The Druid class can be considered Blizzard's favourite, as it is the only one with a specific additional reward for Mage Tower completion. While all others can obtain class-themed transmog appearances and a flying mount, Guardian Druids have the opportunity to unlock the outstanding Fel Werebear form by completing the Highlord Kruul challenge. In the guide below, we’ll take a closer look at this Mage Tower encounter and share the best tactics and tips to easily obtain the coveted rewards.
As mentioned, to obtain this unique Legion-themed bear form, you must complete The Highlord's Return challenge at the Mage Tower. Regarding the features of this encounter, you should be prepared for two phases, during which you must tank enemies while protecting your allies, Prophet Velen and Kor'vas Bloodthorn, from damage. Both of them must be kept alive throughout the whole scenario, and in some cases, they can even finish the challenge even if your character dies.
Completing The Highlord's Return scenario rewards you with the Fel Werebear form.
Additional reward is a recoloured Tier 20 set from the Tomb of Sargeras raid with glow effects, which looks spectacular.
Before discussing the encounter tactics, you should know several details brought by the Midnight expansion. First of all, right now the Mage Tower is available only to level 90 characters. In addition, all player gear is scaled to item level 226, so you can't crush the boss with high-level equipment. While this scenario tests not only your tanking abilities but also your DPS, in most cases you won't need to worry about stat priority, with the best model being Versatility > Haste = Critical Strike = Mastery.
The challenge is truly hard now, but possible. And don't forget that you can always order Fel Werebear form farming from our team.
Players use various builds to complete the Highlord's Return challenge, but we recommend you take a look at the most common example below.
Below you can find a list of flasks, food, and all other enhancements that can help you during the challenge.
| Type | Item |
|---|---|
| Flask | Flask of Thalassian Resistance |
| Combat Potion | Light’s Potential |
| Health Potion | Silvermoon Health Potion |
| Weapon Buff | Smuggler’s Enchanted Edge |
| Augment Rune | Void-Touched Augment Rune |
| Food | Royal Roast |
| Drums | Thunderous Drums |
As mentioned, the challenge is divided into two phases, and additional mobs will harass you throughout the fight.
The first phase of the encounter starts with a confrontation against Inquisitor Variss, who is surrounded by Aura of Decay. This aura reduces your maximum health and forces you to use Moonkin Form and ranged Moonkin abilities. Don't collect more than 5 stacks of the aura—this is important. In addition, Inquisitor Variss will spam Mind Rend, which deals a small amount of damage, and the major DPS spell Drain Life, which must be interrupted because it heals the boss.
When Inquisitor Variss dies, Highlord Kruul emerges and the second phase begins. The main thing required of you now is DPS, so try to save your cooldowns like Incarnation: Guardian of Ursoc. In an ideal scenario, the fight should only last around one minute.
Highlord Kruul has three abilities that you will have to deal with:
In addition, try to avoid the purple cutter beams that come through, but only if the boss isn't casting more important spells.
There are three types of adds that will confront you during the boss phases of the challenge:
Velen will be with your best teammate during the Highlord’s Return fight. He will create the orbs of light on the ground by using the Holy Ward cast. Orbs will appear every 30 seconds and will be available for you for 2 minutes. In most cases, you will prefer to save them for the second phase of the challenge, but you can use them in any other critical situation. Protect Velen from the Nether Horror to not fail the challenge and get access for Holy Ward new casts.
We hope, with our guide, your Mage Tower run will be an easy walk. But don’t forget, that you always can share this challenge to our team.
