Phase 5 drops July 10th at 3:00 PM PDT, bringing the legendary Ahn'Qiraj content that defined Classic endgame. You're getting server-wide events, two major raids, and gameplay changes that'll reshape how you approach the game. Time to get ready.
Release Timeline
Raids Unlock: AQ20 and AQ40 won't be available until your server completes the War Effort. Expect raids around July 17th on most servers, potentially earlier on mega-servers where coordination runs tight.
The 10-Hour War: This legendary event only triggers after someone completes the Scepter of the Shifting Sands questline and rings the gong. When it happens, drop everything. This is peak Classic WoW.
Ahn'Qiraj War Effort
Classic's biggest community event requires your entire server to contribute millions of items across both factions to unlock the raids. No solo effort will cut it.
What You're Actually Doing
Every faction needs massive quantities of:
- Consumables: Bandages and food for the war machine
- Raw Materials: Herbs, bars, leather - foundation materials
- Crafted Items: Stuff that requires actual player skills to produce
The numbers are staggering. Millions of items server-wide, which is why this becomes a community effort rather than a solo grind.
Don't trickle in materials - save up and make meaningful contributions for better loot chances. Large bulk contributions give legitimate shots at epics.
The Reward System That Actually Matters
Contributing gets you Commendation Signets. Two ways to use them:
- City Reputation: Trade signets for rep with major cities. Long-term character building.
- Supply Boxes: The immediate payoff. Small contributions get you scrolls and greens, but the magic happens with bulk contributions:
Tracking Progress Like a Pro
- Alliance: General Zog in Ironforge gives you the full breakdown
- Horde: Commander Stronghammer in Orgrimmar has your progress updates
Both NPCs show your faction's status AND the opposing faction's progress. Use this intel for strategic planning.
Failsafe System: If your server struggles, the requirements automatically reduce after 15 days. Every server will eventually get access, but early completion means earlier raid access.
Scepter of the Shifting Sands
This questline is brutal. One of Classic's most demanding achievements that rewards the Scarab Lord title and the Black Qiraji Resonating Crystal mount.
Guild Requirement: You cannot solo this. Period. You need coordinated raid support
Resource Commitment: Massive time and material investment
The Mount Everyone Wants
The Black Qiraji Resonating Crystal is arguably the most impressive mount in Classic. Not just rare - it's a permanent status symbol that screams "I was here for the real Classic experience."
Only obtainable during the 10-Hour War event. This mount represents the pinnacle of Classic WoW achievement and community coordination.
Competitive Reality
- Limited Slots: Only a handful of players per server can realistically complete this
- Skill Gate: Most players shouldn't even attempt it - the requirements are that steep
- Server Dependency: Someone on your server MUST complete this for the gates to open
TBC Transition Considerations
Servers are transitioning to TBC later this year. The Scarab Lord title loses its prestige in TBC content, making this a questionable time investment unless:
- Character cloning services let you preserve the achievement
- You're planning to stay on Classic-era servers
- You're doing it purely for the experience
The 10-Hour War
When someone rings that gong, Silithus transforms into the most chaotic, memorable experience Classic has to offer.
Open World Chaos: Silithus becomes a massive battlefield with PvE objectives scattered everywhere
PvP Madness: Some of the most intense world PvP you'll ever experience
Reputation Goldmine: Your primary opportunity for Brood of Nozdormu rep
Tactical Approach for Rep Farming
This event is your main shot at Brood reputation. Outside this window, rep gains are painfully slow:
- BWL head only helps one player per week server-wide
- Regular AQ40 rep gains are a crawl
New Raids: AQ20 and AQ40 Breakdown
Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj (AQ20)
AQ20 Overview
| Aspect | Details | Comparison | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 20-player, 6 bosses | ZG-level difficulty | Accessible entry point |
| Puggability | High success rate | If you clear ZG, manageable | Good for catch-up gear |
| Purpose | Stepping stone to AQ40 | Similar role to ZG | Raid readiness preparation |
AQ20 fills the same role as ZG - accessible content that gets people raid-ready without the coordination requirements of 40-player content.
