TL;DR
- War of the Thorns is a three-week pre-patch event leading to Battle for Azeroth
- Complete faction questlines to unlock exclusive mounts and world quests
- Event features unique story content with major lore consequences
- Rewards include gear, azurite, reputation, and faction-specific mounts
- Strategic preparation can maximize rewards and minimize completion time
The War of the Thorns represents a crucial pre-expansion event running from July 24th through August 14th, bridging the narrative gap between Legion and Battle for Azeroth. Alliance players can begin their campaign on July 24th, with the second phase anticipated to launch on July 31st, creating a structured three-week engagement period.
What is the War of the Thorns?
“Darkshore becomes the battleground as Horde and Alliance forces clash for dominance over Teldrassil in this time-limited engagement!”
This pivotal conflict, alternatively known as the Burning of Teldrassil, unfolds as a strategic struggle between Alliance and Horde factions competing for control of Northern Kalimdor. The campaign’s devastating outcome includes the complete destruction of Teldrassil, directly triggering the subsequent Alliance counteroffensive in the Battle for Lordaeron. Surviving Night Elf refugees seek sanctuary in both Stormwind City and Azuremyst Isle, fundamentally reshaping the political landscape.
Both factions will navigate sequential mission chains designed to establish dominance over Teldrassil territory until Battle for Azeroth officially releases, providing crucial context for the expansion’s central narrative.
Alliance War of the Thorns Quest line Part One is now live
Following the pre-patch activation on July 17th, Alliance characters receive the introductory mission “A Short-Lived Peace,” directing them to consult with King Anduin Wrynn within Stormwind Keep. This initial contact sets the stage for the escalating conflict and establishes the narrative foundation.
Upon reaching Astranaar, players encounter Forsaken forces that have completely overwhelmed the settlement. Under Sylvanas’s direct command, her troops have launched a devastating assault resulting in significant casualties among Darnassian military personnel. In a strategic defensive maneuver, Malfurion Stormrage conjures a protective barrier composed of wisp spirits, creating a temporary blockade against Horde advancement. While this magical fortification remains vulnerable to penetration by the Horde’s advanced azerite-powered weaponry and explosives, it successfully provides Alliance forces with critical regrouping time in Darnassus to prepare contingency plans.
Horde players will experience a parallel campaign beginning in Undercity, offering a contrasting perspective on the same conflict. This dual-narrative approach enriches the overall storytelling experience while maintaining faction-specific context.
Successfully completing the War of the Thorns narrative campaign grants each faction exclusive, visually distinctive mounts unavailable through other means. These faction-specific rewards serve as permanent commemorations of participation in this historic conflict.
The accompanying world quests provide valuable equipment upgrades, azurite resources for heart of Azeroth progression, and substantial reputation gains with relevant factions. Access to these repeatable missions requires full completion of either the Horde or Alliance War of the Thorns quest sequence, creating a natural progression gate.
Who: Level 110 players
Where: Begins in Stormwind for Alliance and Undercity for Horde
Rewards: Reputation, New Items from limited time World Quests, Faction Pride and wow gold,
Additional incentive structures include achievement recognition, unique transmogrifcation options, and story progression that directly influences Battle for Azeroth’s opening narrative arcs.
For optimal efficiency, prioritize completing the main questline before engaging with world quests to maximize available playtime during the event window. Group coordination significantly accelerates completion times, particularly during the defensive segments in Astranaar and subsequent counteroffensive operations.
Common strategic errors include underestimating the time commitment required for full completion (approximately 3-4 hours per faction) and neglecting to prepare adequate consumables for the combat-intensive sequences. Advanced players should coordinate with their class specialization groups to optimize role distribution during group content.
Preparation recommendations include stocking up on combat potions, ensuring gear is adequately enchanted, and familiarizing yourself with the core game mechanics relevant to your chosen faction’s playstyle. The event’s limited duration means delayed participation risks missing exclusive rewards permanently.
Time management is crucial—the initial questline typically requires 90-120 minutes, while subsequent world quest farming demands additional time investment. For comprehensive equipment optimization, focus on maximizing azurite acquisition to prepare your Heart of Azeroth for the upcoming expansion’s content.
Action Checklist
- Complete introductory quest ‘A Short-Lived Peace’ in your faction capital
- Finish entire faction questline to unlock world quests
- Farm world quests daily for gear, azurite, and reputation
- Obtain faction-specific mount by completing campaign
- Coordinate with guild members for efficient group completion
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