WoW BCC Anniversary Shows Massive Return Spike, But Is It Real Players or Boost Driven Activity?

With WoW TBC Classic Anniversary Phase 3 officially launching on August 27th, many players still believe PvP is only for Arena enthusiasts. However, this mindset might cause you to miss out on a crucial gear upgrade path in Phase 3.

Entering Phase 3 will significantly intensify competition for raid gear. More importantly, the quality of PvP gear will be greatly improved, making PvP a key way for Warriors to quickly complete their gear sets.

Next, EZG will explain why Warriors must prepare PvP gear in advance for WoW TBC Classic Anniversary Phase 3, and why PvP gear can be a powerful transitional or end-game item.

Competition for Raid Tokens is Fierce

During WoW BCC Anniversary Phase 1 and Phase 2, Warriors found it relatively easy to acquire Tier 6 gear because their major competitors were Priests, Druids, and other Warriors, whose token needs weren't as intense.

With the opening of TBC Classic Anniversary Phase 3, competition for Tier 6 tokens has intensified. Hunters are no longer just looking for a few Best in Slot pieces; they aim to quickly collect the complete four-piece Tier 6 set to replace their previous Tier 5 gear.

Besides Hunters, Shamans are also becoming new competitors. While Enhancement Shamans don't have a high demand for the new Tier 6 set, as it's not particularly valuable to them, Restoration Shamans and Elemental Shamans will require these tokens.

Restoration Shamans, in particular, are crucial in TBC Phase 3 raids, and most raids will try to bring multiple Shamans. This competition will significantly slow down Warriors' gear acquisition speed in raids. 

PvP Gear Strength Increased

PvP gear in TBC Phase 3 has received a significant buff, with some arena gear now approaching or even surpassing the strength of some raid drops.

In previous phases, TBC arena gear often struggled to compete with raid gear, frequently lacking in damage output. Warriors rarely chose items like Gladiator Chestpiece or Merciless Gladiator's Chestpiece.

The new PvP chest piece, Vengeful Gladiator's Plate Chestpiece, introduced in WoW's Burning Crusade Anniversary Phase 3, while having slightly less strength compared to some PvE gear, boasts higher Crit, 84 Armor Penetration, 3 sockets, and higher Stamina, achieving a better balance between damage output and survivability.

In Phase 3, this chest piece's overall strength ranks among the top three, second only to Tier 6 Chest and Midnight Chestguard, and it might even be considered a potential end-game item for warrior players.

The competitiveness of Arena weapons in TBC P3 has also been significantly improved. The new Vengeful Gladiator boasts higher weapon damage, crit, and armor penetration. For Fury Warriors, a common future setup will be using Dragonmaw as the main-hand weapon and a Vengeful Gladiator as the off-hand.

PVP Gear Acquisition Difficulty Reduced

TBC Classic Anniversary adjusted the acquisition method for Arena Gear, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for PvP gear. Now, except for shoulders and weapons, most PvP gear no longer requires a high rating to unlock.

You only need to consistently participate in Arenas, completing 10 matches per week and accumulating Arena Points. Even with a low win rate, you can gradually exchange for core gear over time.

However, unlocking arena weapons requires approximately a 1,700 rating. For BCC Anniversary players without any PvP gear, directly entering high-intensity arena competition may be quite difficult.

Before Phase 3 opens and numerous players begin competing for Arena gear, you need to accumulate Arena Points and prepare some PvP gear in advance to avoid being at a significant disadvantage because of gear disparities.

Besides Arena gear, Honor gear is also an important way to quickly improve a Warrior's strength in Phase 3. By farming Battlegrounds, you can obtain numerous Honor items and unlock PvP gear with Resilience. While these items aren't the highest tier, they serve as very useful transitional gear.

Phase 3 will also introduce new Honor rings, among which Vindicator series ring is particularly noteworthy. This ring boasts 1% Crit, 44 Attack Power, and 56 Armor Penetration, making it extremely powerful for Warriors who don't lack Hit Rating.

The difficulty of obtaining PvP gear in Phase 3 makes it ideal for new Warriors who have just reached level 70 or for alt characters. If your new WoW character lacks raid gear and WoW TBC Classic Anniversary Gold, you can obtain rings, necklaces, bracers, belts, and boots through Battlegrounds, and then acquire higher-level chest armor, weapons, and other key pieces through Arena.

