If you're embarking on Phase 2, the Season of Discovery in Classic World of Warcraft it can feel like stepping into a familiar yet mysteriously altered landscape. With new content, gear, and professional items unveiled, even the most seasoned adventurers might find themselves caught off guard. To prevent being blindsided and to make your journey from level 25 to 40 as smooth as possible, here are eight nuggets of wisdom we wish you had known before diving in.

• 1. Experience Boosts Are a Game-Changer
• 2. Reputation Grinds Can Wait
• 3. Warsong Gulch Rewards Offer Easy Upgrades
• 4. Gold Sinks Have Deepened
• 5. The Cozy Sleeping Bag Quest Is Worth the Effort
• 6. Stranglethorn Vale PvP Is Not for the Faint-Hearted
• 7. Keep an Eye Out for Upgraded Dungeon Loot
• 8. Embrace Your Main — Changes Are Inevitable

↖ 1. Experience Boosts Are a Game-Changer

• The introduction of a persistent 50% experience buff for levels 1 through 25 is a boon for players catching up or starting fresh. This boost could very well extend into future phases, so take advantage while you can.
• Blackfathom Deeps now offers substantial experience gain, with full completion yielding up to 25k experience. Despite its three-day lockout is a must-do for rapid leveling around level 25.
• War Supplies dropping between levels 25 and 40 now grant experience. However their cost may outweigh the benefits due to high demand for materials.

↖ 2. Reputation Grinds Can Wait

Unlike Phase 1's urgent push for reputation, Phase 2 eases up on this requirement. The primary reward for reaching revered status is the Lesser Arcane Elixir recipe — a new raid consumable for Alchemists. Don't rush; this grind can be paced out.

↖ 3. Warsong Gulch Rewards Offer Easy Upgrades

If you've built up your Warsong Gulch reputation in Phase 1, don't forget to claim your level-38 gear upgrades. These items provide a nice boost as you approach higher levels.

↖ 4. Gold Sinks Have Deepened

Blizzard has reintroduced heftier gold sinks at level 40. Gathering professions or a dedicated gold farming character can help cushion the blow from increased mount costs and pricier profession recipes.

↖ 5. The Cozy Sleeping Bag Quest Is Worth the Effort

While it involves extensive travel across Azeroth, completing this quest chain not only grants significant experience but also awards rations that provide rested XP bonuses. Use these strategically to maximize leveling efficiency.

↖ 6. Stranglethorn Vale PvP Is Not for the Faint-Hearted

The free-for-all PvP event in Stranglethorn Vale can be ruthless. Group up for a fighting chance, and consider farming NPCs away from hotspots if direct confrontation isn't your style.

↖ 7. Keep an Eye Out for Upgraded Dungeon Loot

Casters and healers rejoice! Many items in dungeons like Scarlet Monastery and Razorfen Downs have received spell power upgrades. Physical damage dealers may find fewer new options, but it’s still worth revisiting these instances for potential upgrades.

↖ 8. Embrace Your Main — Changes Are Inevitable

In a seasonal server where class balancing is dynamic, it's crucial to choose a main character you enjoy playing rather than chasing the ever-shifting meta. Invest your time wisely; switching mains is not a quick nor trivial endeavor in Classic WoW.

As you continue to work your way through the second phase of the Season of Discovery, don't forget that it's imperative to stay adaptable and informed. By doing so, you'll be able to easily navigate whatever comes your way with both confidence and strategy. Best of luck on your adventure, may your loot be bountiful!