Wrath of the Lich King · Tier 8 · Ulduar
Ulduar raid guide
Tactics for all 14 encounters, progression checklists and a documented change history from original Wrath to Wrath Classic.
English10/25-player14 bossesNerf history
How to use this guide
Read the change history and boss summaries before the detailed instructions. Boss cards cover core tactics and role assignments, with version-specific difficulty differences where applicable.
This guide covers level 80 Wrath. Level 60 Classic, Timewalking and legacy scaling from later expansions are outside its scope.
Ulduar in chronological Wrath progression
Ulduar's 14 bosses are connected by vehicles, branching progression and hard modes activated within the encounter. The guide explains normal and hard mode solutions in the same boss card.
For raid lead: Choose the 10- or 25-player version and any difficulty options available for this raid, then assign encounter responsibilities before pulling.
Quick links
Ulduar: nerf and change history
The timeline separates intentional difficulty changes, release schedule, loot/catch-up changes, and actual bug fixes. Inaccurate pre/post figures are not filled with guesswork.
| Date | Documented change | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Patch 3.1 · April 14, 2009 | Ulduar was released as a raid with 14 bosses. | Hard modes were activated with encounter functions, not with a separate difficulty menu. |
| Patches 3.1.1 to 3.1.3 | Several encounters were adjusted: among others, XT, Hodir, Mimiron, Vezax and Yogg received fixes and nerfs. | Nerf history is boss specific and not one raid buff. |
| Wrath Classic 2023 | Ulduar was released with a strong pre-nerf base and increased item levels; XT hard mode health reduced while keeping the six minute berserk. | The Classic change is not the same as the end state of 2009. |
| Wrath Classic 2024 | The Val'anyr fragments drop was increased as an end-of-season catch-up. | The loot change did not change the combat difficulty of the encounter. |
Each boss’s nerf section refers to this raid-wide timeline and highlights only changes relevant to that encounter.
Ulduar - bosses in order of progression
Encounter 1 / 14 · Ulduar
Flame Leviathan
Siege of Ulduar · Vehicle roles, pursuit kiting and 0–4 active towers.
10/25-playerLevel 80Siege of Ulduar
TL;DR: Assign vehicles and passengers before moving out. The pursued vehicle kites while Demolishers maintain Pyrite damage-over-time stacks. In hard mode, avoid tower hazards and coordinate turret shutdowns.
Raid priorities
- Assign vehicles and passengers before moving out.
- The pursued vehicle kites while Demolishers maintain Pyrite damage-over-time stacks.
- In hard mode, avoid tower hazards and coordinate turret shutdowns.
Before the pull
- Review the tanking, healing and damage responsibilities for Flame Leviathan in a 10- or 25-player group.
- Assign drivers, passengers, interrupts, Pyrite collection and player rescue.
- Assign interrupts, dispels, crowd control and target swaps before the pull.
- Save raid and personal cooldowns for the encounter’s most dangerous phase.
Mechanics reference
Siege Engine
Interrupt Flame Vents.
Demolisher
Maintain Pyrite stacks and launch assigned passengers onto the boss.
Chopper
Drop tar and rescue players.
Hard-mode towers
Active towers add area hazards.
Phase plan and tactic
Vehicle assignments
Assign vehicles and passengers before moving out.
Assign vehicles and passengers before moving out.
Pursuit and Pyrite
The pursued vehicle kites while Demolishers maintain Pyrite damage-over-time stacks.
The pursued vehicle kites while Demolishers maintain Pyrite damage-over-time stacks.
Towers and shutdowns
In hard mode, avoid tower hazards and coordinate turret shutdowns.
In hard mode, avoid tower hazards and coordinate turret shutdowns.
Role notes
Tanks
- Face the boss and adds away from the raid; swap tanks when required by debuffs or phase changes.
- Tell healers in advance when you will use defensive cooldowns or make a dangerous tank swap.
Healers
- Assign tank healing, raid healing and dispels before the pull.
- Plan raid cooldowns for the largest predictable damage window and avoid unnecessary overlap.
Melee DPS
- Stay clear of frontal and rear attacks, and switch to adds as soon as they are called.
- Don't sacrifice movement or soak mechanics for damage uptime.
Ranged DPS
- Maintain the required spacing and prioritize distant adds, orbs or moving targets.
- Save abilities used while moving for mandatory transitions.
Raid utility
- Agree on interrupt, purge, stun, slow and immunity rotations depending on the encounter.
- Use a combat resurrection only when the fallen player’s role is essential for the next mechanic.
Nerfs: what changed
- The boss-specific history is read in conjunction with the Ulduar raid timeline; original Wrath and Wrath Classic are kept separate.
- Numerical nerfs are only presented as confirmed when supported by patch or hotfix notes. Bug fixes are identified separately.
- Level squishes, Timewalking and changes to soloing from later expansions are outside the scope of these level 80 tactics.
Original WrathWrath ClassicSource scope
Encounter 2 / 14 · Ulduar
Ignis the Furnace Master
The Colossal Forge · Scorch, Iron Construct chain and Slag Pot.
10/25-playerLevel 80The Colossal Forge
TL;DR: Move Ignis along the agreed tanking route. The off-tank heats one active Construct at a time, then moves it into water. Shatter Brittle Constructs with a large hit and heal players in Slag Pot.
Raid priorities
- Move Ignis along the agreed tanking route.
- The off-tank heats one active Construct at a time, then moves it into water.
- Shatter Brittle Constructs with a large hit and heal players in Slag Pot.
Before the pull
- Review the tanking, healing and damage responsibilities for Ignis the Furnace Master in a 10- or 25-player group.
- Mark Scorch placement, the Construct route to water and Slag Pot healing assignments.
- Assign interrupts, dispels, crowd control and target swaps before the pull.
- Save raid and personal cooldowns for the encounter’s most dangerous phase.
Mechanics reference
Activate Construct and Scorch
Activate Construct brings an Iron Construct to life. Scorch leaves fire that heats active Constructs.
Molten and Brittle
Move a heated Construct into water to make it Brittle, then shatter it.
