World of Warcraft: Midnight Season 2 introduces a complete item level reset, new upgrade currencies, stronger Great Vault rewards and additional ways to target specific gear. Patch 12.1: The Curse of Ula'tek adds the Venomous Abyss raid, a new Mythic+ rotation, new Delves and a significantly higher gearing ceiling.
This WoW Midnight Season 2 gearing guide explains the complete item level table, Mistcrest upgrade tracks and costs, Great Vault thresholds, raid reward changes, Nebulous Voidcores, bonus rolls, Catalyst conversion rules and Ascendant Venomstones. It also includes optimized Week 1 and Week 2 routes for raiders, Mythic+ players and alts.
PTR note: Blizzard increased Season 2 rewards by an additional 7 item levels during PTR testing. The values below reflect the current Patch 12.1 PTR structure and may still receive final tuning before Season 2 begins.
Patch 12.1 and the Midnight Season 2 Reset
Midnight Season 2 begins one week after Patch 12.1 launches. The patch week unlocks the new campaign content, the new zone and the Heroic version of Altar of Fangs. The new raid, Mythic+ season and full Season 2 reward structure become active with the following weekly reset.
The level cap remains 90. Players do not need to complete another leveling grind, but Season 1 equipment quickly loses value because Season 2 raises the gearing curve by approximately 46 item levels.
Use the week between Patch 12.1 and Season 2 to finish campaign requirements, prepare consumables, organize raid groups, learn new dungeon mechanics and bring alts to level 90. Avoid spending limited resources on minor Season 1 upgrades that will be replaced during the first Season 2 resets.
Complete WoW Midnight Season 2 Item Level Table
Season 2 uses five standard upgrade tracks: Adventurer, Veteran, Champion, Hero and Myth. Each standard track contains six upgrade ranks. Two additional Myth ranks become available through special endgame systems.
| Upgrade Track | 1/6 | 2/6 | 3/6 | 4/6 | 5/6 | 6/6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adventurer | 266 | 269 | 272 | 276 | 279 | 282 |
| Veteran | 279 | 282 | 285 | 289 | 292 | 295 |
| Champion | 292 | 295 | 298 | 302 | 305 | 308 |
| Hero | 305 | 308 | 311 | 315 | 318 | 321 |
| Myth | 318 | 321 | 324 | 328 | 331 | 334 |
| Extended Myth Ranks | Myth 8/6: 341 | Myth 9/6: 344 | ||||
Myth 8/6 is the maximum target of the returning Ascendant Venomstone system. Myth 9/6 is reserved for Very Rare raid items and eligible loot from the penultimate and final bosses of the Venomous Abyss.
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Mistcrest Upgrade Tracks and Costs
Every standard upgrade step costs 20 Mistcrests from the corresponding upgrade tier. Moving an item from 1/6 to 6/6 therefore requires five upgrades and 100 Mistcrests before any applicable upgrade discounts.
| Mistcrest Type | Upgrades | Typical Sources | Cost per Rank | Full 1/6 to 6/6 Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adventurer Mistcrest | Adventurer gear | Outdoor content, catch-up activities and lower-tier Delves | 20 | 100 |
| Veteran Mistcrest | Veteran gear | Outdoor activities, Raid Finder, Heroic dungeons and mid-tier Delves | 20 | 100 |
| Champion Mistcrest | Champion gear | Normal raid and lower Mythic+ keys | 20 | 100 |
| Hero Mistcrest | Hero gear | Heroic raid, higher Delves and mid-to-high Mythic+ keys | 20 | 100 |
| Myth Mistcrest | Myth gear | Mythic raid and high Mythic+ keys | 20 | 100 |
Do not spend Mistcrests equally across every slot. Weapons, best-in-slot trinkets, tier pieces and items with a long replacement horizon should normally receive priority. Avoid fully upgrading temporary Adventurer or Veteran gear when Champion or Hero replacements are immediately available.