Temple of Ahn'Qiraj (AQ40)
The Real Challenge
Culminating in C'Thun, this raid earned its "guild killer" reputation in original Classic. However, 2025 player skill levels make this significantly more manageable than the historical reputation suggests.
Don't let the "guild killer" reputation scare you. The average Classic player in 2025 is substantially better than players were in 2005. Even casual guilds should clear this with proper mechanical execution.
AQ40 drops some of the best pre-TBC equipment. Several pieces remain valuable into early TBC content, making this investment worthwhile for the expansion transition.
Loot Systems: The Token Revolution
Phase 5 introduces token-based loot that eliminates the frustration of class-specific drops going to waste.
AQ40 Tier 2.5 Token System
Instead of hoping for your specific class drop, bosses drop tokens that multiple classes can use. You collect the token plus additional materials, then complete turn-in quests for your final gear.
AQ20 Set Components
The AQ20 set (ring, cloak, weapon) uses a similar system but requires Cenarion Circle reputation:
- Ring: Honored
- Cloak: Revered
- Weapon: Exalted
Turn-ins happen at Cenarion Hold, not in the raid itself.
Token Sharing: The new system allows more flexible raid compositions since multiple classes benefit from each drop.
Reputation Grinds
Brood of Nozdormu: The AQ40 Faction
Hated reputation (everyone starts here). This is the steepest reputation climb in Classic.
AQ40 monster kills: Slow but steady progress
BWL head: One player per week server-wide
10-Hour War event: Your main opportunity for acceleration
The 10-Hour War is your reputation acceleration window. Form groups, identify high-density monster areas, and farm aggressively during this event. Missing this window means months of slow AQ40 grinding.
Cenarion Circle: Nature and AQ20 Focus
- Reputation Building: AQ20 activities plus world content
- Reward Scope: Crafting recipes across multiple professions, nature resistance gear patterns, access to legendary weapons (Rock Fury, Earth Strike)
The Cenarion Circle grind extends well beyond casual play, providing months of progression goals for dedicated players.
New Consumables: Caster Revolution
Phase 5 finally gives casters the tools they've been waiting for:
Essential Caster Consumables
These additions substantially improve caster competitiveness in raid environments.
Dungeon Loot Updates
New drops throughout existing dungeons serve multiple purposes:
- Alt Acceleration: Dramatically easier gearing for alternate characters
- Quality Upgrades: Many new items significantly outclass previous dungeon rewards
- Hand of Justice Relocation: Moves from General Angerforge to Emperor in BRD
Nature Resistance: Separating Myth from Reality
Let's kill the biggest misconception about AQ: most players don't need extensive nature resistance gear.
Melee and Hunters: Specific encounters require resistance for designated mechanics
Boss-Specific Analysis
Viscidus Strategy Options
| Strategy | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resistance Gear | Reduces damage significantly | Major DPS loss | Conservative approaches |
| Consumable Strategy | Maintains DPS output | Requires more coordination | Optimized raid teams |
Princess Huhuran Mechanics
- Soak Requirements: 15 closest players must absorb nature damage
- Recommended Resistance: 150-170 nature resistance for soakers
- Hunter Advantage: Aspect of the Wild provides 60 resistance to group
- High DPS Alternative: Teams can potentially skip resistance entirely through faster kills
Smart Consumable Strategy
Optimal Nature Protection Rotation
Layer multiple consumable types for protection that often beats resistance gear benefits while maintaining full DPS output.
