WoW SoD AQ (AQ 20 and AQ40) Release Date, Bosses, Loot Table and More

In the Season of Discovery Phase 6, some significant changes coming to the Ahn'Qiraj raids. In this article, we are going to focus on the WoW SoD AQ (AQ 20 and AQ40) release date, mount, changes, bosses, loot table, and more.

WoW SoD AQ Release Date - When Does Ahn'Qiraj Come Out in Season of Discovery?

In WoW SoD Phase 6, the Ahn'Qiraj raid content follows a confirmed release schedule. The journey begins on November 12, 2024, with the opening of the Scepter of the Shifting Sands questline, followed by the global launch of the Ahn'Qiraj War Effort on November 21 at 1:00 PM PST. The Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj (AQ20) and the Temple of Ahn'Qiraj (AQ40) will go live on December 6, 2024, at 1:00 PM PST, alongside the new Nightmare Grove instance featuring all four Dragons of Nightmare in a single encounter.

• Ahn’Qiraj War Effort Release Date: November 21, 2024

• AQ40 & AQ20 Release Date: December 6, 2024

WoW SoD Phase 6 Loot & AQ Raid Changes

• AQ40 Mounts Usable Outside the Raid: Previously restricted to AQ40, the Qiraji mounts will now be usable anywhere. This effectively gives everyone who completes AQ40 a free Scarab Lord-style mount with different colors.

• Difficulty Modes Less Impactful: The much-criticized difficulty system is being toned down. Bonus loot from choosing a harder difficulty will primarily consist of trade skill materials and cosmetic items (including the mount). Any powerful items in the bonus chests will also be obtainable through regular drops.

• New Profession Gear: Crafted gear, particularly nature resistance gear, will be available. This is crucial for Princess Huhuran and helpful throughout AQ.

• New Weapons: Several new weapons are introduced, including paladin-specific options (a fast sword with a proc), shaman weapons (slow obsidian weapons), a tanking dagger (Heart Seeker), and a hunter weapon (Obsidian Shotgun). These weapons are decent but not dramatically better than existing options.

• New Shield: A reworked Force Reactive Disc with an AoE damage proc on the block and an on-use AoE ability. While potentially powerful, its usefulness is questioned given the existing warrior threat generation.

• New Trinkets: Notable trinkets include one with crit, attack speed, and expertise (considered potentially best-in-slot for tanks), and another with crit and healing power for casters. A universal PvP trinket that removes crowd control effects for all classes, potentially significantly impacting PvP dynamics.

• New World Boss Loot: Updated loot from World Bosses includes nature resistance gear (boots, belt, etc.), a rogue leather helmet, and various other items. Emphasis is placed on the increased availability of nature resistance gear.

• Stranglethorn Vale Updates and Mounts: Reworks to Stranglethorn Vale, along with new raptor and tiger mounts.

• Rank 14 Weapons: New weapons for Rank 14 are introduced, including a powerful two-handed sword, a caster mace, and various other options. They are slightly better than Blackwing Lair loot but not significantly so.
  

• Tier 2.5 Set Bonuses: The two-piece bonus for DPS provides a 50% cooldown reduction on Death Wish. The two-piece tanking bonus allows for Thunder Clap spamming and resets Shield Slam's cooldown on a dodge, significantly increasing threat generation. The four-piece bonuses are considered less impactful.

WoW SoD AQ Bosses

Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj (AQ20) is a faster-paced, outdoor raid for 10-20 players, focusing on mobility and quick thinking. Temple of Ahn'Qiraj (AQ40) is a larger-scale raid for 20-40 players, delving into the depths of the temple to confront the Old God C'Thun and his formidable servants. Both raids require strategic execution and coordination to overcome unique boss mechanics.

AQ20 Bosses

AQ40 Bosses

WoW SoD Phase 6 AQ40 Loot Table - SoD Temple of Ahn'Qiraj Raid Loot

The drops from the Temple of Ahn'Qiraj bosses that can be obtained in Season of Discovery Phase 6 have been reworked compared to the Classic Era.