In World of Warcraft, raids have always been a major draw for players, and the Temple of Ahn’Qiraj is no different.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key strengths of the Temple of Ahn’Qiraj—why it’s worth running, what rewards you can get, and what makes it stand out. Whether you’re after rare loot, memorable encounters, or just a taste of WoW’s history, this raid has something to offer.
Tier 2.5 Sets Overview
In Temple of Ahn’Qiraj, one of the key raids from WoW’s classic era, players can find some of the most memorable gear sets ever created. Back then, AQ gear was not just about power — it looked unique and stood out among other tier sets.
Why AQ40 Stands Out
Legendary Boss Fights – The raid’s final boss, C’Thun, is one of WoW’s toughest encounters, requiring perfect teamwork and strategy. Other bosses like the Twin Emperors also push players to their limits.
Tier 2.5 Armor Sets – Unlike normal tier sets, these require special materials from the raid. Each class gets a powerful set with strong bonuses for wearing 3 or 5 pieces.
Unique Mounts & Cosmetics – The Qiraji Battle Tank mount (though only usable in AQ) and rare weapon skins make farming this raid worth it for collectors.
Scaling Difficulty – Early bosses are manageable, but later fights demand high coordination, making AQ40 a true test for serious raiders.
Below, we’ll also share our thoughts on how the sets look and which items stand out visually or statistically. Whether you’re here for transmog inspiration or aiming to maximize your character’s performance, this guide will help you navigate the rewards of AQ40 and decide what’s worth collecting.
Druid Armor Set Appearances
The Genesis Set (Tier 2.5) is a Druid-exclusive armor set from World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, obtained in the Temple of Ahn’Qiraj raid. Designed for Restoration and Balance specializations. The set bridges the gap between Tier 2 (Stormrage) and Tier 4 (Malorne), offering mid-tier stats and unique visual flair inspired by the Emerald Dream.
Set Overview:
Headpiece (Helm)
Features intricate designs resembling leaves and vines, with glowing emerald-like crystals embedded into the helmet.
Horn-like protrusions on top add to the regal and mystical appearance.
Shoulders (Pauldrons)
Large, wing-like shoulder pads with sharp, crystalline edges.
The wings appear to be made of a combination of stone and plant matter, giving them a rugged yet elegant look.
Chestpiece (Breastplate)
A robust breastplate with a central emblem that resembles a swirling vortex or portal, symbolizing the connection to the Emerald Dream.
The chestpiece is adorned with greenish-gold accents and appears to have a living, pulsating quality.
Legguards
Leggings that mimic the texture of tree bark and roots, with glowing runes etched along the sides.
They have a sturdy, protective look while maintaining the natural aesthetic of the set.
Gloves
Gloves with long, claw-like extensions on the fingertips, emphasizing the Druid’s connection to nature and their shapeshifting abilities.
The gloves are decorated with small, sparkling crystals and leaf patterns.
Druid Set Bonuses
Balance / Feral / Restoration
3 Pieces: Increased Defense +15.
3 Pieces: +150 Armor.
5 Pieces: Reduces the cooldown of Rebirth by 10 minutes.
Hunter Armor Set Appearances
The Hunter Tier 2.5 set, Striker’s Garb, is a mid-tier armor set obtained from AQ40 raid. Designed for mobility and ranged DPS, it features a nature/beast-themed aesthetic with purple, red, and black colors, spiked details, and claw-like motifs. The set bridges the gap between Tier 2 (Dragonstalker) and Tier 4 (Demon Stalker), offering balanced stats for Hunters focusing on shot efficiency and cooldown reduction.
Set Overview:
Helmet/Crest :
The helmet is adorned with sharp, spiky protrusions, resembling horns or thorns.
It has a dark visor or face covering, adding to the menacing appearance.
A glowing red symbol or emblem is visible on the chest plate, which might indicate a faction or rank.
Chest Plate :
The chest plate is large and robust, featuring a central red emblem or insignia.
The edges are spiked, complementing the overall aggressive aesthetic.
The armor plates appear segmented, allowing for flexibility while maintaining protection.
