https://writeablog.net/bandmirror4/how-item-upgrading-changed-over-time-evolution-of-item-upgrading The Item Upgrader in World of Warcraft The War Within introduced two gear upgrade currencies: Valorstones and Harbinger Crests. These currencies can be exchanged at the NPCs who upgrade items, Cuzolth and Vaskarn. Each item can be upgraded to the highest level for a given slot at a time. Upgrades to the slot are less expensive afterward. In addition the pity system introduced in The War Within lowers extreme chance of winning upgrades. Upgrades Upgrades are parts that enhance performance or add new functionality. Upgrades can be bought or earned through a variety of methods like events in the game or cash shop items. Upgrades are only available for specific items. Unlike enchantments which can be added to anything, upgrades can only be applied to the item they are attached to. As such, an upgrade can only be applied to a weapon unless it already has been equipped by players. Some items can be upgraded multiple times and provide a greater benefit to the player. The mechanic of upgrades is relatively new. It was introduced in patch 4.1.0. The upgrade system allows players to add additional improvements to their equipment in order to increase its strength. It can range from simple power increases to major damage and defense increases. The upgrades are separated into tracks, and each has an upper limit on the amount of upgrades that can be done. These limits are designed to stop players from scavenging low-keystone dungeons while upgrading their gear to the highest level. Upgradeable gear includes armor, weapons, and consumables. The majority of gear is upgraded when it is dropped however, certain items (such as Ornn's gear or the baby Dracolich pet) cannot be upgraded. Gear can be upgraded by purchasing an upgrade recipe from a vendor and then combining it with the item in the appropriate upgrade slot. The icon of the item or the search in the shop will show how many upg