Quality of Life: Game-Changing Improvements
Dual Talent Specialization
Maintain two complete talent builds and switch as needed. This eliminates respec costs and enables:
- PvE/PvP builds without gold penalties
- Role flexibility for hybrid classes
- Experimentation without financial consequences
Combat System Overhaul
• More complex spell rotations
• Better group compositions
• Previously unviable classes become raid-worthy
Infrastructure Improvements
- Instant Mail: Between same-account characters for quick item transfers
- Better LFG Interface: Improved group-finding tools
- Guild Management: Better tools for community organization
- PvP Faction Balance: Automated systems maintain competitive balance on PvP realms
PvP Evolution: Building on Previous Phases
Arathi Basin Integration
- Format: 15v15 objective-based combat
- Strategy Focus: Tactical point control over individual skill
- Coordination Requirement: Success demands team movement and communication
Honor System Refinements
- Tracking Accuracy: More precise performance measurement
- Reward Adjustments: Better recognition for different PvP contribution types
- Progression Clarity: Clearer advancement feedback and rank requirements
World PvP Expansion
- Silithus Objectives: New targets create natural PvP hotspots integrated with PvE content
- Risk/Reward Balance: Meaningful incentives for open-world engagement
- Spontaneous Encounters: Objectives encourage unplanned PvP outside structured battlegrounds
Anniversary Events: Limited-Time Opportunities
Exclusive Reward Systems
- Anniversary Quests: Access to unique mounts, pets, and commemorative items unavailable through regular gameplay
- Time Sensitivity: Limited availability windows maintain exclusivity
- Collector Value: These items often appreciate in value due to their limited nature
Community Challenges
- Server-Wide Goals: Challenges requiring coordinated effort across entire server populations
- Collective Benefits: Success provides rewards to entire communities rather than individuals
- Social Engineering: Events foster cross-guild cooperation and community building
Economic Opportunities: Phase 5 Profit Strategies
War Effort Market Manipulation
Target Materials for Investment
Strategy: Buy low during pre-phase pricing, sell high during War Effort demand spike. Timing: Monitor server progress to find the best selling windows.
Professional Skill Monetization
- Gathering Alts: Characters with Herbalism, Mining, Skinning become revenue generators during high-demand periods
- Crafting Services: Enchanting and Alchemy experience massive demand increases for raid preparation
- Consumable Production: New consumables create profit opportunities for prepared alchemists
Raid Preparation Economy
- Nature Resistance Market: Despite limited actual need, player perception drives gear demand
- Consumable Demand: Fire protection potions, resistance elixirs, food buffs see significant price increases
- Service Industry: World buff coordination and acquisition becomes profitable
Market Monitoring: Track auction house trends to identify the best buy/sell windows
Risk Management: Consider TBC transition impact on long-term investments
Tactical Preparation: Your Phase 5 Action Plan
Immediate Pre-Launch Priorities
- Material Stockpiling: Accumulate War Effort materials now while prices are low
- Character Positioning: Make sure you have raid-ready gear and consumables for 10-Hour War participation
- Guild Coordination: Establish raid schedules, role assignments, and preparation expectations
- Economic Setup: Secure gold reserves for peak-demand purchasing
Character Development Strategy
- Alt Planning: Level characters with valuable professions for main character support and income generation
- Reputation Planning: Map reputation requirements for desired rewards and plan grinding approaches
- Gear Progression: Identify and acquire pre-raid best-in-slot items for raid readiness
- Consumable Reserves: Stockpile critical consumables, particularly resistance potions and combat enhancers
Advanced Tactical Considerations
- Server Selection: Focus preparation on servers most likely to complete War Effort quickly
- Time Management: Align available playtime with War Effort completion and raid availability
- Social Networks: Establish connections with active guilds for guaranteed raid access
- Knowledge Investment: Study encounter mechanics to maximize contribution and success rates
- Long-Term Positioning: Consider which investments and achievements maintain value through the TBC transition
- Historic community events
- Exclusive mount acquisition
- Peak Classic WoW experience
- Economic profit potential
- Legendary questline completion
- Massive time investment
- Server coordination dependency
- Limited Scarab Lord slots
- TBC transition uncertainty
- High competition for resources
"Phase 5 represents the culmination of Classic's raid progression and community events. Success requires understanding both the mechanical systems and the social dynamics that drive server-wide cooperation."
Players who prepare strategically and engage meaningfully with the community aspects will find themselves best positioned for both immediate success and long-term progression as Classic evolves toward The Burning Crusade.