World of Warcraft Guides, Lore, Addons & News – Noob to Boss From Azeroth's Newbie to Champion – World of Warcraft Guides
Icecrown Citadel is the final raid in World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Classic, featuring 12 epic boss encounters. Perched atop the frozen wastes of Icecrown, this sprawling fortress serves as the lair of Arthas Menethil, the Lich King—whose reign of terror players must end in one of WoW’s most iconic battles.
Our comprehensive Icecrown Citadel Guide is designed for both seasoned veterans and newcomers to WotLK Classic. Inside you’ll find detailed strategies for all 12 bosses, complete loot tables for 10-player and 25-player modes, Tier 10 set bonuses and upgrade paths, Shadowmourne questline walkthrough, Ashen Verdict reputation farming tips, and advanced tactics for Heroic difficulty.
How to Get to Icecrown Citadel in WotLK Classic
ICC is located in the southernmost part of Icecrown, Northrend, making it the ultimate raid destination for level 80 players.
Location Details
- Coordinates: 59, 79 (southern Icecrown)
- Landmark: Massive icy spire visible across the zone
- Flight Path: ICC flight point available nearby
Finding the Entrance
The main raid entrance is a towering gate at the spire’s base, guarded by Scourge forces. Entering here takes you directly to The Lower Spire, where you’ll face the first four bosses.
Fast Travel Methods
- Fly from Dalaran – The quickest route using your flying mount (Cold Weather Flying required)
- Summoning Stone – Located near the entrance for summoning raid members
- Portal from Orgrimmar/Stormwind – Via mage portal to Dalaran, then fly south
Pro Tip: All raiders must be level 80 with appropriate gear (item level 200+ recommended for Normal mode, 232+ for Heroic).
10-Player vs 25-Player Raid Modes: Which Should You Choose?
In Wrath of the Lich King Classic, the raid is available in two sizes, each tailored to different group dynamics and reward structures:
| Feature | 10-Player Mode | 25-Player Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Group Size | Up to 10 players | Up to 25 players |
| Normal Loot | Item Level 251 | Item Level 264 |
| Heroic Loot | Item Level 264 | Item Level 277 (best in slot) |
| Boss Health | Reduced, easier to manage | Significantly higher |
| Loot Drops | 2-3 items per boss | 5-6 items per boss |
| Best For | Smaller guilds, learning mechanics, flexible scheduling | Maximum loot, faster progression, hardcore raiders |
Which Mode Should You Choose?
Choose 10-Player if you have a smaller guild or friend group, want to learn boss mechanics in a forgiving environment, prefer tighter coordination with fewer people, or need more flexible raid scheduling.
Choose 25-Player if you want the best gear possible (ilvl 277 Heroic), can organize large groups consistently, need faster gearing for multiple raiders, or enjoy the epic scale of large raid battles.
Heroic Mode Flexibility
A unique feature in WotLK Classic allows raid leaders to toggle Heroic difficulty per boss within the same raid lockout. This means you can switch to Heroic for bosses your team has mastered, keep easier bosses on Normal while progressing, and mix difficulties strategically for optimal loot. Each difficulty tier awards unique achievements, encouraging players to experience all challenge levels.
Recommendation: Start with 10-player Normal to learn mechanics, then progress to 25-player Heroic for best-in-slot gear once your raid team is comfortable.
