SoD Phase 6: Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj (AQ20) Guide

As we approach the release of WoW Classic Season of Discovery Phase 6, players are buzzing with excitement over the changes being implemented in the Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj (AQ20). Now reimagined as a flexible 10-player raid, AQ20 is set to introduce a host of new mechanics and challenges that will cater to both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike. With the addition of the Descent into Madness difficulty system, players can expect a fresh take on this classic raid, along with new loot, reputation systems, and mechanics that promise to enhance the experience.

In this new phase, AQ20 transitions from its original 20-player format to a 10-player flex raid. This modification is designed to create a more inclusive environment for players who may not have access to larger raid groups, allowing for more flexible team compositions. The introduction of the Descent into Madness system will further adjust the raid's difficulty based on player performance, ensuring that encounters remain engaging and rewarding regardless of a player's gear level or experience.

November 6, 2024: The Public Test Realm (PTR) will go live, allowing players to test the new content and mechanics.

November 21, 2024: The official launch of Season of Discovery Phase 6 will commence, bringing new challenges and rewards to the player base.

Reputation and Gear

While AQ20 retains its core theme of gear acquisition through token drops and reputation, several aspects have been updated to reflect the new system:

Token System: Players will still collect class-specific tokens that can be exchanged for powerful items. The tokens include various gear pieces, such as rings, capes, and weapons, each requiring a different number of scarabs and idols for redemption.

Scarabs and Idols: Scarabs will drop from mobs throughout the raid, while idols can be collected from both mobs and treasure chests known as scarab coffers. Scarab coffers can be opened with keys dropped by enemies, adding an element of exploration to the raid.

Reputation Gains: Players can earn reputation with the Cenarion Circle by participating in AQ20 or engaging in outdoor activities in Silithus. Gaining reputation is essential for accessing higher-quality gear and unlocking various rewards.

The gear acquisition process in AQ20 is critical for players looking to improve their performance:

Honored Reputation: Required for acquiring lower-tier items such as rings.

Revered Reputation: Needed for mid-tier items like capes.

Exalted Reputation: Required for the highest-tier items, such as powerful weapons.

Players can increase their reputation quickly by efficiently running the raid and completing associated outdoor content.

The revamped bosses in AQ20 provide fresh challenges for raiders. Below is an in-depth look at each boss encounter, highlighting their mechanics and strategies for success.

Kurinnaxx is the first major encounter in AQ20, and his mechanics initially challenge players.

Cleave and Mortal Strike: Kurinnaxx has a cleave attack that deals damage to anyone in front of him. Ensure that the main tank positions him away from the group to mitigate damage.

Healing Debuff: Each time he applies a debuff, healing is reduced by 10%. Managing stacks effectively is crucial, and having an off-tank ready to taunt can help mitigate the debuff's effects.

Sand Trap: This mechanic involves Kurinnaxx spawning sand traps that will significantly silence players and reduce their hit chance. To minimize disruption, players should avoid standing near these traps, especially healers.

Enrage Phase: At 30% health, Kurinnaxx will enrage, increasing his damage output. Ensure that cooldowns are available for this phase to survive his heightened attacks.

The encounter against General Rajaxx is a multi-wave event that tests players' endurance and coordination.

Wave Mechanics: Players must defeat multiple waves of enemies before engaging Rajaxx himself. Utilize crowd control abilities to manage these waves effectively.

NPC Allies: There are NPC allies present that can deal additional damage and tank some hits. It is essential for healers to keep these NPCs alive, as they will significantly contribute to the fight.

Thunder Crash: Rajaxx uses an ability that reduces health by 50% and knocks players back. Positioning is critical; tanks should position against a wall to avoid being knocked away.

Buru's fight introduces unique egg mechanics that require coordination among the raid group.

Egg Destruction: Players must destroy eggs while kiting Buru over them. This involves spreading DPS across multiple eggs to reduce them to 10% health before Buru can inflict damage.

Spawned Adds: Each egg destroyed will summon adds, so raid members must be prepared to switch targets and deal with the additional enemies that spawn during the encounter.

Moam's encounter focuses on resource management, especially concerning mana.

Drain Mana: Moam will drain mana from casters, and if he reaches full mana, he will unleash a devastating AoE attack. Utilize abilities like Shadow Bite or Mana Burn to mitigate this risk.

Adds Phase: At 90 seconds into the fight, Moam becomes invulnerable and summons mana fiends. Assign roles for crowd control to handle the fiends efficiently, banishing or killing them as needed.

Ayamiss presents a unique fight that challenges the raid's positioning and damage mitigation strategies.

Flight Phase: Ayamiss remains airborne until her health falls below 70%. Ranged DPS will need to manage their stacks of poison damage effectively, distributing damage among players to avoid excessive stacking.

Teleportation Mechanics: She will teleport a player to the altar, and it is crucial that melee DPS kill the larva before it reaches the player to prevent a deadly transformation into a wasp.

The final encounter with A'Sirian is one of the most complex, incorporating various mechanics that challenge the raid's coordination.

Supreme Mode: A'Sirian begins the fight with a buff, significantly increasing his damage. Players must activate nearby crystals to reduce this buff's potency.

Crystal Activation: Designate players to run and activate crystals while kiting A'Sirian. The effective use of speed-enhancing abilities can help manage this mechanic.

Environmental Hazards: Throughout the encounter, players must navigate flying tornadoes and manage crowd control effects, such as the curse of tongues that need quick dispelling.

The Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj in WoW Classic Season of Discovery Phase 6 promises a revamped and thrilling experience for all players. The shift to a flexible 10-player format, combined with the introduction of the Descent into Madness difficulty system, ensures that every raid encounter is engaging and rewarding.

As you prepare for the November launch, gather your friends, develop your strategies, and delve into the depths of AQ20. With new loot, challenging bosses, and exciting mechanics, this classic raid is set to provide hours of exhilarating gameplay for the WoW community. Get ready to explore, conquer, and reap the rewards of the Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj!

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