Midnight Season 2 Great Vault Thresholds
The Great Vault contains three activity rows. Each row can unlock up to three reward choices. You still select only one final item from the entire Vault each week, so unlocking more slots improves selection quality rather than increasing the number of items received.
| Great Vault Row | First Slot | Second Slot | Third Slot | How Reward Quality Is Calculated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raid | 2 bosses | 4 bosses | 6 bosses | Based on the highest eligible raid difficulties completed |
| Dungeons | 1 dungeon | 4 dungeons | 8 dungeons | Based on the highest, fourth-highest and eighth-highest completed runs |
| World and Delves | 2 activities | 4 activities | 8 activities | Based on the difficulty and quality of eligible world activities and Delves |
Completing eight easy Mythic+ keys does not guarantee three high-level choices. The dungeon row uses the highest, fourth-highest and eighth-highest eligible runs. Players who want strong second and third choices must complete several keys at the desired reward level.
Raid Great Vault Changes: Direct Drops vs Vault Rewards
One of the largest Season 2 gearing changes is the increased value of raid Great Vault rewards. Raid Finder, Normal and Heroic Vault items now start at 1/6 of the next upgrade track. Mythic raid Vault items are awarded at Myth 6/6.
| Raid Difficulty | Direct Boss Drops | Great Vault Reward | Bonus Roll Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raid Finder | Veteran track, approximately 279-289 | Champion 1/6, item level 292 | Champion 1/6, item level 292 |
| Normal | Champion track, approximately 292-302 | Hero 1/6, item level 305 | Hero 1/6, item level 305 |
| Heroic | Hero track, approximately 305-315 | Myth 1/6, item level 318 | Myth 1/6, item level 318 |
| Mythic | Myth track, approximately 318-328 | Myth 6/6, item level 334 | Equivalent Mythic Vault reward level |
| Very Rare and Final Two Boss Loot | Up to Myth 9/6, item level 344 | Myth 9/6, item level 344 | Myth 9/6 when the item is eligible |
A direct raid drop is the item awarded immediately from a defeated boss. Its item level is tied to the raid difficulty, boss position and item rarity. A Great Vault reward is generated from the raid activities completed during the previous week and can be significantly stronger than the corresponding direct drop.
For example, a regular item obtained directly from a Heroic boss belongs to the Hero track. An item generated from the Heroic raid row of the Great Vault starts on the Myth track. This makes a weekly Heroic clear valuable even after a character already owns most Heroic raid drops.
Very Rare items and eligible loot from the final two bosses are exceptions. These items can reach Myth 9/6 whether they are obtained directly, through the Great Vault or through an eligible bonus roll.
Nebulous Voidcores and Bonus Rolls
Nebulous Voidcores provide targeted bonus rolls after eligible endgame activities. Instead of waiting for the same item to appear randomly in the Great Vault, players can use a Voidcore to make an additional roll against the eligible loot pool of a completed activity.
- Nebulous Voidcores become available from the start of Season 2.
- A raid bonus roll costs one Nebulous Voidcore.
- The reward uses the equivalent Great Vault item level for that activity.
- The roll follows the character's active loot specialization.
- Previously acquired eligible items are removed from the relevant protected loot pool until the remaining eligible items have been obtained.
- Season 1 Voidcores do not carry into Season 2 and are converted into gold.
- Starting in Week 8, Orin Straylight near the Catalyst in Silvermoon provides one additional weekly Voidcore.
Use bonus rolls on activities with a small number of valuable eligible items. A Heroic raid boss that can award a best-in-slot trinket, weapon or tier piece is normally a better target than a boss with several low-value items for the selected loot specialization.
Always verify the active loot specialization before using a Voidcore. Using the wrong specialization can add unwanted weapons, trinkets or armor to the eligible loot pool.
Midnight Catalyst Conversion Rules
The Midnight Catalyst allows eligible Season 2 armor to be converted into a corresponding class set piece. It is primarily used to complete two-piece and four-piece set bonuses when the required raid token or Great Vault item has not dropped.
- The source item must be eligible for Catalyst conversion and occupy a valid tier-set slot.
- The converted item keeps the original item's item level and upgrade track.
- The resulting item becomes the corresponding class set piece for the character's class.
- Secondary and tertiary stats from the source item can carry over to the converted piece.
