cc: Phase 3 Ultimate Prep Guide
Phase 3 of WoW Classic's 20th Anniversary is nearly here, and it's time to prepare for one of the most exciting updates yet. Blackwing Lair (BWL) is the crown jewel of this phase, and dominating it requires careful planning. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to succeed, from attunements and gear optimizations to must-have consumables and PvP strategies. Whether you're a seasoned raider or a newcomer looking to maximize your gains, this guide will help you get ahead.
Chapter 1: Essential Items and Attunements
1.1 The Onyxia Scale Cloak
One of the most critical items to obtain before Phase 3 is the Onyxia Scale Cloak. Without it, you'll be instantly killed by Nefarian's Shadowflame attack. Here's how you can get it:
• Crafting Method: The recipe is learned by Leatherworkers after turning in Onyxia's head.
• Acquiring Scales: Onyxia herself drops the scales needed to craft the cloaks.
• Buying on the Auction House: If you don't have a Leatherworker in your guild, be prepared to spend a significant amount of WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Gold.
This item is mandatory for BWL, so ensure you have it well in advance.
1.2 Blackwing Lair Attunement
Before stepping into BWL, you must complete the attunement. Follow these steps:
1. Kill the Scarshield Quartermaster in Blackrock Mountain and loot Blackhand's Command.
2. Complete Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) and use the Orb of Ascension behind General Drakkisath.
Pro Tip: You can sell fully cleared UBRS lockouts for 20-30 gold to players who want to skip the run.
Chapter 2: Gear Preparation
2.1 Pre-Raid BiS (Best-in-Slot) Items
If you want to perform optimally in BWL, focus on acquiring as much pre-BiS gear as possible before Phase 3. Some key pieces include:
• Tier 2 Helmet (Onyxia)
• Tier 2 Leggings (Ragnaros)
• Onyxia Tooth Pendant
• Choker of the Fire Lord
• Bone Reaver's Edge (for Warriors)
• Onslaught Girdle
Since most guilds will still be running Molten Core (MC) alongside BWL, you'll have additional chances to farm missing BiS items.
Chapter 3: Must-Have Consumables
Consumables become even more critical in BWL due to its high DPS checks. Here's what you'll need:
• Offensive Consumables:
• Flask of Supreme Power (for casters)
• Flask of Titans (for tanks)
• Elixir of the Mongoose (for agility users)
• Goblin Sapper Charges (for engineers)
• Stratholme Holy Water (great for Nefarian's minions)
• Defensive Consumables:
• Greater Shadow Protection Potion (for Nefarian)
• Juju Ember (for Firemaw)
• Greater Fire Protection Potion (for Firemaw, Ebonroc, and Flamegor)
• Limited Invulnerability Potion (for melee players to save themselves from pulling aggro)
Stocking up on these will make your raiding experience smoother and increase your guild's success rate.
Chapter 4: PvP Preparation
With the phase update, new PvP Ranks and Gear are likely coming. The current cap is Rank 11, but it may increase to Rank 12 or even 14.
Here's how to prepare:
4.1 Ranking for Gear Upgrades
• Push to Rank 11 now to position yourself for future upgrades.
• Use the Ranker Add-on to track weekly honor goals and optimize your grind.
4.2 Best Honor Farming Methods
• Alterac Valley Spam – Best honor per hour with minimal effort.
• Premade Warsong Gulch – High-risk, high-reward farming.
Will you push for Rank 14 if it's released? The grind is brutal but rewarding.
Chapter 5: Gear and Guild Optimization
5.1 Planning Your BWL BiS Gear
Use tools like 60upgrades.com to plan your BiS items ahead of time. Understanding which items will be the most contested (trinkets, weapons, etc.) can help you set realistic loot goals.
5.2 Finding the Right Guild
If you're in a casual or struggling guild, now is the time to upgrade. BWL is less pug-friendly than MC, meaning guild selection is crucial. Use server Discords or in-game recruitment channels to find a group that matches your goals.
Chapter 6: The Golden Age of Alts
If you're feeling burnt out on your main class, Phase 3 is the perfect time to reroll. Here's why:
• MC and BWL will continue running, providing easy gearing opportunities for alts.
• Fewer people need MC gear, meaning faster loot acquisition.
• Rerolling to a Warrior or Tank can make you invaluable to guilds.
Thinking of switching? Let us know your reroll plans!
Recap: Phase 3 Prep Checklist
• ✅ Get your Onyxia Scale Cloak (mandatory for BWL)
• ✅ Complete your Blackwing Lair Attunement
• ✅ Optimize your gear and pre-BiS
• ✅ Stock up on essential consumables
• ✅ Prepare for PvP Rank increases
• ✅ Join a serious guild (if necessary)
• ✅ Consider rerolling if you're feeling stagnant
Conclusion
Phase 3 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and challenging updates yet. Proper preparation will give you a competitive edge, whether in PvE or PvP. By securing your cloak, attunements, BiS gear, and consumables, you'll ensure a smooth transition into BWL. Stay ahead of the curve, and make every decision count.
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