There’s a lot to get excited about Blizzard’s World of Warcraft Classic after confirmation that one of its most definitive expansions is coming out. Wrath of the Lich King is this chapter’s second of the Northrend escapades after 2008’s Burning Crusade, with which numerous new game features came.
Similar to Burning Crusade Classic, Wrath of the Lich King ushers in quality of life changes requested back in the original release of Classic in 2019 and so much more. If you are wondering what to expect with the WotLK Classic beta set to come out in July or August 2022, you are in the right place. Read on to learn all the sleazy details from an increase in level cap to seven new raids that only the best will conquer.
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When Is World of WarCraft, Wrath of the Lich King Classic Due for Release?
Blizzard Entertainment announced on Tuesday, April 19th, 2022 but hasn’t confirmed a specific release date yet. However, WotLK classic is due mid this year, or possibly in its final quarter months. The beta version is predicted for July or August, after which the Wrath of the Lich King will make its glorious entry.
WoW’s The Burning Crusade Classic, which has been live for one year, is approaching its final phase after its launch on June 1st, 2021. Not surprisingly, Blizzard has posted community surveys for WotLK Classic, and by all appearances, it’s safe to say that WotLK Classic is slated for release sometime in September or November.
It’s interesting to note that this November will be Wrath of the Lich King’s 14th anniversary, as it was released in November 2008. This year, getting a World of WarCraft product release makes financial sense for Blizzard, making WoLK Classic Q4 2022 speculations more realistic.
Quality of Life Changes Expected In the Wrath of the Lich King Classic
As one of the most popular World of Warcraft expansions, players are expecting to partake in the adventures of Northrend by mid-autumn this year. WotLK Classic is endowed with the quality of life changes Blizzard indicates weren’t there in the original.
In this expansion, Arthas Menethil journeys to the conclusion of his story as Icecrown Citadel’s Lich King. Much to the fans’ amusement, several new raids, including Ulduar, which started in WarCraft 3, and the Death Knight Class were introduced. The pre-patch for Classic Wrath introduced the armor-wearing hero as one of the most potent non-stipulated classes in all World of WarCraft.
Death Knights of the First WoW Hero Class Without Prerequisites
Prior retail expansions only allowed one Death Knight per server and only out of a level 55 character. But since Blizzard has removed that entry barrier, you’re bound to see a lot of Death Knights engaging in running battles. However, the level cap has increased to 80 for this class, and only then does the Northrend continent open up into eleven new zones.
Before the Dark Portal opens, pre-patch in the WotLK will allow you to spawn Draenei and Blood Elves instead of waiting for level 55 like in the previous launch. With level 70 boosts, for instance, you can create your Death Knights, essentially forging the strength in battle to break the Lich Kings.
Raids and Dungeons in Wrath of the Lich King Classic
Although with brand new difficulties, raiding in WotLK Classic is possible in heroic or normal challenges, the latter won’t appear until the game’s final episodes. Furthermore, for each raid tier, you can perform raids in 10-man and 25-man difficulties, which adds to the complexities of the organization.
Seven new raids appear in WotLK Classic, including Icecrown citadel and Ulduar, but missing is the dungeon finder tool. While that’s bound to bother some original classic players, the situation is made possibly more interesting by the new faction and race changes. Unfortunately, there’ll be no need for contact between players when establishing cross-realm raids or dungeons, negating the social component.
What Are the Content Phases for WotLK Classic?
Within the WoW community, the content release schedule for Wrath of the Lich King Classic is a significant talking point. Speculation emphasizes five stages for the potential planned program, with each phase releasing its raids, including:
- The Obsidian Sanctum, Naxxramas, and The Eye of Eternity in phase one
- Ulduar, in phase two
- Onyxia’s Lair and Trial of the Crusader for phase three
- Icecrown Citadel in phase four
- The Ruby Sanctum in phase five
During the WotLK pre-patch, you can leverage the necromantic abilities of the Death Knights with Runecarving. That’s a class-exclusive profession that empowers your weapons, preparing you for Ulduar and breaking the Lich King’s strongholds once you arrive in Northrend.
How Much Will It Cost To Play Wrath of the Lich King Classic?
While it’s unclear whether cloning your character will cost you WotLK Classic gold, the game is bound to be part of your monthly WoW subscription. For $15, you’ll have access to Wrath of the Lich King Classic, Burning Crusade Classic, and Shadowlands if you want to continue playing them.
If you decide to use level boosts, re-roll death knights, or transfer your character to another server, you may have to pay extra. However, there’s a stage boost for the Burning Campaign, and you can launch your Northrend campaign from launch instead of grinding to level 70.
You’ll have other choices to obtain at the Barber Shop, but the lack of Dungeon Finder tool eliminated for WotLK Classic makes stepping into Northrend more challenging. Also incorporated are customization options, including some only available in paid subscriptions, improving the game’s overall appeal.
Will WoW’s Wrath of the Lich King Classic Come in Patch 3.3.5?
The Lich King’s evil is as legendary as his malice and unparalleled power, seeking to enslave all with his horde of undead scourge. Much like the previous expansion of Classic was on patch 1.12, it’s likely that WotLK will be on patch 3.3.5.
That means now is possibly the time to deploy game features, class balance, and similar modifications. Not only is it in contrast to how the original WotLK ran, but the patch will also highly influence the Meta with significant changes that include:
- Patch 3.3.5 Tunes Death Knights: Specialization of the Death Knights, which will be affected in many of WotLK’s updates
- Early Rogue Axe training: Considerably different stages for Rogues, with Axes training sooner, despite the restriction for utilization until Patch 3.2
- Racial abilities changes: Race and Blood Fury are missing on the global cooldown, and PvP Forsaken is sharing one with Will of the Forsaken while Shadowmeld drops battle
- Swim Ground Mounts in water: Patch 3.1 introduced swimming capabilities for Ground Mounts
- No Faction restrictions: Patch 3.2 lets you earn Battlegrounds experience while lifting Realm faction limitations
Conclusion
Heed the call of the crusade to uncover the secrets of Ulduar as you get ready to take on the ominous Lich King in Northrend. With WotLK’s expected release later in the year, be ready to be thrilled and brace yourself for some of the biggest challenges you have ever faced.
In the soon to be available beta, advance to Icecrown Citadel will feature at least five raid releases culminating in the Ruby Sanctum. Class updates, a new class and quality of life changes are things we can’t take for granted.
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