Okay, I need to rant for a second. I was in Org yesterday and saw someone complaining about missing the Celestial Steed from the Trading Post. My brother in Christ, you had AN ENTIRE MONTH to get it. It's literally free stuff and some of y'all are acting like it doesn't exist.
If you're not hitting up the Trading Post every month, you're basically leaving money (well, cosmetics) on the table. Let me break this down for you.
WTF is the Trading Post?
For those living under Blackrock Mountain, the Trading Post is Blizzard's way of saying "here's free stuff for playing the game you're already playing." Every month you get:
- New items to buy with Trader's Tender (the currency)
- Activities to earn said currency
- FOMO-inducing limited items that'll make you cry if you miss them
Location:
- Horde: Org, right by the main gate (you literally can't miss it)
- Alliance: Stormwind, Mage Quarter (because of course it is)
🎯 Fun Fact
The Trading Post was added in patch 10.0.5 because Blizzard realized we're all transmog addicts who need our monthly fix. They're not wrong.
How the Hell Does It Work?
Monthly Reset
Every month (1st of the month, like rent), the Trading Post resets with:
- New items in the shop
- New monthly activities
- Your frozen items become available
- That thing you wanted last month? Gone forever (or until it comes back in 6 months)
Trader's Tender - The Currency
You get 500 Tender just for logging in each month. FIVE HUNDRED. FOR FREE. Just click the chest.
Additional Tender comes from:
- Completing monthly activities (up to 500 more)
- Special promotions (rare but happens)
- Being subbed (thanks for the money, here's some currency)
That's 1000 Tender per month if you do everything. That's a lot of transmog, fam.
Monthly Activities - AKA "Stuff You're Already Doing"
The activities change monthly but usually include bangers like:
- Kill 10 elites (you do this anyway)
- Complete 5 dungeons (you do this anyway)
- Loot 25 treasures (okay maybe you don't do this)
- Win 3 battlegrounds (RIP to PvE players)
- Complete world quests (ugh fine)
Pro Tips for Lazy People (Like Me)
Speed Run Strats:
- Treasures: Fly around Zereth Mortis, treasures everywhere
- Elites: Tag elites in Zaralek Cavern while others kill them
- Pet Battles: Forfeit immediately 3 times (if it's just "queue for pet battles")
- Dungeons: Normal dungeons count. Be that overgeared hero
💡 Galaxy Brain Move
Make a checklist at the start of each month. Knock out activities while doing other stuff. Waiting for raid? Do treasures. Queue for dungeon? Pet battle. Efficiency is key.
What Can You Actually Buy?
The Good Stuff
- Mounts: Usually 600-900 Tender (Celestial Steed was 900)
- Weapon Transmogs: 50-500 Tender depending on epicness
- Armor Sets: 100-800 Tender (class sets are pricey)
- Pets: 100-400 Tender (for the pet battle psychos)
- Toys: 50-200 Tender (most are meh)
Items That Rotate Back
Some items come back every few months. If you missed it, it'll probably return. Probably. Maybe. Hopefully.
Confirmed Returners:
- Most armor sets
- Popular weapons
- Some mounts (not all)
One-Time Only (So Far):
- Special promotion items
- Certain limited-time mounts
- That one helmet everyone wants
What Should You Prioritize?
If You're a Mount Collector
Mounts > Everything else. They're account-wide and the most expensive, so save up.
If You're a Transmog Addict
- Class-specific sets (they're incredible)
- Weapons (especially if they glow)
- Universal armor pieces
- Ignore pets/toys unless you're into that
If You're New/Casual
- Whatever looks coolest to you
- Account-wide stuff (mounts/pets)
- Don't stress about completing everything
🎮 Real Talk
I spent 800 Tender on a pirate hat that I wore for exactly 3 minutes. No regrets. Fashion is the true endgame.
The Freezer - Your Best Friend
Can't afford something this month? FREEZE IT.
