WoW Classic Phase 5 Overview
The fifth phase of WoW Classic: Season of Discovery marks a historic turning point with the opening of the Gates of Ahn'Qiraj. This iconic content drop brings one of the most memorable moments in the game’s legacy, as players across the server unite (or compete) in preparation for the Phase 5 AQ event. From massive material turn-ins to the unleashing of powerful world bosses, Phase 5 is all about community-driven progression and epic-scale raiding.
Whether you're a seasoned veteran who remembers the original event or a newcomer experiencing the war effort for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know about Phase 5 — including raid access, rewards, world events, and the critical role of faction coordination in opening the gates to Ahn'Qiraj.
When Does Phase 5 Launch?
Phase 5 of WoW Classic is officially set to launch on July 10, 2025, at 3:00 PM PDT. This release marks the beginning of the long-anticipated War Effort, where both factions must rally resources to prepare for the massive battles ahead.
The actual opening of the Gates of Ahn'Qiraj and the two AQ raids will not occur immediately. Instead, it will depend on how quickly each server completes the War Effort objectives. On highly active servers, players could see the gates unlocked just over a week after the initial launch, while slower servers may take more time to mobilize the required resources.
Be prepared — your realm’s coordination and dedication will directly impact when the Phase 5 AQ raids become available.
The War Effort and Resource Gathering
Before the gates of Ahn'Qiraj can be opened, players must complete a massive server-wide event known as the Ahn'Qiraj War Effort. This epic community-driven initiative consists of several phases, including gathering materials, completing faction-specific quests, and coordinating progress across both the Alliance and Horde. The War Effort is essential for unlocking access to the Ruins and Temple of Ahn'Qiraj in Silithus.
War Effort Gathering Explained
The War Effort begins with a gathering phase where both factions must collect massive amounts of crafting materials. These are contributed by players of all levels and professions, turning them in for War Effort Supplies and Commendation Signets. Once completed, a five-day countdown begins, leading to the Scarab Gong event and the opening of Ahn'Qiraj.
Quest Turn-Ins and Rewards
Each faction can complete turn-in quests at major cities (Ironforge for Alliance, Orgrimmar for Horde) for a variety of materials, including bandages, cooking items, herbs, bars, and leather. These quests reward either War Effort Supply Boxes or Commendation Signets.
Bandage Contributions
Cooking Contributions
Herb Contributions
Bar Contributions
Skin Contributions
How to Use Commendation Signets
Commendation Signets can be spent in two key ways — increasing reputation with capital cities or exchanging them for more Ahn'Qiraj War Effort Supplies. Reputation quests allow players to farm rep efficiently across factions without grinding dungeons or cloth hand-ins.
Completion of the War Effort
When both factions reach 100% in all turn-ins, a 5-day countdown begins. During this time, NPCs prepare supplies to be transported to Silithus. Once the timer ends, players who have completed The Scepter of the Shifting Sands questline may strike the Scarab Gong — officially beginning the event that leads to the opening of the Gates of Ahn'Qiraj.
Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj in WoW Classic Phase 5
Located at the southern edge of Silithus, the Ruins of Ahn’Qiraj — commonly referred to as AQ20 — is a 20-player raid introduced in Phase 5 as an accessible way for smaller groups to engage with the Qiraji threat. Acting as a prelude to the larger temple raid, AQ20 provides challenging but manageable content for mid-tier guilds aiming to upgrade gear and earn valuable rewards.
This raid opens in parallel with AQ40 but may become accessible slightly earlier depending on your server’s progress through the War Effort. Expect it to unlock around July 17, 2025 or later, based on server contribution speed.
Cenarion Circle Reputation and Token Turn-Ins
As players clear bosses in the ruins, they will gain reputation with the Cenarion Circle. This faction plays a key role in Phase 5 progression, as your reputation level determines your ability to exchange raid tokens for class-specific gear pieces. Reaching higher rep levels unlocks additional turn-in quests and powerful upgrades.
Loot Highlights from AQ20
While AQ20 is considered the "starter" raid of Phase 5, it offers several standout rewards that remain useful even in AQ40. Some key drops include:
- Vestments of the Shifting Sands – class-based gear offering useful set bonuses and stat scaling.
- Manslayer of the Qiraji – a deadly melee weapon ideal for DPS warriors and rogues.
- Staff of the Ruins – a solid caster weapon that provides good spellpower and regen stats.
- Bow of Taut Sinew – excellent for hunters looking to increase their ranged output.
Unique Neck Reward Quest
After slaying Ossirian the Unscarred, the final boss of AQ20, players can turn in his Head of Ossirian to choose one of four powerful necklaces:
- Pendant of the Shifting Sands – focused on Strength and melee output.
- Choker of the Shifting Sands – best for stamina-heavy tank builds.
- Charm of the Shifting Sands – perfect for healers with strong bonus healing scaling.
- Amulet of the Shifting Sands – ideal for casters with damage and mana restoration perks.