While you might experience gear and experience pressure when first entering Arena, you can choose to create your own group or find a group to complete weekly matches before Arena resets. Most importantly, don't miss out on accumulating weekly Arena points; this way, even before entering BCC Anniversary Phase 3 Raid, you can still accumulate a decent set of gear.

Phase 2 PvP Gear Discount

With the opening of WoW TBC Phase 3, Phase 2 PvP off-set gear may see discounts. Older items like belts and boots may become less expensive. Therefore, don't rush to use all your honor now. Reserve some Honor to wait for the discount window after Phase 3 opens, then exchange it for the gear you need, improving resource utilization.

In addition, some old Raid Tokens will gain new uses in Phase 3, allowing you to save some tokens in advance to exchange for new PvP gear.

Preparing for PvP in advance will not only help you acquire powerful weapons but also alleviate the gear pressure from competition for raid tokens. For Warriors, PvP in WoW TBC Classic Anniversary Phase 3 is no longer just an extra gameplay element but a crucial part of the gear progression path. Starting to prepare now will give you a significant advantage in the new phase.

With the upcoming release of WoW TBC Classic Anniversary Phase 3, I've noticed many players are considering leveling an alt. But do you know how to create the perfect alt for you?

If you're already thinking about leveling an alt but don't know where to start, this guide is for you. Let's take a look.

Picking Right Class and Spec

One reason many players want to level an alt is that they find their chosen class doesn't seem to get a suitable spot in raids.

Therefore, before choosing a class for your alt, you need to consider which class and specialization will secure you a raid spot. From a guild's perspective, certain class specializations are more sought after than others.

In BCC Anniversary Phase 3, I believe support specializations will be particularly advantageous. While some classes aren't always the most popular choices, they can help you find a raid spot quickly.

Not Recommended

Rogue

If you're a Rogue player, you know how difficult it is. While Rogues possess Improved Expose Armor skill, they offer little else of value. Unless your guild specifically needs a Rogue, avoid choosing one, as securing a raid slot is extremely difficult.

Paladin

I recommend avoiding Paladin for your alts; your guild already has enough tanks. However, if you must choose him, Holy or Ret are better options, as many guilds are currently shifting towards dual Retribution Paladin lineups. However, be aware that this requires mastering Sealing Twist.

Mage

This class might be tricky in WoW TBC Classic Anniversary Phase 3. While Arcane Mage will become very strong in Phase 3, you won't have a true support specialization at this stage, so you'll likely have to rely on luck or hope your guild has available slots.

Recommended

Warrior

Warrior is actually a good choice. Many Warrior players only want to play Fury Warriors, pursuing high DPS and not wanting support roles. If you're willing to choose Kebab Arms spec, you'll find a slot more easily.

Priest

Shadow Priest is an excellent class choice in The Burning Crusade. For specialization, Shadow Priest is a good option. While not popular and with lower damage output, you're very likely to get a raid spot, as almost every raid group will include one.

Holy Priest is also an option, as raids need healers, but Shadow Priest is the better choice overall.

Hunter

Hunter class is truly exciting. If you play Survival Hunter, guilds will be vying to recruit you, guaranteeing you a raid spot immediately.

Druid

If you don't have a specific preference, Druid is a good choice. It's a versatile class with many specialization options. Whether it's Feral Druid Tank, Feral DPS Druid, or Dream Druid, you can almost always find a suitable role in a raid. If you have enough TBC Classic Anniversary Gold, I recommend building a Dream Druid. While this build requires certain gears to be effective, it's incredibly powerful in raids.

Pre-Raid Preparation

The entry quest chain is long, requiring you to kill monsters in multiple raid instances, so you must carefully plan the quest order before Phase 3 goes live.

Your new character needs to complete the entire Black Temple access quest chain to obtain Medallion of Karabor - the physical key to enter the temple. You will need to perform the following steps:

Unlock Hyjal Access

First, you need to establish a connection with Battle for Mount Hyjal. This is a separate connection, requiring you to collect one potion bottle each from Lady Vashj in Serpentshrine Cavern and Kael'thas Sunstrider in Tempest Keep. Submitting these potion bottles will unlock Hyjal.

