WoW Season of Discovery Phase 2

The Phase 1 of the Season of Discovery has concluded, ushering in Phase 2 with an abundance of new content set to captivate the community this February 8, 2024.

What’s New in SoD Phase 2?

In Phase 2 of the Season of Discovery, several exciting features and changes are set to be introduced:

1. Level Cap Increase: The level cap will be raised to level 40.

2. Gnomeregan Raid: Gnomeregan will become a 10-player raid instance in Phase 2, offering new loot, reset times, quests, and challenging bosses. A detailed guide is available for those seeking more information.

3. Cozy Sleeping Bag: A new usable item, the Cozy Sleeping Bag, will grant an experience buff. Learn more about obtaining and using this item in the WoW SoD Cozy Sleeping Bag guide.

4. New Runes: Additional runes will be added, and a comprehensive overview of Phase 2 runes can be found in the WoW SoD runes guide.

5. Leveling Updates: Various changes to leveling include a new 50% XP buff called "Discoverer’s Delight," increased XP from the BFD Raid and Waylaid Supplies, and new skill books dropping from creatures in 5-player dungeons.

6. Skill Books: New skill books for different classes will be introduced, providing additional abilities. Notably, these books will not occupy a rune slot.

7. Profession Updates: The professions level cap will be increased to 225 (Expert), and 20 new recipes will be added across non-gathering professions. Profession specializations will not be available until Phase 3.

8. World Buff Caps: Certain world buffs, such as those from the Ashenvale weekly quest and Blackfathom Deeps, will have level 39 caps. Gnomeregan will introduce a new World Buff called "Spark of Crazed Inspiration."

9. Stranglethorn Fishing Tournament: This tournament will commence in Phase 2.

10. The Blood Moon PvP Event: A new open-world PvP event in Stranglethorn Vale, happening every 3 hours and lasting 30 minutes. The entire zone becomes a free-for-all PvP area during the event, with rewards for participating players.

11. PvP Matchmaking Adjustments: Changes include small groups and solo players preferring the same groups, premades preferring premades, and adjustments to matchmaking rules during long queues.

12. Gold Bid Raids (GDKP): Starting with Phase 2, Gold Bid Raids or GDKP will no longer be permitted.

What is GDKP and Why Is It No Longer Permitted?

The GDKP allows players to purchase loot with gold, it has become a popular loot system in WoW Classic raids. Instead of rolling for loot or using a loot council, items are auctioned off at the end of the raid, with the highest bidder acquiring the item. The gold spent on items forms a "pot," from which the raid organizer often takes a percentage cut, typically around 5 to 10%, and the remaining gold is distributed evenly among all participants.

One of the key advantages of GDKP is that it ensures every player receives some form of compensation, even if they don't win any loot during the raid. This aspect encourages participation from fully geared players who might otherwise have little incentive to continue running the content.

However, GDKP is not without its drawbacks. One significant issue is that it can attract gold buyers who exploit the system by simply outbidding other players to acquire gear. This can lead to an imbalance in the distribution of loot, favoring those with ample gold reserves and potentially undermining the fairness of the raiding experience.

Due to these concerns about the impact of gold buyers on loot distribution and raid dynamics, GDKP is no longer permitted starting with Phase 2 of the Season of Discovery. This decision aims to promote a fairer and more balanced raiding environment for all participants.

Leveling in Phase 2 of Season of Discovery

In Phase 2 of the Season of Discovery, there are several ways to level up to the new cap of 40. For those who have just caught up to Phase 1, a plethora of quests will be available to carry players through the leveling journey. However, for Phase 1 hardcore players who have already completed every available quest at level 25, there are two new methods to gain experience, aside from traditional mob and dungeon grinding.

1. Blackfathom Deeps Level-Up Raid: Participating in the Blackfathom Deeps raid will reward a substantial amount of experience. This reward is reportedly significant enough to be relevant for characters in the mid to late 30lvl. It's important to note that there will still be a 3-day lockout, preventing players from spamming the raid for continuous experience gains.

2. Waylaid Supplies: This method of gaining experience will see a significant increase in rewards.  it is suggested that turning in Waylaid Supplies will not only be valuable for reputation but will also serve as an effective means to level up all the way to 40. The adjustments made to Waylaid Supplies aim to enhance the experience and reduce some of the frustrations associated with this activity.

Dungeon Grinding Spots

Horde:

1. Shadowfang Keep: Levels 24-30

2. Scarlet Monastery: Levels 30-40 (starting from Graveyard then progression through Library, Armory and Cathedral).

Alliance:

1. The Stockade: Levels 24-30

2. Scarlet Monastery: Levels 30-40 (starting from Graveyard then progression through Library, Armory and Cathedral).

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