Flame Jets
Stop casting before Flame Jets to avoid an interrupt and spell lockout.
Slag Pot
The trapped player needs focused healing.
Phase plan and tactic
Tank movement
Move Ignis along the agreed tanking route.
Move Ignis along the agreed tanking route.
Heat and cool Constructs
The off-tank heats one active Construct at a time, then moves it into water.
The off-tank heats one active Construct at a time, then moves it into water.
Shatter and heal
Shatter Brittle Constructs with a large hit and heal players in Slag Pot.
Shatter Brittle Constructs with a large hit and heal players in Slag Pot.
Role notes
Tanks
- Face the boss and adds away from the raid; swap tanks when required by debuffs or phase changes.
- Tell healers in advance when you will use defensive cooldowns or make a dangerous tank swap.
Healers
- Assign tank healing, raid healing and dispels before the pull.
- Plan raid cooldowns for the largest predictable damage window and avoid unnecessary overlap.
Melee DPS
- Stay clear of frontal and rear attacks, and switch to adds as soon as they are called.
- Don't sacrifice movement or soak mechanics for damage uptime.
Ranged DPS
- Maintain the required spacing and prioritize distant adds, orbs or moving targets.
- Save abilities used while moving for mandatory transitions.
Raid utility
- Agree on interrupt, purge, stun, slow and immunity rotations depending on the encounter.
- Use a combat resurrection only when the fallen player’s role is essential for the next mechanic.
Nerfs: what changed
- The boss-specific history is read in conjunction with the Ulduar raid timeline; original Wrath and Wrath Classic are kept separate.
- Numerical nerfs are only presented as confirmed when supported by patch or hotfix notes. Bug fixes are identified separately.
- Level squishes, Timewalking and changes to soloing from later expansions are outside the scope of these level 80 tactics.
Original WrathWrath ClassicSource scope
Encounter 3 / 14 · Ulduar
Razorscale
The Colossal Forge · Harpoon grounds, add waves and permanent phase 2.
10/25-playerLevel 80The Colossal Forge
TL;DR: Assign tanks to cover the Mole Machine spawn areas. Prioritize Sentinels and interrupt Watchers. Coordinate harpoons and focus Razorscale during ground windows. Once she stays grounded, swap tanks to manage Fuse Armor.
Raid priorities
- Assign tanks to cover the Mole Machine spawn areas.
- Prioritize Sentinels and interrupt Watchers.
- Coordinate harpoons and focus Razorscale during ground windows.
- Once she stays grounded, swap tanks to manage Fuse Armor.
Before the pull
- Review the tanking, healing and damage responsibilities for Razorscale in a 10- or 25-player group.
- Assign add-spawn coverage, harpoon users and tank swaps for the final ground phase.
- Assign interrupts, dispels, crowd control and target swaps before the pull.
- Save raid and personal cooldowns for the encounter’s most dangerous phase.
Mechanics reference
Mole Machines
Mole Machines bring groups of adds.
Sentinels
Sentinels use a dangerous Whirlwind.
Harpoons
Harpoons pull Razorscale down to the ground.
Permanent ground phase
At 50 percent health, Razorscale stays grounded and applies stacking Fuse Armor.
Phase plan and tactic
Cover add spawns
Assign tanks to cover the Mole Machine spawn areas.
Assign tanks to cover the Mole Machine spawn areas.
Control dangerous adds
Prioritize Sentinels and interrupt Watchers.
Prioritize Sentinels and interrupt Watchers.
Use ground windows
Coordinate harpoons and focus Razorscale during ground windows.
Coordinate harpoons and focus Razorscale during ground windows.
Final ground phase
Once she stays grounded, swap tanks to manage Fuse Armor.
Once she stays grounded, swap tanks to manage Fuse Armor.
Role notes
Tanks
- Face the boss and adds away from the raid; swap tanks when required by debuffs or phase changes.
- Tell healers in advance when you will use defensive cooldowns or make a dangerous tank swap.
Healers
- Assign tank healing, raid healing and dispels before the pull.
- Plan raid cooldowns for the largest predictable damage window and avoid unnecessary overlap.
Melee DPS
- Stay clear of frontal and rear attacks, and switch to adds as soon as they are called.
- Don't sacrifice movement or soak mechanics for damage uptime.
Ranged DPS
- Maintain the required spacing and prioritize distant adds, orbs or moving targets.
- Save abilities used while moving for mandatory transitions.
Raid utility
- Agree on interrupt, purge, stun, slow and immunity rotations depending on the encounter.
- Use a combat resurrection only when the fallen player’s role is essential for the next mechanic.
Nerfs: what changed
- The boss-specific history is read in conjunction with the Ulduar raid timeline; original Wrath and Wrath Classic are kept separate.
- Numerical nerfs are only presented as confirmed when supported by patch or hotfix notes. Bug fixes are identified separately.
- Level squishes, Timewalking and changes to soloing from later expansions are outside the scope of these level 80 tactics.
Original WrathWrath ClassicSource scope
Encounter 4 / 14 · Ulduar
XT-002 Deconstructor
Scrapyard · Tantrum, Light/Gravity Bomb and Heart hard mode.
10/25-playerLevel 80Scrapyard
TL;DR: Assign separate drop areas for Searing Light and Gravity Bomb, plus add-control roles. Use a raid defensive for Tympanic Tantrum. Kill Scrapbots before they reach XT-002 and use Boombot explosions against adds. Destroy the Heart only when deliberately choosing hard mode and ready for its damage requirement.
Raid priorities
- Assign separate drop areas for Searing Light and Gravity Bomb, plus add-control roles.
- Use a raid defensive for Tympanic Tantrum.
- Kill Scrapbots before they reach XT-002 and use Boombot explosions against adds.
- Destroy the Heart only when deliberately choosing hard mode and ready for its damage requirement.
Before the pull
- Review the tanking, healing and damage responsibilities for XT-002 Deconstructor in a 10- or 25-player group.
- Mark separate debuff positions and assign add control and Tantrum cooldowns.
- Assign interrupts, dispels, crowd control and target swaps before the pull.
