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Gnomeregan Raid Lockout in Season of Discovery Phase 2 - Delayed Start for Two Weeks
Season of Discovery Phase 2 is here, and with it comes an exciting update from Blizzard regarding lockouts in the Gnomeregan raid. In a bid to accommodate both hardcore players and those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the lockouts at the start of the phase have been extended. Let's take a closer look at what this means for players in this new phase of the game.
Extended Lockouts in Season of Discovery Phase 2
During the first two weeks of Season of Discovery Phase 2, the Gnomeregan raid will follow a weekly lockout schedule. This means that players will only be able to participate in the raid once a week during this period. However, after the initial two weeks, the raid will revert to its normal intended three-day lockout.
This compromise has been put in place to give hardcore players the opportunity to dive into the Gnomeregan raid right away as soon as they reach level 40. At the same time, it prevents players who take a bit longer to level from missing out on numerous lockouts.
It's important to note that Season of Discovery Phase 2 launches on a Thursday, which means the first lockout will occur five days after the season launch, specifically on February 13th. The second lockout will follow a week later on February 20th. Let's take a look at the complete lockout schedule:
| Lockout | Start Date | End Date |
| First Lockout | February 8th | February 13th |
| Second Lockout | February 13th | February 20th |
| Third Lockout | February 20th | February 23rd |
| Fourth Lockout | February 23rd | February 26th |
Compromise for Players
To strike a compromise between leading-edge and more casual players, the Gnomeregan raid dungeon will be accessible from the moment Season of Discovery Phase 2 launches. However, there will be two lockouts during the initial part of the phase, following the normal weekly lockout timer.
The first of these raid resets will occur on February 13th, allowing leading-edge players to hit level 40 and jump straight into the raid dungeon. The second reset will happen a week later on February 20th during the regularly scheduled maintenance. This approach ensures that hardcore players can start their raid progression immediately, while also minimizing the number of lockouts missed for those who prefer a slower leveling pace.
Final Thoughts
Blizzard's decision to extend the lockouts at the start of Season of Discovery Phase 2 demonstrates their commitment to catering to various playstyles within the community. Whether you're a dedicated raider or someone who enjoys taking their time, this compromise ensures that everyone has a chance to fully experience the Gnomeregan raid in all its glory.