WoW Classic: Season of Discovery End, What's Next?
Time: 2025-05-28 by mmojugg Game: WOW Classic Season Of Discovery Guide
World of Warcraft's Season of Discovery (SoD) has been a thrilling ride for players craving a fresh take on the classic Azeroth experience. Since its announcement at BlizzCon 2023, this seasonal mode has brought innovative twists, new raids, and a vibrant community spirit. But recent news from Blizzard has confirmed what many feared: SoD is winding down, with developers shifting focus to new projects, including Mists of Pandaria Classic and the much-anticipated Classic+. For fans, this marks the end of an era—but also the promise of exciting adventures ahead. If you're a WoW enthusiast, consider bookmarking our site for the latest updates and check out our WoW Classic gold shop to enhance your journey in Azeroth.
The Final Chapter of Season of Discovery
Season of Discovery was a bold experiment, blending the nostalgia of vanilla WoW with fresh mechanics like runes, revamped raids, and new content such as the Scarlet Enclave. Blizzard's recent announcement revealed that defeating Balnazzar, the first boss in the Scarlet Enclave raid, grants a free level 85 character boost for Mists of Pandaria Classic, available through June 30, with rewards distributed starting July 1. This move signals a clear pivot, encouraging players to transition to MoP Classic, which launches its pre-patch on July 1 and full release on July 21.
The boost, valued at around $80-$90, is a generous offer, especially for those who've already conquered Balnazzar. It's retroactively applied, meaning past victories count, as long as you have an active WoW subscription. However, this has sparked mixed reactions. For some, it's a golden opportunity to jump into MoP Classic with a head start. For others, it's a gut punch, as it suggests Blizzard is quietly closing the door on SoD's future content, with no Phase 9 confirmed and only vague hints of a possible Phase 8.5.
Why the Shift? Blizzard's Bigger Plans
Blizzard's development team has been upfront about their pride in SoD's success. From Blackfathom Deeps to the Scarlet Enclave, the mode delivered unforgettable moments and proved there's a huge appetite for fresh content in the original WoW setting. However, the team is now focusing on a new project within the “original WoW design space,” widely speculated to be Classic+. This shift explains the lack of communication about future SoD phases, with Phase 8 stretching on for months without news of what's next.
The decision to offer a free boost for MoP Classic isn't just generosity—it's strategic. Blizzard aims to bolster MoP Classic's player base, likely to drive engagement with cosmetics, bundles, and WoW tokens. As a trillion-dollar company under Microsoft, Blizzard prioritises profitability, and MoP Classic is seen as a more significant revenue driver than SoD. Posts on X echo this sentiment, with players like @MrGMYT
noting the shift to a “more permanent Classic+ experience” while lamenting SoD's closure.
A Mix of Nostalgia and Frustration
The WoW community is a passionate bunch, and SoD's end has stirred strong emotions. On Blizzard's forums, players like Sentenzå expressed gratitude for the adventure, highlighting the joy of playing through every phase with diverse groups, from casual dads to hardcore raiders. Others, like Aerogosa, voiced frustration, feeling Blizzard's promises of continued SoD support were misleading. Some players, like Bloodyshots, plan to unsubscribe and wait for Classic+, as they are uninterested in MoP Classic or retail WoW.
The Scarlet Enclave raid itself has been a point of contention. Casual guilds have begged for a 25% buff to make it more accessible, arguing that serious progression teams have already cleared it. Blizzard's focus on MoP boosts over raid tuning has left some feeling neglected, especially since Balnazzar is the easiest encounter, not the final boss, Calderan.
What's Next for WoW Classic?
While SoD realms will remain active, similar to Classic Era, don't expect major updates. Blizzard has teased minor tweaks, like dwarf shamans, undead paladins, or PvP battlegrounds, but nothing substantial. The real excitement lies in the future. Lead developer Agon hinted at big plans, likely tied to Classic+, but don't hold your breath—the earliest reveal is expected at BlizzCon 2026, possibly September 12-13, with a release not before November.
For now, MoP Classic offers a smooth transition for SoD players, with classes feeling familiar yet refined. If you're hesitant, the free boost is a low-risk way to test the waters. Meanwhile, the TBC Anniversary event and other classic content will keep players busy until Classic+ arrives, promising a “forever game mode” that fans have long dreamed of.
FAQs About Season of Discovery Ends
What is the Mists of Pandaria Classic boost offer?
Defeating Balnazzar in the Scarlet Enclave raid by June 30 grants a free level 85 character boost for MoP Classic, distributed starting July 1. It's available to players with an active WoW subscription.
Will Season of Discovery get a Phase 9?
Blizzard hasn't confirmed Phase 9, and current signs point to no major updates beyond a possible Phase 8.5 with minor tweaks.
Can I still play Season of Discovery after the boost offer?
Yes, SoD realms will stay active, similar to Classic Era, but don't expect significant new content.
Why is Blizzard focusing on Mists of Pandaria Classic?
MoP Classic is a bigger revenue driver, and the boost aims to increase player engagement, potentially boosting sales of cosmetics and WoW tokens.
When will we hear about Classic+?
Blizzard has teased a new project in the original WoW design space, likely Classic+, with a possible reveal at BlizzCon 2026 and a release no earlier than November.
Thanks for Reading
Season of Discovery was a wild, innovative chapter in WoW Classic's history, and while its end stings, the future holds promise with Classic+ on the horizon. Stay tuned to MMOJUGG for the latest WoW news, guides, and updates to keep your Azeroth adventures thriving.
Table of Content
WoW SoD Gold
WoW SoD Items
WoW SoD Boosting