Start Akama Quest Chain

This is the dedicated questline to unlock Black Temple in Shadowmoon Valley. Your starting NPC depends on your faction choice in Shattrath. You need to complete this quest to proceed to the next step.

Defeat Rage Winterchill

Then, you need to enter Hyjal to defeat Rage Winterchill, after which you can pick up Time-Phased Phylactery for An Artifact From the Past.

Final Cutscene

After giving the phylactery to Akama, you need to turn in items to A'dal and then to NPC Xi'ri outside Black Temple. Accept and complete the quest A Distraction for Akama. This is a short story event where you need to escort NPC through the sewers. Upon completion, you will finally obtain Medallion of Karabor.

Only after completing the above can you enter the dungeon immediately after WoW The Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Phase 3 opens.

New Character Building Guidelines

Leveling Up

Whether your T6 dungeon preparations are in progress or already complete, you must focus on your character's strength. A character that has just reached level 70 is not yet capable of handling the challenges of Black Temple.

Normal and Heroic Dungeons

Running these dungeons will earn your Justice Badges and reputation. You can also find some decent pre-raid gear as a base.

Crafting Gears

Craft the items you need based on your class and specialization. The right items can provide a significant boost. Additionally, consider acquiring inexpensive gear from Honor vendors. Some of this gear is an excellent source of high stamina, a key stat for survivability and crucial for progression.

Prioritize Survivability

To successfully complete WoW BCC Anniversary raid, you need to understand that survival is just as important as damage output. Tanks need to focus on damage reduction, healers need to balance damage and mana regeneration for prolonged fights, and DPS classes need to ensure they reach the required hit or spell hit cap for effective damage output.

While enchanting and socketing gems are crucial, try to reserve the most expensive materials for items you're certain you'll use long-term, rather than temporary substitutes.

That concludes this article on how to create a useful alt in WoW TBC Anniversary Phase 3. Remember, your alt always needs to meet two requirements: first, ensure it can enter raids; second, ensure your character is strong enough to survive and contribute in raids.

WoW TBC Classic Anniversary will enter Phase 3 on August 27th, bringing new changes to class strength.

The biggest difference between Phase 3 and the earlier phases is that raid needs for specific classes have become more fixed. Players are no longer just focused on how much damage a class can deal, but also on its ability to consistently find groups, its contribution to raid efficiency, and its potential for further growth once geared up.

With the opening of Black Temple, some classes have entered their golden age, while others, despite impressive stats, haven't delivered the expected satisfying raid experience.

Based on Phase 3 team environment and class performance, classes can be roughly divided into the following tiers:

• S Tier: Destruction Warlock, Beast Mastery Hunter, Fury Warrior
• A Tier: Arcane Mage, Enhancement Shaman, Survival Hunter, Retribution Paladin, Arms Warrior, Elemental Shaman
• B Tier: Rogue, Fire Mage, Feral Druid

The following is a detailed analysis of each class's performance in Phase 3.

S Tier

Destruction Warlock

If only considering Phase 3 damage output, Destruction Warlock remains the class most likely to reach the top.

Warlock's progression in the later stages of BCC Anniversary is very smooth; gear upgrades directly translate into damage gains. Combined with the supportive team environment for Warlock, Destruction Warlock often maintains a high ranking on the damage leaderboard for extended periods.

Its greatest strength is its stability. No complex mechanics are required, and it doesn't rely on particularly demanding combat environments. As long as the gear meets the requirements, Shadow Bolt rotation can deliver incredibly high damage output.

Of course, strong classes always come with competition. As more players switch to Warlock, core gear and raid slots will become even more sought after. However, in terms of Phase 3 strength, Destruction Warlock remains one of the most worthwhile classes to invest in.

Beast Mastery Hunter

The reason Beast Mastery Hunter ranks so high is different from Destruction Warlock. It's not simply popular because of its damage output, but because raids genuinely need this class.

Pets provide consistent damage, the class itself has low operational pressure, and it possesses significant raid value, which has allowed Beast Mastery Hunter to maintain a high ranking throughout the later stages of BCC Anniversary.

