With the 20th Anniversary of WoW Classic ushering in Phase 5 on July 10, 2025, the sands of Silithus are once again stirring. This phase is more than just a content update—it's a full-blown server-wide event that brings together raiders, PvPers, crafters, and collectors in a race to unlock one of the most iconic raid zones in World of Warcraft history: Ahn'Qiraj. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a returning hero, here are the five hottest topics you need to master before the Gates of Ahn'Qiraj open.
1. The Ahn'Qiraj War Effort: Server-Wide Resource Race
The War Effort is a massive, collaborative event where both factions must turn in millions of materials to NPCs in Ironforge (Alliance) and Orgrimmar (Horde). This unlocks the Gates of Ahn'Qiraj, granting access to the Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj (AQ20) and Temple of Ahn'Qiraj (AQ40). For those looking to gain an advantage during this surge of activity, it's the perfect moment to explore trusted sources of WoW Anniversary gold acquisition to fuel your War Effort contributions and progression.
🔧 What to Turn In:
Each faction has a list of required materials, including:
Copper Bars, Thorium Bars, Mageweave Cloth.
Stranglekelp, Purple Lotus, Firebloom.
Light Leather, Rugged Leather.
Silithid Carapace Fragments (from mobs in Silithus).
🧭 Where to Go:
Alliance: Turn in to Field Marshal Snowfall in Ironforge's Military Ward.
Horde: Turn into Warlord Gorchuk in Orgrimmar's Valley of Spirits.
🎁 Rewards:
Commendation Signets and Cracks in the Void boxes, which contain Bind-on-Equip gear, consumables, and reputation tokens.
Reputation with your faction and Cenarion Circle.
💡 Pro Tip:
Use alts with gathering professions to farm materials. Auction House flipping is also a goldmine during this phase.
2. The Scarab Lord Race: Gong, Glory, and the Black Qiraji Resonating Crystal
The Scarab Lord title and 
Black Qiraji Resonating Crystal mount are among the rarest and most prestigious rewards in WoW history. To earn them, players must complete the Scepter of the Shifting Sands questline and be the first to ring the gong after the War Effort concludes.
🗺️ How to Start:
Begin the questline with Anachronos at the Caverns of Time in Tanaris.
Complete epic tasks like defeating Nefarian, collecting Elementium Ore, and farming Silithid Carapace Fragments.
🔔 Bang a Gong
Once the War Effort is complete, a 10-hour window opens.
Players who complete the questline and ring the gong during this window receive the Scarab Lord title and mount.
🏆 Rewards:
Black Qiraji Resonating Crystal (mount usable outside AQ).
Scarab Lord title.
Treasures of the Timeless One quest (epic weapon reward).
⚠️ Warning:
Only one player per realm gets the server-wide announcement. Others must ring the gong within the 10-hour window to qualify.
3. AQ40 Raid Prep: Resistance Gear, Raid Composition, and Consumables
The Temple of Ahn'Qiraj (AQ40) is a 40-player raid filled with complex mechanics, resistance checks, and some of the hardest bosses in Classic.
🧭 How to Get There:
Travel to Silithus, then head south to the Scarab Wall.
The AQ40 entrance is the right-side gate (left is AQ20).
🛡️ Resistance Gear:
Nature Resistance is essential for bosses like Princess Huhuran and Viscidus.
Tanks need 200+ NR, and DPS at least 100+ NR.
Farm Maraudon, Dire Maul, or craft gear using Elemental Earth and Living Essence.
🧪 Consumables Checklist:
Greater Nature Protection Potions.
Free Action Potions.
Flask of the Titans / Supreme Power.
Elixir of Poison Resistance.
🧠 Boss Highlights:
The Twin Emperors: Require split DPS and magic/physical tanking.
C'Thun: The first true "raid wall" in WoW history. Requires perfect coordination and positioning.
🎁 Loot:
Tier 2.5 Sets (see Topic 5).
Qiraji Resonating Crystals (raid-only mounts).
Legendary quest items for Atiesh, Greatstaff of the Guardian.
4. PvP Meta Shifts: New Gear, Dual Specs, and World PvP
With new gear and dual talent specs introduced, the PvP landscape is evolving fast.
⚔️ Hot PvP Builds:
Fury Warrior: Still top-tier with AQ weapons.
Shadow Priest: Dominating with new mana efficiency and scaling.
Warlock SM/Ruin: High burst and control.
Hybrid Paladin (Prot/Holy): Versatile in both defense and healing.
🌍 World PvP:
Silithus becomes a hotspot for PvP due to War Effort farming and AQ access.
Arathi Basin and Warsong Gulch see new class compositions and gear advantages.
And if you're in the mood for some lighthearted competition between raids or battlegrounds, join our Mini Game Discord Channel now and claim awesome prizes — absolutely free!
🏅 PvP Rewards:
Rank 14 weapons remain powerful.
AQ gear introduces new PvP-viable trinkets and resist gear.
💡 Tip:
Use dual spec to switch between PvE and PvP builds without respec costs. New and returning players can also take advantage of WoW Classic Fresh boosting services to quickly gear up and get straight into battleground dominance. And if you're in the mood for some lighthearted competition between raids or battlegrounds, join our Mini Game Channel now and claim awesome prizes — absolutely free!
5. Tier 2.5 Gear Sets: Class-Specific Upgrades and Reputation Grinds
Phase 5 introduces Tier 2.5 armor sets, offering unique bonuses and stat distributions that shake up class builds.
🧩 How to Get Them:
Collect Qiraji Tokens (Bindings, Diadems, Hides, Carapaces) from AQ40 bosses.
Combine with scarabs and idols from raid trash and Greater Scarab Coffers.
Turn into NPCs like Andorgos, Vethsera, and Kandrostrasz outside AQ.
🧙 Examples:
Druid – Genesis Raiment: Enhances HoTs and shape-shifting.
Rogue – Deathdealer's Embrace: Boosts energy regen and crit.
Mage – Enigma Vestments: Improves Blink and spell crit.
🧭 Reputation Requirements:
Cenarion Circle (AQ20): Needed for AQ20 gear and recipes.
Brood of Nozdormu (AQ40): Needed for Tier 2.5 and epic rings.
🎁 Bonus Rewards:
Class-specific weapons and trinkets.
Epic rings that scale with reputation.
Crafting recipes for resistance gear and enchants.
Final Thoughts
Phase 5 is more than just a content patch—it's a living, breathing event that brings the entire server together. Whether you're racing for Scarab Lord, prepping for AQ40, or flipping herbs on the Auction House, there's something for everyone.
So sharpen your swords, stock your potions, and rally your guild. The Gates of Ahn'Qiraj are about to open—and history is waiting to be written.
