A massive storm is brewing on the Isle of Thunder, and it is in the form of the newly resurrected Thunder King, Lei Shen, and the invading Zandalari forces that support him as he attempts to regain his dominance over Pandaria. Once again, the presence of the heroes of the Horde and the Alliance is required to face this threat, but this occurs just as they wage their own bloody and dire war, rekindled by the annihilation of Theramore and the betrayal that divided the Kirin Tor. It is not easy to wage war on two fronts, and the Shado-Pan is only interested in using the power of both factions to quell a more serious and imminent danger.
With the release of Patch 5.2: The Thunder King, a new island will open off the coast of the Tong Long Steppes and will add a host of new daily quests, rare spawns (rares), summonable bosses, hidden treasures and much more. Participation in these daily quests will lead to an epic final duel between the last mogu emperor, Lei Shen, the Zandalari, and those who aspire to stop them: the Shado-Pan and the heroes of Azeroth.
So now what?
First things first: how do you get to the island? At level 90, players will receive their first mission in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms, where they will automatically receive the mission "The Call of Thunder" or you can go directly to the Shado-Pan Headquarters in the Tong Long Steppes to take the first steps. Once there you will be on the right track. But it will not be a bed of roses and although flying may seem the best option to get where it is needed, it is clear that these skies do not invite much to it. You won't be able to fly as much on the island as the invading forces would like. After your initial flight to the island there will be a portal between the Shado-Pan Headquarters and the Alliance or Horde mission areas to get you back in action quickly.
Back in the gap
As in the war campaigns of Ahn'Qiraj or the Island of Quel'Danas, the joint effort of the participation and activity of the entire population of the kingdom will affect the progress that determines access to the various phases of the Island of the Kingdom. Thunder as you and your allies advance across the island. You can contribute by participating in the daily missions available at various key points on the island. Once you're at the beachhead, you can also choose between PvE or PvP oriented missions. (Attention, if you select the PvP option you will be marked as PvP automatically). Each of the options will offer a slight difference in terms of rewards and faction with the chosen allies. If you lost the unlock for a section of the island, don't worry. You can still experience the story by taking part in the solo quests that will become available as you progress on the island.
Who commands here?
The Horde and the Alliance will work for some familiar faces as they advance across the island. At the forefront of the assault will be the cream of each faction: the Kirin Tor Offensive led by Jaina Proudmoore and the Sunreaver Onslaught led by Lor'themar Theron. Gaining reputation among these new factions offers heroes the chance to earn new tabards, banners, and an intimidating new mount.
But wait, there's still more!
On the island, not everything is unlocking new missions and gaining a bit of reputation. They also await looting and enemies they must defeat.
- Invocable bosses: From time to time, you may find an item that will allow you to summon a XNUMX-player boss that will offer an extra challenge and some loot. Shan'ze Ritual Stones can be acquired in various ways on the island and can be combined to summon one of these bosses.
- Rare Chests: You may find a rare chest that can be looted once a week that also provides Shan'ze Ritual Stones. These stones can be combined to make a summonable boss appear.
- Uncommon bosses: You will be able to find new and interesting rare bosses and (try to) kill them. Like Rare Chests, they may provide a Shan'ze Ritual Stone and other great rewards.
- Riches of the Thunder King - Hall of Treasures: Who doesn't love free loot? You will have the opportunity to obtain a key that will allow you to test your speed when looting. You'll have five minutes to dive into one of the mogu's infamous treasure chambers and loot Lei Shen's riches. There will be obstacles along the way that can slow you down, but if you plan well, you could add a little more to your own treasures with new and amazing items from the chests at the end of the treasure room.
- Nalak, the Storm Lord: After conquering the Isle of Thunder, the guardian of the gate of the Citadel of the Thunder King will appear. This new world boss is similar to the Sha of Wrath and offers the brave a chance to defeat him and win some fabulous new loot.
- Transmogrification Items: If you want a classic look for your weapons, this may be your chance. The Zandalari can occasionally drop green items with the same appearance as the classic weapons of the trolls of the past.
- New Scrolls of the Hermits: You will be able to discover new scrolls of the Hermits and listen to Hermit Cho tell these stories.
- The Island of the Giants: The Island of the Giants is not a place where one enters as if nothing else, but for those who are not afraid of anything it can be an opportunity to discover new creatures and perhaps tame or capture them. This island, shrouded in mist and very dangerous, is the home of the new world boss, oondasta, a fearsome demosaur of epic proportions.
We don't want to reveal everything here, but the island is home to many secrets and opportunities to test your worth. Your kingdom and your faction are counting on you to take the island by storm and crush this new threat. Can you survive the hardships of the Isle of Thunder? The Thunder King is coming, the Thunder King is coming ...
* Danielle “Nethaera” Vanderlip is one of the World of Warcraft Community Managers and has her own elite dinosaur in real life. (Bearded dragons count, right?)