- Save raid and personal cooldowns for the encounter’s most dangerous phase.
Mechanics reference
Tympanic Tantrum
Tantrum deals raid damage based on maximum health.
Searing Light and Gravity Bomb
Move the two debuffs to their separate assigned sides.
Heart phase
Scrapbots, Boombots and Pummellers arrive during the exposed-heart phase.
Destroying the Heart
Destroying the Heart activates hard mode.
Phase plan and tactic
Position debuffs
Assign separate drop areas for Searing Light and Gravity Bomb, plus add-control roles.
Assign separate drop areas for Searing Light and Gravity Bomb, plus add-control roles.
Heal Tantrum
Use a raid defensive for Tympanic Tantrum.
Use a raid defensive for Tympanic Tantrum.
Control adds
Kill Scrapbots before they reach XT-002 and use Boombot explosions against adds.
Kill Scrapbots before they reach XT-002 and use Boombot explosions against adds.
Choose hard mode
Destroy the Heart only when deliberately choosing hard mode and ready for its damage requirement.
Destroy the Heart only when deliberately choosing hard mode and ready for its damage requirement.
Role notes
Tanks
- Face the boss and adds away from the raid; swap tanks when required by debuffs or phase changes.
- Tell healers in advance when you will use defensive cooldowns or make a dangerous tank swap.
Healers
- Assign tank healing, raid healing and dispels before the pull.
- Plan raid cooldowns for the largest predictable damage window and avoid unnecessary overlap.
Melee DPS
- Stay clear of frontal and rear attacks, and switch to adds as soon as they are called.
- Don't sacrifice movement or soak mechanics for damage uptime.
Ranged DPS
- Maintain the required spacing and prioritize distant adds, orbs or moving targets.
- Save abilities used while moving for mandatory transitions.
Raid utility
- Agree on interrupt, purge, stun, slow and immunity rotations depending on the encounter.
- Use a combat resurrection only when the fallen player’s role is essential for the next mechanic.
Nerfs: what changed
- The boss-specific history is read in conjunction with the Ulduar raid timeline; original Wrath and Wrath Classic are kept separate.
- Numerical nerfs are only presented as confirmed when supported by patch or hotfix notes. Bug fixes are identified separately.
- Level squishes, Timewalking and changes to soloing from later expansions are outside the scope of these level 80 tactics.
Original WrathWrath ClassicSource scope
Encounter 5 / 14 · Ulduar
The Assembly of Iron
The Antechamber · Kill order determines abilities and hard mode.
10/25-playerLevel 80The Antechamber
TL;DR: Choose the normal order Steelbreaker, Molgeim, then Brundir, or leave Steelbreaker last for hard mode. Remove Fusion Punch immediately. Use Rune of Power for damage and leave Rune of Death. Interrupt Brundir’s casts and avoid his dangerous abilities.
Raid priorities
- Choose the normal order Steelbreaker, Molgeim, then Brundir, or leave Steelbreaker last for hard mode.
- Remove Fusion Punch immediately.
- Use Rune of Power for damage and leave Rune of Death.
- Interrupt Brundir’s casts and avoid his dangerous abilities.
Before the pull
- Review the tanking, healing and damage responsibilities for The Assembly of Iron in a 10- or 25-player group.
- Agree on kill order, Fusion Punch removal, interrupts and rune positioning.
- Assign interrupts, dispels, crowd control and target swaps before the pull.
- Save raid and personal cooldowns for the encounter’s most dangerous phase.
Mechanics reference
Steelbreaker
Tank Steelbreaker away from the raid and prepare to remove Fusion Punch.
Rune of Power
Molgeim’s rune increases damage.
Brundir
Interrupt Chain Lightning and move away from Overload.
Supercharge
The surviving council members gain power as others die. The last survivor determines the final mechanics.
Phase plan and tactic
Choose kill order
Choose the normal order Steelbreaker, Molgeim, then Brundir, or leave Steelbreaker last for hard mode.
Choose the normal order Steelbreaker, Molgeim, then Brundir, or leave Steelbreaker last for hard mode.
Handle Fusion Punch
Remove Fusion Punch immediately.
Remove Fusion Punch immediately.
Use and avoid runes
Use Rune of Power for damage and leave Rune of Death.
Use Rune of Power for damage and leave Rune of Death.
Control Brundir
Interrupt Brundir’s casts and avoid his dangerous abilities.
Interrupt Brundir’s casts and avoid his dangerous abilities.
Role notes
Tanks
- Face the boss and adds away from the raid; swap tanks when required by debuffs or phase changes.
- Tell healers in advance when you will use defensive cooldowns or make a dangerous tank swap.
Healers
- Assign tank healing, raid healing and dispels before the pull.
- Plan raid cooldowns for the largest predictable damage window and avoid unnecessary overlap.
Melee DPS
- Stay clear of frontal and rear attacks, and switch to adds as soon as they are called.
- Don't sacrifice movement or soak mechanics for damage uptime.
Ranged DPS
- Maintain the required spacing and prioritize distant adds, orbs or moving targets.
- Save abilities used while moving for mandatory transitions.
Raid utility
- Agree on interrupt, purge, stun, slow and immunity rotations depending on the encounter.
- Use a combat resurrection only when the fallen player’s role is essential for the next mechanic.
Nerfs: what changed
- The boss-specific history is read in conjunction with the Ulduar raid timeline; original Wrath and Wrath Classic are kept separate.
- Numerical nerfs are only presented as confirmed when supported by patch or hotfix notes. Bug fixes are identified separately.
- Level squishes, Timewalking and changes to soloing from later expansions are outside the scope of these level 80 tactics.
Original WrathWrath ClassicSource scope
Encounter 6 / 14 · Ulduar
Kologarn
The Shattered Walkway · Hand priority, eyebeams and rubble-adds.
10/25-playerLevel 80The Shattered Walkway
TL;DR: Keep the raid on the platform while leaving a clear escape route for Eyebeam targets. Damage the right arm to free players caught by Stone Grip. The off-tank collects Rubble for controlled area damage. Stay safely on the platform when Kologarn dies.
