WotLK Classic: Fall of the Lich King Updates

WotLK Classic: Fall of the Lich King Updates

INTRODUCTION

Read our WotLK Classic: Fall of the Lich King Updates post. Get informed about all the changes that are coming with the final patch of WotLK Classic! The culmination of WotLK has to be the Icecrown Citadel, and the Lich King. This iconic expansion was once the pinnacle of WoW and this patch was the one that showed just how much everyone was into the WoW storyline back then.

Since 2019 when WoW Classic first came live, everybody was waiting for this moment, and for many the Fall of the Lich King marks the end of the “Classic” era. However, we do expect Blizzard to continue into Cataclysm, but if we talk about old-school WoW, then definitely it ends with WotLK.

In this short post we will do our best to cover the majority of changes and implementations that are coming to the Raids, Dungeons, Classes and the Game overall, so that you might better understand the differences that are in place compared to the original WoW Wrath of the Lich King Expansion. Also, we will cover the most interesting changes to the gearing system and how fast you can get up to date in that department!

Before we go on, if you wanted to check out an in-depth Guide regarding the Icecrown Citadel, you can check our WotLK Classic: Icecrown Citadel Guide, which covers the Raid-Dungeon overall as well as all of the Boss tactics, abilities and mechanics.

As always, we’ll put a short Video as an intro, then we’ll talk in depth on the topic!

Without further ado, let’s dive right in!

The Might of Frostmourne – WotLK Classic Announcement (VIDEO)

That one always gives the chills doesn’t it? Anyway, let’s turn towards what awaits us with the Final Patch of WotLK Classic and the release of the Icecrown Citadel!

What will the Fall of the Lich King post cover?

In this post we will focus mostly on the changes that are being implemented compared to the original version of WotLK, as well as many other topics such as:

  • Changes coming to Icecrown Citadel
  • Gearing up for ICC
  • Defense Protocol Gama
  • New Dungeons
  • Ruby Sanctum
  • Gameplay Updates
  • Class Updates

We will do our best to cover everything as much as possible, so that you know what you can expect with the coming patch!

Changes coming to Icecrown Citadel with the Fall of the Lich King Patch

The Old/New Raid Icecrown Citadel has seen some changes coming it’s way in terms of the approach you will be able to take once it’s out. This is one of the best Raid Instances in World of Warcraft, and definitely one of the most remembered and iconic ones. The biggest influence and why this Raid is the most iconic is definitely the fact that we get to fight the Lich King. We’ve been following the story of Arthas Menethil all the way through Warcraft 3 and The Frozen Throne, throughout WoW Vanilla and TBC, and we’ve been awaiting for this culmination and finally the direct confrontation!

In this instance we will have a variety of amazing items that drop, such as the Death Bringer’s Will, as well as being able to acquire one of the best Legendary Weapons in the game – Shadowmourne. Or you just want to get your Invincible Mount. However, this Icecrown Citadel release will be a bit different than the original for multiple reasons:

Raid specific changes

  • No Timegating! – All of the Bosses will be available from Day 1.
  • Heroic Mode Access – You will be able to go into Heroic mode without having to clear Normal first.
  • Raid Buffs – The buffs that were implemented after a couple of months originally to bolster your Health, Healing and Damage won’t be available from the start, but will added later on.

Shadowmourne Questline Update

This amazing Legendary that is the dream of all Paladins, Warriors and Death Knights will hear some great news when it comes to to obtaining Shadowmourne. Anyone going for this Weapon will have a much easier time with the release of the Icecrown Citadel. There is a multitude of reasons for it, such as:

  • The Splintered Throne – This specific part of the Chain Quest requires you to obtain Shadowfrost Shards, which you couldn’t do before you got to that part of the Quest-chain. However, with the changes coming with this Icecrown Citadel release on WotLK Classic, you will be able to acquire them without being on that part of the chain. This will help you gather your Shadowfrost Shards much easier, and obtain the Legendary Weapon much faster.
  • Shadowfrost Shards – On top of the above changes, Blizzard also implemented a change that every END-WING Boss, will have a 100% drop rate for the Shard. This means that Deathbringer Saurfang, Blood-Queen Lana’thel, Professor Putricide, Sindragosa as well as the Lich King, will always drop a Shadowfrost Shard.
  • Shadowfrost Shard drop rate – Another quality of life change for those that want to get the Shadowmourne, is going to be the fact that Heroic and Normal Raid difficulty Bosses will have the same drop rate for the Shards. This means that Normal was raised to match the Heroic drop rate, which means that if you have to drop a Boss down to Normal difficulty, you will still have the same chances of the Shard dropping as on Heroic mode.

