With the 20th anniversary of World of Warcraft, Blizzard has finally unveiled Phase 3 for WoW Classic, and it's packed with exciting new content. If you've been grinding through Molten Core or Naxxramas for the last few months, get ready, because Blackwing Lair is just around the corner, along with a ton of other new features, including the Darkmoon Faire, PvP rewards, and more. Let's dive right into the details!

The Wait is Over – Phase 3 Arrives on March 20th

After nearly two months since the launch of Phase 2 back in January, players have been eagerly awaiting the next big update. Phase 3 officially drops on March 20th at 3:00 PM PDT, and it promises to shake things up in the world of WoW Classic. For many players who have been raiding Molten Core week after week, this is a much-needed break, and the new content coming in Phase 3 is the perfect way to dive back into the game.

While Phase 2 brought us a bit of excitement with changes to Black Lotus farming and some adjustments to various systems, Phase 3 is where the real action begins. Let's break down everything you need to know about what's coming in this massive update.

What's Included in Phase 3?

Phase 3 brings a lot of content for players to enjoy, both for raiders and PvP enthusiasts alike. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights:

1. Blackwing Lair Raid

For those who've been yearning for something beyond Molten Core, the Blackwing Lair raid is finally being introduced. Blackwing Lair, led by the fearsome Nefarian, is one of the most iconic raids in Classic WoW. It's widely regarded as one of the best raids in the game, offering a mix of complex mechanics, powerful bosses, and some of the most coveted loot in the game.

The raid will be released on March 20th, and it's going to offer tier 2 helms and legs as drops, along with a slew of other incredible loot. Blackwing Lair is set to take things up a notch compared to Molten Core, with new encounters that will challenge even the most experienced raid teams. I can't wait to jump in, as I didn't get the chance to fully experience Blackwing Lair back in the original Classic WoW. The content here is going to be a real treat!

2. New Reputation Rewards and Class Quests

Alongside Blackwing Lair, Phase 3 also brings new reputation rewards and class quests for level 50 players. If you've been waiting for those to become available, now's the time to jump in. Reputation rewards will be available with several factions, including the Argent Dawn, Timbermaw Hold, Thorium Brotherhood, and The Warong Outriders.

Here are just a few of the rewards you can look forward to:

• Argent Dawn: New enchantments like Bracer Mana Regen and Power Antivenom will be available, along with the Golden Mantle of the Dawn.

• Thorium Brotherhood: Plans for The Black Guard and new enchantments like Weapon Strength will help boost your damage.

• Timbermaw Hold: New enchantments like Weapon Agility will be useful for PvP and PvE players alike.

Additionally, new class quests for level 50 characters will allow players to earn some powerful items and progress further in their class-specific journeys.

3. Darkmoon Faire

The Darkmoon Faire will also be making its return in Phase 3, and it's one of the most beloved features in WoW Classic. The Darkmoon Faire is not just a fun event, but it also offers unique rewards, including rare mounts, pets, and items that can't be obtained anywhere else in the game. It's a great opportunity for players to experience some unique content, and the festivities will be a nice distraction from all the raiding and PvP grind. The Faire will be available right from the start of Phase 3, so don't miss out on the fun.

4. PvP Honor System Changes

For all you PvP lovers out there, Phase 3 brings some major changes to the PvP system, starting with the removal of the Honor Rank 11 Cap. This means that players will now be able to rank up to Rank 14, unlocking some of the most prestigious PvP titles and rewards in the game. If you've been working towards that top rank, now is the time to push your efforts to the limit.

Alongside this change, Alterac Valley will also see some updates, and Ranked Battlegrounds will open for a 15v15 resource battle. If you've been grinding for honor and rewards, this is your chance to make a name for yourself on the battlefield.

5. Arathi Basin Opens

Arathi Basin, one of the most anticipated battlegrounds in WoW Classic, will be launching in Phase 3. This 15v15 battleground is all about capturing and holding objectives in a resource race, and it adds a lot of strategic depth to the PvP experience. Whether you're looking for more PvP content or just want to add something new to your gameplay, Arathi Basin is sure to become a fan favorite.

6. PvP Battleground Bonus Weekends

On top of all that, Battleground Bonus Weekends will also be introduced, giving players more opportunities to earn rewards and honor. During these weekends, players can expect extra honor points and other benefits, making it the perfect time to level up your PvP rank or participate in some epic battles with your friends.

A Perfect Time for Phase 3?

So, is Phase 3 coming out too soon or too late? I think the timing is just right. While Phase 2 was a bit of a wait, it gave players plenty of time to work through Molten Core and get prepared for the big content drop that is Phase 3. After a couple of months of steady progression, players are more than ready for some new content to sink their teeth into.

I think Blizzard has nailed the pacing here, and it's great to see such a massive update coming so soon after Phase 2. Blizzard is trying to keep things fresh while also respecting the original WoW Classic experience. Whether you're into raiding, PvP, or just exploring new content, Phase 3 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting updates to date.

Preparing for Phase 3

Now that we know what's coming in Phase 3, it's time to start preparing! As I mentioned in my earlier articles, items and consumables that are more useful in Phase 3 are going to see a price rise. If you want to get a head start, consider stocking up on consumables and crafting materials that will be in high demand. Potions, flasks, and reagents will all be necessary for Blackwing Lair and Arathi Basin, so now's the perfect time to farm and prepare your inventory.

I've also put together a gold-making guide that can help you maximize your profits during Phase 3. With new opportunities to earn and spend WoW Classic 20th Anniversary gold, it's important to know where to invest, and this guide will give you some tips on how to make the most of your gold during this exciting time.

Conclusion

WoW Classic's 20th Anniversary is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of the game's legacy, and Phase 3 is just the beginning. With the release of Blackwing Lair, Arathi Basin, new PvP rewards, and more, there's never been a better time to dive back into the game. Whether you're a raider, PvPer, or just someone who loves the nostalgia of WoW Classic, this is a massive update you don't want to miss.

So mark your calendars for March 20th—Phase 3 is coming, and it's bringing a ton of exciting content to the table. Get ready to embark on new adventures, raid Blackwing Lair, earn new rewards, and experience the game like never before. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you in Azeroth!