Zul'Gurub Phase 4 Guide: Best Loot, Boss Tips & Reputation Gains

With Phase 4 of the WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Realm officially live as of May 1, 2025, players are diving headfirst into Zul’Gurub, the long-awaited 20-man raid nestled deep in Stranglethorn Vale. This troll-infested temple is more than just a warm-up before Ahn’Qiraj—it’s a vital stepping stone for gearing up your characters, especially with Naxxramas looming on the horizon in Phase 6.

Whether you’re a returning veteran or stepping into Zul’Gurub for the first time, this guide breaks down the raid's best loot, essential boss tips, and the fastest ways to earn exalted with the Zandalar Tribe.

Why Zul’Gurub Matters in Phase 4

Zul’Gurub (ZG) fills a unique niche in Classic WoW’s progression curve. Unlike Molten Core or Blackwing Lair, it's a 20-player instance, making it much more accessible to smaller guilds or pug groups. But don’t let the size fool you—ZG is packed with top-tier pre-Naxx gear, enchanting formulas, unique mounts, and powerful reputation rewards.

It’s also the best place to close the gear gap before AQ20 and AQ40 launch in Phase 5. Let’s break it down.

How to Access Zul’Gurub

You’ll find Zul’Gurub in the northeastern corner of Stranglethorn Vale. There's no attunement required, but it helps to pick up the Zandalar Tribe reputation questlines on Yojamba Isle first. This island is your hub for ZG-related turn-ins, reputation rewards, and class-specific gear quests.

Boss Breakdown & Loot Highlights

Zul’Gurub features 13 bosses, including two optional ones. Many of them drop class-specific gear pieces, as well as powerful epics that rival Blackwing Lair loot, many of which are BIS items (Learn Phase 4 BiS Lists for Every Class). Here's what you need to know:

1. High Priest Venoxis

• Mechanic: Poison clouds and snake adds. Cleanse-heavy fight.

• Notable Loot: [Zulian Stone Axe], [Cloak of Consumption]

2. High Priestess Jeklik

• Mechanic: Bat form AoE, heals during human form. Interrupts are key.

• Notable Loot: [Blooddrenched Leggings], [Jeklik’s Crusher]

3. High Priestess Mar’li

• Mechanic: Spider adds and poison volleys. Control adds fast.

• Notable Loot: [Zulian Scepter of Rites], [Mar’li’s Touch]

4. High Priest Thekal

• Mechanic: Three-phase fight, resurrections if not killed together.

• Notable Loot: [Primal Hakkari Idol], chance to drop the Swift Zulian Tiger mount.

5. High Priestess Arlokk

• Mechanic: Stealth and shadow damage. Dispel and AoE focus.

• Notable Loot: [Panther Hide Sack], [Arlokk’s Grasp]

6. Hakkar the Soulflayer (Final Boss)

• Mechanic: MC, poison blood, mind control, and AoE. Kill all priest bosses first to avoid extra mechanics.

• Notable Loot: [Heart of Hakkar], [Fang of the Faceless], [Zulian Helm]

7. Optional: Edge of Madness

• Weekly rotating mini-boss with loot like [Seafury Gauntlets] or [Gri’lek’s Charm of Might].

• Summoned using items from herbs and Zandalar rep turn-ins.

Best Loot in Zul’Gurub (Class Highlights)

Zul’Gurub introduces Primal Hakkari tokens and Zandalar class sets, which are excellent gear for every role. Some top-tier picks include:

• Warrior: Zandalar Vindicator’s Breastplate (great tanking stats)

• Rogue: Zandalar Madcap’s Tunic (tons of Agility and Hit)

• Hunter: [Blooddrenched Leggings] from Jeklik—top DPS legs pre-AQ

• Mage: [Zulian Robe of Insight] – a fantastic spellpower piece

• Priest: Zandalar Confessor’s Mantle – ideal for healing builds

Also, keep your eyes out for the Swift Zulian Tiger and Swift Razzashi Raptor, two of the most coveted mounts in Classic WoW. They have a low drop rate from Thekal and Mandokir respectively, so get ready to grind.

Reputation Farming with the Zandalar Tribe

How to Gain Rep Fast:

• Boss kills give a fixed amount of Zandalar Tribe rep.

• Trash mobs give small rep gains, so full clears are worthwhile.

• Bijou turn-ins and coin collections (from bosses/trash) provide major rep boosts.

Bijous and Coins:

• Drop from mobs and bosses in ZG.

• Turn them in at Yojamba Isle for rep and a chance at powerful class enchants.

• The best ones?

  • +18 Healing to Bracers

  • +30 Attack Power to Shoulders

  • +24 Spell Power to Bracers

Rep Thresholds Matter:

• Friendly: Start class questlines.

• Honored: Access to first tier of rewards.

• Revered: Powerful enchants.

• Exalted: Best enchants and gear upgrades.

You’ll want to hit Revered at the very least to unlock shoulder enchants that rival Naxx-level buffs.

Edge of Madness & Weekly Rotations

Don’t skip this lesser-known part of the raid. The Edge of Madness is a rotating weekly boss that offers rare loot and easy rep. Each week, one of four troll spirits is summonable:

• Gri'lek, Hazza'rah, Renataki, Wushoolay

• Requires [Gurubashi Mojo Madness] potion (crafted via herbs)

Kill them for a shot at useful trinkets and blues, plus tokens for Zandalar reputation turn-ins.

Tips for Efficient ZG Clears

• Dispel-heavy classes are vital. Poison and mind control mechanics run rampant here.

• Priest bosses must die before Hakkar, or you’ll deal with brutal extra mechanics.

• Assign specific coin and bijou collectors to avoid loot drama.

• Set up scheduled bijou and coin turn-ins as a guild to maximize rep gains weekly.

Bonus: Stranglethorn Vale Synergy

Zul’Gurub makes STV even more important. Phase 4 also introduced the Stranglethorn Fishing Extravaganza, which takes place every Sunday. Win for a chance at [Hook of the Master Angler] or [Arcanite Fishing Pole]—both useful utility items.

If you’re already in the zone for ZG, consider timing your fishing and raiding efforts together for double the gains.

Final Thoughts

Zul’Gurub isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s a gear and rep goldmine in Phase 4. With easily accessible content, powerful rewards, and crucial enchants that will carry into Ahn’Qiraj and Naxxramas, every player should make ZG a core part of their weekly WoW Classic rotation.

Veteran tip? Build a consistent raid team, funnel your bijous and coins wisely, and prioritize class gear pieces with longevity. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve in Classic’s 20th Anniversary content cycle, ZG is your battleground.

Need help getting ready faster? You can always buy WoW Classic 20th gold to prep your gear and enchants before the next phase. We recommend SSEgold for reliable and cheap WoW Classic currency.