Discover What’s Coming in Phase 3 of Cataclysm Classic: Rage of the Firelands

Get ready for an action-packed Phase 3 in Cataclysm Classic, titled Rage of the Firelands! With a variety of new features, including two questing zones that require the new currency, Mark of the World Tree, and a brand-new dungeon system featuring Elemental Rune Dungeons, this update promises to be thrilling. Later in the phase, players can also anticipate the release of the Firelands Raid.

Key Highlights of Phase 3 in Cataclysm Classic:

• New Raid: Face off against the Firelord in Firelands.
• New Baradin Hold Boss: Take on Occu'thar, the second inmate in the prison raid.
• Revamped Dungeon System: Amp up Heroic Dungeon difficulty using Elemental Runes.
• Legendary Questline: Spellcasters can embark on a quest to earn the legendary staff,  Dragonwrath, Tarecgosa's Rest.
• Fresh Questing Zones: Push back against Ragnaros by engaging in quests at The Regrowth and Molten Front.
• Enhanced Visuals: A variety of in-game textures have been upgraded to high-definition quality.

The Cataclysm Classic Release Timeline

The Cataclysm Classic journey will roll out in four phases across 2024, culminating in the final phase set for January 2025. You can find detailed guides for each phase below, including all newly released content.

Patch Release Schedule:

• The Shattering - Phase 1: Featuring four raids, nine dungeons, two battlegrounds, and six factions (May 20, 2024)
• Rise of the Zandalari - Phase 2: Adding the Zul'Aman and Zul'Gurub dungeons (July 30, 2024)
• Rage of the Firelands - Phase 3: Firelands Raid, Avengers of Hyjal faction, Elemental Rune Dungeons, and the Molten Front quest area (October 29, 2024)
  • Firelands Raid: Launches November 7, 2024
• Hour of Twilight - Phase 4: The final phase with Dragon Soul Raid and three dungeons: End Time, Well of Eternity, and Hour of Twilight (January 2025)

 

Phase 3 Release Date: What to Expect

The official release date for Cataclysm Classic Phase 3 is October 29, with the Firelands Raid arriving shortly after, on November 7, 2024.

 

Phase 3 Features and Content:

New Heroic Dungeon System: Elemental Rune Dungeons
In a system similar to Wrath Classic’s Titan Rune Dungeons, Cataclysm will now feature "Heroic+" content through Elemental Rune Dungeons. These are reimagined versions of the original dungeons from Cataclysm, offering increased difficulty by raising the health and damage of enemies.

To access these dungeons, you can either initiate a dungeon in Heroic mode with your group and interact with the Mysterious Elemental Device, or queue directly through the Dungeon Finder.

Rewards for Elemental Rune Dungeons
Instead of enhanced gear, bosses in these dungeons will drop a new currency: Fissure Stone Fragment. These fragments can be exchanged with Kyanite Stonetender, a vendor located in Orgrimmar and Stormwind, for powerful gear pieces, including select items from Phase 1 raids. Available items range from Tier 11 Helmet and Shoulder tokens to Heroic trinkets and items, such as the  Shard of Woe,  Heart of Rage, and  Prestor's Talisman of Machination. For a detailed list of rewards, check out our Elemental Rune Dungeon guide below.

Baradin Hold's New Boss: Occu'thar

With the new cell block opening in Baradin Hold, a fresh challenge awaits: the boss Occu'thar. Known for being straightforward, Occu'thar offers a chance to earn Tier 12 Legs or Hands, along with PvP gear that includes the new tier set and accessories. Though unconfirmed, it’s likely Occu'thar will debut alongside the Firelands Raid on November 7. Check out our guides for strategy tips and a loot breakdown for Occu'thar.

Firelands Raid: Confront the Firelord

Our efforts at the Molten Front are just the beginning; to truly defeat Ragnaros, players must venture into his realm in the Firelands. Renowned for its distinct aesthetic, this raid is considered one of the most memorable by many players, featuring iconic bosses like Alysrazor, with its airborne combat mechanics, and the unforgettable Heroic phase where Ragnaros is seen standing on two legs.

The Firelands Raid opens on November 7, 2024. Be sure to check our raid overview, strategy guides, and loot lists to prepare for the battles ahead.

The Legendary Caster Staff: Dragonwrath, Tarecgosa's Rest

Casters can now pursue the legendary staff  Dragonwrath, Tarecgosa's Rest, by completing a questline within the raid. For those interested in acquiring this legendary weapon, our complete guide covers each step and requirement.

New Quest Zones: The Regrowth and Molten Front

Ragnaros has threatened Mount Hyjal since Cataclysm’s launch, but now it’s time to take the fight to him. Phase 3 introduces the Regrowth and Molten Front quest areas. Begin your journey with the quest Guardians of Hyjal: Firelands Invasion! found on your faction's Call to Arms board. Note that you’ll need to complete the main storyline in Mount Hyjal, including Aessina's Miracle, to unlock these quests.

Starting at the Regrowth, located in the Flamewake area of Mount Hyjal, players can pick up quests at the Sanctuary of Malorne to earn the new currency, Mark of the World Tree. These Marks allow players to unlock more quests and access the Molten Front.

In the Molten Front, an extension of the Firelands realm, players continue the battle against Ragnaros's minions. By collecting Marks, you’ll be able to unlock NPCs offering Daily Quests. As you progress, you’ll eventually have the choice to complete quests such as Druids of the Talon or The Shadow Wardens, each requiring 150 Marks. Additional unlockable quests include Filling the Moonwell, Additional Armaments, and Calling the Ancients, each needing 125 Marks. Finishing all quests will unlock the entire Molten Front and provide access to the zone’s final storyline.

 

Molten Front Vendors and Rewards

While no reputation is linked to the Molten Front, three vendors become available once specific quests are completed:

• Ayla Shadowstorm – unlocked after completing Filling the Moonwell
• Varlan Highbough – unlocked after completing Calling the Ancients
• Damek Bloombeard – unlocked after completing Additional Armaments

These vendors offer a range of epic-level gear, and since only one quest can be completed at a time, each vendor is timegated. Check out our guide to the vendors and their wares to plan your progression.

 

Molten Front Achievements and Rewards

Players can earn several achievements within the Molten Front, including some prestigious Meta-Achievements with unique rewards:

• The Molten Front Offensive: Unlocking all quests and completing the main storyline grants the Flameward Hippogryph mount.
• Veteran of the Molten Front: Complete all Molten Front achievements to earn the title "<Name> the Flamebreaker."

These achievements not only enhance your collection but also display your dedication to the Molten Front Offensive.

For more information, strategy guides, and detailed loot tables, check out our comprehensive Cataclysm Classic Phase 3 guide below!