Blizzard today revealed the launch date of MoP Classic Phase 3 that will be released on December 9.
What’s Coming in Phase 3?
The new patch adds:
- Two new zones (Isle of Thunder & Isle of Giants)
- New gear upgrading system (Thunderforging)
- Two new world bosses (Oondasta & Nalak)
- Throne of Thunder, a 12-boss raid
For more details, check out the blue post linked below.
Gather heroes, sound the drums, the Thunder King comes! The time is nigh to spearhead an assault on the Thunder King’s stronghold.
When: December 9 at 3:00 pm PST
The Thunder King content update delivers two new zones—Isle of Thunder and Isle of Giants, a new gear upgrade system—Thunderforging, a new legendary chapter, two new world bosses—Oondasta and Nalak, and the Throne of Thunder 12-encounter raid arriving a bit after launch.
In addition, this content update ushers in the continuation of the Legendary questline— continue your journey with Wrathion to earn a Legendary meta gem, introduces new Scenarios, an update to the Challenge Mode system, and includes the latest updates to Celestial Dungeons.
Follow along as Lorewalker Cho tells of the perilous tale of The Thunder King in our trailer from the original release of this Mists of Pandaria content update:
Two New Zones and Three New Factions
You’ll need to collaborate with fellow champions to unlock each stage of the island by taking part in new PvE and PvP-themed dailies, completing a campaign quest, and engaging in scenarios.
Isle of Thunder
The Zandalari trolls are once again causing trouble. After stealing the remains of the long-dead Thunder King, Lei Shen, they revived the ancient Mogu emperor on the Isle of Thunder. Now it’s our task to put him back to rest before he once again conquers Pandaria and enslaves the Pandaren.
Begin on the Isle of Thunder by visiting the Shado-Pan Garrison in Townlong Steppes, found on the western shore of Pandaria.
Treasure can be found throughout the island as well, and lucky heroes will find the Keys to the Palace of Lei Shen and unlock hordes of wealth that once belonged to the first emperor.
Isle of Giants
A new island has appeared north of Kun-Lai Summit! The Isle of Giants is home to a plethora of roaming behemoths, and the Zandalari trolls have been taming them for their campaign on the Isle of Thunder. Brave champions must hunt these massive creatures for valuable rewards and loot!
New Factions
Help your faction assault the Mogu— join the Kirin Tor Offensive or the Sunreaver Onslaught—both factions aid the Neutral Shado-Pan Assault faction as you storm the gates of the Throne of Thunder.
The Legendary Quest Continues
Wrathion expands his interest in the mortal races, this time turning his attention to the ancient Mogu empire and what the Thunder King is doing on the Isle of Thunder.
The War Effort begins as each faction spearheads an assault to conquer the invading Zandalari forces and the Thunder King’s stronghold: Isle of Thunder.
New Raid: The Thone of Thunder
When: Unlocks for all regions on December 11 at 3:00 pm PST
Emperor Lei Shen, the Thunder King, has returned to wreak his vengeance on Pandaria. It falls to the heroes of the Alliance and the Horde to stop the newly resurrected tyrant and his Zandalari allies in the Throne of Thunder. Join the Shado-Pan Assault in their singular drive to see Lei Shen, the Thunder King, defeated once and for all, and gain access to impressive rewards. Reputation with this faction can be earned only within the Throne of Thunder raid dungeon.
The Throne of Thunder is a sprawling citadel housing 12 raid encounters, and players who defeat Emperor Lei Shen in Heroic mode can earn the opportunity to face an added 13th foe, Ra-den.
Two New World Bosses
Each zone in The Thunder King content update has its own World Boss—the Isle of Thunder is home to Nalak, the Storm Lord, whilst the Isle of Giants is home to the Zandalari experiment, Oondasta.
Oondasta’s roar can be heard across all Pandaria, calling brave adventurers ready to face its terrifying ferocity, and more powerful than you recall, to a challenge. Bringing him down will yield Epic ilvl 522 gear.
Brave champions will also have their chance to conquer the gate guardian, Nalak, when the Isle of Thunder transitions to the final stage of the War Effort. Defeating Nalak will earn you Normal Tier 15 legs and gloves, as well as some PvP gear.
Celestial Dungeons
Continue your adventures with the Might of the Thunder King, now influencing the Celestial Dungeons. Lei Shen is now here, and with him comes the storm! His protection of each dungeon brings with it new traps, thunderstorms, and powerful boons to your enemies.
Fear not! While the Thunder King expands his domain, the Celestial gods have amplified their boons, granting new powers to players who are bestowed their gifts. Avatars of each will hear your call and come to aid you when asked, causing devastating effects to the new soldiers of the Thunder King.
New rewards await players who overcome these challenges with success.
Challenge Modes
A new challenge presents itself for Challenge Modes—the Platinum medal. Platinum will reward Valor and other rewards for each instance completed within a specific time limit.
Completing Challenge Modes doesn’t just come with prestige and rewards; achievements, Platinum Coins, and the chance to be the realm’s best are at stake! At the end of the season, players who achieve an exceptionally fast time will be granted the following rewards (the time required for each dungeon will be communicated soon):
- Season 1
- Title: The Mistwalker
- Mount: Reins of the Celestial Tiger
- Season 2
- Title: Mistborne
- Mount: Reins of the Celestial Serpent
- Season 3
- Title: Heir to the Mist
- Details about other rewards for Season 3 to come at a later date.
Platinum Coins
Beginning The Thunder King content update, the Challenge Conqueror achievements will award Platinum Coins, a new currency, allowing champions to purchase some new Transmog items, Toys, Mounts, and Tabards available in Shrine of the Two Moons, and Shrine of Seven Stars, and any timed Platinum runs will award an additional Platinum coin.
Don’t Shop, Adopt… a Battle Pet!
Battle Pets are creeping, crawling, and flapping around the Isle of Thunder, getting charged up to see who their new travel buddy will be. Seek them out (one is even a drop from a rare elite) to add them to your menagerie!
A Farmer’s Life for You
If you have unlocked 16 plots of land and reached exalted with the Tiller’s, it’s time to report back to Farmer Yoon to take over the Sunsong Ranch.
The Throne of Thunder content update is currently being tested on the PTR—feel free to join.