Raid priorities
- Keep the raid on the platform while leaving a clear escape route for Eyebeam targets.
- Damage the right arm to free players caught by Stone Grip.
- The off-tank collects Rubble for controlled area damage.
- Stay safely on the platform when Kologarn dies.
Before the pull
- Review the tanking, healing and damage responsibilities for Kologarn in a 10- or 25-player group.
- Mark Eyebeam escape routes and assign right-arm damage and Rubble tanking.
- Assign interrupts, dispels, crowd control and target swaps before the pull.
- Save raid and personal cooldowns for the encounter’s most dangerous phase.
Mechanics reference
Focused Eyebeam
Move the following beams away from other players.
Stone Grip
The right arm traps players. Damage it to release them.
Shockwave
The left arm deals raid-wide damage.
Destroyed arms
Destroying an arm damages Kologarn and spawns Rubble adds.
Phase plan and tactic
Leave beam routes
Keep the raid on the platform while leaving a clear escape route for Eyebeam targets.
Keep the raid on the platform while leaving a clear escape route for Eyebeam targets.
Free gripped players
Damage the right arm to free players caught by Stone Grip.
Damage the right arm to free players caught by Stone Grip.
Clear Rubble
The off-tank collects Rubble for controlled area damage.
The off-tank collects Rubble for controlled area damage.
Finish safely
Stay safely on the platform when Kologarn dies.
Stay safely on the platform when Kologarn dies.
Role notes
Tanks
- Face the boss and adds away from the raid; swap tanks when required by debuffs or phase changes.
- Tell healers in advance when you will use defensive cooldowns or make a dangerous tank swap.
Healers
- Assign tank healing, raid healing and dispels before the pull.
- Plan raid cooldowns for the largest predictable damage window and avoid unnecessary overlap.
Melee DPS
- Stay clear of frontal and rear attacks, and switch to adds as soon as they are called.
- Don't sacrifice movement or soak mechanics for damage uptime.
Ranged DPS
- Maintain the required spacing and prioritize distant adds, orbs or moving targets.
- Save abilities used while moving for mandatory transitions.
Raid utility
- Agree on interrupt, purge, stun, slow and immunity rotations depending on the encounter.
- Use a combat resurrection only when the fallen player’s role is essential for the next mechanic.
Nerfs: what changed
- The boss-specific history is read in conjunction with the Ulduar raid timeline; original Wrath and Wrath Classic are kept separate.
- Numerical nerfs are only presented as confirmed when supported by patch or hotfix notes. Bug fixes are identified separately.
- Level squishes, Timewalking and changes to soloing from later expansions are outside the scope of these level 80 tactics.
Original WrathWrath ClassicSource scope
Encounter 7 / 14 · Ulduar
Auriaya
The Antechamber · Sentry-pull, fear-interrupt and Feral Defender.
10/25-playerLevel 80The Antechamber
TL;DR: Use a controlled line-of-sight pull so the tanks receive the Sentries. Protect the assigned interrupters with Fear Ward or Tremor Totem and interrupt Sentinel Blast. Kill the Feral Defender at the agreed edge location or keep it controlled.
Raid priorities
- Use a controlled line-of-sight pull so the tanks receive the Sentries.
- Protect the assigned interrupters with Fear Ward or Tremor Totem and interrupt Sentinel Blast.
- Kill the Feral Defender at the agreed edge location or keep it controlled.
Before the pull
- Review the tanking, healing and damage responsibilities for Auriaya in a 10- or 25-player group.
- Plan the line-of-sight pull, fear protection, interrupts and Defender drop location.
- Assign interrupts, dispels, crowd control and target swaps before the pull.
- Save raid and personal cooldowns for the encounter’s most dangerous phase.
Mechanics reference
Sanctum Sentries
An uncontrolled pull can cause lethal pounces.
Terrifying Screech
The screech fears the raid.
Sentinel Blast
Interrupt this cast immediately after the fear.
Feral Defender
The Defender revives several times and leaves a void zone when killed.
Phase plan and tactic
Control the pull
Use a controlled line-of-sight pull so the tanks receive the Sentries.
Use a controlled line-of-sight pull so the tanks receive the Sentries.
Fear and interrupt
Protect the assigned interrupters with Fear Ward or Tremor Totem and interrupt Sentinel Blast.
Protect the assigned interrupters with Fear Ward or Tremor Totem and interrupt Sentinel Blast.
Manage the Defender
Kill the Feral Defender at the agreed edge location or keep it controlled.
Kill the Feral Defender at the agreed edge location or keep it controlled.
Role notes
Tanks
- Face the boss and adds away from the raid; swap tanks when required by debuffs or phase changes.
- Tell healers in advance when you will use defensive cooldowns or make a dangerous tank swap.
Healers
- Assign tank healing, raid healing and dispels before the pull.
- Plan raid cooldowns for the largest predictable damage window and avoid unnecessary overlap.
Melee DPS
- Stay clear of frontal and rear attacks, and switch to adds as soon as they are called.
- Don't sacrifice movement or soak mechanics for damage uptime.
Ranged DPS
- Maintain the required spacing and prioritize distant adds, orbs or moving targets.
- Save abilities used while moving for mandatory transitions.
Raid utility
- Agree on interrupt, purge, stun, slow and immunity rotations depending on the encounter.
- Use a combat resurrection only when the fallen player’s role is essential for the next mechanic.
Nerfs: what changed
- The boss-specific history is read in conjunction with the Ulduar raid timeline; original Wrath and Wrath Classic are kept separate.
- Numerical nerfs are only presented as confirmed when supported by patch or hotfix notes. Bug fixes are identified separately.
- Level squishes, Timewalking and changes to soloing from later expansions are outside the scope of these level 80 tactics.
Original WrathWrath ClassicSource scope
Encounter 8 / 14 · Ulduar
Hodir
The Keepers · NPC buffs, Flash Freeze and hard mode time limit.
