Overview of Phase 8 Updates
- World of Warcraft Classic’s Season of Discovery enters Phase 8, introducing fresh content such as a new raid, questlines, and crafting recipes.
- Expansive quest content awaits players in the Eastern Plaguelands and the innovative settlement of New Avalon.
- The Scarlet Enclave raid, launching on April 10, caters to both 20 and 40-player teams and poses a substantial challenge.
World of Warcraft Classic has successfully rolled out Phase 8 of its Season of Discovery, which emphasizes entirely original content focused on the Scarlet Crusade in Tyr’s Hand. Players are encouraged to engage with new quests in the Eastern Plaguelands and to explore New Avalon, all while preparing for the daunting Scarlet Enclave raid opening on April 10.
This ongoing Season of Discovery introduces experimental elements into the familiar structure of World of Warcraft Classic. Among these changes are class-altering Rune Engravings, completely new items, unique questlines, and original dungeons, such as the Karazhan Crypts released in Phase 7.
Phase 8 delivers one of the most ambitious updates to date, expanding the horizon of Classic WoW by featuring entirely original content. Players will begin their adventure by speaking to Leonid Barthalomew the Revered at Light’s Hope Chapel, who will assign the “Unrest at Tyr’s Hand”quest after completing “Scarlet Activities” from Phase 7. This quest initiates several narrative threads tied to the new raid. Additionally, players can venture into New Avalon, where they can engage in crafting endeavors while evading Scarlet Bloodhounds that can see through their disguises.
Mark your calendars for April 10 at 1 PM PDT, as the Scarlet Enclave raid opens. With eight challenging bosses, the raid is designed for groups of 20 to 40 players and provides a single, high-difficulty mode tailored for experienced raiders equipped with top-tier gear. Notably, no attunement is required for entry; however, the development team strongly suggests players complete relevant questlines from Leonid Barthalomew to enrich their experience of the raid’s storyline. Warriors, Hunters, and Paladins will also have the opportunity to obtain the “Ruined Lightforge Blade”from certain bosses, launching a questline for a new Legendary weapon, likely leading to the renowned Ashbringer.
This update also addresses class balance with adjustments implemented across various talent trees and abilities. Now, pets from classes such as Hunters, Shamans, and Warlocks gain the benefits of the player’s Haste stat.
Although no official announcement has been made, indications suggest that this update may represent the final major patch for World of Warcraft Classic’s Season of Discovery. Regardless of that possibility, Phase 8 stands as one of the most thrilling expansions to the game thus far.
Patch Notes for Phase 8 – April 8, 2025
New Quest Content in Eastern Plaguelands
Players who have completed the “Scarlet Activities”quest in Phase 7 should approach Leonid Bartholomew the Revered at Light’s Hope Chapel to initiate “Unrest at Tyr’s Hand.”This quest launches a variety of questlines tied to the Scarlet Enclave expansion.
Introducing New Avalon
Participants are invited to delve into the town of New Avalon, disguised to infiltrate and gather intelligence prior to the raid’s events. This crafting-centered town offers essential city services, including a bank, neutral auction house, and alchemy lab.
- Armor-crafting professions will gain access to eight new recipes for respective armor types for safer navigation within New Avalon.
- The quest items will primarily drop from local crusaders, with some found exclusively within the Scarlet Enclave raid.
- Crafted items can be traded, sold, and bought among players.
- Completing “Gathering Intelligence”from Scarlet Inquisitor Caldoran at the Scarlet Base Camp will unlock the “New Avalon”quest and grant a Scarlet Insignia, essential for blending in with New Avalon’s inhabitants.
- While adorned in disguise, players will find that most locals are amiable and may even offer new quests for profession recipes, including items like expanded bags and gourmet cooking feasts.
- However, Scarlet Bloodhounds remain vigilant and will not be deceived, threatening intruders with swift consequences.
- Bryon Steelblade, the Scarlet Quartermaster, will provide weekly quests to either craft or donate equipment in exchange for a Scarlet Junkbox, which contains valuable crafting materials and other useful items.
- A new graveyard has been established in New Avalon, allowing players to resurrect swiftly and benefit from environmental debuffs for rapid recovery.
New Raid Dungeon: The Scarlet Enclave
Launching at 1 PM PDT on April 10, players can embark on the Scarlet Enclave raid.