This generally tells us a couple of things. Firstly, Blizzard will most definitely make this Patch a lot shorter than it was originally. Secondly, the acquisition of Shadowmourne will take from 8-10 Weeks, which is almost twice as fast as it was originally, due to the Shadowfrost Shard drop rate changes.

We’ve also written an in-depth Guide on how to acquire Shadowmourne and what you have to do, so feel free to check out our Shadowmourne Step-by-Step Guide. On the other hand, if you feel that you are unable to acquire this on your own, or you don’t have time for it, feel free to check our Shadowmourne service!

Tier Gear acquisition Changes in Fall of the Lich King Patch 

Once again, we have tier-acquisition changes coming with the release of Icecrown Citadel. As you might be aware, there are THREE different Tiers that are all a part of the same set, but they change in Item Level. There are: 251 Ilvl Tier Pieces, 264 Ilvl Tier Pieces and 277 Ilvl Tier Pieces. There are two methods of acquiring Tier gear in Icecrown Citadel:

  1. The Lucky method – In Vault of Archavon the new Boss – Toravon the Ice Watcher, which will drop 251 Tier item for Gloves and Legs slot.
  2. The Unlucky method(Standard) – Buying it for Frost Badges from your Class Vendor inside the Icecrown Citadel.

In order to upgrade the Tier Items from 251 to 264 Item Level, you will have to get the Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification, which drops on either Icecrown Citadel 10 man Heroic, or 25 man Normal difficulty. If you wish to further upgrade your Tier Items from 264 Item Levelt o 277 Item Level, you will have to get the Heroic version of the Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification for that Item.

All of these Marks drop from End of Wing Bosses in Icecrown Citadel.

If you hope to obtain all of these items you will need to gear up, and if you don’t have a group for that, feel free to check out our Icecrown Citadel Raid Services! On the other hand, if you have time and are willing to do it yourself, there are many things being added with the Fall of the Lich King Patch!

How to quickly gear up for WotlK Classic ICC? 

There is a variety of different ways to get your Character up to date with the Fall of the Lich King Patch. Those are:

  • The Dungeon Finder – This tool has been introduced in it’s final form. The concept has gotten an upgrade and the system will be set to match you with people even from across servers and you will be able to apply by selecting your role and doing it on your own, without the need to waste time on forming groups, and if you wish to enjoy the game even if none of the people you know are playing it.
  • Titan-Rune Dungeons – The new setting “Defense Protocol Gamma” will be implemented and you will be able to join this via the LookingForDungeon tool as well.

Defense Protocol Gamma Gearing

These Dungeons are made to be similar to Mythic+ and to provide Dungeon Enjoyers as well as Players that want to get up to speed with gear quickly – a way out. In order to activate this mode, the Dungeon needs to be set to Heroic difficulty, and all the Players inside the Group have to click on a floating Disk in order to begin the protocol.

There will also be a Covenant Warden that will provide various different buffs that you can choose from, depending on your Class and Role in the Group.

  • Shatter Armor – provides a buff for your Tanks and Melees that will give them a chance to shatter the armor of their target. Once Shattered the target will be taking 20% increased Damage for 10 seconds.
  • Rallying Cry of the Tournament Champion – provides a Buff for Ranged and Casters, which has a chance to grant 20% Haste increase to your whole party for 10 seconds(a mini Bloodlust/Heroism).
  • Confessor’s Wrath – a Healer buff, which gives your Healing spells a chance to grant you 20% increased SPELL DAMAGE, which stacks up to 5 times. After you cast an offensive spell to use this buff, it will last 5 seconds more before it disappears.
  • Shield of Thorns – a Tank buff, which makes enemies take 1000 – 1400 Damage each time you dodge, parry or block their attack.

Aside from these changes, the Gamma Protocol will inherit the usual affixes that the previous protocol’s had. When it comes to the rewards that you will get, they will come in the form of a Defiler’s Scourgestone, these will be traded to your Faction Vendor in Dalaran to get various Trial of the Grand Crusader 25 man loot, Primordial Saronite or you can downgrade them to Sidereal Essence, if you want to get Ulduar 10/25 man Hardmode loot and anything else that drops there.