10/25-playerLevel 80The Keepers
TL;DR: Free the friendly NPCs immediately. Share Storm Power with damage groups and make use of Starlight. Move regularly to manage Biting Cold. Stand on a snowdrift before Flash Freeze finishes, then free anyone who was frozen.
Raid priorities
- Free the friendly NPCs immediately.
- Share Storm Power with damage groups and make use of Starlight.
- Move regularly to manage Biting Cold.
- Stand on a snowdrift before Flash Freeze finishes, then free anyone who was frozen.
Before the pull
- Review the tanking, healing and damage responsibilities for Hodir in a 10- or 25-player group.
- Assign NPC release, Storm Power sharing and movement to snowdrifts.
- Assign interrupts, dispels, crowd control and target swaps before the pull.
- Save raid and personal cooldowns for the encounter’s most dangerous phase.
Mechanics reference
Biting Cold
Biting Cold stacks while you stand still.
Toasty Fire
Fire provides protection from cold effects, but does not replace snowdrift cover for Flash Freeze.
Storm Power and Starlight
These NPC buffs greatly increase damage.
Flash Freeze
Use a snowdrift to avoid being frozen.
Phase plan and tactic
Free NPCs
Free the friendly NPCs immediately.
Free the friendly NPCs immediately.
Use their buffs
Share Storm Power with damage groups and make use of Starlight.
Share Storm Power with damage groups and make use of Starlight.
Keep moving
Move regularly to manage Biting Cold.
Move regularly to manage Biting Cold.
Survive Flash Freeze
Stand on a snowdrift before Flash Freeze finishes, then free anyone who was frozen.
Stand on a snowdrift before Flash Freeze finishes, then free anyone who was frozen.
Role notes
Tanks
- Face the boss and adds away from the raid; swap tanks when required by debuffs or phase changes.
- Tell healers in advance when you will use defensive cooldowns or make a dangerous tank swap.
Healers
- Assign tank healing, raid healing and dispels before the pull.
- Plan raid cooldowns for the largest predictable damage window and avoid unnecessary overlap.
Melee DPS
- Stay clear of frontal and rear attacks, and switch to adds as soon as they are called.
- Don't sacrifice movement or soak mechanics for damage uptime.
Ranged DPS
- Maintain the required spacing and prioritize distant adds, orbs or moving targets.
- Save abilities used while moving for mandatory transitions.
Raid utility
- Agree on interrupt, purge, stun, slow and immunity rotations depending on the encounter.
- Use a combat resurrection only when the fallen player’s role is essential for the next mechanic.
Nerfs: what changed
- The boss-specific history is read in conjunction with the Ulduar raid timeline; original Wrath and Wrath Classic are kept separate.
- Numerical nerfs are only presented as confirmed when supported by patch or hotfix notes. Bug fixes are identified separately.
- Level squishes, Timewalking and changes to soloing from later expansions are outside the scope of these level 80 tactics.
Original WrathWrath ClassicSource scope
Encounter 9 / 14 · Ulduar
Thorim
The Keepers · Arena/gauntlet split and Sif hard mode.
10/25-playerLevel 80The Keepers
TL;DR: Split into balanced arena and gauntlet teams. Clear the gauntlet quickly if attempting hard mode. Once Thorim joins, swap tanks for Unbalancing Strike and avoid the charged side. In hard mode, handle Sif’s Blizzard and Frostbolt Volley as well.
Raid priorities
- Split into balanced arena and gauntlet teams.
- Clear the gauntlet quickly if attempting hard mode.
- Once Thorim joins, swap tanks for Unbalancing Strike and avoid the charged side.
- In hard mode, handle Sif’s Blizzard and Frostbolt Volley as well.
Before the pull
- Review the tanking, healing and damage responsibilities for Thorim in a 10- or 25-player group.
- Assign arena and gauntlet groups, tank swaps and safe movement from charged sides.
- Assign interrupts, dispels, crowd control and target swaps before the pull.
- Save raid and personal cooldowns for the encounter’s most dangerous phase.
Mechanics reference
Arena waves
Continuous add waves enter the arena.
Gauntlet
Defeat the mini-bosses while avoiding lightning hazards.
Unbalancing Strike
Swap tanks after the strike.
Lightning Charge
Move away from the charged direction.
Sif and hard mode
Reaching Thorim quickly keeps Sif in the fight.
Phase plan and tactic
Split the teams
Split into balanced arena and gauntlet teams.
Split into balanced arena and gauntlet teams.
Clear the gauntlet
Clear the gauntlet quickly if attempting hard mode.
Clear the gauntlet quickly if attempting hard mode.
Fight Thorim
Once Thorim joins, swap tanks for Unbalancing Strike and avoid the charged side.
Once Thorim joins, swap tanks for Unbalancing Strike and avoid the charged side.
Handle Sif
In hard mode, handle Sif’s Blizzard and Frostbolt Volley as well.
In hard mode, handle Sif’s Blizzard and Frostbolt Volley as well.
Role notes
Tanks
- Face the boss and adds away from the raid; swap tanks when required by debuffs or phase changes.
- Tell healers in advance when you will use defensive cooldowns or make a dangerous tank swap.
Healers
- Assign tank healing, raid healing and dispels before the pull.
- Plan raid cooldowns for the largest predictable damage window and avoid unnecessary overlap.
Melee DPS
- Stay clear of frontal and rear attacks, and switch to adds as soon as they are called.
- Don't sacrifice movement or soak mechanics for damage uptime.
Ranged DPS
- Maintain the required spacing and prioritize distant adds, orbs or moving targets.
- Save abilities used while moving for mandatory transitions.
Raid utility
- Agree on interrupt, purge, stun, slow and immunity rotations depending on the encounter.
- Use a combat resurrection only when the fallen player’s role is essential for the next mechanic.
Nerfs: what changed
- The boss-specific history is read in conjunction with the Ulduar raid timeline; original Wrath and Wrath Classic are kept separate.
- Numerical nerfs are only presented as confirmed when supported by patch or hotfix notes. Bug fixes are identified separately.
- Level squishes, Timewalking and changes to soloing from later expansions are outside the scope of these level 80 tactics.
