Blizzard Entertainment has officially launched Phase 3 of the World of Warcraft Classic Anniversary, bringing with it the iconic Blackwing Lair raid, complete Tier 2 class sets, level 50 class quests, and the beloved Darkmoon Faire event. This significant update arrived on March 21, 2025, continuing the nostalgic journey through WoW's original content progression.
Blackwing Lair Returns in All Its Classic Glory
The centerpiece of Phase 3 is undoubtedly Blackwing Lair (BWL), the challenging 40-player raid where adventurers will once again face off against Nefarian and his draconic minions. This iconic raid instance was originally released in 2005 and represents one of the most memorable raid experiences from vanilla World of Warcraft.
Located at the peak of Blackrock Mountain, BWL features eight unique boss encounters that will test even the most coordinated guilds. Veterans will remember the technical challenges of the Razorgore encounter, the frantic pace of the Vaelastrasz fight, and the satisfaction of finally defeating Nefarian himself.
Complete Tier 2 Sets Now Available
Phase 3 completes the legendary Tier 2 class sets that began dropping in Molten Core. While some pieces were previously available, the full sets can now be collected from Blackwing Lair. These visually distinctive armor sets remain among the most iconic looks in WoW history, with sets like the Paladin's Judgement armor and the Mage's Netherwind regalia representing the pinnacle of classic WoW design.
Each class-specific set comes with powerful set bonuses that significantly enhance gameplay when collected. For raiders, these sets represent both a substantial power increase and a visible status symbol within the game world.
Level 50 Class Quests Add Depth to Progression
With Phase 3, players can now access the challenging level 50 class quests, each offering unique rewards tailored to their class. These quests provide both compelling storylines and valuable rewards that further develop character progression outside of raid content.
For many classes, these quests represent significant milestones in their character's journey, often requiring group content completion and exploration across multiple zones of Azeroth.
What's Available at the Darkmoon Faire?
The whimsical Darkmoon Faire has also returned with Phase 3, bringing its carnival atmosphere and unique rewards to Azeroth. Players can participate in various mini-games, collect Darkmoon Prize Tickets, and exchange them for exclusive rewards including trinkets, cards from the Darkmoon decks, and reputation with the Darkmoon faction.
The Faire appears in alternating locations between Elwynn Forest and Mulgore, providing both factions equal access to its offerings. For min-maxing players, the Darkmoon Faire buffs remain an important part of raid preparation.
Looking Forward in the Anniversary Timeline
Phase 3 represents a significant milestone in the World of Warcraft Classic Anniversary progression. With Blackwing Lair now available, players are looking ahead to future phases that will likely include Zul'Gurub, the Ahn'Qiraj war effort, and eventually, Naxxramas.
For additional information about the Phase 3 content, Blizzard has provided an official guide detailing all the new features and content now available.
When Will Phase 4 Arrive?
While Blizzard hasn't announced a specific date for Phase 4, if they follow the pattern established with previous Classic content releases, players can expect the next phase to arrive in approximately 2-3 months. This would likely bring the highly anticipated Zul'Gurub raid and the introduction of the Dragon of Nightmare world bosses.
The Classic Anniversary continues to offer both new and returning players the chance to experience or re-experience WoW's formative content in its original state, preserving the gameplay that made it one of the most influential MMORPGs of all time.