Mists of Pandaria Classic Phase 3 launches on December 9

Mists of Pandaria Classic is launching Phase 3, the Thunder King, on December 9 at 3pm pacific time. The latest phase continues the main Mists Classic story through another concerted war effort event with the Alliance’s Kirin Tor Offensive or the Horde’s Sunreaver Onslaught in a new zone, the Isle of Thunder. All of this leads up to the Throne of Thunder raid which goes live worldwide on December 11 at 3pm pacific time, when we can finally take the fight to Lei Shen, the Thunder King. There are also other activities and challenges to take on, here’s a rundown of what you can expect in Mists Classic Phase 3!

What is in Mists of Pandaria Classic Phase 3?

• Throne of Thunder raid — opens December 11, 3pm pacific time
• Isle of Thunder and Isle of Giants zones
• World Bosses
  • Oondasta
  • Nalak, the Storm Lord
• New Celestial Dungeon mechanics
• New Challenge Mode rewards
• Thunderforging upgrade system

When Phase 3 goes live on December 9, two new zones become available to explore: the Isle of Thunder and the Isle of Giants. The starting quest to access the Isle of Thunder is Thunder Calls which directs you to the Shado-Pan Garrison in Townlong Steppes. Each zone is also home to a world boss: Nalak, the Storm Lord on the Isle Thunder and Oondasta on the Isle of Giants.

The latest raid, Throne of Thunder, launches on December 11 at 3pm pacific time, becoming available for all regions. Throne of Thunder Normal mode has 12 bosses while the Heroic mode adds Ra-den as the 13th boss once players defeat Emperor Lei Shen. This raid is also the main way to earn reputation with a third faction added this phase, the Shado-Pan Assault faction, by way of killing enemy mobs and bosses. Items dropped by Throne of Thunder bosses in Normal and Heroic have a chance to be Thunderforged, meaning they are six ilvls higher than their non-Thunderforged versions.

Celestial Dungeons will add new mechanics and boons from Throne of Thunder while Challenge Modes are adding a Platinum medal, which rewards Valor when completed in the specified time limit. You’ll also get Platinum Coins whenever you earn a Platinum Medal and when you complete certain challenge achievements which can then be turned in to a vendor at the Shrine of Two Moons or the Shrine of Seven Stars for transmogs, mounts, and other items. Players who achieve exceptional times during each Mists Classic season will earn a title and mount and, while we don’t know what those times are yet, we do know what some of these titles and mounts are:

• Season 1
  • Title: The Mistwalker
  • Mount: Reins of the Celestial Tiger
• Season 2:
  • Title: Mistborne
  • Mount: Reins of the Celestial Serpent
• Season 3
  • Title: Heir to the Mist

When we have more details, we’ll let you know!