For returning players, Beast Mastery Hunter is a very safe choice. Its leveling experience is pleasant, and it's relatively easy to find a raid group after reaching max level. Compared to some classes that require waiting for a gear overhaul, Beast Mastery Hunter's progression path is much smoother.

Fury Warrior

Fury Warrior has always been a dream class for many TBC Classic Anniversary players.

Upon entering Phase 3, as gear improves, Fury Warrior begins to show its true power. Especially after acquiring powerful weapons, the class's damage output significantly increases.

The greatest joy of playing a Fury Warrior is watching the character continuously improve with gear progression.

However, Fury Warrior is also a gear-dependent class. Investment in weapons, enhancement gear, and consumables all affect the final performance. Therefore, players usually need to prepare sufficient WoW TBC Classic Anniversary Gold in advance to complete the progression path.

Tier A

Arcane Mage

Arcane Mage's performance in Phase 3 is outstanding.

Theoretically, Arcane Mage possesses extremely high burst damage, making it a top-tier DPS class in the eyes of many players. However, in the actual TBC Classic Anniversary raid environment, Arcane Mage is somewhat dependent on raid resources.

Activation, mana regeneration, and combat rhythm all affect the final performance.

During the initial raid progression phase, when resources are limited, Arcane Mage may not fully utilize their simulated potential. However, once gear is complete and team coordination is stable, Arcane Mage remains a terrifying DPS class.

Enhancement Shaman

Enhancement Shaman has always been a very special class in BCC Anniversary.

Many players evaluate classes based on individual damage, but the value of Enhancement Shaman lies more in the team aspect. The importance of Windfury Totem to melee teams makes Enhancement Shaman a fixed position in many team compositions.

Survival Hunter

Survival Hunter has consistently been less popular than Beast Mastery Hunter.

Many players prefer to directly pursue damage, so there aren't many willing to play Survival Hunter in BCC Anniversary. However, from a team perspective, Survival Hunter still has its value. Some teams even specifically seek out players who can fill this role.

If the goal is to consistently participate in raids rather than aiming for the highest damage output every time, Survival Hunter is a comfortable choice.

Retribution Paladin, Arms Warrior, Elemental Shaman

Retribution Paladin will perform well in BCC Anniversary Phase 3 and will continue to improve as gear upgrades occur.

Arms Warrior relies on team synergy to secure its place. While its individual DPS may not be as high as Fury Warrior, its team contribution makes it competitive.

Elemental Shaman is similar; it's crucial for spellcaster teams, enhancing DPS environment for classes like Warlock and Wizard.

These classes may not be the most prominent on the leaderboard, but their team value is very clear.

Tier B

Rogue

Rogue is the most talked-about class in Phase 3.

Many BCC Anniversary players choose Rogue hoping to obtain the legendary weapon that will transform the class experience. Once geared up, Rogue's DPS in both dungeons and arenas will see a significant boost. However, before acquiring core gear, Rogue's environment is difficult.

Fire Mage

Fire Mage is a relatively niche choice in Phase 3. Statistically, it's generally less stable than Arcane Mage, but some well-geared and skilled players can still achieve good results.

Feral Druid

Feral Druid has always been an excellent tank class in BCC Anniversary. Its biggest feature is its ability to not only tank but also switch to cat form for DPS.

However, with the increased difficulty of Black Temple and the higher demands for stable tanks, it becomes more difficult for Feral Druids to simultaneously fulfill both tanking and DPS roles.

P3 Class Selection Recommendations

The class strengths and weaknesses in Phase 3 are becoming clearer. For ordinary players, choosing a class shouldn't solely rely on leaderboards. Whether a class is sustainable long-term, the comfort of the raid environment, and the feasibility of obtaining gear all significantly affect the final experience.

The greatest joy of BCC Anniversary is that each class has its own shining moments. Black Temple is just one stage of the journey; finding a suitable career is the core of the entire anniversary experience.

TBC Classic Anniversary Phase 3 will open on August 27th, with Black Temple and Mount Hyjal becoming new gear targets for players. Besides raid drops, Heart of Darkness is a crucial crafting material in this phase.

Many players encountering Heart of Darkness for the first time will find it difficult to assess its value. This is because it involves a large number of items; some can be used until Phase 3 endgame, some are only temporary, and some classes don't need to invest resources in it at all.

