WoW Classic Fresh Gold Making: Cooldown Crafting

Cooldown crafting in World of Warcraft Classic 20th Anniversary Realm is a gold-making powerhouse—especially with its fast-paced phase cadence (Phase 2 live as of March 17, 2025). With TBC confirmed and looming sooner than traditional Classic, can crafting Mooncloth, transmutes, or Salt Shaker items keep your bags heavy? I've run the numbers, answering People Also Ask staples like “How much gold does it make?” and “What's the best craft?” This guide breaks down profitability in the 20th Anniversary meta, with tips to maximize your gold grind. Let's dive in!

Cooldown crafting leverages professions to create items with built-in timers—like Tailoring's Mooncloth (4-day cooldown), Leatherworking's Salt Shaker (3-day), or Alchemy's Arcanite transmutes (2-day). It's passive gold: craft once, wait, profit. In the 20th Anniversary Realm's accelerated timeline, this method shines for players prepping for TBC's early arrival.  

Why It's Hot: Low effort, high reward—perfect for Anniversary's rapid phases. Tip: Level alts to 35—max profession ranks unlock the best crafts.

Here's the math, tuned for Phase 2 Anniversary Realm prices (fluctuates by server—adjust accordingly). Assume 30 hours to hit level 35 with rested XP, a fair benchmark for fast levelers.  

Cooldown: 2 days  

Profit: 13g per craft (Arcane Crystal to Arcanite Bar)  

Daily Average: 6.5g  

Yearly (365 days): 2,372g ÷ 30 hrs = 79g/hour  

Half-Year (180 days): 1,170g ÷ 30 hrs = 39g/hour  

Why It's Good: Free recipe, steady demand for epics—Phase 2 legendaries (e.g., Thunderfury) boost value.

Cooldown: 1 day  

Profit: 17g per craft  

Daily Average: 17g  

Yearly: 6,205g - 1,000g (recipe cost) = 5,205g ÷ 30 hrs = 173g/hour  

Half-Year: 3,060g - 1,000g = 2,060g ÷ 30 hrs = 68g/hour  

Catch: Recipe's ~1,000g on AH—recoups in ~60 days.

Cooldown: 4 days  

Profit: 13g per craft  

Daily Average: 3.25g  

Yearly: 1,186g ÷ 30 hrs = 39g/hour  

Half-Year: 585g ÷ 30 hrs = 19.5g/hour  

Why It Fits: Cheap mats (Felcloth), TBC-ready (Spellcloth incoming).

Cooldown: 3 days  

Profit: 12g per craft (refined Deeprock Salt)  

Daily Average: 4g  

Yearly: 1,460g ÷ 30 hrs = 48g/hour  

Half-Year: 720g ÷ 30 hrs = 24g/hour  

Note: Feeds Cured Rugged Hide—fades in TBC.

Combo Boost: Pair Alchemy (Undeath to Water) + Tailoring (Mooncloth) for ~212g/hour yearly—crushes most Phase 2 farms (50-70g/hour).  

Why It Scales: Multiple alts = exponential gold—10 characters could hit 50k+ yearly. Tip: Check AH daily—Phase 2 prices spike fast (e.g., Arcanite in Phase 3).

Top Dog: Transmute: Undeath to Water—17g daily rules. Essence of Water's demand (enchants, flasks) holds strong across phases.  

Solid Pick: Transmute: Arcanite—6.5g/day, no upfront cost, ties to Anniversary epics.  

Future-Proof: Mooncloth—low investment, transitions to TBC's Spellcloth.

Why Undeath Rocks: Daily cooldown doubles profits over longer crafts. Tip: Grab the recipe now—1,300g on some servers, but it's worth it.

Vs. Farming: Phase 2 farms (e.g., Blackrock Depths mobs) hit 50-70g/hour but need constant play. Cooldown crafting's 39-173g/hour is 90% passive—2 minutes daily.  

Time Trade-Off: 30 hours upfront vs. endless farming grind.  

Edge: Alts scale crafting; farming's capped by your time.

Why It Wins: Perfect for Anniversary's short phases—max gold, min sweat. Tip: Farm mats (Felcloth, crystals) while leveling—double dip.

Hit 35 Fast: Rested XP + guides = 30 hours (link to routes if available).  

Choose Professions: Alchemy + Tailoring—best combo for Phase 2 and TBC.  

Skill Up: Craft en route—boats are your AFK crafting hubs.  

Recipes: Arcanite's free; Undeath to Water's AH (~1,000-1,300g).  

Daily Routine: Log alts, craft, log off—done.

Why It's Simple: Setup's the grind; profits are autopilot. Tip: Park alts at Stormwind/Orgrimmar AH—saves travel.

Anniversary Timeline: TBC's confirmed, likely mid-2025—half-year crafting fits.  

Viability: Alchemy (transmutes) and Tailoring (Spellcloth) carry over; Leatherworking's Salt Shaker dies out.  

Phase 2 Context: Boosts gear prep (e.g., Arcanite for epics) now, transitions later.

Why It's Smart: Anniversary's speed makes passive gold king—plan for TBC now. Tip: Stockpile mats—Phase 2's your window.

Cooldown crafting's a gold-making gem in the 20th Anniversary Realm—173g/hour from Undeath to Water smokes active farms, and combos like Alchemy + Tailoring secure your TBC future. Phase 2's rapid pace loves this low-effort grind—set up alts, cash in, and ride to riches. Worth it? Absolutely—if you've got 30 hours to invest.

Cooldown crafting's your 20th Anniversary gold hack—passive profits, Phase 2 power, and TBC-ready. Crunch these numbers for your server and start stacking gold today!