Original WrathWrath ClassicSource scope
Encounter 10 / 14 · Ulduar
Freya
The Keepers · Three add waves, Attuned stacks and 0-3 Elder hard mode.
10/25-playerLevel 80The Keepers
TL;DR: Identify each add wave and use the matching plan. Kill Detonating Lashers at a controlled pace while keeping their explosions safe. Balance the trio’s health and kill all three within seconds of one another. Kill Eonar’s Gift promptly to prevent healing. In hard mode, prioritize roots, beams and ground hazards.
Raid priorities
- Identify each add wave and use the matching plan.
- Kill Detonating Lashers at a controlled pace while keeping their explosions safe.
- Balance the trio’s health and kill all three within seconds of one another.
- Kill Eonar’s Gift promptly to prevent healing.
- In hard mode, prioritize roots, beams and ground hazards.
Before the pull
- Review the tanking, healing and damage responsibilities for Freya in a 10- or 25-player group.
- Assign wave-specific targets, trio kill timing and immediate Eonar’s Gift damage.
- Assign interrupts, dispels, crowd control and target swaps before the pull.
- Save raid and personal cooldowns for the encounter’s most dangerous phase.
Mechanics reference
Detonating Lashers
Lashers explode on death.
Ancient Conservator
Use mushroom protection to handle the Conservator.
Elemental trio
Kill Storm Lasher, Snaplasher and Ancient Water Spirit almost simultaneously.
Eonar’s Gift
This tree heals Freya if left alive.
Elders
Leaving elders alive adds hard-mode abilities.
Phase plan and tactic
Identify the wave
Identify each add wave and use the matching plan.
Identify each add wave and use the matching plan.
Control Lasher deaths
Kill Detonating Lashers at a controlled pace while keeping their explosions safe.
Kill Detonating Lashers at a controlled pace while keeping their explosions safe.
Synchronize the trio
Balance the trio’s health and kill all three within seconds of one another.
Balance the trio’s health and kill all three within seconds of one another.
Destroy healing trees
Kill Eonar’s Gift promptly to prevent healing.
Kill Eonar’s Gift promptly to prevent healing.
Hard-mode hazards
In hard mode, prioritize roots, beams and ground hazards.
In hard mode, prioritize roots, beams and ground hazards.
Role notes
Tanks
- Face the boss and adds away from the raid; swap tanks when required by debuffs or phase changes.
- Tell healers in advance when you will use defensive cooldowns or make a dangerous tank swap.
Healers
- Assign tank healing, raid healing and dispels before the pull.
- Plan raid cooldowns for the largest predictable damage window and avoid unnecessary overlap.
Melee DPS
- Stay clear of frontal and rear attacks, and switch to adds as soon as they are called.
- Don't sacrifice movement or soak mechanics for damage uptime.
Ranged DPS
- Maintain the required spacing and prioritize distant adds, orbs or moving targets.
- Save abilities used while moving for mandatory transitions.
Raid utility
- Agree on interrupt, purge, stun, slow and immunity rotations depending on the encounter.
- Use a combat resurrection only when the fallen player’s role is essential for the next mechanic.
Nerfs: what changed
- The boss-specific history is read in conjunction with the Ulduar raid timeline; original Wrath and Wrath Classic are kept separate.
- Numerical nerfs are only presented as confirmed when supported by patch or hotfix notes. Bug fixes are identified separately.
- Level squishes, Timewalking and changes to soloing from later expansions are outside the scope of these level 80 tactics.
Original WrathWrath ClassicSource scope
Encounter 11 / 14 · Ulduar
Mimiron
The Keepers · Four stages and Big Red Button hard mode.
10/25-playerLevel 80The Keepers
TL;DR: Position the encounter carefully and stay clear of mines. Watch rocket markers and the direction of Laser Barrage. Balance damage across all three parts and finish them almost simultaneously in phase 4. In Firefighter mode, guide spreading flames along the agreed route and stay clear when Frost Bomb clears fire.
Raid priorities
- Position the encounter carefully and stay clear of mines.
- Watch rocket markers and the direction of Laser Barrage.
- Balance damage across all three parts and finish them almost simultaneously in phase 4.
- In Firefighter mode, guide spreading flames along the agreed route and stay clear when Frost Bomb clears fire.
Before the pull
- Review the tanking, healing and damage responsibilities for Mimiron in a 10- or 25-player group.
- Agree on safe movement, rocket calls, phase-4 target balance and the Firefighter route.
- Assign interrupts, dispels, crowd control and target swaps before the pull.
- Save raid and personal cooldowns for the encounter’s most dangerous phase.
Mechanics reference
Proximity Mines
Mines surround the ground unit. Avoid them when moving.
Rocket Strike
Leave rocket markers immediately; a hit is lethal.
Laser Barrage
The barrage sweeps through a wide arc.
Combined phase
The ground unit, torso and head must be destroyed almost simultaneously in phase 4.
Firefighter
Spreading flames progressively fill the room.
Phase plan and tactic
Position and avoid mines
Position the encounter carefully and stay clear of mines.
Position the encounter carefully and stay clear of mines.
Rockets and barrage
Watch rocket markers and the direction of Laser Barrage.
Watch rocket markers and the direction of Laser Barrage.
Synchronize the final phase
Balance damage across all three parts and finish them almost simultaneously in phase 4.
Balance damage across all three parts and finish them almost simultaneously in phase 4.
Manage Firefighter flames
In Firefighter mode, guide spreading flames along the agreed route and stay clear when Frost Bomb clears fire.
In Firefighter mode, guide spreading flames along the agreed route and stay clear when Frost Bomb clears fire.
Role notes
Tanks
- Face the boss and adds away from the raid; swap tanks when required by debuffs or phase changes.
- Tell healers in advance when you will use defensive cooldowns or make a dangerous tank swap.
Healers
- Assign tank healing, raid healing and dispels before the pull.
- Plan raid cooldowns for the largest predictable damage window and avoid unnecessary overlap.
Melee DPS
- Stay clear of frontal and rear attacks, and switch to adds as soon as they are called.