Planning your Heart of Darkness usage before entering Phase 3 can prevent wasting precious materials on limited gear upgrades.

What is Heart of Darkness?

Heart of Darkness is a new crafting material introduced in Phase 3, primarily obtained from drops from mobs in Black Temple and Mount Hyjal. Players will gradually accumulate this material while clearing raid mobs, with Frostwyrm having a higher drop rate.

Similar to Void Spheres in the previous Phase, Heart of Darkness crafting equipment has different binding rules.

Shoulder equipment is mostly Bind on Pickup (BoP), meaning you usually need the corresponding profession to use them. For example, Tailoring crafted spellcaster shoulders and Leatherworking crafted physical attack shoulders both require the player to retain the crafting profession.

Bracket equipment is more convenient, as most are Bind on Equip (BoE). Players without the profession can have guild members craft them or acquire finished products directly from the auction house.

Therefore, accumulating WoW TBC Classic Anniversary Gold in advance allows players to quickly get the necessary BoE equipment at the beginning of the expansion, avoiding missing the optimal upgrade window.

Class Gear Selection

While Heart of Darkness can craft a large amount of equipment, not all BCC Anniversary classes need to prepare in advance.

If the character is a returning player or has a weak gear base, Heart of Darkness gear can still help them quickly catch up with Phase progress. However, for players who are already consistently participating in raids, it's recommended to save materials for classes that will see more significant improvements.

Druid

Restoration Druid is Druid specialization that most needs to focus on Heart of Darkness.

Shoulderpads of Renewed Life are a decent transitional shoulder piece for Restoration Druid, usable until obtaining Tier 6 Shoulders. Swiftheal Wraps perform exceptionally well in Phase 3, offering better Intellect stats compared to other crafted bracers, making them a viable long-term option for Restoration Druids.

Balance Druids primarily focus on Bracers of Nimble Thought. Spell Haste significantly benefits Balance Druid rotations, and if hit rating is already sufficient, these bracers are a key choice for Phase 3.

While Feral Druids can also use Swiftstrike Bracers, the actual need for them is not as high. Since BCC Anniversary Arena Season 3 bracers are also competitive, Feral Druids don't need to prioritize consuming Heart of Darkness resources.

Mage

BCC Anniversary Arcane Mage players can focus on two Heart of Darkness items: Mantle of Nimble Thought and Bracers of Nimble Thought.

However, Bracers of Nimble Thought is more important. This item provides spell haste and can be used until Cuffs of Devastation drop from Archimonde Defiler in Mount Hyjal.

Paladin

Holy Paladin players can focus on Dawnsteel Bracers, as their haste stat is very suitable for Paladins.

Retribution Paladin players should focus on Bindings of Lightning Reflexes. This bracer provides a more direct boost to physical damage output and is one of the more suitable items for Retribution Paladin among BCC Anniversary Phase 3 Heart of Darkness gear.

Priest

Holy Priest can choose Swiftheal Mantle, which provides healing haste, making it very suitable for situations requiring frequent casting of healing spells. Although Tier 5 Shoulders have set bonuses, Swiftheal Mantle remains competitive in certain healing scenarios during BCC Anniversary.

Shadow Priest has a higher demand for Heart of Darkness gear. Mantle of Nimble Thought is excellent gear until you obtain Tier 6 Shoulders, while Bracers of Nimble Thought is crucial DPS gear in Phase 3.

Rogue

Rogues can focus on Swiftstrike Shoulders and Swiftstrike Bracers. The shoulders are primarily suitable for players with Leatherworking profession, but with the opening of Black Temple, Tier 6 Shoulders will become the ultimate goal, so Swiftstrike Shoulders will serve more than a transitional piece.

Shaman

Shamans are one of the classes that benefit most from Heart of Darkness in Phase 3.

Elemental Shamans can utilize Mantle of Nimble Thought and Bracers of Nimble Thought. The shoulder armor can serve as an alternative in Tier 6 set, while the spell haste provided by the bracers perfectly suits the needs of Elemental Shamans.

Restoration Shamans should focus on Living Earth Shoulders and Living Earth Bindings.

Enhancement Shamans are the most worthwhile specialization to invest in for Heart of Darkness. Shoulders of Lightning Reflexes and Bindings of Lightning Reflexes are both excellent fits for Enhancement Shamans.

