As Blizzard promised, World of Warcraft Classic's timeline continues to move forward. World of Warcraft Classic Phase 2 is nearing completion, with the last of Phase 3 now having an official release date. Phase 3 marks the biggest change in World of Warcraft Classic since launch. The new phase introduces the Blackwing Lair raid starting February 12.
Phase 3 of World of Warcraft Classic has been planned for release in early 2020 for a long while now. It may not not be arriving exactly as Blizzard planned, but it's close enough. Blizzard decided to split off the PvP part of Phase 3 and release it early. The Warsong Gulch and Alterac Valley battlegrounds were launched on December 10, marking the start of the Phase 3 transition. The PvE portion of Phase 3 remains on schedule.
The PvE half of Phase 3 will be primarily known for the addition of Blackwing Lair. Nefarion is one of the most popular World of Warcraft raid bosses of all time and his return in World of Warcraft Classic is certain to be met with excitement. Phase 3 has more than Blackwing Lair, though. Signs of the Darkmoon Faire will start appearing in-game on February 7, with the full festival beginning February 10. Players can then begin collecting Darkmoon Cards to complete their powerful Darkmoon Decks and legendary trinkets.
Blizzard says there will be several other additions on February 12 for World of Warcraft Classic. Level 50 class quests that reward powerful rare items will open up from trainers in capital cities, for example. There will also be new reputation rewards for several factions, including the Argent Dawn and Thorium Brotherhood. Eternal Quintessence will also be available to players who have reached Revered reputation with the Hydraxian Waterlords.
Raiders hoping to get a step on Blackwing Lair will be pleased to hear that the raid's attunement quest, Blackhand's Command, should now be available. Completion of this quest will be required to access Blackwing Lair when it launches on February 12.
With Phase 3's content finally being delivered, World of Warcraft Classic players can start to look to Phase 4. Phase 4 will include the Arathi Basin PvP Battleground, as well as the 20-man raid Zul'Gurub. Finally, Phase 4 will add the four Green Dragon world bosses for players to hunt. There's no currently planned timeline for the release of Phase 4 in World of Warcraft Classic.
World of Warcraft Classic is available now on PC.