Gates of Ahn'Qiraj in Phase 5: How the War Effort Works
The legendary Gates of Ahn’Qiraj event is returning in WoW Classic Phase 5, bringing one of the most iconic server-wide experiences in the game’s history. Set to begin on July 10, 2025, this epic war effort will unite players across realms as they gather resources, complete objectives, and unlock access to the powerful raids of AQ20 and AQ40. Whether you're a new adventurer or a seasoned veteran, this is your chance to be part of a world-changing moment in Azeroth's legacy.
How the War Effort Begins and Progresses
Starting on July 10 at 3:00 PM PDT, the War Effort marks a monumental server-wide push in WoW Classic’s 20th Anniversary Edition to unlock one of the most iconic raid zones in the game’s history. Players from both the Alliance and Horde must gather and submit a massive number of materials — everything from Runecloth Bandages and Copper Bars to Herbs and Light Leather — in order to open the gates of Ahn’Qiraj. This collaborative event mirrors the legendary challenge from Vanilla WoW and requires the combined efforts of an entire server to complete.
Once the War Effort is officially live, both factions will be able to turn in designated supplies to their respective War Effort NPCs — Field Marshal Snowfall in Ironforge for the Alliance and Warlord Gorchuk in Orgrimmar for the Horde. These turn-ins are tracked in real time, and progress is displayed so players can monitor how close their realm is to completion. For those eager to keep an eye on the competition, General Zog and Commander Stronghammer can provide updates on the enemy faction’s contributions.
Each type of material submitted contributes to an overall total that must be reached before the War Effort is considered complete. After the turn-ins are finished, there’s a mandatory five-day transportation period before supplies arrive in Silithus. Only after this phase can players begin the final stretch of the event — culminating in the “Bang a Gong!” quest. The first player to ring the gong on each server unlocks the prestigious Black Qiraji Resonating Crystal mount, while others who ring it within 10 hours also receive unique Scarab Lord rewards.
Importantly, the event is time-gated. If turn-ins are not completed manually within 15 days, Blizzard’s system will begin automatically delivering remaining supplies, ensuring eventual access to AQ raids on slower servers. However, this route forfeits early completion bonuses, and realms that finish faster gain earlier access to AQ20 and AQ40 — along with prestige and economic advantages. The race is on, and players who want a shot at history must act quickly, organize gathering runs, and unite their factions around this massive logistical milestone.
What Is the War Effort Gathering?
The Gates of Ahn’Qiraj War Effort is a massive cross-faction initiative in which both Horde and Alliance players must gather vast amounts of resources to unlock access to the AQ raids. Each server must contribute hundreds of thousands of items — like cloth, metal bars, herbs, and leather — to progress toward the opening of the gates. It’s a full-community push that spans all player levels and encourages teamwork across every profession.
Even if you’re not level 60, you can still help by turning in required materials. Every submission brings your realm one step closer to unleashing the epic content of Phase 5.
Ahn’Qiraj War Effort Quests & Rewards
Each faction has access to a set of turn-in quests that ask for various profession and gathering materials. While the specific quest items differ slightly for Horde and Alliance, both sides must complete their own lists in full for the gates to be opened. Quest NPCs are located in Ironforge’s Military Ward for Alliance players and in the Valley of Spirits in Orgrimmar for Horde.
For every turn-in, you’ll receive:
- Ahn’Qiraj War Effort Supplies — loot boxes that contain BOE gear and scrolls. The quality of rewards scales with the item you submit (e.g., Copper Bars give basic rewards, while Runecloth yields better ones).
- Commendation Signets — Alliance and Horde versions that can be exchanged for faction reputation or bonus supply boxes.
On your first turn-in of each item, you’ll earn 10 Signets. Later turn-ins will yield fewer. Progress updates can be tracked via NPCs like Marshal Snowfall or Warlord Gorchuk, with spies Commander Stronghammer and General Zog offering updates on the rival faction’s progress.
Bang a Gong! — How the Gong Event Works
Once players complete the full “Scepter of the Shifting Sands” questline, they can attempt to be the first on their server to ring the Scarab Gong in Silithus. This momentous action triggers the Ten Hour War — a timed event where players must wrap up the final raid objectives before both Ruins of Ahn’Qiraj (AQ20) and Temple of Ahn’Qiraj (AQ40) unlock permanently.
Only the first player on a layer to ring the gong receives the prestigious Black Qiraji Resonating Crystal mount, while all players who turn in the quest within 10 hours become eligible for epic rewards via the “Treasures of the Timeless One.” This includes weapons like Fang of Korialstrasz, Ravencrest’s Legacy, and Runesword of the Red.
On realms with multiple layers, once the gong is rung on one, it will begin on all. After 10 hours, the raids become accessible to all players, regardless of whether they completed the gong quest. The intensity and prestige of this event make it a once-in-a-lifetime moment for Classic WoW veterans and newcomers alike.