Gloves :
The gloves are fingerless, exposing the hands but providing protection on the back and sides.
They have sharp, claw-like extensions at the fingertips, enhancing the beast-like theme.
The gloves are primarily purple with red accents, matching the rest of the set.
Leg Armor :
The leg guards are long and cover from the thighs down to the ankles.
They feature layered plates and straps, with red highlights along the edges.
The boots are integrated into the leg armor, maintaining a cohesive look.
Back Design :
The back of the armor showcases additional spikes and angular designs, contributing to the intimidating silhouette.
There are red accents along the spine area, possibly indicating a thematic element like fire or energy.
Hunter Set Bonuses
Beast Mastery / Marksmanship / Survival
3-Piece Bonus: Reduces the mana cost of Arcane Shot by 10%, improving sustained DPS.
5-Piece Bonus: Reduces the cooldown of Rapid Fire by 2 minutes, enhancing burst damage potential.
Mage Armor Set Appearances
The Enigma Vestments is the Mage class set from Temple of Ahn’Qiraj (AQ40), serving as Tier 2.5 armor. Designed for PvE spellcasting, it offers a balance of spell damage, critical strike chance, and utility. The set focuses on improving Frost specialization (via Blizzard) while also providing a strong hit chance bonus when spells are resisted. It bridges the gap between Tier 2 (Netherwind) and Tier 4 (Aldor), making it valuable for progression raiding.
Set Overview:
Headpiece :
Features a tall, pointed helmet with intricate designs.
The helmet has sharp, angular spikes at the top, resembling lightning bolts or magical energy.
A central emblem on the forehead, likely a symbol associated with magic or the mage class.
Shoulders :
Large, armored shoulder pads with a crystalline or icy texture.
Decorated with glowing blue runes or symbols, emphasizing the magical theme.
The shoulders have a flowing, ethereal quality, as if they are infused with arcane energy.
Chest Piece :
A long, flowing robe-like garment that covers the torso.
The robe is primarily blue with silver accents and features a high collar.
A prominent belt cinches the waist, adding structure to the otherwise loose-fitting attire.
The chest area is adorned with a central emblem, similar to the one on the headpiece, reinforcing the set’s cohesive design.
Arms :
Arm guards that extend from the shoulders down to the forearms.
The arm guards are heavily armored but maintain a sleek, magical aesthetic.
They feature glowing blue runes along the edges, enhancing the arcane theme.
Hands :
Gloves that match the rest of the set, with a focus on functionality and style.
The gloves are fingerless, allowing for precise spellcasting, while still being protected by the armor.
Legs :
Long, flowing pants that complement the robe.
The pants are also blue with silver accents and feature subtle glowing details.
They appear lightweight and flexible, suitable for a caster class.
Feet :
Boots that complete the ensemble.
The boots are sturdy yet elegant, with a slight glow around the toes, suggesting magical enchantments.
Mage Tier Set Bonuses
Arcane / Fire / Frost
3-Piece Bonus: Your Blizzard spell has a 30% chance to be uninterruptible (useful for AoE farming and raid utility).
5-Piece Bonus: Grants +5% increased spell hit chance for 20 seconds when one of your spells is resisted (strong for boss fights where resists are common).
Paladin Armor Set Appearances
The Paladin Tier 2.5 set (Avenger’s Battlegear) drops from Ahn’Qiraj 40 (AQ40) and is tailored for Holy Paladins, focusing on healing power, Intellect, and spell crit. The 3-piece bonus extends Judgement durations by 20%, while the 5-piece boosts spell damage/healing by up to 71. Its gold-and-blue insectoid design matches AQ40’s Qiraji theme. Though outclassed by Naxxramas gear, it’s a strong upgrade from Tier 2 for raid healers. Some pieces also offer hybrid stats for Retribution/Protection specs.
Set Overview:
Helmet:
The helmet is adorned with sharp, angular spikes and a glowing visor that gives it a menacing appearance.
It has a fiery motif, with bright orange and red tones dominating the design.
