starts at iLvl 691 and can be upgraded to 701 through a questline. To obtain it, pick up the quest from the Titan Console in Dornogal and complete any Delve on any difficulty. This is a quick and easy way to secure a high-iLvl item early in the week.

6. Leverage Renown Rewards

Renown tracks in K’aresh, such as the K’aresh Trust, and existing factions in Khaz Algar (e.g., Council of Dornogal, The Assembly of the Deeps, Hallowfall Arathi, The Severed Threads) offer valuable resources. While these tracks don’t directly provide gear, they reward Weathered Ethereal Crests, Carved Ethereal Crests, and Valorstones, which are essential for upgrading gear. At K’aresh Trust Renown 7, you can purchase a Veteran track chest piece at iLvl 668.

• Vendor Locations:
  • Council of Dornogal: /way Dornogal 39.17 24.04
  • The Assembly of the Deeps: /way The Ringing Deeps 43.14 32.86
  • Hallowfall Arathi: /way Hallowfall 42.37 55.01
  • The Severed Threads: /way Azj-Kahet 55.26 41.21
• Tip: If you’ve already collected Renown rewards in previous seasons, they won’t be available again, so focus on the K’aresh Trust track for new rewards.

7. Defeat the World Boss: Reshanor, The Untethered

The new world boss, Reshanor, The Untethered, in K’aresh drops warbound Champion track gear at iLvl 636–658. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire high-quality gear, especially for alts. Join a group to take down Reshanor, as world bosses typically require coordinated efforts.

8. Seasonal Start Quests in Dornogal

At the start of Season 3, Dornogal offers introductory quests that explain the gear upgrade system. These quests reward Valorstones and Crests, which are critical for upgrading gear obtained from other activities. Complete these quests early to familiarize yourself with the system and stock up on resources.

9. Crafted Gear and Sparks of Fortune

While crafting is limited in Week 1 due to only one Spark of Fortune being available, prioritize crafting embellished items tailored to your class and spec. Check class guides for recommendations on optimal crafted items. You can also earn an Enchanted Runed Ethereal Crest at K’aresh Trust Renown 20 or through the quest Manaforge Omega: Dimensius Looms to aid in crafting.

10. Optimize for the Great Vault

Starting in Week 1, you can begin earning credit toward the Great Vault by completing Delves, dungeons, and other activities. While rewards won’t be available until Week 2, focus on completing as many activities as possible to unlock higher-quality options in the Vault, such as Veteran or Champion track gear.

Conclusion

By focusing on the K’aresh campaign, weekly activities, Mythic 0 dungeons, Delves, the DISC Belt quest, Renown rewards, the world boss, seasonal quests, and crafted gear, you can achieve an average iLvl of around 660 by the end of Week 1. This sets you up well for tackling Mythic+ dungeons, Bountiful Delves, and the Manaforge Omega raid when they unlock on August 12. Prioritize activities that align with your playstyle and group availability, and save resources like Valorstones and Crests for strategic upgrades. For more detailed guides, check out resources like Wowhead or Method. Happy gearing, and good luck in Season 3! Sources: Method, Wowhead, Blizzard News