Raids

Understand that raids are a step above heroics, and success often depends on the raid group's gear, particularly for tanks and healers. While heroic standards can be similar, having a tank with 43k health and DPS with 3.5k is beneficial.

Know that all raids require players to be familiar with the bosses, as few are simple tank-and-spank encounters.

Recognize that 10-man raids are intended to be easier than 25-man raids, though lesser-geared players can hide more easily in 25-man raids if the rest of the group is strong.

Consider doing the heroic versions of raids unless no one has raided before and everyone's gear is blue.

Vault of Archavon: Located in Wintergrasp Keep on the winning side. This raid varies, and while one boss might be doable with 10 players on a 25-man version, up-to-date gear is still necessary.

Obsidian Sanctum: Located underneath Wyrmrest Temple in Dragonblight. This raid has trash mobs, three sub-bosses, and one main boss. It is recommended to clear mobs around the main boss before engaging him. You can clear all trash but leave two drakes alive for improved loot and increased difficulty.

Naxxramas: Located in eastern Dragonblight, reachable only by flying mount or summon. Naxxramas is considered a main raid of Northrend with four wings, numerous trash mobs, and a final boss. It is recommended to raid other instances a few times before attempting Naxxramas. You can do this on normal difficulty, and Saph and KT can be accessed from the start.

Eye of Eternity: Located as the third part of The Nexus in Borean Tundra. This is the fourth raid, requiring a key obtained from Sapphiron, the second-to-last boss in Naxxramas. The regular version of Sapphiron drops a regular key, and the heroic version drops a heroic key that can open both. Eye of Eternity is a one-boss raid and should not be underestimated; it requires a well-organized raid group.

Ulduar: This raid remains a top-tier option, though not the hardest. Five bosses (FL, XT, Razorscale, Kolo, and the cat lady) should be manageable for players with Naxxramas gear. Beyond these, more hardcore raiding content exists.

Trial of the Crusader: This is an almost end-game raid with multiple modes, and it should not be taken lightly.

Icecrown Citadel: The wings of this final raid will open over time. Only top-geared players should attempt this raid.

Understand that the primary purpose of raiding is to obtain boss drops and tokens used to purchase tier loot from a quartermaster in Dalaran. Dungeon emblems can also be spent on some tier gear. Many players focus on Obsidian Sanctum or Vault of the Archavon.

Be aware that downing Naxxramas and Ulduar can take a week or more, requiring coordination with raid leaders for consistent meeting times. This is standard practice in raiding guilds.

Note that notable bosses drop tokens of varying quality, usable by multiple classes. Even as the only player in a raid, you will need to roll for these tokens. Do not sell raid tokens, as they are important.