WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Phase 3: Blackwing Lair, Gold Tips, and Why This Update Slaps

Veteran’s guide to dominating Nefarian, surviving the gold grind, and prepping for what’s next.

Let’s be real: Phase 3 of WoW Classic’s 20th Anniversary Edition isn’t just another update—it’s a love letter to the OGs. Blackwing Lair’s back, the Darkmoon Faire’s throwing confetti, and your gold stash? It’s about to take a beating. As someone who’s wiped on Nefarian more times than I’ve had hot dinners, here’s how to tackle Phase 3 without losing your sanity (or your guild’s patience).

Blackwing Lair: Nefarian’s Back, and He’s Pissed

If Molten Core was the tutorial, Blackwing Lair is the final exam. This 40-man raid isn’t for the faint of heart. Nefarian’s mechanics? They’ll make you miss Ragnaros’s lazy lava phases.

Key Boss Tips for the Weary:

• Razorgore: Assign one person to orb duty. If your raid’s yelling “KILL THE EGGS!” you’ve already failed.
• Vaelastrasz: Pop a Frost Protection Potion unless you enjoy being a crispy healer.
• Nefarian: That “Class Call” ability? Priests, hide your mana bars. Warriors, pray you’re not stuck in Berserker Stance.

Loot to Salivate Over:

• Ashkandi, Greatsword of the Brotherhood (Hunter weapon? Sure, Jan).
• Neltharion’s Tear – because every caster needs more crit.

Darkmoon Faire: Your Raid Breakup Therapy

Need a breather after 3 hours of wiping on Chromaggus? The Darkmoon Faire’s here to save your soul.

Don’t Sleep On:

• Sayge’s Buffs: +10% stats for an hour? Yes, please.
• Tickets for Trinkets: Grind the “Test of Strength” quest for the Darkmoon Card: Blue Dragon—it’s BiS for healers until AQ40.
• Carnival Games: Win a pet Murloc to flex on your guild’s noobs.

Gold Grind: How to Fund Your Raid Obsession

Let’s cut the fluff: Phase 3 will bleed your gold dry. Between Flasks of the Titans and repair bills, you’ll need a small fortune.

Veteran-Approved Farms:

• Tyr’s Hand: Farm righteous orbs solo. Bonus: gank Alliance while they cry over shared tagging.
• Dire Maul East: Trib runs with a hunter/mage duo = 100g/hour.
• Elemental Fire in Un’Goro: Prices spike pre-raid nights. Sell high, laugh louder.
• Time = Gold: If farming’s not your jam, services like SSEGOLD can fast-track your stash. Spend less time grinding Deviates and more time mastering Nefarian’s phase transitions.

What’s Next? Phase 4 Teasers & Beyond

Phase 3’s just the warm-up. Here’s the tea on what’s coming:

• Zul’Gurub: Get ready for Hakkar wipes and tiger mounts.
• Arathi Basin: Because Warsong Gulch was just practice.
• Ahn’Qiraj War Effort: Stockpile linen cloth now unless you want your server memed as “the slow one.”

Final Thoughts: Don’t Be the Guy Who Shows Up Without Fire Resist

Phase 3’s where Classic separates the tourists from the lifers. Blackwing Lair demands prep, patience, and a guild that doesn’t blame healers for standing in fire.

TL;DR:

• Farm Elemental Fire/Life like it’s your job.
• Use the Darkmoon Faire to recharge (and grab free buffs).
• If gold’s tight, SSEGOLD’s a clutch backup—no shame in skipping the grind.
• Now get out there and make Nefarian regret respawning.