Patch 5.5.3: The Thunder King, Season 2, and the New Mistwalker Meta

The horizon is darkening, heroes. Patch 5.5.3 is officially upon us.

With the launch of The Thunder King on December 9, Challenge Mode Season 1 is coming to a close. During maintenance on that day, the Season 1 leaderboards will be reset and rewards distributed. But as one door closes, a much more challenging (and rewarding) one opens.

Season 2 begins immediately on launch day. Here is everything you need to know to prepare your group for the speedruns ahead.

The "Mistwalker" Achievement Overhaul

Blizzard has significantly updated the requirements for the prestigious Mistwalker achievement.

Previously, it was hinted that a single faster time in any dungeon would suffice. However, based on community feedback and data, the bar has been raised. To earn the title of Mistwalker and the Celestial Riding Tiger (a stunning Avatar of Xuen mount), players must now complete every dungeon listed below within specific time limits.

Required Mistwalker Times

• Scarlet Halls: 4m 15s
• Scarlet Monastery: 5m 30s
• Gate of the Setting Sun: 5m 30s
• Stormstout Brewery: 6m 30s
• Mogu’shan Palace: 6m 45s
• Scholomance: 7m 15s
• Temple of the Jade Serpent: 8m 30s
• Siege of Niuzao Temple: 10m 15s
• Shado-Pan Monastery: 10m 30s

Note: Obtaining these times rewards the unique The Celestial Riding Tiger. Prepare to soar through the skies atop the aspect of the White Tiger!

Season 2 Rewards: Platinum Toys

Season 2 introduces a suite of utility toys earnable by achieving Platinum Times. These are permanent versions of popular consumable items used in Challenge Modes.

Crucial Change: These items now reset every time a Challenge Mode is started, allowing for consistent use in every run.

• Temple of the Jade Serpent: Platinum Boots of Expeditious Retreat
• Stormstout Brewery: Platinum “Little Ale”
• Gate of the Setting Sun: Platinum Rod of Ambershaping
• Shado-Pan Monastery: Platinum Potion of Invisibility
• Siege of Niuzao Temple: Platinum Amber
• Mogu’shan Palace: Platinum Battle Horn
• Scholomance: Platinum Vial of Polyformic Acid
• Scarlet Halls: Platinum Battle Banner
• Scarlet Monastery: Platinum Sacrificial Dagger

New Currency: Platinum Coins

A brand-new currency system is arriving to help you expand your collection of mounts, toys, and transmog sets.

Platinum Coins are awarded for completing a dungeon within the Platinum window. This is a recurring reward, meaning consistent high-level play yields consistent currency. Additionally, earning the Challenge Conqueror: Platinum meta achievement grants a large, one-time bonus of coins.

Where to Spend Platinum Coins

New vendors have been set up in the faction shrines:

• Alliance: Jaelof Ironhart (Shrine of Seven Stars)
• Horde: Viktor Felhallow (Shrine of Two Moons)

Realm First Titles

For the most competitive groups among you, two new titles have been added for the fastest challengers to complete the Challenge Conqueror: Platinum meta when the seasons go live.

• Season 2: The Thundering Stampede
• Season 3: The Momentous Terror

Need Help Hitting Platinum?

The new time limits for Mistwalker are unforgiving. If you want to secure your Celestial Riding Tiger or farm Platinum Coins without the headache of pugging, Misti.Services is here to help. Check out our Challenge Mode carry options today!