These items provide meaningful stat combinations and are excellent transitional gear for players preparing for AQ40 or upgrading from earlier Phase 4 content. With only six bosses and a moderate challenge curve, AQ20 serves as the perfect entry point into Ahn’Qiraj’s secrets — and an efficient way to farm gear, rep, and raid experience.
Temple of Ahn'Qiraj in WoW Classic Phase 5
Hidden deep within the sands of Silithus lies the Temple of Ahn’Qiraj, also known as AQ40 — a massive 40-player raid that stands as the true pinnacle of Phase 5 content. Unlike its smaller counterpart AQ20, this raid is a brutal gauntlet of nine encounters culminating in a battle against the Old God C'Thun himself. The temple was designed to test every aspect of raid coordination, class synergy, and individual skill.
The official launch of the temple is tied to how quickly your server completes the War Effort event. While July 17, 2025 is the earliest possible opening date, slower servers may unlock it later.
Faction Progression and Signet Rings
As players venture deeper into the temple, they will earn reputation with the Brood of Nozdormu, unlocking a key component of Phase 5's progression system — the Signet Ring rewards. Depending on your preferred role, you can claim one of three specialized rings:
- Tank Ring – built to improve durability, armor, and stamina.
- Physical DPS Ring – designed for maximizing raw melee or ranged damage.
- Caster/Healer Ring – tailored for spellcasters who rely on mana and throughput.
Legendary Drops and Loot Highlights
AQ40 is famous for its elite-level gear, with many pieces remaining best-in-slot through the remainder of Classic. Some standout rewards include:
- Tier 2.5 Class Sets – gear with unique bonuses that support hybrid gameplay styles.
- Death’s Sting, Kalimdor’s Revenge, Scepter of the False Prophet, Dark Edge of Insanity, and Ancient Qiraji Ripper – powerful weapons that are highly sought after for PvE and PvP alike.
Final Boss Turn-In Rewards
Upon defeating C’Thun, players can loot the Eye of C’Thun and exchange it for one of three unique rewards:
- Amulet of the Fallen God – ideal for casters with powerful spell stats and mana regen.
- Cloak of the Fallen God – a strength-based cloak with hybrid physical stats for DPS or tanks.
- Ring of the Fallen God – one of the most versatile rings, boosting both intellect and spellpower.
These rewards are not only powerful but serve as status symbols for players who conquered one of the hardest raids in WoW Classic. With its deep lore, punishing encounters, and top-tier loot, the Temple of Ahn’Qiraj defines the climax of the Ahn’Qiraj storyline and the ultimate test of coordination in Phase 5.
Tips for Preparing for WoW Classic Phase 5
- Start farming War Effort materials early: Many resources needed for turn-in quests (like Runecloth, Copper Bars, and Herbs) will spike in demand. Stockpiling them before the phase launches gives you an economic and progression edge.
- Coordinate with your faction: Successful completion of the War Effort relies on collective server-wide action. Join Discord groups, guild efforts, or community trackers to contribute efficiently.
- Boost your Cenarion Circle and Brood of Nozdormu reputation: Run Silithus quests and Twilight Cultist farming now to gain rep before raids open, unlocking better gear and quest options in AQ20 and AQ40.
- Plan your raid composition: AQ40 especially requires a balanced team with resistance gear, healing output, and coordinated mechanics. Assign roles and prep BiS gear early.
- Hold onto quest rewards: Some quest rewards and tokens from AQ raids offer multiple reward choices. Research them in advance to avoid wasting valuable items on the wrong pick.
- Watch the server timeline: The opening of AQ raids depends on your server's War Effort progress. Follow updates and time your preparations accordingly — the faster servers may trigger events within a week of the launch.
- Save Commendation Signets: These are incredibly versatile — they can grant reputation or be exchanged for better War Effort Supply rewards. Use them strategically based on your faction goals or gear needs.
- Farm gold before Phase 5 drops: Material prices, gear, and consumables will rise sharply after the phase starts. Prepare by accumulating gold in advance to buy what you need without overpaying.
Conclusion
Phase 5 of WoW Classic marks a pivotal point in the game's progression, bringing with it epic faction-wide collaboration, the legendary opening of Ahn’Qiraj, and some of the most iconic loot in Azeroth’s history. Whether you're contributing to the War Effort, grinding reputation, or preparing your raid team for AQ20 and AQ40, this phase offers long-term rewards for those who are well-prepared. With strategic planning and teamwork, players can leave a lasting mark on their server's timeline — and enjoy the prestige that comes with it.
FAQ
AQ20 is a 20-player raid focused on gearing up and reputation with the Cenarion Circle, while AQ40 is a 40-player raid featuring C’Thun, advanced mechanics, and Brood of Nozdormu reputation rewards.
Yes! Many War Effort turn-ins can be completed by lower-level characters, allowing everyone to contribute.
Change Log
- 08.07.2025 - WoW Classic Phase 5 Overview published.