Season of Discovery (SoD) has flipped the script on World of Warcraft's vanilla roots, introducing runes, revamped raids, and a fresh take on classic content. As of 10 March 2025, we're one month into Phase 7, which kicked off on 6 February with Naxxramas and the shiny new Karazhan Crypts dungeon. Blizzard has kept us on the edge of our seats with surprises in each phase, and with the Scarlet Enclave raid of Phase 8 on the horizon, the buzz is already shifting to Phases 9 and 10. Could we see lost Vanilla gems like Karazhan or Mount Hyjal? Or perhaps a Discovery Era finale? Let's dive into the possibilities, rooted in datamined history, and sprinkle in some gold-making prep to keep your bags heavy.
Phase 7 arrived on the 6th of February 2025, bringing Naxxramas - the vanilla raid king - to the rune-filled world of SoD. Along with it came Karazhan Crypts, a dungeon unearthed from Vanilla's unfinished files, proving Blizzard's penchant for revisiting old ideas with a twist. Previous phases have introduced revamps like AQ40 and Nightmare Incursions, but Phase 7 feels like a culmination - not the end. Phase 8 is all but confirmed with whispers of Scarlet Enclave, and Phases 9 and 10 could expand SoD even further, blending cut content with SoD's unique flair. Here's what could come next.
SoD's magic lies in resurrecting Vanilla's lost dreams, while adding rune-powered spice. Phase 9 could double down - check out these contenders:
Emerald Dream: Nightmare Unleashed
What it is: A green druid zone or raid of vanilla datamines tied to the green dragonflight.
Why it fits: Previous Nightmare Incursions teased this - Phase 9 could offer a full Emerald Nightmare raid against corrupted dragons, with runes to boost druid play.
What to expect: Lush visuals, nature-based mechanics, and Druid-centric loot. Hoard Dreamfoil - consumption requirements will spike.
Grim Batol: Rune-charged depths
What It Is: A dwarven stronghold from the vanilla files, eyed as a dungeon or raid.
Why it fits: A big dungeon like BRD could gear up latecomers, or a small raid with Red Dragonflight lore could shine with rune flair.
What to Expect: Fiery bosses, sturdy plates or weapons. Farming thorium ore could heat up.
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Phase 10 Speculation: The grand finale
Phase 10 could be SoD's curtain call - or a bridge to something more permanent. Here's what could top it off:
Mount Hyjal: The fall of the Legion
What It Is: An abbreviated vanilla zone/raid with Nordrassil and Archimonde, later fleshed out in TBC.
Why It Fits: An epic level 60 showdown with the rune-powered Burning Legion would be a perfect SoD send-off.
What to Expect: Demon mayhem, tier 3-style gear, maybe a new world buff. Stock up on fire resistance pots -Legion flames don't mess around.
Uldum: Titan Sands
What It Is: A Tanaris Gate indicates a lost zone or raid - think Titan ruins or desert foes.
Why It Fits: SoD loves hidden gems. A sandy raid with Tol'vir or Titan tech paired with runes would feel fresh yet vanilla.
What to expect: Agility gear, trinkets, maybe a Titan relic. Hoard silk cloth - desert bandages will be flying off the AH.
Discovery Era: A permanent twist
What It Is: Blizzard has hinted at a 'home' for SoD toons - Phase 10 could see a 'Discovery Era' server with runes and tweaks preserved.
Why it fits: Skips TBC, keeps the SoD flavour alive. No new raids - just polish like events or PvP updates.
What to expect: Stable economy, rune-driven play. Invest in the Black Lotus - it will hold its value.
Cut content vault: More to explore
Vanilla's remnants are rich - Azshara Crater (battleground), Caverns of Time (dungeons), Stormwind Vault (instance), even the remnants of Old Outland. Phase 9 could rely on datamined relics, while Phase 10 could mix them with SoD's bold twists - like a Black Morass dungeon or an Uldum Attunement quest line. Community hype (e.g. Scarlet Enclave) could steer Blizzard's course, so keep an eye on the chatter.
How many more phases to go?
Phase 8's Scarlet Enclave is a near-lock - say 90% confirmed. Phase 9 will probably stretch SoD into late 2025, maybe teasing BlizzCon plans. Phase 10 is a maybe - a grand finale or a soft shift into the Discovery Era. With Phase 7 live since 6 February 2025, there's plenty of steam left. What's your call - two more phases or a wrap at 9?
Thanks for reading
Season of Discovery Phases 9 and 10 could unlock the arcane depths of Karazhan, the epic stakes of Mount Hyjal, or a legacy of the Discovery Era. Phase 7's Naxx, live since 6 February 2025, has us hooked - and there is more to come. Gather your gold, dream big and keep raiding - stay tuned to MMOJUGG for the latest SoD scoops!