Blizzard Brings Back Trader’s Gilded Brutosaur

Blizzard Brings Back Trader’s Gilded Brutosaur

Drama

18 November 2025 10:36

As World of Warcraft players find themselves in the pre-expansion lull, with little to do but prepare for the removal of combat mods and sweeping class balance changes, Blizzard has dropped a controversial blast from the past: the $90 Trader's Gilded Brutosaur mount. This comes just as WoW celebrates its 21st anniversary, making it a perfect time for Blizzard to reintroduce this high-priced microtransaction.

For those who might not remember, the Trader’s Gilded Brutosaur first made waves in 2020, after it was added to the WoW shop following a major balance patch that upset a lot of players. It quickly became notorious not just for its price tag $90 but because it came with an auction house and mailbox functionality, something that was previously only accessible through certain in-game services or by spending an absurd amount of gold (5 million, to be exact). For many, this mount became a symbol of Blizzard’s growing trend toward monetization through microtransactions.

The Brutosaur was originally available for purchase in the WoW shop until Blizzard removed it in late 2020, citing it as an “exclusive” item. At the time, it sparked backlash from players who felt that such a powerful convenience feature—especially one that could simplify gold farming or auction house management—shouldn't be locked behind a hefty price tag. And yet, despite its controversial nature, the mount has become a favorite among certain players who value convenience above all else. The return of the Brutosaur in 2025, right before the launch of the new expansion, has reignited debates over WoW's evolving approach to microtransactions.

Why the Brutosaur?

The appeal of the Brutosaur isn’t just about riding a massive dinosaur; it's about the built-in auction house and mailbox attached to it. These features allow players to buy, sell, and send items from anywhere in the game world, making it incredibly useful for those who frequently engage in the auction house or need to handle their inventory while out in the field. The only other way to access this level of convenience in WoW is by either spending 5 million gold (no small feat) or relying on a more cumbersome process involving other mounts or NPCs.

This kind of convenience can save players significant time and hassle, especially those who play the market or need to manage their in-game business while questing or farming. The Brutosaur also appeals to collectors and status-driven players who want to show off a rare and expensive mount, as its price tag and limited availability make it a rare sight in the game world.

The Backlash and the Buzz

When the Brutosaur was first made available, players were divided. Some loved the mount’s convenience and were willing to shell out the cash for it, while others saw it as a prime example of WoW’s increasing reliance on microtransactions. The fact that it came with in-game conveniences that were typically unlocked through hours of gameplay (or a large amount of gold) made it feel like a “pay-to-win” feature to some, even if Blizzard insisted that it was purely a convenience item.

Tags: Blizzard

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Blizzard Brings Back Trader’s Gilded Brutosaur

Drama

18 November 2025 10:36

Tags: Blizzard

As World of Warcraft players find themselves in the pre-expansion lull, with little to do but prepare for the removal of combat mods and sweeping class balance changes, Blizzard has dropped a controversial blast from the past: the $90 Trader's Gilded Brutosaur mount. This comes just as WoW celebrates its 21st anniversary, making it a perfect time for Blizzard to reintroduce this high-priced microtransaction.

For those who might not remember, the Trader’s Gilded Brutosaur first made waves in 2020, after it was added to the WoW shop following a major balance patch that upset a lot of players. It quickly became notorious not just for its price tag $90 but because it came with an auction house and mailbox functionality, something that was previously only accessible through certain in-game services or by spending an absurd amount of gold (5 million, to be exact). For many, this mount became a symbol of Blizzard’s growing trend toward monetization through microtransactions.

The Brutosaur was originally available for purchase in the WoW shop until Blizzard removed it in late 2020, citing it as an “exclusive” item. At the time, it sparked backlash from players who felt that such a powerful convenience feature—especially one that could simplify gold farming or auction house management—shouldn't be locked behind a hefty price tag. And yet, despite its controversial nature, the mount has become a favorite among certain players who value convenience above all else. The return of the Brutosaur in 2025, right before the launch of the new expansion, has reignited debates over WoW's evolving approach to microtransactions.

Why the Brutosaur?

The appeal of the Brutosaur isn’t just about riding a massive dinosaur; it's about the built-in auction house and mailbox attached to it. These features allow players to buy, sell, and send items from anywhere in the game world, making it incredibly useful for those who frequently engage in the auction house or need to handle their inventory while out in the field. The only other way to access this level of convenience in WoW is by either spending 5 million gold (no small feat) or relying on a more cumbersome process involving other mounts or NPCs.

This kind of convenience can save players significant time and hassle, especially those who play the market or need to manage their in-game business while questing or farming. The Brutosaur also appeals to collectors and status-driven players who want to show off a rare and expensive mount, as its price tag and limited availability make it a rare sight in the game world.

The Backlash and the Buzz

When the Brutosaur was first made available, players were divided. Some loved the mount’s convenience and were willing to shell out the cash for it, while others saw it as a prime example of WoW’s increasing reliance on microtransactions. The fact that it came with in-game conveniences that were typically unlocked through hours of gameplay (or a large amount of gold) made it feel like a “pay-to-win” feature to some, even if Blizzard insisted that it was purely a convenience item.

Share:

Sources:

Report mistake Submit news

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