Why Holiday Rare Drops are Disappointing. Here's Why

Love is in the Air, the fourth holiday event in the realm of Dragonflight, has introduced rare cosmetic drops, sparking a discussion about the implications of rare holiday drops in the game. Collectibles have always played a significant role in the world of Dragonflight, with players eagerly pursuing pets, mounts, achievements, and now, manuscripts. These manuscripts are a new addition to the collectible category, specifically for dragonriding mounts.

Dragonriding mounts in Dragonflight are highly customizable, allowing players to modify various features such as tails, scales, and colors. However, not all customization options are immediately available. Players must obtain manuscripts to unlock specific customizations, making these collectibles a sought-after item.

Contextualizing Manuscripts

While manuscripts are a recent addition to Dragonflight, their concept of being collectibles is not entirely new. With Patch 10.2, Blizzard introduced achievements to mark the completion of collecting a group of manuscripts. For example, players can strive to collect all the Renewed Proto-Drake Scales and Patterns in order to achieve the "Master of Manuscripts" accomplishment.

Blizzard intends to continue the concept of manuscripts in future expansions, as evidenced by the introduction of The War Within mount, which will utilize a similar system. This recognition of manuscripts as collectibles adds to the overall significance of these items in the game.

Holiday Manuscripts: A Coveted Rarity

Blizzard has added a handful of dragonriding manuscripts as rare drops in holiday events throughout Dragonflight. These include the Renewed Proto-Drake: Brewfest Armor, Windborne Velocidrake: Hallow's End Armor, Highland Drake: Winter Veil Armor, and the Renewed Proto-Drake: Love Armor.

What sets these manuscripts apart is their extremely low drop rates, which are slightly increased for the first character of the day on an account. This peculiar feature has drawn parallels to previous rare holiday drops, such as the infamous X-45 Heartbreaker mount. For many years, the X-45 had the lowest drop rate among mounts in the game, frustrating collectors until its drop rate was adjusted in 2023.

The Issue with Rare Drops

Players voiced their discontent with the low drop rate of the X-45 Heartbreaker mount, prompting Blizzard to acknowledge the issue and promise to evaluate possible solutions for holiday events. The dissatisfaction continued when Arfus, another rare reward, was added to Hallow's End with similar drop rate issues.

So why would Blizzard introduce four new cosmetics with a drop structure that mirrors the problematic X-45 Heartbreaker? It seems counterintuitive, considering the negative feedback and changes made to the original X-45 drop rate. This decision raises concerns about the healthiness of the collectible system and the overall enjoyment of players engaging in these events.

• The Challenge of Limited Drops

One key reason why the X-45 Heartbreaker and other rare holiday drops are particularly frustrating is their double-lock system. These mounts not only have a low drop rate but are also limited to specific timeframes, creating a sense of urgency and fear of missing out. In comparison, mounts like those dropped by Pandaria World Bosses have a higher drop rate and are available throughout the year, providing a more balanced acquisition process.

The limited availability of holiday manuscripts and the X-45 Heartbreaker intensifies the pressure on players to obtain them. While this could potentially encourage collecting, the current system often leads to disappointment and discouragement due to the overwhelmingly low drop rates.

• Rewards: Skill-Based vs. Luck-Based

Seasonal exclusivity has always been a prominent aspect of World of Warcraft. Players eagerly engage in seasonal events to earn special rewards and show their dedication. However, there is a notable difference between skill-based rewards, such as Cutting Edge achievements or Gladiator mounts, and luck-based rewards like rare drops from limited-time events.

Seasonal cosmetics that require skill are generally well-received, as they represent a showcase of players' abilities. On the other hand, rare drops relying solely on luck can result in frustration and feelings of disheartenment. Waiting a year to try again for a minuscule chance at obtaining a cosmetic is far from a rewarding experience.

Potential Solutions and the Future

The best solution for these rare limited-time cosmetics would be to avoid adding them altogether. However, since we cannot change the past, adjustments must be made to the existing items. While increasing drop rates may seem like the simplest solution, a more effective approach would involve allowing players to gradually progress towards acquiring these cosmetics, even if it takes more than one event to complete.

My hope for The War Within and upcoming expansions is that Blizzard reevaluates the drop rates of manuscripts and other limited-time collectibles. Holidays should be enjoyable events that entice players to participate and engage with new content, rather than feel shackled by the need to farm for rare items over the span of a decade. It is crucial to address these issues and ensure a healthier and more fulfilling collectible system for the Dragonflight community.

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