TBC Anniversary Phase 3 confirmed for August 27 — Black Temple and Hyjal unlock
Blizzard has officially dated Phase 3 for The Burning Crusade Anniversary realms: a global launch on August 27 at 3:00 pm PDT (23:00 BST). This was confirmed by Wowhead’s announcement roundup and covered by Blizzard Watch, which also links to the official Blizzard news post. If you saw the earlier BlizzardCS Discord leak pointing to August 13, consider that superseded by the August 27 announcement.
Phase 3 brings the two headline raids — Black Temple and The Battle for Mount Hyjal — along with the Netherwing daily quest hub in Shadowmoon Valley and the arrival of Epic Gems. Wowhead’s post notes the global timing and core features, while Blizzard Watch outlines the content and how to get in the door for each raid.
Heads-up: Wowhead lists the global launch as August 27 at 3:00 pm PDT / 23:00 BST. Source: Wowhead.
What opens in Phase 3
Black Temple (Shadowmoon Valley, level 70) is the big ticket. Blizzard Watch calls out that you’ll need to complete the BT attunement that begins with “The Tablets of Baa’ri,” with the starting NPC depending on Aldor or Scryer alignment. Inside, you’ll earn Ashtongue Deathsworn reputation and access a vendor once you’ve progressed. Wowhead’s roundup also reiterates the boss roster all the way through Illidan Stormrage.
The Battle for Mount Hyjal is accessed via the Caverns of Time and requires completing “The Vials of Eternity” questline (per Blizzard Watch). Reputation here is Scale of the Sands with rewards from an in-raid vendor. Wowhead additionally notes you don’t need to be in a raid group just to enter the instance.
Beyond raiding, the Netherwing daily hub opens on Netherwing Ledge in Shadowmoon Valley. You’ll need a flying mount to reliably reach it, and the grind culminates in the well-known Netherwing drakes at Exalted. Epic Gems also become available through Phase 3 content, expanding your gearing options. These elements are highlighted across Wowhead’s announcement and Blizzard Watch’s overview.
Arena players should note Blizzard Watch’s timing: Arena Season 2 ends on August 18 with Arena points converting to Honor at 1:10, and Arena Season 3 begins September 1 after maintenance. If you plan to PvP between raid nights, set expectations around those dates.
Quick UI prep for Illidan, Hyjal waves, and Netherwing dailies
Most of Phase 3 success is logistics. A few small UI tweaks will smooth your first weeks:
- Update your boss mods and raid frames ahead of raid night; Hyjal in particular rewards clean nameplates for add waves and reliable interrupt/taunt tracking.
- Track attunement steps: show quest objectives for “The Tablets of Baa’ri” (BT) and “The Vials of Eternity” (Hyjal) so you don’t burn time mid-week. Blizzard Watch’s write-up covers both requirements.
- Pin your reputation bars for Ashtongue Deathsworn and Scale of the Sands so you can watch vendor unlocks without digging through the reputation pane.
- Prep a daily route for Netherwing: bind a clean mount macro, keep your bag space clear for egg finds, and consider a simple timer or checklist for the hub’s repeatables.
- Gems and sockets: leave room to re-socket BiS pieces; double-check your UI shows socket bonuses and gem stats accurately once Epic Gems enter the pool.
Tip: Hyjal’s trash comes in scripted waves. If your UI supports it, show cast bars and debuffs prominently on incoming adds and prioritize clear audio cues for fears, knockbacks, and interrupts.
We’ll keep an eye on any further blue-post adjustments, but the date now looks locked: August 27 at 3:00 pm PDT. If you’ve been banking consumables and polishing your keybinds, you’re right on schedule.