Roll General

Roll – Term Explanation in MMO Loot Systems

What does it mean to “Roll” in an MMO loot context?

When players “Roll” for an item, they invoke a random number generator (RNG) to decide who wins the piece of loot. In many games, each player who chooses to roll receives a random number (often from 1 to 100), and the highest number secures the item. This method aims for fairness by giving everyone an equal chance. Some group loot systems automate this process, displaying each participant’s roll in the chat window.

Loot rolling is one of the most common ways to distribute gear, currency tokens, and other valuable drops in group activities like dungeons or raids. Once the item appears in the loot window, players must choose a rolling option—such as Need, Greed, Pass, or Disenchant (if the game allows it)—to indicate their priority level or interest in the item.

How to “Roll” effectively?

  1. Read Group Rules: Before rolling, clarify whether your group or guild has specific loot rules (e.g., main spec over off spec, strict progression gear priorities, or a “one item per run” limit).
  2. Use the Right Option: If you truly need the item for your character, choose “Need.” If you only want it for selling or side uses, pick “Greed.” Avoid confusion by sticking to the correct roll type.
  3. Communicate Changes: If you accidentally pick the wrong roll option, let your group know immediately. Polite honesty can prevent future conflicts.

Examples in Practice

  • After downing a raid boss, everyone sees a powerful piece of armor in the loot window. Each participant “rolls” Need, Greed, or Pass. The highest roll among those who selected Need typically wins.
  • In some systems, you might type /roll 100 in the chat, and the server automatically outputs your random number.

References

  • Official Game Guides – Many MMOs have official articles explaining the exact mechanics of rolling, random number generation, and tie‐breaking.
  • Community Looting Etiquette Threads – Player forums often discuss best practices and unwritten rules for group loot behavior.

What’s Next?

Once you’ve rolled and the winner is declared, either equip your new gear or store it. If confusion arises (for example, a new player selected “Greed” when they should have chosen “Need”), resolve it calmly by discussing the situation with your group—often, a polite conversation can lead to re‐trading the item or an agreed compromise.