SCraig
Refereing to the sets as "Tiers" is just slang.
Technically the sets have specific names that are unique to each clbutt. But that makes it hard to talk about as a whole. Here's the full list of all the sets:
When refered to as "Tier X" by players, it's shorthand for:
Dungeon 1 Set (aka Tier 0) - Strat, Scholo, BRD, LBRS & UBRS Dungeon 2 Set (aka Tier 0.5) - Strat, Scholo, BRD, LBRS & UBRS
Note: You have to have Dungeon 1 items to get Dungeon 2 items via "upgrade" quests. These were just added a couple patches ago. Also, you can buy the Bracers, Gloves and Belt for each Dungeon 1 Set on the Auction House, since they are BoE.
Tier 1 - Molten Core Tier 2 - Black Wing Lair Tier 3 - AQ 40 Tier 4 - Naxxramas
Noob questions... 2052Horde has a quest in booty bay that plops you right in the instance. I don't think you can get into AB before level 40. I'm not sure...
This is refered to as such because those Raids are generally considered a progression. You can't succeed in BWL without having the epic gear from MC, etc.
Concrete Example: Hunter Sets
Dungeon 1 - Beaststalker Armor Dubgeon 2 - Beastmaster Armor Tier 1 - Giantstalker Armor Tier 2 - Dragonstalker Armor Tier 3 - Striker's Garb Tier 4 - Cryptstalker Armor
Now, there's 1 more twist. PvP Ranks also have 2 clbutt specific sets. The Blue "Champions" set for Ranks 7, 8 & 10. And the Purple "Warlords" set for Rank 12 & 13.
My personal opinion is that the Champions set is both better and easier to get than the full Beaststalker set (and thus Beastmaster since you have to have 1 to get the other).