Unlike many classes in BCC Anniversary who only need to focus on one piece of equipment, Enhancement Shamans can simultaneously benefit from the two key piece enhancements provided by Heart of Darkness.

Warlocks

Both Affliction Warlocks and Destruction Warlocks can utilize Mantle of Nimble Thought, but the shoulders are not mandatory.

Bracers of Nimble Thought are entirely different. This bracer provides excellent spell haste for spellcasters, making it a crucial piece of gear for both Affliction Warlock and Destruction Warlock in Phase 3.

Warrior

Fury Warriors and Arms Warriors can consider Bindings of Lightning Reflexes, although the improvement is relatively limited.

Better bracers will drop in Archimonde The Defiler raid in Mount Hyjal, so if raid resources are limited, Warriors don't need to prioritize consuming large amounts of Heart of Darkness in BCC Anniversary Phase 3.

Shadow Resistance Gear

Besides class gear, Heart of Darkness has another important use in BCC Anniversary: ​​crafting Shadow Resistance Gear.

Mother Shahraz in Black Temple requires shadow resistance from the raid; crafting Shadow Resistance Gear in advance using Heart of Darkness can reduce progression stress.

Before entering Phase 3, players need to determine their gear goals. The price of Heart of Darkness is likely to rise in the early stages of Phase 3, so planning ahead can save considerable costs.

While Heart of Darkness isn't a must-have resource for all classes in BCC Anniversary, it directly impacts the gear progression in Phase 3 for those who truly need it. Determining your goals in advance and using materials strategically will maximize the value of your crafted gear.

TBC Classic Anniversary Phase 3 will begin on August 27th. For players preparing to enter Black Temple and Hyjal Summit, this period is crucial for preparation.

Waiting until Phase 3 launches is a common choice, but it also means competing with thousands of players for the same resources.

Those who prepare during Phase 2 will have a much easier start when Black Temple and Hyjal Summit become available.

In the first few weeks after a new phase opens, the prices of gems, materials, consumables, and crafted items will experience significant fluctuations. Preparing resources in advance can not only save a lot of gold but also allow you to get into Phase 3 rhythm faster than other players.

Accumulate Gold in Advance

One of the biggest changes in Phase 3 is the addition of Epic Gems.

The new gems will directly affect gear combinations, and BCC anniversary market prices will change accordingly. Currently, Red Gems are still the most expensive, but Yellow Gems are likely to see a price increase after Phase 3 begins.

The reason is simple: Haste Rating will officially come into play during this phase.

Many professions will start pursuing Haste Rating, especially DPS classes like Mages. Since Haste-related gems primarily come from Yellow Gems, the demand for Yellow Gems will significantly increase as players upgrade their gear and re-socket gems.

Besides gems, Phase 3 will also bring a large influx of new gear, enchantments, and crafting requirements. Whether you want to upgrade your character or profit from the market, gold will be the most important resource in the early stages of Phase 3.

Therefore, don't rush to spend all your WoW TBC Classic Anniversary Gold now. Farming materials, doing daily quests, and investing in items you'll need in the future will give you more control after Phase 3 opens.

Stockpile Elixir of Demonslaying

If there's one item that's most worthwhile to invest in before Phase 3 arrives, I think Elixir of Demonslaying is definitely at the top of the list.

The reason lies in Black Temple, a dungeon with numerous Demon-type enemies. Elixir of Demonslaying is highly effective against demon targets, making it a popular consumable during raid progression.

Currently, its price doesn't fully reflect future demand, so buying some in advance as a stockpile is a prudent choice.

If you don't want to buy Elixir directly, you can consider stockpiling crafting materials, with Ghost Mushroom being particularly noteworthy. Besides Dire Maul, some less popular cave areas also yield abundant Ghost Mushroom, along with Truesilver Ore.

For BCC anniversary players with dual gathering characters, farming these materials now is a good option. Whether crafting Elixir of Demonslaying or selling the materials directly, there will be good returns in the future.

Maxing out Reputation

Phase 3 also involves a crucial preparation: upgrading three Reputations to Exalted.

These are Centarion Expedition, Aldor or Scryer (choose one), and The Sha'tar. After completing these three Reputations, BCC Anniversary players can acquire Shattrath Flask.

