TL;DR
- Garrison Alchemy Labs provide essential potion crafting and work order systems for raiding preparation
- Each building level unlocks new capabilities, with Level 3 offering maximum work order capacity
- Alchemy-specialized followers dramatically increase output through work order doubling and daily experiments
- Strategic resource management and follower assignment are crucial for optimal efficiency
- Proper lab placement and daily maintenance ensure consistent high-value potion production
Many World of Warcraft players enjoy establishing their Garrison Lab facilities but often struggle with optimal construction strategies. This comprehensive guide details the small Garrison Lab implementation within Warlords of Draenor, providing actionable advice for maximizing your alchemical output. When deciding which specialized facility to place in your Small Plot, the Alchemy Lab represents one of the most valuable options for raiders and crafters alike.
Complete Guide to Small Garrison Alchemy Lab Optimization
Understanding the core benefits and strategic advantages of this facility is essential for efficient gameplay.
For raiding preparation, the lab generates crucial reagents that accelerate potion and flask crafting through profession synergies. Even without the Alchemy profession, players can manufacture basic flasks and potions directly from the building interface. While purchasing consumables with WOW Gold offers convenience, the lab provides sustainable long-term resource generation that becomes increasingly valuable throughout the expansion.
The progression system for Garrison Alchemy Labs follows a structured three-tier approach with distinct benefits at each upgrade level.
Level 1 Alchemy Lab: Unlocks basic alchemical item production capabilities and supports 7 simultaneous work orders. This foundational level allows players to begin generating essential raid consumables immediately upon establishment.
Level 2 Alchemy Lab: Introduces follower assignment mechanics, enabling characters with the Alchemy specialization to work within the facility. This provides a unique daily bonus of potion stacks, significantly enhancing your consumable inventory over time.
Level 3 Alchemy Lab: Represents the maximum upgrade tier, expanding work order capacity to 21 simultaneous tasks. This triples your production capability compared to the initial level, making it essential for serious raiders.
Strategic upgrade timing is crucial—prioritize reaching Level 2 once you secure an Alchemy-specialized follower, then advance to Level 3 as your resource stockpile permits. The increased work order capacity at higher levels ensures you never miss a day of production, even during extended play sessions.
When you assign a follower possessing the Alchemy trait to your Level 2 Alchemy Lab, they initiate Alchemy Experiments that yield valuable rewards. These experiments have probability to contain 5 units of any Draenor potion, providing additional consumables beyond standard work order output.
A level 90 follower with Alchemy specialization provides 50% probability to double your Work Order results. This efficiency bonus scales with follower level, reaching 100% success rate at level 100, effectively doubling your resource investment returns.
Acquiring Alchemy-specialized followers occurs through two primary methods: specifically recruiting the trait via the Inn/Tavern building or obtaining it randomly when a follower’s quality upgrades through missions. For consistent optimization, prioritize Inn recruitment to guarantee this valuable trait.
Advanced players should note that follower item level also impacts success rates—higher item level followers not only provide better doubling chances but also complete missions faster, creating a virtuous cycle of efficiency. For more comprehensive follower management strategies, consult our Class Guide which covers specialization optimization across all garrison buildings.
Many players underestimate the importance of daily work order maintenance, leading to significant lost production over time. Establish a routine of collecting completed orders and initiating new ones during your regular gameplay sessions.
Resource Management Pitfalls: Avoid stockpiling excessive quantities of single potion types—diversify your production based on current raid needs and market values. Monitor your server’s auction house to identify which consumables provide the best gold-to-resource efficiency.
Efficiency Optimization: Coordinate your Alchemy Lab with other garrison buildings like the Mine and Herb Garden for optimal resource flow. This integrated approach ensures you maintain consistent production without external resource dependencies.
Common errors include neglecting to upgrade followers’ item levels, failing to assign followers to the lab consistently, and misunderstanding the work order timing mechanics. For broader garrison optimization strategies, our Complete Guide offers comprehensive building synergy advice.
Advanced players should consider pairing their Alchemy Lab with a Scribe’s Quarters for additional consumable options, or a Salvage Yard for resource recovery. These combinations create powerful economic and gameplay advantages throughout the expansion cycle. Additional weapon optimization strategies can be found in our Weapons Unlock guide for complementary combat enhancement approaches.
Action Checklist
- Construct Level 1 Alchemy Lab in Small Plot and initiate 7 work orders
- Recruit Alchemy-specialized follower through Inn/Tavern
- Upgrade to Level 2 Lab and assign your Alchemy follower
- Establish daily routine for work order collection and reassignment
- Advance to Level 3 Lab once resource stockpile permits maximum efficiency
- Diversify potion production based on current raid needs and market values
No reproduction without permission:OnLineGames Guides » How to Build a Small Garrison Lab in World of Warcraft Complete guide to building and optimizing your Garrison Alchemy Lab in Warlords of Draenor for maximum potion production
