5.2 PTR Zone Preview: Isle of Giants, Isle of the Thunder King

Posted 2013/01/02 at 4:42 PM by perculia

The Isle of Giants is a small tropical isle to the north of Kun-Lai Summit that features the new world boss, Oondasta, a troll dinosaur.

The Isle of the Thunder King is able to be explored in an incomplete scenario form. Edit: as of 1/3, these scenarios have been locked, most likely to fix some bugs. This is the location for the new 5.2 raid, new quest hubs featuring the Kirin Tor Offensive and Sunreaver Onslaught, a new world boss, a Lightning Forge used to craft weapons with distinctive or formerly-removed models, and a Shipyard, Main Courtyard, and Treasure Room.

Video: Isle of ThunderTankspotIsle of ThunderClick the cut to see the screenshots for the Isle of the Thunder King and Isle of Giants!Isle of Thunder ScreenshotsTo the SkiesTake Down This Wall!Edit: These scenarios have been locked on 1/3 to players, so hopefully they'll be open soon and completely fixed.

Blizzard

Here players can join the assault to conquer Emperor Lei Shen's island stronghold, unlock new questlines and daily quest hubs, participate in special events, earn the right to visit the fabled Treasure Room, lay claim an arsenal of powerful Mogu artifacts for their faction, and more.
Each faction's finest are spearheading the assault: the Kirin-Tor Offensive led by Jaina Proudmoore and the Sunreaver Onslaught led by Lor'themar Theron. Earning reputation with these new factions offers heroes the opportunity to receive new quests and reputation rewards, including powerful items and an intimidating new mount.
After both the Alliance and the Horde have eked out a foothold on the isle, players can choose to perform quests that are PvE or PvP focused. PvP quests will direct players against opposing faction NPCs, but slaying opposing players will grant credit as well.
As the heroes conquer the Isle, they will unlock the powerful Lightning Forge, which will allow Blacksmiths to forge mighty raid-worthy items, as well as classic weapons from the past.
Players on the PTR can teleport to the Isle of the Thunder King at their faction shrines in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms. While the Isle of the Thunder King will be unlocked progressively by each realm based on participation in the war effort, initially only some of the Isle’s features will be unlocked. Future updates will include the Shipyard and the Main Courtyard. Some features, including the Treasure Room, will not yet be available.
After the Isle of the Thunder King has been conquered, the gate guardian of the Thunder King's citadel will appear: Nalak, the Storm Lord. Players will frequently have the opportunity to test their mettle against him.

Isle of GiantsMaps

Comment by wargh0stIt looks really good!
And Theron is finally getting some more screen time. Has always been the dullest leader to me.Comment by ElladarynBring me a new Kirin Tor tabard!Comment by LolusLEGO Dinos (TM). Didn't expect to see the thunder king on first day, thought he'd be a secret until the end but he looks pretty normalComment by 668198This post was from a user who has deleted their account.Comment by ZoeteklemWonder if they doing something like Dark Iron Ore, Black Forge and the Black Anvil? Pretty neat if so!Comment by zharshoulremember theron was the one who piloted the mechaComment by 434395I don't know... I was kinda hoping the Isle of Giants would be well, more Giant. I mean, Oondasta's area takes up a significant portion of the zone, and from the pictures, the rest of the zone seems somewhat sparse. Certainly not the lushly forested Un'Goro or Sholazar I was hoping for.

Definitely excited for another Quel'Danas, but i'm one of those weird people that enjoys questing, dailies, and storyline.Comment by LenienceSweet.Comment by TimeTrapintimidating new mount.

Is all I got from that.Comment by kellbyba Lightning Forge used to craft unobtainable weaponsused to craft unobtainable weaponscraft unobtainable weaponsComment by ButterbunsWhich part of that makes no sense? It's used to craft stuff you can't get in game anymore.Comment by 380942LEGO Dinos (TM). Didn't expect to see the thunder king on first day, thought he'd be a secret until the end but he looks pretty normalComment by perculiaModified that to sound a little clearer :)

The Forge looks completely awesome, I am impressed. Hoping we get some epic designs from the weapons!Comment by SoeroahI really really hope its not daily central again ... so tired of them.Comment by 1036170Finally the Blood Elves do something other than their hair.Comment by ZeroEdgeirFinally the Blood Elves do something other than their hair.Comment by XappsTime to level Blacksmithing again -p-Comment by retrovertigoLooks very cool, just hope the spawn timer on the world bosses is a bit shorter this time. Looking forward to the daily questline!Comment by tBattousaiAs a smith, I'm so excited about this new Lightning forge thingy :DComment by 12omerNew models are amazing, try the PTR and see for yourself