The Waylaid Supplies reputation system has undergone several updates since the initiation of Season of Discovery Phase 2. However, the most prominent alteration is the introduction of new rewards accessible upon reaching revered status.

These rewards encompass fresh binds and account jewelry, conveniently mailable to low-level alts, essentially functioning as Heirlooms without the 10% experience buff. Additionally, the reputation vendor presents a distinctive 16-slot bag, currently the largest available in SOD.

This guide aims to elucidate all the quality-of-life enhancements implemented by Blizzard in the Waylaid Supply system during Phase 2. Furthermore, it will outline the optimal farming locations for acquiring higher-level crates, facilitating swift acquisition of Heirlooms and the coveted 16-slot bag.

Intro

The fundamental workings of this system remain largely unchanged from Phase 1.

Crates can still be encountered infrequently from mobs in the open world and somewhat more frequently within chests. However, the most significant alteration lies in the fact that crates are no longer singular. You can now carry multiple crates simultaneously, eliminating the need for constant trips back to major cities.

Nevertheless, this change comes with a drawback: unfilled crates can no longer be exchanged for a reduced amount of reputation. To boost your standing with the Waylaid Supplies faction, you must ensure that each crate is filled with the required ingredients. It's important to note that this modification applies retroactively to both the lower-level crates from Phase 1 and the new crates for levels 25 to 40.

That said, Blizzard has also lowered the criteria for filling most crates and substantially increased the amount of WoW SoD Gold you receive from turn-ins. Higher-tier crates now grant 12 gold upon successful completion, potentially resulting in a profit exceeding the initial crate-filling costs in some instances.

Exploring New Rewards And Changes In Phase 2 Crate Farming Strategies

Before delving into the crate farming strategies I've employed during Phase 2, I'd like to provide a more comprehensive overview of the new rewards.

As mentioned earlier, achieving revered status will grant you access to a 16-slot bag and 3 new BoA necklaces, enhancing agility, strength, and spell power. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to acquire an alchemy recipe for Lesser Arcane Elixir, a highly coveted consumable among casters in Gnomeregan. While these constitute the sole new rewards for reaching revered, Blizzard has also introduced retroactive rewards for Friendly and Honored standings.

Previously, runes associated with this reputation required Honored status; however, Blizzard has adjusted this requirement to only necessitate Friendly status. This alteration significantly streamlines the process for unlocking crucial runes like "Just a Flesh Wound," a decision I believe to be commendable on Blizzard's part.

To offset this change, Blizzard has included new BoA rings among the honored rewards, mirroring the attributes of the revered necklaces. With three rings available, boasting strength, agility, and spell power, players have more options to enhance their characters. Additionally, an engineering recipe for Soul Vessel awaits players at honored status, a vital item for Warlocks seeking to acquire a rune at level 40.

Optimal Farming Spots For Phase 2 Crate Acquisition

Now, let's delve into the optimal farming locations for the newly introduced crates in Phase 2.

As previously stated, these crates can be obtained either as a rare drop from mobs or more reliably by looting chests. While chests do not guarantee the presence of Waylaid Supplies, they remain the most dependable method for crate acquisition. It's important to note that not all chests are created equal. Their contents vary based on the zone and the proximity of mobs. Chests can yield crates ranging from level 25 to 40.

For those aiming to ascend from Honored to Revered, it's essential to focus on acquiring at least level 30 crates. Consequently, areas like Duskwood, where chests may yield only level 25 Waylaid Supplies, should be avoided as they offer minimal value.

Determining the most lucrative crates within the level 30 to 40 range depends largely on the market prices of items on your server. In my experience, farming level 40 crates proves most beneficial, offering a substantial 1k reputation boost. Additionally, certain crates like White Bandit Masks are particularly cost-effective to fill.

If you're on the lookout for chests predominantly yielding these coveted level 40 crates, your top choices would be the Badlands and Desolace. Personally, I found farming in the Badlands quite enjoyable, as every chest spawn presents an opportunity to obtain these sought-after level 40 crates. Additionally, this zone is relatively secluded and doesn't attract many adventurers, minimizing competition for chest hunting.

Moreover, what makes the Badlands even more appealing is that many chest spawns are only surrounded by a handful of mobs, making access remarkably easy. In contrast, zones like Dustwallow Marsh feature chests in densely packed areas, significantly increasing the farming challenge.

While the Badlands offers an excellent option, Desolace also stands out as a prime farming spot for these chests. However, Desolace presents a slightly different scenario: the southern half of the zone is abundant with level 40 crates, while the northern half tends to yield level 30 crates.

Despite my earlier endorsement of level 40 crates, acquiring a few level 30 crates occasionally isn't a bad deal. If you're farming these chests with a level 40 character, dispatching mobs in Northern Desolace is swift, granting easy access to these lower-level chests. Many of these crates are also cost-effective to fill and provide a respectable 700 reputation boost relative to the cost.

An additional perk of farming in Desolace is that many chests spawn within the Magram or Gelkis Clan Centaur camps. If you're on neutral terms with these tribes, you can simply approach the chest and loot it without engaging in combat. For those looking for a more relaxed approach, these camps offer one of the best opportunities for chest farming while being mostly AFK.

In terms of other zones, Alterac Mountains does offer a fair number of chests, but the area tends to have high mob density, with spawn locations often surrounded by elite ogres. Arathi Highlands proves fruitful for farming level 30 to 35 crates, especially in farm areas or troll camps. However, level 40 crates are only found in chests in Stromgarde or the underwater Naga section, both of which can be tedious to navigate.

Lastly, while Stranglethorn Vale boasts numerous chest spawn locations, its vast size and high mob density make crafting an efficient farming route challenging. Additionally, with its popularity, especially during the Blood Moon phase, competition for chests can be fierce.

While it's possible to farm Waylaid Supplies in other zones not mentioned here, they tend to be less efficient due to various factors. My recommendation would be to start with Desolace or the Badlands. If they're too crowded, you can always explore the alternative zones mentioned earlier.