World of Warcraft: The War Within - Season 1 Mythic+ Master Guide
With the launch of The War Within, Blizzard has introduced a fresh rotation of eight dungeons for Mythic+ Season 1. This season features four new dungeons from Khaz Algar and four returning legacy dungeons. The affixes have been reworked, but the core challenge remains: time efficiency and mob count management.
As a Tank or Raid Leader, knowing the route is 90% of the battle. Pulling too much results in a wipe; pulling too little forces a backtrack that bricks the key. This guide provides the standard "PUG-Safe" routes as well as high-risk "MDI-Style" pulls for coordinated groups.
The Stonevault (Khaz Algar)
This dungeon is mechanically dense and unforgiving on healers. It features construct-type enemies with high armor and frequent AoE pulses.
Trash Breakdown
The initial hallway is a trap. Do not pull the Stone Wardens together unless you have massive cooldowns. Their "Ground Smash" ability synchronizes, dealing lethal physical damage to the group.
- Priority Target: Earthshaper. Kicks are mandatory on "Tectonic Upheaval." If this cast goes off, it's a guaranteed wipe on Fortified weeks.
- Skip: You can use an Invisibility Potion (or Rogue Shroud) after the first boss to skip the hallway of patrol packs, saving about 3 minutes.
Boss Strategy: E.D.N.A.
E.D.N.A. requires precise positioning. The tank must face the boss away from the group to manage the "Seismic Ripple." DPS must stack loosely to bait the earth spikes, then destroy them immediately to prevent the boss from regaining shielding.
Legacy Dungeons: The Returns
The Siege of Boralus (BFA)
Route Change: Unlike BFA, you now need significantly more trash
percentage (count). Do not skip the Spotters on the ships.
Boss Tip (Viq'Goth): The gripping terror tentacle logic has
changed. It now targets the furthest player. Have a Hunter or Mage bait the grab while
the rest of the group focuses on the Demolishing Terror.
Grim Batol (Cata)
Dragon Flight: The bombing run at the start is crucial. Coordinate with
your group to NOT bomb the same packs.
Trash Warning: The Twilight Drakes in the final room enrage if not
killed simultaneously. Use AoE stuns and cleave damage. Do not single-target them down
one by one.
Mists of Tirna Scithe (Shadowlands)
Maze Logic: The maze remains the same, but the trash count requirement
has been lowered slightly.
Boss Tip (Tred'ova): The Mind Link requires players to run apart
instantly. On Tyranical weeks, this ticks for 40% HP per second.
Affix Strategy: Xal'atath's Bargain
The new seasonal affix, Xal'atath's Bargain, empowers mobs with void energy. At specific health thresholds, mobs will either deal 20% more damage or gain 20% haste. You have a choice: purge the buff (Priest/Shaman) or spellsteal it (Mage). If you steal it, YOU get the buff. This makes Mages S-Tier for Season 1.
Ascendant (Level 7+): Orbs will spawn that grant players Haste/Cooldown reduction if destroyed, but buff the boss if they reach it. Assign ranged DPS to orb duty immediately.
Tank Meta: Who is King?
Blood Death Knight is currently the undisputed king of Season 1. Their ability to grip caster mobs (which are prevalent in The War Within dungeons) and their self-sustainability against the heavy magic damage profiles make them invaluable. Vengeance Demon Hunter remains a strong second choice due to sigil utility.
Comments
The Stonevault timer is way too tight. You literally cannot wipe once or it's depleted. Needs a nerf on the construct HP.
Grim Batol last boss shadow gale pushes back way harder than in Cata. Save movement cooldowns!