- The entrance is conveniently located near the Scarlet Base Camp west of Tyr’s Hand.
- No attunement or prerequisite quests are required to enter the raid; however, progressing Leonid Barthalomew’s questlines is recommended for an enhanced narrative experience.
- The Scarlet Enclave features eight bosses and is crafted for 20 players, accommodating up to 40 members.
- As a single difficulty raid, it poses a considerable challenge for well-organized teams equipped with Naxxramas-level gear.
- Developers note: As the inaugural all-new raid in the Classic WoW setting, the Scarlet Enclave was designed to provide a considerable challenge for players who have already excelled in previous raid tiers. Monitoring of player progress will be ongoing, with provisions for difficulty adjustment if unforeseen challenges arise.
Questline for New Legendary Weapons
During their adventures in the Scarlet Enclave, players may discover the “Ruined Lightforge Blade”as a drop from specific bosses. This item kickstarts a new questline focused on obtaining a Legendary weapon.
- The questline will be available to Warriors, Hunters, and Paladins.
General Changes
- The loot content of the Wartorn Undermine Supply Crate has been updated, removing some less favorable materials and introducing more desirable items.
- Pix Xizzix in Booty Bay will now offer quest items necessary for starting the epic class weapon quests from Blackwing Lair for 150 Tarnished Undermine Reals.
- The capacity for holding Tarnished Undermine Reals has increased from 150 to 250.
- No prerequisite completion of the introduction questline is needed for entry into Karazhan Crypts.
- However, players must still finish the questline related to Karazhan Curios to claim rewards.
- The drop rate for Tarnished Undermine Reals in Karazhan Crypts and Demon Fall Canyon has been enhanced.
- Costs for Ahn’Qiraj and Naxxramas Tier items have been reduced by approximately 50%.
- Prices for Naxxramas Tier Rings have been sliced to 3 Arcane Crystals, down from 10.
- World Buffs are now excluded from Battlegrounds.
- World Buff consumables are no longer usable within Battlegrounds.
- Mysterious new secrets have been introduced to the game world, encouraging exploration.
- Blade of Inquisition’s Strength proc has been adjusted to 175 (previously 250).
- The crafted helms from Gnomeregan now cannot be utilized by characters exceeding level 59.
Class Balance Adjustments
As we progress into Phase 8, focus remains on fine-tuning damage outputs within Naxxramas, enhancing tank durability, and ensuring healers maintain their crucial roles. Numerous class bonuses from previous tiers have been updated to align with these goals while retaining the essence of each class’s playstyle. Below are detailed notes on each class’s adjustments.
Druid
- To empower Feral Druids, the focus is shifting towards enabling more impactful finishers—specifically emphasizing Ferocious Bite over Rake.
- The “King of the Jungle”Rune will now allow players to maintain their Tiger’s Fury buff when transitioning to Caster Form.
- Damage modifiers for “Soul of the Frenetic”and “Soul of the Claw”have been recalibrated for balanced gameplay.
Hunter
- Adjustments to Hunter Tier 3 bonuses are designed to enhance synergy with the new gear set from the Scarlet Enclave.
- Cooldown reductions for Multi-Shot and modifications to pet scaling are notable highlights of this phase.
Mage
- Emphasis on more dynamic and engaging DPS rotations over straightforward burst damage has led to several class changes.
- Adjustments have been made to multi-target abilities and healing functions for more strategic gameplay.
Paladin
- With a focus on maintaining viable playstyles, adjustments are made to Tier bonuses while scaling down specific effects.
- Abilities related to damage mitigation and output have been fine-tuned to create an engaging balance.
Priest
- Changes ensure that Shadow Priests maintain high damage potential without overshadowing other healers by optimizing healing outputs.
Rogue
- Concerns for damage scaling and balance have led to several enhancements across key abilities, aiming to encourage more dynamic playstyles.
Shaman
- Adjustments for pet scaling and health pools signal a focus on mitigating excess burst damage while maintaining a competitive edge.
Warlock
- Increases to health and the introduction of new mechanics for Metamorphosis aim to bolster durability while refining damage outputs.
Warrior
- With a concerted effort to simplify engagement mechanics for newer players, adjustments have been made to certain tiered abilities to improve overall gameplay fluidity.
Item Changes
- Modifications to various item attributes, including the Blade of Inquisition and new functionality for Gnomeregan-crafted helms, reflect ongoing balance efforts.