Chestpiece:
The chestplate is robust and heavily armored, featuring intricate designs that include flame-like patterns.
Gold accents highlight the edges and central motifs, adding to its regal and powerful look.
Gloves:
The gloves are fitted and functional, with flame-like detailing on the knuckles and wrists.
They have a mix of orange, red, and gold colors, maintaining the cohesive theme of the set.
Leggings:
The leggings are sturdy and protective, with flame-inspired patterns running along the sides.
They feature a combination of dark and bright colors, emphasizing the fiery theme.
Boots:
The boots are sturdy and practical, with flame-like designs on the shins and toes.
They complement the rest of the set with their bold color scheme.
Shoulders:
The shoulder pads are large and imposing, with wing-like extensions that add to the dramatic effect.
They incorporate gold and fiery elements, making them stand out prominently.
Paladin Set Bonuses
Holy / Protection / Retribution
3-Piece Bonus: Increases the duration of your Judgements by 20% (useful for maintaining debuffs like Judgement of Wisdom).
5-Piece Bonus: Increases spell damage and healing by up to 71 (significant for Holy Paladin throughput).
Priest Armor Set Appearances
The Garments of the Oracle is the Priest Tier 2.5 set from World of Warcraft’s Ahn’Qiraj 40 (AQ40) raid. Designed for Holy and Discipline priests, it offers strong healing-focused bonuses while maintaining decent stats for Shadow priests. The set features a gold-and-blue Egyptian-inspired aesthetic, fitting AQ40’s ancient Silithid theme. Obtained through tokens dropped by AQ40 bosses, it was a key upgrade from Tier 2 in Classic WoW.
Set Overview:
Visual Design :
The set features a dark, gothic aesthetic with a combination of metallic and cloth elements.
The armor has a greenish-gray metallic finish, giving it a somewhat eerie and mystical appearance.
Red accents are prominently featured, particularly on the chest piece and sleeves, adding contrast and visual interest.
The helmet is tall and pointed, resembling a crown or headdress, with intricate detailing that enhances its regal and otherworldly look.
The overall design evokes a sense of ancient power and mysticism, fitting for a character who channels divine or shadowy energies.
Set Pieces :
Headpiece : A tall, ornate helmet with sharp, angular designs and red accents.
Shoulders : Large, armored shoulder pads with detailed metalwork and red trim.
Chest Piece : A long, flowing robe-like garment with a high collar and prominent red accents across the chest.
Gloves : Armored gloves with red detailing, complementing the rest of the set.
Leggings : Long, flowing pants that match the chest piece in color and style, with a mix of metallic and cloth materials.
Boots : Sturdy boots that complete the ensemble, maintaining the cohesive theme.
Priest Tier Set Bonuses
Discipline / Holy / Shadow
3-Piece Bonus:
20% chance that your heals on others will also heal you for 10% of the amount healed.
Great for mana efficiency and survivability in raids.
5-Piece Bonus:
Increases the duration of your Renew spell by 3 seconds.
Extends Renew’s total healing, improving HoT (Heal-over-Time) efficiency.
Rogue Armor Set Appearances
The Deathdealer’s Embrace set is the Rogue Tier 2.5 armor from Classic WoW, obtained in Ahn’Qiraj 40 (AQ40). Designed for Combat and Assassination Rogues, it offers a mix of Agility, Attack Power, and Critical Strike Chance, making it a strong upgrade over Tier 2 (Bloodfang). The set has a bone-plated, insectoid aesthetic, fitting AQ40’s theme.
Set Overview:
Headpiece: A spiked helmet with intricate blue and silver detailing. It features sharp, angular spikes protruding from the top, giving it a menacing appearance.
Shoulders: Broad shoulder pads with ornate blue and silver patterns. They have sharp, wing-like extensions that add to the aggressive look.
Chestpiece: A chest plate with a sleek, armored design featuring blue and silver accents. It has a prominent central emblem or insignia.
Gauntlets: Fingerless gloves with sharp, spiky knuckles and blue/silver accents. They have a tactical, combat-ready appearance.