These Flasks include Flask of Fortification, Flask of Restoration, Flask of Supreme Power, Flask of Relentless Assault, Flask of Pure Death, and Flask of Blinding Light, essentially covering the needs of most professions.

This is why it's not recommended to hoard regular Flasks now. While regular Flasks might initially earn some gold at the start of Phase 3, the market pressure on regular Flasks will increase as more players gain the eligibility to get Shattrath Flasks.

Compared to investing in regular Flasks, maximizing Reputation beforehand is clearly more stable.

PVP Players Should Continue Saving Honors

If you primarily play BCC Anniversary PVP, then the most important thing to do now is to continue accumulating Honors.

Phase 3 will introduce new PVP gear, including sets of different armor types, new Trinkets, Rings, and Necks.

Most importantly, Honors will not reset. Therefore, Honor Points and Battleground Marks you save now can be directly exchanged for new equipment once Phase 3 opens.

Complete Raid Prerequisites in Advance

If you want to enter the new raids in Phase 3 as soon as possible, don't delay Attunement quests.

Black Temple questline needs to start from the corresponding Aldor or Scryer route, then connect with Akama questline, ultimately obtaining Medallion of Karabor.

This item is not only used to enter Black Temple but also provides 40 Shadow Resistance, which is very helpful in Mother Shahraz fight.

Hyjal Summit also requires completing related quests in advance. For BCC anniversary, players need to go to Caverns of Time to complete quests and kill the designated boss to obtain Vials.

These quests may not be stressful now, but once Phase 3 opens and many players are simultaneously progressing through the quests, you will clearly feel the advantage of completing them in advance.

Netherwing Reputation

Players who enjoy collecting mounts shouldn't miss Netherwing Reputation, which will open in Phase 3.

Netherwing starts at Hated and requires a questline to increase Reputation. Players must first complete the opening questline before they can unlock the later stages of this reputation grind.

However, note that continuing the questline requires 5,000 Gold Riding Skill. Therefore, if your goal is to obtain Netherwing Drake as quickly as possible, you should start preparing WoW TBC Classic Anniversary Gold now.

Don't Stop Farming Heroic

Many players feel that exchanging Badge of Justice for gear is outdated and have stopped farming Heroic.

However, in fact, after Phase 3 begins, Badge of Justice can be exchanged for Primal Nether, and the demand for Primal Nether will be extremely high.

Whether it's Leg Enchant, Engineering gear, or items crafted by PvP players, a large amount of Primal Nether is needed.

Especially for BCC anniversary players who don't raid and mainly play PvP, they often directly acquire these materials.

Also, don't overlook Shadow Resistance Gear. Besides quest rewards and profession crafting, some World Drop gear also has Shadow Resistance attributes.

Enchanting can also find resistance-enhancing items like rings through Disenchant blue and green gear, but this method is largely based on luck.

In the early stages of Phase 3, the real difference often lies not in who grinds the longest after logging in, but in who prepares more thoroughly beforehand.

The players who enter Phase 3 with enough gold, materials, and preparation will have a much smoother journey through Black Temple and Hyjal Summit.

In WoW TBC Classic Anniversary, Retribution Paladin has always been a highly promising melee DPS class. With Phase 3 approaching and more high-level gear being added, BiS gear choices for Retribution Paladin have changed.

This guide will detail Phase 3 Retribution Paladin BIS Gear setup, while also analyzing some cost-effective alternatives to help players at different gear levels find the most suitable BiS path for themselves.

Whether you're aiming for top raid rankings or simply want to improve your raid's consistent DPS, this WoW TBC Classic Anniversary gear guide will help you better plan your Retribution Paladin's progression.

Head

For head slot, the best choice for Ret Paladin is Engineering-crafted Furious Gizmatic Goggles. Its biggest advantages are its excellent base stats, Critical Strike, and gem sockets, providing very high damage output. It's also one of the strongest standalone heads in WoW TBC Classic.

Amulet

For amulet slot, Amulet of Bitter Hatred is recommended. This item comes from Midsummer Festival event boss and is a very special piece of equipment. WoW officially increased its item level, making its stats significantly better than the original.

