Grapes of Wrath (GoW)

The Grapes of Wrath is a famous Battledome item in Neopia, notorious for its high-icon attack at a relatively low price. Originally introduced as a joke item—complete with a pun on the classic novel The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck—this item has since become a core part of many players’ early and mid-tier Battledome sets. Here’s everything you need to know about this formidable fruit weapon, from its capabilities in combat to how it fits into different Battledome setups.

Item Origins and Overview

First appearing in Neopia many years ago, the Grapes of Wrath was quickly embraced by players for its amusing name and powerful attack, not to mention its accessibility. Unlike some Battledome items that only elite players could afford, Grapes of Wrath became known as a “budget-friendly” powerhouse, available to more players without sacrificing potency. Its attack type and versatility allowed Neopians to take it into battles against a wide range of opponents, making it one of the most-used weapons in lower and mid-level fights.

The item consists of a bunch of grapes that inflict significant damage on an opponent. Its colorful design and moderate pricing have kept it popular for years, making it a solid choice for many battle-ready Neopets.

Stats and Abilities

The Grapes of Wrath packs a punch for its price, making it an ideal entry-level weapon for players building their first Battledome sets. Here’s a breakdown of its stats:

  • Attack Icons: The Grapes of Wrath delivers a combined total of 11 icons:
    • 4 earth icons
    • 4 physical icons
    • 3 dark icons

This mix of icons makes it versatile against a variety of opponents, as many Neopets focus their defenses on just one or two elemental types, letting these mixed icons slip through to deal consistent damage. The weapon’s earth and dark icon combination also means it can counter opponents who rely on popular, affordable shields that focus on light or fire defense.

  • Availability and Affordability: One of the Grapes of Wrath’s biggest strengths is its price. Unlike rare and high-end Battledome items, which can cost millions of Neopoints, Grapes of Wrath is often available in the range of a few hundred thousand Neopoints. This affordability gives newer players access to a strong weapon without breaking the bank.

How to Use Grapes of Wrath in the Battledome

Grapes of Wrath is ideal for lower to mid-level battles, where mixed-icon damage can overwhelm opponents who lack comprehensive defenses. Here are some top strategies for deploying it effectively:

  1. Against Multi-Element Defenders: With its variety of elemental icons, Grapes of Wrath performs best against opponents whose shields don’t cover all its icon types. Look for openings when an opponent is equipped with a shield focusing on just one or two elements, allowing the Grapes to bypass those defenses and deal substantial damage.
  2. Combining with Other Weapons: Grapes of Wrath is powerful when paired with another budget weapon that provides different icons. For example, pairing it with the Downsize! defensive item can let you reduce incoming damage while dealing a mixed-icon attack, or you could combine it with a high-water icon item to create a broader range of icon damage, increasing the odds of bypassing an opponent’s defenses.
  3. Flexible Placement: Grapes of Wrath can easily fit into most Battledome sets thanks to its versatile icon spread and lower cost. This flexibility allows players to combine it with more specialized weapons or to use it as a mainstay for dealing balanced damage across many enemy types.

Ideal Pairings in a Battledome Set

Here are some popular items to pair with Grapes of Wrath for different strategies:

  • Downsize!: This defensive item complements Grapes of Wrath by letting you reduce damage on turns when you expect high incoming attacks. Since Grapes of Wrath already delivers solid damage, pairing it with a shield like Downsize! lets you stay on the offensive without worrying about too much counter-damage.
  • Sword of Skardsen (if budget allows): The Sword of Skardsen is another solid item that works well with Grapes of Wrath, especially for its dual-icon damage output, combining fire and dark icons. The combination can create an overwhelming offense that few Battledome defenses can fully counter.
  • Honey Potion: Honey Potion is another excellent budget-friendly pairing, delivering heavy damage in one turn with 13 random icons. Paired with Grapes of Wrath, you can deal significant damage early in battle, potentially securing a quick victory if your opponent’s defenses are not up to the task.
  • Magic Cookies: These consumable items offer random icon damage and pair well with Grapes of Wrath in a budget set. Since they don’t take up a slot permanently and are often inexpensive, they let you experiment with different icon spreads and may deliver critical hits when paired with the Grapes’ earth and dark damage.

Grapes of Wrath and the Economy

Unlike some of Neopia’s more high-end Battledome items, Grapes of Wrath maintains a steady price range that makes it accessible to a large swath of players. Its popularity and affordability mean that it’s widely traded, often appearing in both the Shop Wizard and the Trading Post. However, the steady demand for Grapes of Wrath means that its price is relatively stable, making it a good investment for those who need a reliable, reusable weapon at an affordable cost.

Many players appreciate the item for its cost-effectiveness in battles, as it delivers consistent damage without requiring a hefty investment. This stable pricing also makes it a good choice for players who want to maximize value per Neopoint in their Battledome sets.

Controversies and Community Opinions

While generally beloved for its humor and utility, Grapes of Wrath has sparked some debate over the years:

  1. Power Creep and Outdated Icons: Some players feel that the Grapes of Wrath has been overshadowed by newer weapons with more specific or higher icon damage. As Neopia’s economy and Battledome items continue to evolve, players have asked for updates or new items that provide similar multi-icon attacks at a slightly higher power level.
  2. Balancing Icon Types: The combination of earth, physical, and dark icons has made the Grapes of Wrath useful in a variety of battles, but some players feel it lacks enough synergy with other weapons. Critics argue that the item’s earth and dark icons could be more effective if paired with a newer dual-type shield, giving the Grapes a fresh role in advanced sets.
  3. Potential as a NeoCash Alternative: Some players have also suggested releasing a NeoCash version of the Grapes of Wrath with a slightly modified design, sparking discussions about whether such an option would undermine the item’s status as an affordable classic or be a welcome alternative for those who don’t mind using NeoCash to improve their Battledome experience.

Pros and Cons of Grapes of Wrath

Pros:

  • High Icon Damage for Price: Few weapons in the same price range deliver as much mixed icon damage as Grapes of Wrath, making it a solid choice for budget Battledome fighters.
  • Versatility: The variety of icons ensures it can deal some level of damage even when facing multi-type defenses.
  • Affordability: Its relatively low price makes it accessible for new players, offering a reliable entry-point weapon for Battledome strategy.

Cons:

  • Outclassed by Advanced Weapons: While powerful for its price, Grapes of Wrath can be outclassed by higher-end items as players progress.
  • Single-Use Limitation: Unlike some high-end weapons with special effects, Grapes of Wrath is straightforward, lacking any effects beyond its icon damage.
  • Limited Icon Compatibility: For some opponents, the combination of earth, physical, and dark icons can make it less effective if they have specific defenses covering those types.

Is Grapes of Wrath Worth It?

For players in the early to mid stages of Battledome development, Grapes of Wrath is a smart investment. It offers a balance of versatility, affordability, and power that few other items can match. Though it doesn’t provide the sheer strength or unique effects of high-end weapons, its consistent performance makes it ideal for those who want a reliable, reusable item for Neopian battles. Players building advanced sets may eventually replace it, but it will always remain a Neopian classic—and a pun-filled reminder of the Battledome’s colorful, strategic possibilities.