Leggings: Heavy, armored leggings with blue and silver details. They feature protective knee plates and sharp, angular designs.
Boots: Sturdy boots with blue and silver accents. They have a practical, combat-oriented design with reinforced soles.
Rogue Set Bonuses
Assassination / Combat / Subtlety
3-Piece Bonus: Reduces the cooldown of Evasion by 1 minute (down from 5 mins to 4 mins).
5-Piece Bonus: Increases Eviscerate damage by 15% (strong for Combat Daggers or PvP builds).
Shaman Armor Set Appearances
The Stormcaller’s Garb is the Shaman Tier 2.5 set, earned from the AQ40 raid. Designed with a Draenei-inspired aesthetic, it features vibrant reds, greens, and gold accents, blending organic and mechanical elements. The set is highly sought after for its visual flair and lore ties to the Draenei race. It caters to both Elemental and Restoration shamans, offering bonuses that enhance offensive spells and healing efficiency. As a mid-tier raid set, it bridges the gap between Tier 2 (Molten Core/BWL) and Tier 4 (Cyclone Regalia).
Set Overview:
Design Theme:
The set is heavily inspired by the Draenei culture, a race in the World of Warcraft universe. The Draenei are known for their connection to the Light and their advanced technology.
The armor features intricate designs with a mix of organic and mechanical elements, reflecting the Draenei’s blend of nature and science.
Color Scheme:
The primary colors of the set are vibrant reds, oranges, and greens, giving it a fiery and energetic appearance.
Gold accents add a touch of regality and sophistication, emphasizing the Draenei’s advanced civilization.
Armor Details:
Helmet/Crest: The helmet is adorned with sharp, spiky protrusions that resemble horns or spikes, adding a fierce and intimidating look. The crest on the helmet often has a glowing element, symbolizing the Draenei’s connection to the Light.
Chestpiece: The chestplate is robust and detailed, featuring layered armor plating with green and gold accents. It appears to be both protective and ornate.
Shoulders: The shoulder pads are large and imposing, with angular designs and glowing elements that enhance the Draenei aesthetic.
Arms/Gloves: The arm guards and gloves are equally detailed, with green and gold accents that complement the rest of the set.
Leggings/Boots: The leggings and boots maintain the same color scheme and design language, ensuring a cohesive look.
Shaman Tier Set Bonuses
Elemental / Enhancement / Restoration
3-Piece Bonus: Your Lightning Bolt, Chain Lightning, and Shock spells have a 20% chance to grant +50 Nature spell damage for 8 seconds.
5-Piece Bonus: Reduces the cast time of Chain Heal by 0.4 seconds.
Warlock Armor Set Appearances
The Doomcaller’s Attire is the Warlock class set from AQ40, designed to enhance fire and shadow spellcasting. It features a dark, cultist-inspired aesthetic with fiery and shadowy motifs, fitting the Warlock’s destructive theme. The set focuses on improving key spells like Immolate and Shadow Bolt, making it ideal for both Destruction and hybrid builds.
Set Overview:
Headpiece
Design : The headpiece features a tall, spiked helmet with sharp, angular protrusions that give it an intimidating appearance. The helmet has a pointed top and side spikes, resembling horns or thorns.
Color Scheme : Dominated by deep purples and blacks, with accents of gold or metallic detailing around the edges and base of the helmet.
Details : The helmet appears to be made of a combination of metal and enchanted fabric, giving it a blend of rigid and flowing elements. It has a slightly menacing look, fitting the Warlock’s role as a master of shadow and fel magic.
Shoulders
Design : The shoulder pads are large, ornate, and spiked, extending upwards like wings or fins. They have a layered, segmented design with sharp points at the tips.
Color Scheme : Similar to the headpiece, the shoulders are primarily purple and black, with intricate gold or metallic embellishments along the edges and joints.
Details : The shoulder pads are heavily armored but still maintain a flowing, robe-like quality, blending protection with elegance. The spikes add to the demonic and powerful feel of the set.
Chest
Design : The chest piece is a long, flowing robe with a high collar and wide, draped sleeves. The front of the robe is adorned with vertical panels that appear to be reinforced with metallic or enchanted materials.