If you need help in gearing up this way, feel free to check our Dungeon Services.

Worthy mention: Do not forget to do your Daily Dungeon Quest, and at least ONE Titan-Rune Dungeon Daily. This is because the Daily Dungeon Quest provides you with 2 Emblem’s of Frost, and the First Titan-Rune Dungeon of the day will give you a satchel with 3 Emblem’s of Frost.

New Dungeons coming with the Fall of the Lich King Phase

Lets not forget about the THREE Dungeons that are coming with the release of the Icecrown Citadel. These are also a good source of catching up with gear, as well as obtaining some great items via the Battered Hilt. The 3 Dungeons that are being released are:

  • The Forge of Souls
  • The Pit of Saron
  • The Halls of Reflection

By doing these Dungeons you will get a bit more story on the Lich King. Another thing worthy of note is that these three Dungeons will not be available on the Titan-Rune Gamma difficulty. Blizzard made it so that Players have something that they can experience in it’s original form. However, they will give loot as if they were.

The Ruby Sanctum Release in WotLK Classic

Sometime after the Icecrown Citadel is released, we will be able to go into the Ruby Sanctum. This One-Boss Raid Instance, was initially the final Raid of the WotLK expansion. However, this time around, it will come out shortly after the release of the Icecrown Citadel and will work as another gear catch-up method.

It will not be treated as it’s own phase, but simply an extra source to farm your gear in order to finish the Icecrown Citadel.

Gameplay Updates coming with the Fall of the Lich King Patch

Another thing that Blizzard implemented from the more recent expansions and added it to WotLK Classic, will be the merging of all the Accessories that you have in-game into one place. This means that all of your:

  • Mounts
  • Pets
  • Toys
  • Heirlooms

will be getting a separate Collections tab and will be usable ACCOUNT WIDE. This gives people that chance to chase after Mounts, Pets and Toys on multiple alts and being able to use Heirlooms without having to spend any Badges if you need an item for an alt. Which is a great quality of life improvement to the game definitely, but steps away from the ‘Classic’ part of the Game more and more.

Class Changes 

There will be a couple of Class changes coming to mostly Hunters and Healers in order to stay on par with all the changes that are coming to the game with the Fall of the Lich King Patch. The most notable ones are:

Hunter 

The addition of the Trap Launcher: Explosive Trap, was initially done in Cataclysm, but since Hunters fall off on Damage as well as the need for them not to lose time on placing the traps and making them more competitive in DPS for Icecrown Citadel, this will be added with the Fall of the Lich King Patch.

You will have to learn this from the Trainer, and it won’t be available in PvP!

Resto Druid, Resto Shaman and Priest

These THREE Classes have seen their own spells get a bit of a rework.

have all gotten adjustments to target Players rather than minions, guardians or pets in a Group and/or Raid scenario. This should provide a great improvement for more healing intensive encounters in ICC.

Warlock

Warlocks have also seen a couple of changes coming to them.

  • Demonic Pact – should proc more frequently, which will help you send your pet in for the proc where you otherwise wouldn’t.
  • Summon Infernal – Like other Classes that have gotten their major cooldowns adjusted, so has the Warlocks Infernal. It will now reset after each encounter ends.

CONCLUSION

We think that in-general, all of these changes will prove to be beneficial. However, if you are someone who wanted to experience the true ‘Classic’ Icecrown Citadel, it won’t be possible with the WotLK Classic. Although, the many changes that are being implemented to the Game will surely shine a new light and will hopefully prove to be even better than the Orginal.

This concludes our short post regarding the Fall of the Lich King Patch in WotLK Classic. We hope that you’ve enjoyed the read and that you’ve found it helpful. On the other hand, if you need help, don’t hesitate to check out our services. We provide 24/7 support on our LiveChat and Discord, and if you are unable to reach us there, you can always leave your info and a Service Request on the site and we’ll get back to you!

As always, we’ll provide you with a Video that explains all the Updates in depth if you don’t have time or don’t like reading, you can simply watch it and stay up to date!

WotLK Classic: Fall of the Lich King Updates (VIDEO)