How Do Catalyst Charges Work in Season 2 of War Within?

Blizzard has introduced significant changes to the Catalyst Charges system in Season 2 of The War Within, aiming to streamline the gearing process and enhance gameplay. These updates redefine how players earn and use Catalyst Charges, focusing on accessibility and clarity.

Previously, players could earn a unique token by completing seasonal meta-achievements, redeemable for a single piece of Heroic Gear. With the update, Blizzard now awards Catalyst Charges for such accomplishments. Additional details on earning Catalyst Charges have been revised, simplifying the system for acquiring and upgrading armor. The changes aim to make gearing up faster and more efficient, ensuring a smoother experience for players.

What Are Catalyst Charges?

The Matryx Catalyst, located in Dornogal [50, 54], is a device that allows players to transform eligible seasonal non-set gear into class set pieces. It also enables the conversion of older gear for transmog purposes, aiding in completing set bonuses across multiple characters. Eligible items include PvP and PvE gear of Veteran rank or higher, covering head, shoulders, chest, hands, and legs.

Catalyst Charges, referred to as Harmonized Silk in The War Within, are the currency required for these transformations. Players receive their first charge at the beginning of a new season, with additional charges available every two weeks, capped at eight per character. Notably, there is no catch-up system for missed charges. If a player takes a break, they will only receive one charge upon returning. Converted gear retains its original item level, upgrade paths, tertiary stats, and sockets.

This system offers a quick and efficient way to gear up characters. For more details, check out our comprehensive gearing guide.

Earning Catalyst Charges in Season 2

In a recent update from Blizzard, Linxy, a community manager, clarified that specific achievements like Keystone Master, achieving a 1600+ rating in rated PvP, or defeating the final raid boss on Heroic or Mythic difficulty will grant additional Catalyst Charges. Initially, it seemed players could earn up to three extra charges by completing all three challenges.

However, Blizzard later updated their communication to specify that completing any one of these feats will reward only a single additional Catalyst Charge, regardless of how many are accomplished. This adjustment simplifies the reward structure while maintaining accessibility for players. With these charges, players can work toward obtaining their Season 2 Tier set items more efficiently.

Redeeming Class Set Armor Tokens

Blizzard has also revamped the process for acquiring and converting class set armor. Previously, players obtained and redeemed tokens through dedicated vendors. Now, the focus is on acquiring eligible Veteran-track or higher armor pieces directly from various in-game sources, particularly around Undermine. These pieces can then be converted into class set armor using the Catalyst. This change eliminates the intermediary step, making the system more intuitive and user-friendly.

Conclusion

The updated Catalyst system in Season 2 emphasizes transparency and simplicity, shifting away from token-based redemption toward direct rewards. While some players might feel disappointed that earning multiple significant achievements no longer provides additional Catalyst Charges, the streamlined process is designed to make progression more accessible.

As Season 2 of The War Within unfolds, Blizzard may introduce further adjustments and improvements. Keep an eye on upcoming updates and be sure to check out our Patch 11.1 overview for more insights.