Everything we know about The War Within’s Matrix Catalyst

It will probably not surprise World of Warcraft players to learn that The War Within once again has a new entry in the series of Catalysts — the machines left behind by cosmic forces that allow us to convert appropriate gear into tier sets, making it much easier to obtain sets (whether for actual power gains during the season they’re relevant, or for transmog after the fact).

If you used the Revival Catalyst during Dragonflight or the Creation Catalyst during Shadowlands, the new Matrix Catalyst will be familiar to you; if not, then welcome to the latest iteration of one of the most well-received features of the last two expansions. Here’s how to use the Matrix Catalyst to convert gear to tier in The War Within.

Just the facts about the Matrix Catalyst

Where is the Matrix Catalyst? The new Catalyst in The War Within is the Matrix Catalyst, and it’s conveniently located within Dornogal. You’ll want to look for Custodian Khubon, an Earthen who hangs out next to it to tell people how to use it.

What gear can I use in the Matrix Catalyst? In the past, there has been a lot of confusion about what gear is eligible to be converted, mostly due to both Catalysts and gear “upgrade tracks” being introduced partway through an expansion. In The War Within, however, the gear you can convert in the Catalyst is very straightforward: any max-level gear on the Veteran upgrade track (or better) is eligible to be placed into the Matrix Catalyst.

What does it cost to use the Matrix Catalyst? You will still need a currency that auto-accumulates weekly in order to use the Catalyst, and you’ll earn one charge every two weeks, and they’ll wait around until; you have gear to convert. TWW Season 1’s currency is Harmonized Silk.

What about getting transmog from the Matrix Catalyst? For the sake of completing appearance sets, you can convert pieces that don’t have a tier set bonus, but which will match the tier set in appearance — for example, Core of the Destroyer is a mail belt that matches the appearance of the Evoker Season 1 tier set, and either this piece or one that matches it would be required for an Evoker to complete the transmog achievement I’m Bringing Nerub-ack. These pieces include belts, bracers, cloaks, and boots. Sometimes these off-set pieces can be worth looking at even for people who aren’t hunting transmog, as the secondary stats on them are preset and do not necessarily match the piece you would put into the Catalyst to convert into them.

When will the Matrix Catalyst be available?

The Matrix Catalyst is live as of September 10, alongside the first week of Heroic raiding. You should have have one charge available to convert an eligible piece of gear into tier immediately, with additional charges every two weeks after.

Originally published August 25, 2024; updated September 12, 2024.