- Certain special item effects can also be retained after conversion.
- Upgrading the item before or after conversion does not change its underlying upgrade track.
Do not assume that every converted tier piece has the same secondary stats as the standard raid version. Inspect the source item before conversion, especially when it contains unusual secondary stats, tertiary bonuses or a seasonal item effect.
The best early Catalyst use is normally the conversion that activates a meaningful two-piece or four-piece bonus. Converting a low-track item for a minor stat improvement is usually weaker than waiting for a Champion, Hero or Myth item in the same slot.
Ascendant Venomstone Upgrade Targets
Ascendant Venomstones arrive later in Midnight Season 2 and extend selected endgame items beyond their normal upgrade ceiling. Blizzard has confirmed the maximum target as Myth 8/6, currently item level 341 on the PTR.
| Requirement | Confirmed Season 2 Rule |
|---|---|
| Eligible slots | Weapons, trinkets and necklaces |
| Eligible item quality | Fully upgraded Hero items, fully upgraded Myth items and eligible maximum-quality crafted items |
| Upgrade cost | 10 Ascendant Venomstones per item |
| Maximum target | Myth 8/6 equivalent, currently item level 341 |
| Primary sources | Heroic and Mythic raid bosses, Mythic+ level 10 or higher, Tier 11 Bountiful Delves and eligible Nightmare Prey Hunt rewards |
| Upgrade Target | Recommended Priority | When to Spend Venomstones |
|---|---|---|
| Best-in-slot main-hand or two-handed weapon | Very High | Upgrade when the item is unlikely to be replaced by a stronger raid or Vault weapon |
| Best-in-slot throughput trinket | Very High | Use when the trinket remains strong across most raid and Mythic+ encounters |
| Second best-in-slot trinket | High | Upgrade after the primary weapon or strongest trinket is secured |
| Best-stat necklace | Medium | Use after weapon and trinket upgrades unless the necklace is exceptionally strong for the build |
| Temporary or replaceable item | Low | Save the Venomstones for a more permanent item |
Do not use Ascendant Venomstones only because an item is currently equipped. The system is intended for long-term weapons, trinkets and necklaces. Confirm that the item is close to best in slot before spending all 10 Venomstones.
Fastest Week 1 and Week 2 Gearing Path
Season 2 Week 1
- Complete any required Patch 12.1 campaign and endgame unlocks.
- Replace weak Season 1 slots through catch-up content and appropriately scaled Delves.
- Clear the highest raid difficulty your group can complete.
- Kill at least 2, 4 or 6 raid bosses to unlock the desired raid Vault choices.
- Complete at least 1, 4 or 8 Mythic+ dungeons at the highest sustainable level.
- Complete 2, 4 or 8 eligible Delves or world activities if additional Vault options are needed.
- Use bonus rolls on bosses or activities with high-value weapons, trinkets or tier pieces.
- Spend Mistcrests first on long-term weapons, trinkets, tier pieces and major item level gaps.
The Week 1 objective is not to maximize the number of completed activities. It is to create the strongest possible first Great Vault while securing enough direct gear to enter higher raid difficulties and Mythic+ keys during Week 2.
Season 2 Week 2
- Open the first Season 2 Great Vault and compare every item against the character's current build.
- Prioritize a strong weapon, trinket, tier piece or difficult-to-replace Myth item.
- Use the Catalyst when it activates an important two-piece or four-piece set bonus.
- Clear the raid before spending large amounts of Mistcrests on slots that may receive direct upgrades.
- Increase Mythic+ difficulty while still completing enough runs for the 1, 4 and 8 thresholds.
- Use Nebulous Voidcores only after confirming the activity's eligible loot pool and active loot specialization.
- Begin saving resources for Hero, Myth and later Ascendant Venomstone targets.
Best Gearing Route for Raiders
- Clear the highest available raid difficulty before committing upgrades to raid-accessible slots.
- Reach the 2, 4 and ideally 6-boss Great Vault thresholds.
- Complete eight Mythic+ runs at the highest consistent level to add three dungeon choices.
- Use bonus rolls on bosses with tier pieces, weapons or best-in-slot trinkets.
