Blizzard have detailed some Classic action, as we find out what’s coming in the next phases of both SoD and Cata!
Season of Discovery
Phase 5 brings us not one, but two raids! Blackwing Lair and Zul’Gurub are 20-40 and 10-20 man raids, respectively. There will be more coming on September 26th as well, but those details will come closer to launch.
Cataclysm Classic 4.4.1
The Molten Front opens on September 17th with many quests and new gear vendors. More content will open up gradually, like the Firelands raid and confrontation with Ragnaros. However, this will not be the usual time-gated content. Instead, it will open up based on a new currency, Mark of the World tree!
There’s also a new option to enable HD textures coming in the patch.
There’s a bounty of adventure waiting for players in Cataclysm Classic and in Season of Discovery Phase 5. Players will be able to begin preparing to face Ragnaros in the Firelands when the Molten Front goes live early in Cataclysm Classic on September 17. Those taking part in Season of Discovery can venture into danger within Blackwing Lair and Zul’Gurub on September 26 at 1:00 pm PDT.
Cataclysm Classic: The Molten Front Arrives Early on September 17
Join the defenders of Hyjal as they work to create a foothold in the Firelands to quell the onslaught of Ragnaros’ elementals.
Before patch 4.4.1 releases, stalwart adventurers will now have the opportunity to test their mettle at two daily quest areas located in the fertile hillsides of Mount Hyjal and the burning depths of the Firelands. Known as the Regrowth and Molten Front, these areas will offer daily solo content for level 85 players to enjoy — including over 60 new quests, four “unlockable” iLevel 365 gear vendors, and a world that evolves right before your eyes.
Unlock Your Destiny
Like many of the daily quest areas already in the game, the Regrowth and Molten Front will feature several stages of content. Players will begin their journeys at the renewed Sanctuary of Malorne in Mount Hyjal, joining forces once again with Matoclaw and Archdruid Hamuul Runetotem to repel invading armies of elementals. From there, they must open a portal directly to the Firelands and establish a forward outpost that the Guardians of Hyjal, led by Malfurion Stormrage, can use to thwart further incursions by Ragnaros’s forces.
Rather than these stages only becoming available after a certain period of time or at the end of a long quest series, players will instead get to use a new alternate currency called Marks of the World Tree to unlock them at their own pace.
Kick Your Graphics Up a Notch
The update will also include a way for players to turn on High-Definition Textures as an option, which will provide enhanced visual fidelity to many textures in the game. This update allows for a revitalized game world while preserving the Classic aesthetics of the game.
To activate the High-Definition Textures option, open your game Options (Escape->Options) and make this change in the Graphic settings.
Season of Discovery Phase 5 Arrives September 26
Season of Discovery Phase 5 is almost here, and with it, players can venture into the Blackwing Lair and Zul’Gurub raid dungeons, collect Tier 2 armor sets, and more.
Blackwing Lair
In the dark recesses of the mountain’s peak, Nefarian, the eldest son of Deathwing, conducts some of his most awful experimentation, controlling mighty beings like puppets and combining the eggs of different dragonflights with horrific results. Should he prove successful, even darker pursuits rest on the horizon.
Step into Blackwing Lair in a 20-40 player raid dungeon. Tuned as a 20-player encounter, players can bring additional friends to the adventure, with up to 40 players being allowed inside. Players will be able to earn Tier 2 sets from within this raid.
Zul’Gurub
Deep within the jungles of Stranglethorn, an ancient troll city full of untold peril awaits. Do you have what it takes to delve into its mysteries? Assemble a band of hardy explorers and make your way to Zul’Gurub, a max-level, up to 20-player raid instance with many epic items to procure from its verdant tree-lined avenues and lost temples.
Zul’Gurub invites 10-20 players into this raid dungeon. Rewards and difficulty are tuned for 10, with room for 20 to join in the hunt for treasures untold.
Even more awaits you in Season of Discovery Phase 5, and we look forward to sharing additional information in the lead up to the September 26th launch.
We can’t wait for you to join us within the Molten Front in Cataclysm Classic and in Season of Discovery Phase 5!