Patch 5.2: How to enter the Throne of Thunder raid
The recent PTR update for patch 5.2 has fixed issues with interactive objects! In other words, we can finally click the portal at the portal area in the Shrines that will transport us over to the Island of the Thunder King. You'll run into a few NPCs that are leading the charge such as Jaina for the Alliance and Lor'themar for the Horde. Your faction will have assorted daily quests for you to go out and undertake.
But we're not here for that. Where's this new raid instance?
Read on!
If you look on the map, you'll see a large fortress-like structure in the north east. That's got to be it, right? But if you start heading towards it, you'll find that there doesn't seem to be a way to get past the inner walls. There's no instance portals and those doors look pretty darn sturdy. You can't fly over them either.
We're going to have to do this Black Temple style and look for... a sewer entrance.
The Beastiary of Jalak is just slightly to the left of the stairs leading to the main gates. But if you look to the side you'll find some brush and bushes which partially conceal a cave. Inside that cage, you'll find a pandaren named Mi-Lee Cirus (I'm not joking). Just past her, you'll see a purple portal. If you run into that portal, it'll teleport you past the gates and you can see the raid instance right in front.
We don't know for certain if this is the final way in or if the front gates are eventually going to open. But for now, it seems if you want to participate in any raid testing (normal or heroic), you'll need to go through that little cave and portal.
Unfortunately, the raid instance appears to be sealed off. Even at max level and in a raid, the portal would not allow us mere mortals in for a sneak peek around the instance. All raid finder options are currently toggled off. We're expecting to see a schedule for boss testing on the PTR fairly soon so keep your eyes peeled when it does become announced.
Recap
Head to this spot when you teleport to the Isle of the Thunder King
Go into the sewer and run into the purple portal
That's it!
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