MoP Classic Phase 3 Launches Dec 9 & Season 12 End

The return of one of Pandaria's most feared emperors brings an exciting wave of fresh adventures to Mists of Pandaria Classic. Phase 3 arrives on December 9 at 3:00 pm PST, delivering massive new areas to explore, powerful upgrades, and epic confrontations that many players remember as highlights of the expansion.

If you're gearing up for the storm ahead and enjoy staying updated on the latest Classic developments, consider bookmarking our site for more guides like this—and feel free to browse our WoW MoP Classic Gold Shop if you need a quick boost to prepare.

Phase 3 Launch Timeline

The content update goes live worldwide on December 9 at 3:00 pm PST. Most features become available immediately, but the centerpiece raid opens shortly after:

This short delay gives everyone time to dive into the new zones and build faction progress before raiding begins.

Exploring the New Zones

Two mysterious islands emerge off Pandaria's coast, each offering unique challenges and rewards.

The Isle of Thunder serves as the main hub. Zandalari forces have resurrected the ancient Mogu emperor Lei Shen, threatening the continent once more. Players start their journey from the Shado-Pan Garrison in Townlong Steppes and work through a phased campaign. Community efforts unlock new areas stage by stage via daily quests, PvP objectives, and scenarios. Hidden treasures scatter the island, including rare keys that open vaults filled with ancient riches.

North of Kun-Lai Summit lies the Isle of Giants, a prehistoric wilderness packed with enormous dinosaurs. Hunters seek primal bones and other valuables dropped by these colossal beasts, perfect for crafting or collecting.

Faction Alliances and Progression

Three reputation lines tie directly into the assault:

• Alliance players join the Kirin Tor Offensive

• Horde players align with the Sunreaver Onslaught

• Both contribute to the neutral Shado-Pan Assault

Progress with your faction-specific group accelerates access to the island's later stages and unlocks vendors. Shado-Pan Assault reputation comes exclusively from activities inside the upcoming raid, making it essential for top-tier rewards.

Gear Upgrades with Thunderforging

A brand-new system lets players enhance raid and world boss items using special materials earned on the islands. This provides meaningful power increases without relying solely on fresh drops, helping groups smooth out progression curves.

Throne of Thunder Raid Overview

Opening December 11, this massive citadel features 12 main encounters across multiple wings, culminating in a showdown with Lei Shen himself. Heroic difficulty adds a secret 13th boss, Ra-den, for those who clear the emperor on the highest setting. Many consider this one of the most visually stunning and mechanically diverse raids in World of Warcraft history.

Challenging World Bosses

Two open-world threats demand large coordinated groups:

• Oondasta roams the Isle of Giants, dropping item level 522 epic gear

• Nalak guards the Isle of Thunder's final stage, offering Tier 15 leg and glove tokens plus PvP items

Their roars echo across Pandaria, signaling opportunities for high-end loot.

Legendary Questline Continuation

Wrathion shifts focus to the Mogu empire's secrets. The next chapter advances the journey toward a powerful meta gem, pulling players deeper into the Thunder King's schemes.

Updated Celestial Dungeons and Scenarios

The emperor's influence brings lightning storms, new traps, and stronger enemies to these weekly challenges. In return, the Celestial patrons grant enhanced abilities and avatar summons to even the odds. Successful runs yield improved rewards.

Challenge Mode Enhancements

A new Platinum medal tier rewards exceptionally fast clears with Valor points and exclusive Platinum Coins. These coins purchase transmogs, toys, mounts, and tabards from vendors in the faction shrines.

End-of-season rewards for top performers include prestigious titles and celestial-themed mounts:

Additional Features

Scattered battle pets await capture across the Isle of Thunder, including rare drops from elites. Exalted Tillers with fully upgraded farms can now claim Sunsong Ranch for personal use. New scenarios expand storytelling options.

PvP Season 12 Ending Soon

The current PvP season in Mists of Pandaria Classic wraps up sooner than the content update arrives, giving players a final push to climb the ladders and secure rewards before everything resets.

PvP Season 12 officially ends on December 1, 2025, at 10:00 pm PST. After that moment, ratings lock, conquest points convert to honor, and seasonal titles, mounts, and elite gear become unavailable until the next season.

Here's the exact end time broken down by major time zones so you don't miss the cutoff:

What Happens After the Season Ends?

• Arena and RBG ratings are frozen.

• Season 12 conquest gear becomes purchasable with honor (no rank requirement).

• Elite gear and glad mounts are no longer obtainable this season.

• Season 13 is expected to begin shortly after Phase 3 launches (historically within a few days of the new tier), bringing fresh item level upgrades and a new conquest cap.

If you're close to a rating milestone (2400 for elite gear, 2700+ for gladiator range), the next 12 days are your last chance in Season 12. Queue up, refine those comps, and finish strong!

FAQs on Mists of Pandaria Classic Phase 3

When exactly does Phase 3 start?

The update launches December 9 at 3:00 pm PST, with the raid following on December 11 at the same time.

How do I reach the Isle of Thunder?

Travel to the Shado-Pan Garrison in Townlong Steppes on Pandaria's western coast and pick up the introductory quest.

What's the best way to prepare?

Stock up on consumables, finish current reputations, and clear existing raids for baseline gear. Thunderforged upgrades will help bridge gaps quickly.

Will the raid have separate lockouts for Normal and Heroic?

Yes, like previous tiers—players can run both difficulties weekly.

When does the next PvP season begin?

Typically right after the current one ends, so expect Season 13 to start shortly after December 1.

Thanks for Reading

Keep an eye on MMOJUGG for more Classic updates and preparation tips as the thunder rolls in.