- Don't sacrifice movement or soak mechanics for damage uptime.
Ranged DPS
- Maintain the required spacing and prioritize distant adds, orbs or moving targets.
- Save abilities used while moving for mandatory transitions.
Raid utility
- Agree on interrupt, purge, stun, slow and immunity rotations depending on the encounter.
- Use a combat resurrection only when the fallen player’s role is essential for the next mechanic.
Nerfs: what changed
- The boss-specific history is read in conjunction with the Ulduar raid timeline; original Wrath and Wrath Classic are kept separate.
- Numerical nerfs are only presented as confirmed when supported by patch or hotfix notes. Bug fixes are identified separately.
- Level squishes, Timewalking and changes to soloing from later expansions are outside the scope of these level 80 tactics.
Original WrathWrath ClassicSource scope
Encounter 12 / 14 · Ulduar
General Vezax
Descent into Madness · mana vapors, Shadow Crash and Saronite Animus.
10/25-playerLevel 80Descent into Madness
TL;DR: Spread ranged players, avoid Shadow Crash impacts and use the pools for spell damage. Players with Mark of the Faceless move away from everyone else. On normal mode, use Saronite Vapor carefully in short intervals to recover mana. For hard mode, leave all vapors alive and use raid cooldowns while killing the Saronite Animus.
Raid priorities
- Spread ranged players, avoid Shadow Crash impacts and use the pools for spell damage.
- Players with Mark of the Faceless move away from everyone else.
- On normal mode, use Saronite Vapor carefully in short intervals to recover mana.
- For hard mode, leave all vapors alive and use raid cooldowns while killing the Saronite Animus.
Before the pull
- Review the tanking, healing and damage responsibilities for General Vezax in a 10- or 25-player group.
- Plan ranged spacing, Mark escape routes and whether vapors will be used or preserved.
- Assign interrupts, dispels, crowd control and target swaps before the pull.
- Save raid and personal cooldowns for the encounter’s most dangerous phase.
Mechanics reference
Mana regeneration
Normal mana regeneration is blocked.
Saronite Vapor
Vapor restores mana at the cost of health.
Shadow Crash
The resulting area boosts offensive spellcasting but reduces healing.
Mark of the Faceless
Keep the marked player away from others to prevent healing Vezax.
Saronite Animus
Leaving six vapors alive causes the Animus to spawn.
Phase plan and tactic
Shadow Crash positioning
Spread ranged players, avoid Shadow Crash impacts and use the pools for spell damage.
Spread ranged players, avoid Shadow Crash impacts and use the pools for spell damage.
Separate Mark targets
Players with Mark of the Faceless move away from everyone else.
Players with Mark of the Faceless move away from everyone else.
Normal-mode mana
On normal mode, use Saronite Vapor carefully in short intervals to recover mana.
On normal mode, use Saronite Vapor carefully in short intervals to recover mana.
Hard-mode Animus
For hard mode, leave all vapors alive and use raid cooldowns while killing the Saronite Animus.
For hard mode, leave all vapors alive and use raid cooldowns while killing the Saronite Animus.
Role notes
Tanks
- Face the boss and adds away from the raid; swap tanks when required by debuffs or phase changes.
- Tell healers in advance when you will use defensive cooldowns or make a dangerous tank swap.
Healers
- Assign tank healing, raid healing and dispels before the pull.
- Plan raid cooldowns for the largest predictable damage window and avoid unnecessary overlap.
Melee DPS
- Stay clear of frontal and rear attacks, and switch to adds as soon as they are called.
- Don't sacrifice movement or soak mechanics for damage uptime.
Ranged DPS
- Maintain the required spacing and prioritize distant adds, orbs or moving targets.
- Save abilities used while moving for mandatory transitions.
Raid utility
- Agree on interrupt, purge, stun, slow and immunity rotations depending on the encounter.
- Use a combat resurrection only when the fallen player’s role is essential for the next mechanic.
Nerfs: what changed
- The boss-specific history is read in conjunction with the Ulduar raid timeline; original Wrath and Wrath Classic are kept separate.
- Numerical nerfs are only presented as confirmed when supported by patch or hotfix notes. Bug fixes are identified separately.
- Level squishes, Timewalking and changes to soloing from later expansions are outside the scope of these level 80 tactics.
Original WrathWrath ClassicSource scope
Encounter 13 / 14 · Ulduar
Yogg-Saron
Prison of Yogg-Saron · Sanity, portal groups and 0-4 Keeper difficulty.
10/25-playerLevel 80Prison of Yogg-Saron
TL;DR: Bring Guardians to Sara and avoid unnecessary cloud spawns. Assign the portal team before pulling and leave the brain room in time. Follow the agreed Crusher, Corruptor and Constrictor priorities, freeing trapped players promptly. In the final phase, turn away from Lunatic Gaze and reduce Immortal Guardians to low health.
Raid priorities
- Bring Guardians to Sara and avoid unnecessary cloud spawns.
- Assign the portal team before pulling and leave the brain room in time.
- Follow the agreed Crusher, Corruptor and Constrictor priorities, freeing trapped players promptly.
- In the final phase, turn away from Lunatic Gaze and reduce Immortal Guardians to low health.
Before the pull
- Review the tanking, healing and damage responsibilities for Yogg-Saron in a 10- or 25-player group.
- Assign portal players, exit timing, tentacle priorities and Guardian control.
- Assign interrupts, dispels, crowd control and target swaps before the pull.
- Save raid and personal cooldowns for the encounter’s most dangerous phase.
Mechanics reference
Guardians and Sara
Kill Guardians beside Sara so their explosions damage her in phase 1.
Sanity
Malady and tentacle mechanics threaten Sanity.
Portal team
Defeat the illusions, then damage the brain.
Induce Madness
Leave before the cast finishes. It reduces Sanity to zero and causes permanent mind control.
Lunatic Gaze
Turn away from Yogg-Saron during Lunatic Gaze in phase 3.
Phase plan and tactic
Control Guardian spawns
Bring Guardians to Sara and avoid unnecessary cloud spawns.
