What Is Mythic+?
Mythic+ is a timed dungeon challenge that scales in difficulty the higher the key level you run. It’s one of the best ways to earn high-end gear and test your skills in PvE content. Every week, dungeons come with different affixes that change how trash mobs and bosses behave, making each run feel different even if the dungeon is the same.
You start with a keystone, enter the dungeon, and try to beat it within the timer. The faster you finish, the better your score and the higher the keystone upgrade. It’s a mix of teamwork, mechanics, and planning.
Preparing for Your First Run
Before you even step into a dungeon, make sure your character is ready. That means:
- Your gear should be appropriate for the keystone level. You don’t need BiS, but don’t go in undergeared.
- Repair all your gear and bring flasks, potions, and food.
- Choose a talent build suited for speed, survivability, or AoE damage.
- Know the dungeon layout. Even a quick YouTube run-through or a written guide can save you from surprises.
Communication is also key. Even if it’s just pings or macros, staying on the same page with your group makes a huge difference.
How the Keystone System Works
When you finish a Mythic+ dungeon, your keystone either upgrades (if you beat the timer) or downgrades (if you fail). You can also get a fresh key from an NPC near the Great Vault in Valdrakken.
Keystones go from +2 and can reach above +20. Higher keys give better loot and increase your Mythic+ rating. Your weekly reward at the Great Vault depends on how many keys you’ve completed and at what level.
Understanding Affixes
Affixes are dungeon modifiers added at +2, +7, +14, and +20. Each week, Blizzard rotates them. A few examples:
- Fortified: Trash mobs are stronger.
- Tyrannical: Bosses are stronger.
- Bursting: Enemies explode when they die.
- Afflicted / Incorporeal / Entangling: New seasonal or utility-based affixes.
Knowing what affixes are active changes how you play. For example, if it’s Bursting week, you’ll want to kill trash in waves instead of all at once.
Picking the Right Group
A balanced Mythic+ group usually includes:
- A reliable tank who understands pulls and positioning
- A healer who can manage intense damage spikes and affix effects
- DPS with good AoE and utility (interrupts, stuns, slows)
Try to pick a group where everyone knows their role and responsibilities. Voice chat isn’t required, but it helps a lot—especially in higher keys.
Tips for a Smooth Run
- Always interrupt dangerous casts. Set up a kick rotation for priority targets.
- Stay behind the tank. Accidental pulls wipe groups fast.
- Use cooldowns. Don’t save them forever—use them early and often.
- Don’t panic if someone dies. Keep going and use battle res if needed.
- Keep moving. Even a 10-second delay adds up fast over 30 minutes.
The timer matters, but don’t stress too much if you’re learning. Focus on mechanics first, speed second.
Loot and Rewards
Loot in Mythic+ is given at the end of the dungeon—one piece for every two players. The item level depends on the key level. You’ll also earn progress toward your Great Vault weekly reward, which gives you a choice of high-quality loot depending on how many dungeons you complete.
Some dungeons also reward unique gear pieces with great stats or effects, so keep an eye out for those.
Improving Over Time
Your first few runs might feel overwhelming, especially at higher keys. But the more you do, the more confident you’ll become. Keep notes on affixes that cause issues, work on your positioning, and don’t be afraid to ask your group what you could improve.
There’s no shame in starting low and climbing slowly. Even top players began with +2s once.