World of Warcraft (WoW) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that has been around since 2004. Over the years, it has amassed millions of players worldwide who immerse themselves in the fantastical world of Azeroth. As players level up their characters and take on more challenging content, inventory management becomes increasingly important. This guide will explain the bag system in WoW and offer tips on how to make the most of your bag space.
What are bags in WoW?
Bags in WoW are inventory slots that allow you to carry additional items beyond the 16 slots provided by your backpack. Bags come in different sizes, with the largest bags offering 24, 30, or even 36 more spaces for you to hold items. Here are the main types of bags in WoW:
- Backpack – 16 slots, given to all characters by default.
- Bags – Offer between 4 to 36 extra slots, must be equipped in the backpack.
- Pouches – Small 2 to 8 slot bags that go in your regular bags.
- Quivers and Ammo Pouches – Specialized bags for Hunters to hold ammunition.
Having more bag slots allows you to carry more items, which is always useful. But larger bags beyond the backpack must be found, purchased, or crafted in the game.
Why are bags important in WoW?
Here are some key reasons why expanding your bag space is an important priority in WoW:
- Carry more loot – Kill more mobs and gather more items before needing to sell/bank.
- Crafting ingredients – Have the space to gather large quantities of crafting materials.
- Quest items – Store many quest items at once instead of frequently returning to town.
- Food/potions – Always have your consumables on hand for raiding and dungeons.
- Gear sets – Hold multiple armor sets for different specs without needing a second character.
In short, having large bags enables you to farm, quest, and run dungeons much more efficiently. Conversely, a lack of bag space can really slow down your progression and fun. It forces you to stop and manage your inventory more frequently.
How to get more bag slots
Here are some ways to increase your overall bag capacity in WoW:
1. New bags
Getting new bags equipped in your backpack is the main way to add more carrying capacity. Here’s how to get them:
- Purchase from a vendor – Many vendors sell bags, especially at higher levels.
- Craft with leatherworking/tailoring – Some bags can be crafted by players.
- Quest reward – Occasionally bags are given out for completing quests.
- Instance/raid drop – Larger bags can drop from bosses.
- Auction House – Buy bags from other players at auction.
Aim to equip the largest bags you can reasonably get at your current level. Check vendors regularly for any inventory updates. Crafted bags from leatherworking and tailoring skills are also reliable sources if materials are available.
2. Bag slots in bank
You can purchase up to 7 bag slots in your bank from bankers in major cities. Each slot operates just like your regular inventory bags. It’s a great way to expand storage space for items you don’t need to carry around daily.
3.Bank alts
Many players use “bank” alts, secondary characters made just to provide additional cheap storage space. Give them access to the guild bank for even more room. With mail and the shared bank slots, goods can be easily transferred between your characters.
4. Bigger ammunition pouches
For Hunters, upgrading to bigger ammo pouches or quivers will let you hold much more ammunition at once. Tracking down a good ammo pouch should be a priority early on.
5. Mount with bags
Some mounts like mammoths have vendors that sell goods. Certain mounts like Traveler’s Tundra Mammoth provide you with extra bag space via vendors. Save up for them!
6. Make bag alts
Turn unplayed alternate characters into “bag alts” by giving them as much bag space as possible. Park them at mailboxes and use them to mail goods between your active characters.
7. Void storage
Void storage offers 80 extra slots to store equipment you want to keep for cosmetic reasons but don’t regularly need. Requires some farming and currency to unlock all of it.
Bag management tips
Once you’ve accumulated all that bag space, it’s time to use it efficiently. Here are some tips:
- Categorize – Keep types of items sorted in their own bags.
- Use pouches – Funnel Overflow of certain items into tailored pouches.
- Deposit often – Mail excess items to alts or bank frequently to clear space.
- Limit gear sets – Have as few gear sets on hand as you can get away with.
- Quest items – Remove quest items quickly when done with a quest.
- Sell junk – Sell or destroy any gray items regularly.
With some organization you can ensure you’re making the most of the bag slots available. Less time spent managing inventory means more time playing!
Ideal bag setup
For maximum inventory space, you ideally want:
- 16 slot backpack from a vendor
- Largest bags available equipped in backpack
- 7 bank bag slots purchased
- At least one “bank” alt character
- Top tier bags on the bank alt
- Any specialized pouches or cases used
This setup will provide enormous carrying capacity with room to freely pick up weapons, armor, profession materials, consumables, and quest items without running out of space too quickly.
Conclusion
Having sufficient and well-organized bag space is a big quality of life improvement in WoW. Follow this guide to get your hands on larger bags, use the space efficiently, and reduce time spent hauling goods and managing inventory. Master your inventory and you can focus more energy on your adventures in Azeroth!