What Awaits Behind the Gates of Ahn’Qiraj
Opening the gates grants access to two major raid instances in Silithus — each with its own difficulty, theme, and reputation faction. Players will explore the ruins of an ancient insectoid empire while preparing to face one of the Old Gods themselves.
Ruins of Ahn’Qiraj (AQ20)
- Raid Size: 20 players
- Reputation Faction: Cenarion Circle
- Location: Silithus
- Bosses:
- Kurinnaxx
- General Rajaxx
- Moam
- Buru the Gorger
- Ayamiss the Hunter
- Ossirian the Unscarred
AQ20 is designed for mid-tier guilds looking to earn class-specific gear and farm reputation with the Cenarion Circle. The raid strikes a balance between accessibility and challenge, offering solid loot and a progression step toward AQ40.
Temple of Ahn’Qiraj (AQ40)
- Raid Size: 40 players
- Reputation Faction: Brood of Nozdormu
- Location: Silithus
- Bosses:
- The Prophet Skeram
- Silithid Royalty
- Battleguard Sartura
- Fankriss the Unyielding
- Viscidus
- Princess Huhuran
- The Twin Emperors
- Ouro
- C'Thun
AQ40 is the most challenging raid in Phase 5, featuring multi-phase fights, resistance requirements, and intense coordination. Top-tier loot includes Tier 2.5 armor sets and powerful weapons like Death’s Sting, Kalimdor’s Revenge, and Scepter of the False Prophet. Reaching the end means standing face-to-face with the terrifying Old God C'Thun.
New Class Armor Sets in Ahn'Qiraj
In Phase 5 of WoW Classic Fresh, players gain access to two powerful raid dungeons—Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj (AQ20) and Temple of Ahn'Qiraj (AQ40)—each offering a distinct set of rewards. One of the major highlights is the ability to earn pieces of your Tier 2.5 armor set, which combines class-specific stats with faction reputation progression. These sets are tied to Cenarion Circle and Brood of Nozdormu reputation levels, and require looting Scarabs, Idols, and Tokens from within the raids.
Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj (AQ20) – Ring, Cloak, Weapon
The AQ20 set items are earned through Cenarion Circle reputation and consist of a ring, cloak, and a class-specific weapon. These are more accessible than AQ40 counterparts and help players bridge the power gap between dungeon gear and raid-level sets.
Temple of Ahn'Qiraj (AQ40) – 5-Piece Set
The AQ40 set provides a full five-piece upgrade and requires progression with the Brood of Nozdormu. These pieces are often considered best-in-slot for PvE and PvP content, offering strong set bonuses and scaling stats.
Each set provides a combination of stats and bonuses tailored for the class's PvE or PvP performance. Collecting the entire set requires multiple raid runs, solid reputation grinding, and coordination with your guild. Smart players will start preparing in advance to maximize gains during Phase 5.
Tips for Preparing for the Gates of Ahn'Qiraj
- Start Gathering Early: Don’t wait until Phase 5 begins. Start stockpiling high-demand materials now — Linen Cloth, Copper Bars, Peacebloom, and Runecloth Bandages will be required in bulk.
- Coordinate with Your Server: Join your realm’s Discord or forums to stay informed on faction-wide efforts and organize material turn-ins efficiently.
- Level Alts with Professions: Characters with Herbalism, Mining, or Skinning can generate passive income and contribute valuable turn-in items.
- Track Your Progress: Speak regularly with Field Marshal Snowfall or Warlord Gorchuk to monitor your faction’s contribution status and what’s still needed.
- Prepare for the Race: If you aim to ring the gong and claim the Black Qiraji Resonating Crystal, complete the “Scepter of the Shifting Sands” questline in advance.
- Know the Timers: Once the War Effort is complete, there’s a 5-day delay before resources reach Silithus, and then a 10-hour window begins when the gong is rung — plan your raid groups accordingly.
- Don’t Miss the Rewards: Even if you can’t ring the gong, completing the questline still unlocks epic gear like Fang of Korialstrasz and Ravencrest’s Legacy.
- Be Ready for PvP: Expect heavy faction competition around Silithus during the War Effort and Ten Hour War — bring consumables and allies.
Conclusion
The Gates of Ahn'Qiraj represent one of the most iconic server-wide events in World of Warcraft history — and in Phase 5 of the 20th Anniversary Edition, players have a rare chance to relive this moment. Whether you're helping gather War Effort supplies, completing the legendary Scepter of the Shifting Sands questline, or preparing your raid team for AQ20 and AQ40, there's something for everyone to contribute. The journey is long, but the rewards — from epic loot to server-first glory — make it one of the most exciting phases of Classic WoW.
FAQ
While raids are required for AQ20 and AQ40, any player can contribute to the War Effort by gathering materials and turning in supplies.
Once supplies are turned in, it takes 5 days for the armies to mobilize, followed by a 10-hour window after the gong is rung for the war to begin.
Change Log
- 08.07.2025 - Gates of Ahn'Qiraj in Phase 5: How the War Effort Works published.