- Use the Catalyst to complete the two-piece or four-piece set bonus.
- Reserve Myth Mistcrests and Ascendant Venomstones for long-term best-in-slot items.
Raiders receive exceptional value from the Heroic raid row because its Great Vault rewards begin on the Myth track. Even players progressing in Mythic should continue clearing enough Heroic bosses when those kills provide additional high-value Vault eligibility or targeted bonus-roll opportunities.
Best Gearing Route for Mythic+ Players
- Complete at least eight keys each week instead of stopping after a single high key.
- Keep the fourth-highest and eighth-highest runs close to the character's maximum sustainable level.
- Complete at least two raid bosses when possible to unlock an additional raid Vault choice.
- Target raid bosses that provide unique trinkets, weapons or tier pieces unavailable from dungeons.
- Use the Catalyst to obtain set bonuses without relying entirely on raid drops.
- Prioritize Myth Mistcrests on weapons, trinkets and items used across multiple dungeon routes.
The first dungeon Vault slot is based on the highest completed run, but the second and third slots depend on the fourth-highest and eighth-highest runs. One difficult key followed by seven low keys produces a weaker Vault than eight consistent runs.
Best Gearing Route for Alts
- Complete the Patch 12.1 catch-up content and unlock all required Season 2 systems.
- Use Delves and outdoor content to replace outdated Season 1 equipment.
- Enter Raid Finder and Normal raid as soon as the character meets the practical requirements.
- Complete lower Mythic+ keys to obtain Champion gear and dungeon Vault choices.
- Avoid fully upgrading Adventurer and Veteran items unless they unlock immediate access to higher content.
- Use the Catalyst only on an item that completes a meaningful class-set bonus.
- Move the alt into Hero-track content before spending the majority of limited upgrade currencies.
For an alt, the goal is to escape the lower upgrade tracks quickly. Fully maximizing every temporary item is slower and more expensive than using catch-up content, Delves, Normal raid and lower Mythic+ keys to reach Champion and Hero gear.
The Venomous Abyss Raid and Mythic+ Priorities
The Venomous Abyss is the eight-boss Season 2 raid and the main source of class-set pieces, raid-exclusive trinkets, weapons and high-end Great Vault eligibility. Because Heroic raid Vault rewards now start on the Myth track, a consistent Heroic clear remains valuable throughout the season.
The Midnight Season 2 Mythic+ rotation contains eight dungeons:
- Altar of Fangs
- Murder Row
- Den of Nalorakk
- The Blinding Vale
- Voidscar Arena
- Ruby Life Pools
- King's Rest
- Temple of Sethraliss
During the first resets, prioritize reliable timed completions over repeatedly failing keys above the group's current ability. A completed key improves the Great Vault, awards upgrade resources and provides a clearer route into the next difficulty level.
Get Season 2 Gear Faster
Players who want to skip repetitive gearing or secure specific weekly rewards can use ExpCarry's Midnight services:
- WoW Gear Boost — obtain stronger equipment through selected endgame activities.
- WoW Raid Boost — complete the Venomous Abyss and unlock high-value raid Great Vault rewards.
- WoW Mythic+ Boost — complete keys, unlock all dungeon Vault slots and target higher upgrade tracks.
Midnight Season 2 Gearing Checklist
- Clear the highest practical raid difficulty each week.
- Reach the 2, 4 and 6-boss raid Vault thresholds.
- Complete 1, 4 or 8 Mythic+ runs at a consistent difficulty.
- Use Delves to fill missing Vault choices and accelerate alt gearing.
- Spend Mistcrests on long-term upgrades instead of temporary equipment.
- Use Nebulous Voidcores only after checking the eligible loot pool.
- Use the Catalyst to activate two-piece and four-piece set bonuses.
- Save Ascendant Venomstones for best-in-slot weapons, trinkets and necklaces.
Efficient Season 2 gearing is determined by reward quality, not by the total number of hours played. A character that completes the correct Great Vault thresholds, targets valuable raid loot and spends upgrade currencies on permanent items will progress faster than a character farming low-value activities without a weekly plan.
