World of Warcraft Classic's 20th Anniversary Edition is entering its highly anticipated Phase 2 on January 9, bringing exciting new content, gameplay updates, and challenges to mark two decades of WoW. Alongside these features, players can now make use of a revamped Honor system and other updates designed to improve the gaming experience.

Why the 20th Anniversary Edition Matters

The 20th Anniversary Edition of WoW Classic is a love letter to the community that has kept the game thriving for two decades. By revisiting the spirit of its original content while introducing tweaks and innovations, Blizzard Entertainment has struck a balance between honoring the past and adapting for the present.

Phase 2 of this Anniversary Edition promises to deepen the experience with thrilling new challenges, such as the addition of the Honor system, iconic world bosses, and classic battlegrounds. Notably, players will gain access to the Dire Maul dungeon, a fan-favorite PvE instance, as well as the infamous bosses Azuregos and Kazzak. These updates promise to inject new energy into both PvP and PvE gameplay while paying homage to WoW's enduring legacy.

The New Honor System

One of the most talked-about features of Phase 2 is the introduction of the new Honor system, which will be available in both WoW Classic Era realms and the innovative Season of Discovery. This revamped system addresses the chaotic PvP environment that plagued the original launch. Back then, unbalanced systems and player behavior led to disorderly combat dynamics, forcing Blizzard to rush battlegrounds into the game earlier than planned.

Now, Blizzard has incorporated lessons learned from that experience to create a more structured and rewarding Honor progression. With this update, the Honor cap will initially be set at rank 11, with the ceiling eventually extending to rank 14 after the addition of the Blackwing Lair raid dungeon in a future update.

For one week only, starting January 9, Blizzard has promised to embrace the chaos of PvP. This brief period of unrestricted competition will allow players to fully immerse themselves in the game's fast-paced and unpredictable combat, reminiscent of WoW's early days.

Battlegrounds and World Bosses

Following the introduction of the Honor system, battlegrounds will become a focal point for WoW Classic PvP enthusiasts. On January 16, one week after Phase 2 launches, two of the most iconic battlegrounds, Warsong Gulch and Alterac Valley, will unlock globally at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time. These battlegrounds are a core component of WoW Classic PvP, offering strategic challenges and large-scale combat for players looking to dominate the battlefield.

Additionally, world bosses Azuregos and Kazzak will make their debut in Phase 2, adding high-stakes PvE encounters to the mix. These bosses are notorious for their challenging mechanics and lucrative rewards, making them a must for ambitious guilds and individual players alike.

Dire Maul Dungeon

For PvE enthusiasts, the Dire Maul dungeon represents another exciting addition in Phase 2. Set to open on January 9 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Dire Maul is known for its intricate layout, challenging enemies, and rich loot table. This dungeon holds a special place in WoW's history as one of the most rewarding PvE instances, offering both gear upgrades and enchanting materials essential for character progression.

Whether you're diving into Dire Maul for the first time or revisiting it for nostalgia, the dungeon is bound to be a highlight of Phase 2.

How to Prepare for Phase 2

With Phase 2 just around the corner, here are some tips to ensure you're ready for the new content and challenges:

    Gear Up for PvP: With the revamped Honor system and the introduction of battlegrounds, now is the time to prepare your gear and strategy for competitive combat. Stock up on potions, enc, and consumables to give yourself an edge.

    Organize Your Guild: World bosses like Azuregos and Kazzak will require a coordinated effort to defeat. Work with your guild to plan strategies and secure rewards.

    Save 20th Anniversary Gold: As you earn this special currency, consider saving it for limited-time items and upgrades that will enhance your experience during this milestone event.

    Study the Dire Maul Dungeon: If you're planning to tackle Dire Maul, familiarize yourself with its layout and mechanics. This preparation will help you navigate its challenges and maximize your loot.

Looking Ahead

The release of Phase 2 for WoW Classic's 20th Anniversary Edition marks a thrilling chapter in the game's history. From the chaos of PvP combat to the strategic challenges of world bosses and battlegrounds, this update promises something for everyone.

As players earn WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Gold and dive into new content, they'll not only celebrate two decades of World of Warcraft but also create new memories that will shape the future of the game. Whether you're battling for Honor, exploring Dire Maul, or clashing in Warsong Gulch, Phase 2 is sure to deliver the excitement and camaraderie that have defined WoW for 20 years.

MMOexp WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Team