- Click the freeze button (snowflake icon)
- Item waits for you next month
- You can freeze ONE item per month
- Frozen items stay until you buy them
What to Freeze:
- Expensive mounts you can't afford yet
- That perfect transmog set
- Anything over 500 Tender if you're broke
Don't Freeze:
- Cheap items (under 200)
- Stuff you're "meh" about
- Items likely to return soon
Monthly Trading Post Strategy
Week 1: The Plan
- Log in, collect free 500 Tender
- Check all available items
- Freeze expensive must-have
- Make shopping list
Week 2-3: The Grind
- Complete easy activities first
- Work on annoying ones during downtime
- Check progress at 750 Tender
Week 4: The Panic
- Realize month is ending
- Speed run remaining activities
- Buy everything you wanted
- Cry about things you missed
Common Trading Post Mistakes
"I'll Do It Later"
No you won't. You'll forget and miss that mount. Do activities as you play normally.
Not Freezing Items
That 900 Tender mount? You're not getting 900 in one day. Freeze it immediately.
Buying Everything
You don't need every toy. Save for the good stuff.
Ignoring Class Items
Class-specific sets are usually the best looking. Prioritize your main's stuff.
Hidden Trading Post Facts
The Refresh
Items refresh at 10 AM PST on the 1st. Set an alarm if you're serious.
The Preview
Blizzard usually previews next month's items in the last week. Plan ahead!
The Return Policy
No returns. That ugly helmet is yours forever.
Cross-Faction
Trading Post is account-wide! Horde and Alliance share Tender.
⚠️ Warning
Some items are marked "Limited Time" and may NEVER return. If you see this tag and want the item, GET IT NOW. I'm still salty about missing the plague doctor mask.
Best Trading Post Items Ever (IMO)
Mounts
- Celestial Steed - OG sparkle pony
- Nether-Gorged Greatwyrm - Purple dragon? Yes please
- Trader's Gilded Brutosaur - Weird flex but ok
Transmog Sets
- Corrupted Quel'dorei Set - Dark elf vibes
- Wicked Warlock Set - Actually looks wicked
- Sapphire Skyblazer Set - Shiny AND practical
Weapons
- Brassbound Blunderbuss - For pirate hunters
- Corrupted Quel'dorei Weapons - Match the set!
- Azure Flame Blade - It's on fire. Blue fire.
Tips from a Trading Post Veteran
1. Check Other Classes
Your alt army needs love too. Some class sets are too good to pass up.
2. Read Patch Notes
They sometimes announce Trading Post changes. Be prepared.
3. Join the Community
r/wow has monthly Trading Post threads. Good for planning.
4. Don't FOMO Too Hard
If you miss something, life goes on. It might return. Maybe.
5. Budget Your Tender
Just like real money but less painful to waste.
The Math (For Nerds)
Maximum Tender per Month: 1000 Average Mount Cost: 650-900 Average Set Cost: 400-800 Average Weapon Cost: 200-500
This means: You can usually get 1 big item OR 2-3 smaller items per month
FAQ Nobody Asked For
Q: Can I save Tender? A: Yes! It carries over. Save for big purchases.
Q: Do I need a subscription? A: Yes, but you get bonus Tender for being subbed so... worth?
Q: Can I buy Tender with real money? A: No, and thank god for that.
Q: What if I hate everything this month? A: Save your Tender. Next month might have that perfect item.
My Personal Trading Post Disasters
- Missed the original Celestial Steed (still mad)
- Bought 5 toys I've never used (they looked cool ok)
- Forgot to freeze an 800 Tender set (pain)
- Completed all activities on the 30th (stress)
Learn from my mistakes!
TL;DR for Lazy Readers
- Log in monthly = 500 free Tender
- Do activities = 500 more Tender
- Buy cool stuff or save for cooler stuff
- Freeze expensive items you can't afford
- Don't sleep on class-specific items
- Check what slots need transmog
The Trading Post is literally free cosmetics for playing the game. If you're not using it, you're missing out on some of the best transmog and mounts in the game.
Now excuse me while I go panic-farm treasures because I forgot to do my activities again this month.
P.S. - If you're reading this after the 25th of any month and haven't done your activities, GO DO THEM NOW. YOU'RE WELCOME.