WoW SoD P8: Scarlet Enclave & future plans teased

Attention, Azeroth's stalwart heroes! As World of Warcraft Classic's Season of Discovery (SoD) races through Phase 7 in March 2025, whispers of Phase 8 and the Scarlet Enclave raid are swirling, fuelled by evidence gathered from Wowhead's internal servers in Patch 1.15.7. Senior Game Producer Josh Greenfield recently shed light on the future of SoD in a lengthy response to community questions, answering long-standing questions about the season's trajectory and endpoint - or lack thereof. However, with Naxxramas live and players clamouring for clarity, the development team's adapt-as-we-go approach leaves much unanswered. Here's a breakdown of what's known, what's hinted at, and why transparency could make or break SoD's momentum as of 5 March 2025.

The SoD team's agility shines through in Greenfield's revelations. Initially, Phase 7's Naxxramas was planned as the finale - perhaps with minor updates like 7.1 or 7.5. Community feedback changed that plan, and a full-fledged Phase 8 with the Scarlet Enclave raid was born. Alongside Karazhan Crypts, this new content promises a "truly great and powerful" phase, with Greenfield confirming its existence. Official details are imminent, signalling a robust continuation beyond the current phase.

Why it matters: This pivot reflects SoD's small-team strength - quick responses to player input keep it dynamic. For raiders and explorers, Scarlet Enclave offers new challenges, potentially reinvigorating a season some feared was winding down.

Greenfield avoids setting Phase 8 as the end of SoD, hinting at months - or even years - of content to come. Unlike a hard stop, the end of the season would mean a halt to major updates, not server shutdowns. A tantalising prospect emerges: a permanent SoD server, similar to the level-60 realms of Classic Era, where characters persist beyond the season. While not guaranteed - "forever is a big word," he cautions - the team sees value in keeping SoD alive for its dedicated base.

Why it matters: Players hesitant to invest because of a looming end may find reassurance here. A permanent server could anchor SoD as an enduring classic, but without a firm commitment, doubts remain.

Greenfield explains the team's reticence: "Prematurely revealing the endpoint could kill engagement. If you call Phase 8 the finale, some might skip it altogether - why grind if it's curtains? The developers prefer a fluid approach, tweaking the train as it rolls. This "small and nimble" ethos contrasts with the rigid roadmaps of larger teams, allowing SoD to evolve organically - but frustrating a community that craves a timeline. Questions remain: Will characters migrate to Burning Crusade Classic? Will they fade into an Era server? The vague promise of a "cool place" isn't enough.

Why it matters: Uncertainty stifles alt-leveling and long-term commitment. A hint - months more, a year, anything - could spark a wave, especially if Phase 7 is thriving. Silence risks echoing the exodus of Phase 3.

Greenfield makes it clear that SoD is not the ultimate Classic+ vision - it's a testing ground. Some mechanics (like runes) may continue, others may disappear forever. After 21 years of WoW, 15 on the team and 7 in Classic, he calls SoD his favourite iteration - but it's a stepping stone. The Scarlet Enclave raid is the next big test, and the lessons learned will shape what comes next. Details will be revealed soon, and he urges players to stay tuned.

Why it matters: This frames SoD as experimental fun now, but not final. Players can enjoy it without expecting permanence, though the lack of a true Classic+ will leave purists wanting.

Phase 7's polished raids and Phase 8's looming Scarlet Enclave showcase SoD's peak potential - yet the community's plea echoes: "Where is this going?" Greenfield's openness is a start, but concrete plans - duration, character fates - could turn hesitation into hype. A permanent server tease is juicy, but without dates or details, players weigh every hour invested against an unknown end. Transparency isn't just nice to have - it's the key to unlocking SoD's next explosion.

Phase 8's Scarlet Enclave raid is approaching, with hints of no hard ending and a permanent SoD server - yet the devs dodge firm plans. Clarity could unleash a rush of players - stay tuned for updates!