Amulet of Bitter Hatred provides more Agility and Attack Power, making it ideal for Retribution Paladins who need to achieve 9% Hit. If you don't have this item, you can choose Choker of Vile Intent as an alternative.

Shoulder

Shoulderpads of the Stranger are one of the essential pieces of equipment for Retribution Paladins. Its greatest value comes from its expertise stat.

Currently, shoulders with Expertise stat are extremely rare in WoW TBC Anniversary, and Retribution Paladin build heavily relies on this attribute. This piece of gear will help improve the stability of your Seal Twist, so you should prioritize farming it.

Weapons

Regarding weapons, Ret Paladin build in TBC Phase 3 primarily focuses on two options: Twinblade of the Phoenix and Lionheart Executioner, both with very similar performance.

Twinblade of the Phoenix comes from the final boss of Tempest Keep, Kael'thas Sunstrider, and boasts three gem sockets, high attack power, and excellent critical strike chance.

If you already own Lionheart Executioner, you can continue using it. However, if you obtain Twinblade of the Phoenix, you can pair it with Bulwark of the Ancient Kings to further enhance overall DPS and help you quickly farm WoW TBC Classic Anniversary Gold.

For WoW BCC Anniversary players with limited budgets, World Breaker is a viable option. While not a top-tier weapon, its proc effect increases the critical strike rating of the next attack, making it invaluable for Seal Twist burst builds.

Chest

For Retribution Paladins aiming for maximum DPS, Bulwark of the Ancient Kings is a very special piece of gear.

It comes from Blacksmithing Armorsmith Specialization. Besides its excellent stats, it has an active effect that grants your Ret Paladin 150 Strength for 15 seconds. Although the cooldown is long, it provides a significant damage boost during burst phases.

Belt

Belt of One-Hundred Deaths is expected to be one of the most important pieces of gear for Retribution Paladins in TBC Phase 3. It not only provides strong base stats but also Expertise, making it highly sought after by many physical DPS classes.

However, for Retribution Paladins, this gear is extremely important because it allows for greater flexibility in coordinating other gear choices, making the overall build more adaptable. In a fixed raid group, this should be prioritized for Retribution Paladins.

In WoW Burning Crusade Anniversary Phase 3, Red Belt of Battle is an excellent transitional choice. It boasts Strength, Hit Rating, Critical Strike, and two slots, helping you maintain decent DPS.

Leg

Leg gear varies by class and race. If you're a Human Ret Paladin, you can use Leggings of Murderous Intent. Humans have the advantage of extra expertise from sword and mace specializations, making it easier to reach the requirement cap.

For other races, Sha'tari Deadeye Leggings are recommended. While this quest reward gear may seem ordinary, its substantial Expertise boost makes it a valuable piece of gear for Retribution Paladins in TBC Phase 3.

Gloves

Gloves can utilize Plunderer's Gauntlets, a quest reward item. Although only Green quality, it provides a significant amount of Expertise, making it very useful for WoW BCC Anniversary Retribution Paladin.

Rings

Shapeshifter's Signet is essentially the go-to choose. It provides expertise, extremely valuable for Retribution Paladins. The other ring can be chosen based on hit requirements; Band of the Ranger-General is suitable for builds aiming for 9% hit.

If you already have sufficient Hit in TBC Phase 3, you can choose Ancestral Ring of Conquest for higher Strength and overall state benefits.

Trinkets

Trinkets can include Bloodlust Brooch and Dragonspine Trophy. Bloodlust Brooch provides active burst damage, while DST's Haste effect significantly enhances Retribution Paladin's attack rhythm.

Abacus of Violent Odds is also a good alternative, as Haste is very helpful for Retribution Paladin's Seal Twist rotation.

Relic

In Relic slot, Retribution Paladin doesn't have many options. The best gear is Libram of Avengement, derived from Blood Furnace, which significantly increases the damage output of Seal of Command and Seal of Blood.

While other Libram exist, none can replace it in overall effect; it's a crucial piece of gear that Retribution Paladin must acquire in TBC Phase 3.

For players who love Retribution Paladin, WoW TBC Classic Anniversary Phase 3 is a crucial stage to prove the class's value. A Retribution Paladin who understands the mechanics, knows how to gear, and masters the timing of bursts will become an indispensable melee DPS core in the raid.