Color Scheme : The robe is predominantly purple, with darker sections near the hem and lighter accents around the waist and shoulders. Gold or metallic trim outlines the edges and key areas, adding contrast.
Details : The robe has a dramatic silhouette, emphasizing the Warlock’s mystical nature. The front panels have a subtle sheen, suggesting they are infused with fel energy or magical power.
Gloves
Design : The gloves are fingerless, allowing for precise spellcasting, and feature intricate designs with sharp, angular patterns. They extend up the forearm, providing additional coverage.
Color Scheme : Like the rest of the set, the gloves are purple and black, with gold or metallic accents on the knuckles and cuffs.
Details : The gloves have a mix of flexible and rigid elements, combining functionality with style. The sharp, pointed details on the knuckles and cuffs enhance the demonic aesthetic.
Pants
Design : The pants are loose-fitting and flow behind the wearer, giving them a regal and imposing stance. They have a high-waisted cut and are adorned with vertical stripes or panels that match the chest piece.
Color Scheme : The pants are primarily purple, with darker sections near the hem and lighter accents around the waistband. Gold or metallic detailing is present along the seams and pockets.
Details : The flowing design of the pants complements the robe, creating a cohesive look. The vertical lines suggest strength and power, while the loose fit adds to the Warlock’s mystique.
Boots:
Design : The boots are tall, reaching up to the calf, and have a sturdy, armored appearance. They feature pointed toes and reinforced heels, with sharp, angular details along the sides.
Color Scheme : The boots are purple and black, with gold or metallic accents around the toe caps, heels, and ankle straps.
Details : The boots combine functionality with style, offering both protection and a commanding presence. The pointed toes and reinforced heels give them a distinctive, otherworldly look.
Warlock Set Bonuses
Affliction / Demonology / Destruction
3-Piece Bonus: Increases damage dealt by Immolate by 5%.
5-Piece Bonus: Reduces the mana cost of Shadow Bolt by 15%.
Warrior Armor Set Appearances
The Conqueror’s Battlegear is the Warrior Tier 2.5 set from World of Warcraft Classic, obtained in Ahn’Qiraj 40 (AQ40). Designed as a bridge between Tier 2 (Battlegear of Wrath) and Tier 4 (Warbringer), it offers balanced stats for Fury and Arms specs. The set features a sandy, insectoid aesthetic with gold and red accents, reflecting Qiraji themes.
Set Overview:
Helmet/Crest:
The helmet is adorned with large, pointed horns or spikes, giving it a fierce and intimidating look.
A prominent crest or emblem is visible on the front, featuring a star-like or flame-like motif in bright orange or red, contrasting sharply with the darker colors of the rest of the set.
The visor or eye area may have glowing or reflective elements, adding to the menacing appearance.
Chestpiece:
The chestplate is heavily armored, with layered plates and rivets, emphasizing durability and protection.
Purple accents run along the edges and seams, creating a dynamic contrast against the darker base color.
There are ornate designs, possibly resembling flames or energy patterns, integrated into the armor.
Shoulders:
The shoulder pads are large and imposing, extending outward with wing-like or spiked protrusions.
They feature similar purple and metallic detailing, with additional glowing or illuminated sections near the top, enhancing their dramatic effect.
Gloves:
The gloves are sturdy and fingerless, designed for combat readiness.
They match the overall color scheme and include protective gauntlets at the wrists.
Leggings:
The leggings are form-fitting but robust, with reinforced knee and shin guards.
They continue the theme of purple accents and metallic plating, maintaining consistency with the rest of the set.
Boots:
The boots are tall and sturdy, reaching up to the calf.
They feature similar detailing to the other pieces, with purple highlights and metallic reinforcement.
Warrior Set Bonuses
Arms / Fury / Protection
3-Piece Bonus: Reduces the rage cost of all Warrior shouts (e.g., Battle Shout, Demoralizing Shout) by 35%.
5-Piece Bonus: Increases the slow effect and damage of Thunder Clap by 50%.
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