Summary
World of Warcraft Classicjust revealed that the Phase 3 update is officially coming to the 20th Anniversary realms on March 20.ClassicFresh players can look forward to Blackwing Lair, level 50 class quests, and more once this update arrives on the retroWorld of Warcraftservers.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary ofWorld of Warcraft, Blizzard opened up brand-newClassicrealms that would begin the storied journey through VanillaWoWonce more from the beginning. Since then, theseWoWrealms moved into Phase 2 on January 9 – and between OnlyFangs streamer guild drama in Dire Maul andSeason of Discovery characters showing up inWoW ClassicFresh Battlegrounds, it was a rather eventful update.
Now,World of Warcraftis getting ready to roll out Phase 3 in these realms. The biggest part of this update is undoubtedly Blackwing Lair, the stronghold atop Blackrock Mountain controlled by Nefarian, the eldest son of Deathwing. Once attuned to the instance, teams of 40 heroes will challenge the raid’s eight bosses to obtain items like the iconic Tier 2 sets, the Elementium OreWorld of Warcraftcharacters needed to forge Thunderfury, Blessed Blade of the Windseeker, and the Head of Nefarian.
Were that not exciting enough, Phase 3 also brings new reputation rewards available from manyClassicfactions, including the Argent Dawn, Thorium Brotherhood, and Timbermaw Hold, as well as the Silverwing Sentinels and Warsong Outriders associated with Warsong Gulch. Every playable class also gets exclusive questlines at level 50 that provide powerful rare items. Lastly, theDarkmoon Faire will officially arrive inWorld of Warcraft ClassicFresh, periodically setting up shop in Elwynn Forest and Mulgore to offer quests, buffs, and unique rewards.
Two weeks later on April 3, a handful of changes to PvP will also be implemented. The Honor cap at rank 11 will be removed, allowing characters to earn titles and rewards up to rank 14. Additionally, the 15 vs. 15 Arathi Basin Battleground opens, giving fans a new way to earn Honor and rewards. Lastly, every weekend from Thursday through Monday, one Battleground map will be featured in a Bonus Weekend event, granting opportunities to earn extra rewards for completing objectives, starting with Arathi Basin on April 4.
ClassicFresh will continue to power through theendgameWorld of Warcraftphases during 2025, with Phase 4 arriving in the summer, Phase 5 in the fall, and Phase 6 no later than winter. At this rate, the 20th Anniversary realms are expected to begin the transition intoThe Burning Crusadein late 2025 or early 2026.
