World of Warcraft’s Most Controversial $90 Mount Is Back for a Limited Time
It’s official: World of Warcraft’s most infamous cash shop mount has made a comeback. The Trader’s Gilded Brutosaur, a premium mount priced at a hefty $90, has returned to the in-game shop for a limited window, instantly reigniting debates about monetization, value, and exclusivity in the long-running MMO.
This towering dinosaur isn’t just a flashy cosmetic. Like its predecessor, it comes loaded with powerful utility, and that combination of functionality and price is exactly why it’s been at the center of so much controversy.
A Mount That Became a Lightning Rod
When the Trader’s Gilded Brutosaur first hit the shop during World of Warcraft’s 20th anniversary celebration, it didn’t take long for it to become one of the most divisive items Blizzard had ever sold. The mount rolled in with:
A built-in mailbox
An auctioneer onboard
A limited-time availability window
And that eye-watering $90 price tag
Many players immediately criticized the cost, calling it excessive even by premium cosmetic standards. Yet, despite the outrage, the mount was undeniably successful. During its initial run, it reportedly became one of the store’s biggest earners, pulling in an estimated multi-million dollar haul for Blizzard.
The result was a paradox: a mount that players loudly complained about, but also bought in large numbers.
The $90 Trader’s Gilded Brutosaur Is Back Until January 5
Now, the Trader’s Gilded Brutosaur has officially returned to the cash shop once again. This time, it’s only available for a short period, ending January 5, giving players a narrow window to decide whether to commit to it or let it pass by—possibly for good.
The price has not changed. It still costs $90, making it as much of a statement purchase as ever. For those who remember seeing the first wave of these mounts stomping through major cities, the sight is about to become familiar again. And predictably, the community is already split between players who see it as a fun prestige purchase and those who view it as a symbol of how aggressive in-game monetization has become.
How to Get the Gilded Brutosaur With Gold (Sort Of)
While the store price is fixed in real money, there is a way for determined players to obtain the mount using in-game gold—indirectly, through WoW Tokens.
Here’s how it roughly breaks down:
A single WoW Token equals a set amount of balance, which can be spent on shop items.
The average gold cost for a WoW Token currently sits in the few-hundred-thousand range, and it fluctuates based on the in-game economy.
At typical prices, players are looking at around 1.3 million gold to convert enough tokens into balance to buy the Trader’s Gilded Brutosaur.
That number is still huge, but it does have an important reference point. It’s less than what the original Mighty Caravan Brutosaur used to cost on the in-game vendor. That mount, now unobtainable through normal means, originally cost 5 million gold before being removed from the auction house and turned into a rare Black Market Auction House prize.
Even so, there’s a catch: the moment demand spikes for WoW Tokens—as happens whenever a high-priced item returns—their gold cost tends to climb. Anyone thinking of farming gold just to token their way into a Gilded Brutosaur will be racing both other players and the market itself.
Comparing the Mount to the Midnight Epic Edition
One of the more interesting talking points this time around is how the mount’s price compares to other premium purchases within the same ecosystem.
The Trader’s Gilded Brutosaur costs the same as the Epic Edition of the upcoming World of Warcraft: Midnight expansion. That edition doesn’t just include the expansion itself; it also comes with:
Early access to the new content
Exclusive transmogs and cosmetics
Pets and flying mounts
Trader’s Tender and other extras
Access to ongoing beta content for Midnight
For many players, that comparison highlights the core debate around the mount. For the same real-money cost, you can either buy a single mount or an entire expansion package full of content and bonuses. It doesn’t make the mount any less desirable for collectors, but it does frame exactly how premium this purchase really is.
Why This Mount Is So Controversial
The Gilded Brutosaur sits at the intersection of several hot-button issues in modern MMOs:
Price vs. Value
Ninety dollars for a mount is a number that naturally shocks people. Even in a game where cosmetics, services, and bundles cost real money, this sits near the very top of the price spectrum.Functionality vs. Cosmetics
This isn’t a purely cosmetic reskin. It includes practical perks like an auctioneer and mailbox—features many players see as a form of convenience bordering on pay-to-win, especially in older eras of the game where those tools were far more limited.FOMO and Limited-Time Availability
With a clear “available until January 5” label, the mount leans into fear of missing out. Players who care about collection completeness or visual status symbols may feel pressured to buy it now rather than risk not seeing it again for years.Prestige and Visibility
These mounts are big, loud, and impossible to miss in cities. For some, that’s the appeal. For others, it’s a constant reminder of how monetization has evolved.
Because of all this, the Gilded Brutosaur doesn’t just function as a mount; it’s also a walking billboard for the ongoing conversation about where the line should be drawn between optional cosmetics and premium convenience.
Brutosaur Drama Amid WoW’s 21st Anniversary
The timing of the mount’s return is also significant. World of Warcraft is currently in the middle of its 21st anniversary celebrations, giving players a ton of things to do that don’t involve spending money in the cash shop.
The anniversary event includes:
XP and reputation buffs to help with leveling and reputation grinds
The return of various anniversary bosses, events, and mini-games
Access to the Blackrock Depths Timewalking raid
A vendor hub packed with anniversary cosmetics and collectibles
New rewards like the Loyal Watchman transmog ensemble and the Khaz Algar Enthusiast title
Players can enjoy all of that simply by logging in and playing. No additional purchases required. The contrast is stark: on one side, a free in-game celebration; on the other, one of the priciest mounts ever sold returning to the shop.
Looking Ahead: Patch 11.2.7 and Housing Early Access
For those less interested in the mount drama, there’s still plenty on the horizon. As the anniversary winds down, World of Warcraft is preparing to roll out Patch 11.2.7, which will bring with it one of the most requested features in the game’s history: housing early access.
Housing systems have been a long-running wish list item for years, and the upcoming implementation—available just as the anniversary period wraps up—has many players more excited than any single cash shop item. Once that content hits, the community’s attention will likely shift from mounts and token prices to layout ideas, décor options, and roleplay potential.
Should You Buy the Trader’s Gilded Brutosaur?
Ultimately, whether the Trader’s Gilded Brutosaur is “worth it” comes down to the type of player you are:
If you’re a collector who values rare items, enjoys having unique utilities on the go, and doesn’t mind spending real money—or grinding out a large amount of gold—the mount can feel like a long-term investment in your account’s quality-of-life and style.
If you’re more concerned about value for money, the comparison to expansion bundles and other offerings might make it an easy pass. You could get entire content packs, multiple cosmetics, or even other games entirely for the same cost.
If you’re simply here to raid, PvP, or hang out with friends, the mount is optional noise. It doesn’t lock you out of any core content.
What’s clear is that its return guarantees one thing: the ongoing conversation about monetization in World of Warcraft isn’t ending any time soon. The Gilded Brutosaur remains what it has been since day one—a status symbol, a lightning rod, and one of the clearest examples of how far premium items can go in a modern subscription MMO.
For now, it’s back in the shop, the clock is ticking toward January 5, and Azeroth is about to see a lot more golden dinosaurs stomping through its cities again.