Bring Guardians to Sara and avoid unnecessary cloud spawns.
Complete the portal cycle
Assign the portal team before pulling and leave the brain room in time.
Assign the portal team before pulling and leave the brain room in time.
Handle tentacles
Follow the agreed Crusher, Corruptor and Constrictor priorities, freeing trapped players promptly.
Follow the agreed Crusher, Corruptor and Constrictor priorities, freeing trapped players promptly.
Final phase
In the final phase, turn away from Lunatic Gaze and reduce Immortal Guardians to low health.
In the final phase, turn away from Lunatic Gaze and reduce Immortal Guardians to low health.
Role notes
Tanks
- Face the boss and adds away from the raid; swap tanks when required by debuffs or phase changes.
- Tell healers in advance when you will use defensive cooldowns or make a dangerous tank swap.
Healers
- Assign tank healing, raid healing and dispels before the pull.
- Plan raid cooldowns for the largest predictable damage window and avoid unnecessary overlap.
Melee DPS
- Stay clear of frontal and rear attacks, and switch to adds as soon as they are called.
- Don't sacrifice movement or soak mechanics for damage uptime.
Ranged DPS
- Maintain the required spacing and prioritize distant adds, orbs or moving targets.
- Save abilities used while moving for mandatory transitions.
Raid utility
- Agree on interrupt, purge, stun, slow and immunity rotations depending on the encounter.
- Use a combat resurrection only when the fallen player’s role is essential for the next mechanic.
Nerfs: what changed
- The boss-specific history is read in conjunction with the Ulduar raid timeline; original Wrath and Wrath Classic are kept separate.
- Numerical nerfs are only presented as confirmed when supported by patch or hotfix notes. Bug fixes are identified separately.
- Level squishes, Timewalking and changes to soloing from later expansions are outside the scope of these level 80 tactics.
Original WrathWrath ClassicSource scope
Encounter 14 / 14 · Ulduar
Algalon the Observer
Celestial Planetarium · Phase Punch tanks, collapsing stars and Big Bang.
10/25-playerLevel 80Celestial Planetarium
TL;DR: Assign two tanks and a controlled Collapsing Star kill schedule. Guide Living Constellations into existing black holes to close them. Swap tanks before the fifth Phase Punch. Enter a black hole for each Big Bang except for the assigned survivor, who needs a proven survival plan using damage reduction or another working method.
Raid priorities
- Assign two tanks and a controlled Collapsing Star kill schedule.
- Guide Living Constellations into existing black holes to close them.
- Swap tanks before the fifth Phase Punch.
- Enter a black hole for each Big Bang except for the assigned survivor, who needs a proven survival plan using damage reduction or another working method.
Before the pull
- Review the tanking, healing and damage responsibilities for Algalon the Observer in a 10- or 25-player group.
- Assign star timing, tank swaps, black-hole control and a verified Big Bang survival plan.
- Assign interrupts, dispels, crowd control and target swaps before the pull.
- Save raid and personal cooldowns for the encounter’s most dangerous phase.
Mechanics reference
Phase Punch
At five stacks, the tank shifts into another dimension.
Collapsing Stars
A dying star damages the raid and creates a black hole.
Living Constellations
Guiding a Constellation into a black hole closes that hole.
Cosmic Smash
Move away from the marked impact area.
Big Bang
All but the assigned survivor enter black holes. Big Bang bypasses Divine Shield, Ice Block and Hand of Protection; ordinary immunity is not a safe survival plan.
Phase plan and tactic
Assign tanks and stars
Assign two tanks and a controlled Collapsing Star kill schedule.
Assign two tanks and a controlled Collapsing Star kill schedule.
Control black holes
Guide Living Constellations into existing black holes to close them.
Guide Living Constellations into existing black holes to close them.
Swap tanks
Swap tanks before the fifth Phase Punch.
Swap tanks before the fifth Phase Punch.
Survive Big Bang
Enter a black hole for each Big Bang except for the assigned survivor, who needs a proven survival plan using damage reduction or another working method.
Enter a black hole for each Big Bang except for the assigned survivor, who needs a proven survival plan using damage reduction or another working method.
Role notes
Tanks
- Face the boss and adds away from the raid; swap tanks when required by debuffs or phase changes.
- Tell healers in advance when you will use defensive cooldowns or make a dangerous tank swap.
Healers
- Assign tank healing, raid healing and dispels before the pull.
- Plan raid cooldowns for the largest predictable damage window and avoid unnecessary overlap.
Melee DPS
- Stay clear of frontal and rear attacks, and switch to adds as soon as they are called.
- Don't sacrifice movement or soak mechanics for damage uptime.
Ranged DPS
- Maintain the required spacing and prioritize distant adds, orbs or moving targets.
- Save abilities used while moving for mandatory transitions.
Raid utility
- Agree on interrupt, purge, stun, slow and immunity rotations depending on the encounter.
- Use a combat resurrection only when the fallen player’s role is essential for the next mechanic.
Nerfs: what changed
- The boss-specific history is read in conjunction with the Ulduar raid timeline; original Wrath and Wrath Classic are kept separate.
- Numerical nerfs are only presented as confirmed when supported by patch or hotfix notes. Bug fixes are identified separately.
- Level squishes, Timewalking and changes to soloing from later expansions are outside the scope of these level 80 tactics.
Original WrathWrath ClassicSource scope
Sources and version scope
Boss counts, release structure and Classic availability have been checked against Blizzard’s publications. Mechanics and original patch changes are cross-checked against Warcraft Wiki encounter guides and patch histories.
- Blizzard — Wrath Classic: Ulduar now live
worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com/en-us/news/23897173/wrath-classic-unearth-the-secrets-of-ulduar-january-19 - Blizzard — Wrath Classic 2023 hotfix Archive
worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com/en-gb/news/23892230/hotfixes-february-7-2023 - Warcraft Wiki — Patch 3.1.0
warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Patch_3.1.0 - Warcraft Wiki — Ulduar
warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Ulduar
Updated 19 August 2026. Legacy changes from later expansions are excluded.