World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Classic – Hour of Twilight Update
Since its launch over twenty years ago, World of Warcraft has continuously evolved, offering players a diverse selection of game eras through various servers. The latest iteration, the Cataclysm Classic version, receives exciting enhancements with the Hour of Twilight update, which introduces new dungeons and raids in anticipation of the impending Mists of Pandaria expansion.
The current phase is Phase 4 of the Cataclysm era, marked by Patch 4.4.2. This update features three new dungeons and a climactic raid against the formidable Aspect of Death, Deathwing, formerly the leader of the Black Dragonflight. Notably, players can enter the Dragon Soul raid without any specific attunements, requiring only a recommended gear score. However, progressing through the three new dungeons can provide valuable lore and gear upgrades that enhance the raid experience, though it’s not strictly necessary.
Along with the regular Heroic dungeons, Dungeon Protocols have undergone updates, allowing players to upgrade to the Elemental Dungeon Rune Protocol Twilight using the Mysterious Elemental Device situated at the dungeon’s entrance. This upgrade grants Obsidian Fragments— a currency that can be exchanged for improved rewards.
The End Time
Starting Your Adventure in the Caverns of Time, Tanaris
- Explore an alternate reality of Dragonblight, set in a devastated world of Azeroth.
Players can access the Caverns of Time, where all newly introduced dungeons are located, through various methods:
- Use a flight path to reach the Caverns of Time in Tanaris. After disembarking, navigate slightly backward through a small cave to find the entrances. The End Time dungeon is the first on the left.
- Accept the quest “The End Time”from Ziradormi in Grommash Hold (Horde) or Coridormi in Stormwind City’s Mage Tower for a direct port to the dungeon. This option is only available until the quest is completed.
- For those holding the etched Signet of the Kirin Tor from Dalaran, you can teleport to Dalaran in Northrend and then use the portal at the Violet Citadel for direct access to the Caverns.
- Join the Dungeon Finder for a quick port once a group is formed.
The End Time consists of five segments, each featuring two random encounters leading to a final boss battle. As players advance through the dungeon, different zones unlock. A device near Nozdormu facilitates travel between these sections.
Key Boss Encounters in The End Time
- Obsidian Dragonshrine: Combat the Echo of Baine Proudhoof before he can augment his damage by touching the lava.
- Azure Dragonshrine: Restore pieces of Jaina’s staff, triggering the appearance of her Echo, a powerful combination of fire and frost magic.
- Ruby Dragonshrine: Encounter the Echo of Sylvanas, who commands Highborne allies and unleashes potent ranged attacks.
- Emerald Dragonshrine: Confront the Echo of Tyrande and her formidable abilities tied to dark cosmic forces. Caster classes should maintain a safe distance.
- Bronze Dragonshrine: Face Murozond, the final antagonist, requiring the strategic use of the Hourglass of Time to manage cooldowns and revive fallen allies.
The End of Time offers five potential bosses, with varied heroes of Azeroth serving as corrupted foes. However, Murozond remains a constant presence, serving as the final challenge before granting access to the next dungeon, The Well of Eternity.
The Well of Eternity
A Glimpse into Azeroth’s Past
- Revisit pivotal moments in Azerothian history as heroes strive to recover the Dragon Soul.
Players have the chance to team up with legendary heroes such as Illidan Stormrage and Tyrande Whisperwind as they face off against Queen Azshara during one of the most critical scenes near the famed Well of Eternity. This location is steeped in history, being where Azshara forged a dangerous alliance with the Burning Legion. As players immerse themselves in this rich lore, they temporarily embody Night Elves, deepening their connection to the story.
This dungeon is relatively short due to its smaller, open environment but features several significant locations. Players will encounter Highborne heroes, including Peroth’arn and Azshara’s personal guard, Varo’then, culminating in a confrontation with a familiar enemy from Outland, Mannoroth, who also had a prominent raid in Hellfire Peninsula.
The Queen proves to be the most formidable of the three bosses, necessitating effective spell interrupts for survival. While she can’t be defeated in this encounter, she strategically retreats amid a chaotic demon invasion. Players only need to weaken Mannoroth to push him back into the portal instead of attempting a full defeat.
Upon vanquishing the main bosses, the storyline progresses, illustrating Azshara’s banishment into the Twisting Nether, allowing the gathered heroes, including the players and well-known allies such as Tyrande and Malfurion, to advance to the concluding dungeon to encounter another iconic figure.
Hour of Twilight
A Quest to Wyrmrest
- Thrall returns as a pivotal hero of the Horde.
In the latest chapter of his saga, Thrall embarks on a journey to claim his destiny as the new Aspect of Earth. Throughout this dungeon, he is referred to simply as “the Shaman, ” underscoring his significance within this storyline.
Following encounters with dragons and demons, this dungeon presents a new challenge as players face the Faceless minions of the ancients. The adventure begins with escorting Thrall through a treacherous icy canyon leading from an invasion point for the Old Gods and their minions, located to the north of Wyrmrest Temple.
As they navigate through waves of enemies—tentacles, slimes, oozes, and Faceless minions—players may benefit from having Shadow resistance. The initial boss, Arcurion, drops a scroll granting a quest to defeat the true identity of the final boss. Following this encounter, the group advances to Wyrmrest Temple’s ground level, where the final challenge awaits.
The climactic battle features Asira Dawnslayer, who descends on a menacing dragon. While her confrontation is relatively straightforward, distance management is crucial due to her Mark of Silence and Smoke Bomb AoE abilities.
The secret final boss, Archbishop Benedictus, reveals himself as a traitor capable of wielding both Light and Darkness. His abilities such as Righteous Shear and Wave of Virtue deliver significant damage, requiring players to employ strategy and Shadow Resistance to counter his true, dark form upon reaching 60% health.
Dragon Soul
The Climactic Raid Against Deathwing
- Those of every faction unite for a long-awaited revenge.
After inflicting chaos upon Azeroth, Deathwing faces players seeking retribution for his catastrophic deeds. Many players previously earned the notorious “Stood in the Fire”achievement after falling victim to his devastating attacks, intensifying the desire for vengeance now that the raid is live.
The raid entrance, located in the Caverns of Time, can be accessed through the green portal situated to the right of The End Time, adjacent to The Well of Eternity entrance. Players are required to maintain a gear score of 378 to enter, but beyond that, no other prerequisites are needed.
Players will encounter eight formidable bosses in this raid, featuring two different incarnations of Deathwing alongside various allies, including powerful creatures like the Old Gods and the Burning Legion, as well as a cadre of notorious enemies.
The Dragon Soul can be embarked upon by groups of 10 or 20 players. Currently, the Looking for Raid (LFR) option is disabled. However, players opting for the Elemental Dungeon Rune Protocol Twilight dungeons can still acquire comparable gear, although exclusive rewards such as the Reins of the Blazing Drake can solely be gained through the raid experience.
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