Complete List of Icecrown Citadel Bosses & Strategy Guides
ICC features 12 boss encounters divided across 5 wings. Below is the full roster with links to detailed strategy guides:
The Lower Spire (Bosses 1-4)
| Boss | Key Mechanics | Strategy Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Lord Marrowgar | Bone Spike, Bone Storm whirlwind | Complete Lord Marrowgar strategy guide |
| Lady Deathwhisper | Mana shield, undead adds, Death & Decay | Complete Lady Deathwhisper strategy guide |
| Gunship Battle | Airship combat, rocket packs, cannons | Complete Gunship Battle strategy guide |
| Deathbringer Saurfang | Blood Power, Mark of the Fallen Champion | Complete Deathbringer Saurfang strategy guide |
The Plagueworks (Bosses 5-7)
| Boss | Key Mechanics | Strategy Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Festergut | Gas Spores, Inhaled Blight, Vile Gas | Complete Festergut strategy and loot guide |
| Rotface | Mutated Infection, Unstable Ooze merging | Complete Rotface strategy and loot guide |
| Professor Putricide | Volatile Ooze, Gas Cloud, phase transitions | Complete Professor Putricide strategy guide |
The Crimson Hall (Bosses 8-9)
| Boss | Key Mechanics | Strategy Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Prince Council | Three princes, Kinetic Bombs, Shock Vortex | Complete Blood Prince Council strategy guide |
| Blood-Queen Lana’thel | Vampiric Bite chain, Pact of the Darkfallen | Complete Blood-Queen Lana’thel strategy guide |
The Frostwing Halls (Bosses 10-11)
| Boss | Key Mechanics | Strategy Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Valithria Dreamwalker | HEAL boss to full, waves of adds | Complete Valithria Dreamwalker strategy guide |
| Sindragosa | Frost Aura, Icy Grip, Frost Bomb | Complete Sindragosa strategy guide |
The Frozen Throne (Final Boss)
| Boss | Key Mechanics | Strategy Guide |
|---|---|---|
| The Lich King | 3 phases, Defile, Val’kyr, Frostmourne | Complete Lich King strategy guide |
Boss Progression Path
- Clear The Lower Spire first (mandatory)
- Choose any order: The Plagueworks, Crimson Hall, or Frostwing Halls
- Unlock The Frozen Throne after defeating all 11 previous bosses
Icecrown Citadel – Loot Tables Overview
| Wing | Boss | Loot Table |
|---|---|---|
| The Lower Spire | Lord Marrowgar | Lord Marrowgar Loot Table |
| Lady Deathwhisper | Lady Deathwhisper Loot Table | |
| Gunship Battle | Gunship Battle Loot Table | |
| Deathbringer Saurfang | Deathbringer Saurfang Loot Table | |
| The Plagueworks | Festergut | Festergut Loot Table |
| Rotface | Rotface Loot Table | |
| Professor Putricide | Professor Putricide Loot Table | |
| The Crimson Hall | Blood Prince Council | Blood Prince Council Loot Table |
| Blood-Queen Lana’thel | Blood-Queen Lana’thel Loot Table | |
| The Frostwing Halls | Valithria Dreamwalker | Valithria Dreamwalker Loot Table |
| Sindragosa | Sindragosa Loot Table | |
| The Frozen Throne | The Lich King | The Lich King Loot Table |
Icecrown Citadel Loot: Tier 10 Gear, Weapons & Rewards
ICC is the premier source for Tier 10 armor sets, legendary weapons, and best-in-slot gear in WotLK Classic.
Loot Item Levels by Difficulty
| Raid Mode | Normal iLevel | Heroic iLevel | Drops Per Boss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Player | 251 | 264 | 2-3 items |
| 25-Player | 264 | 277 | 5-6 items |
Tier 10 Set Bonuses by Class & Spec
Each specialization has unique 2-piece and 4-piece bonuses optimized for raid performance.
🛡️Tank Sets
- Death Knight: Scourgelord’s Plate
- Druid: Lasherweave Battlegear
- Paladin: Lightsworn Plate
- Warrior: Ymirjar Lord’s Plate
✨ Healer Sets
- Druid: Lasherweave Garb
- Paladin: Lightsworn Garb
- Priest: Crimson Acolyte’s Raiment
- Shaman: Frost Witch’s Garb
⚔️ DPS Sets
- Death Knight: Scourgelord’s Battlegear
- Druid (Balance): Lasherweave Regalia
- Druid (Feral): Lasherweave Battlegear
- Hunter: Ahn’Kahar Blood Hunter’s Battlegear
- Mage: Bloodmage’s Regalia
- Paladin (Retribution): Lightsworn Battlegear
- Priest (Shadow): Crimson Acolyte’s Regalia
- Rogue: Shadowblade’s Battlegear
- Shaman (Elemental): Frost Witch’s Regalia
- Shaman (Enhancement): Frost Witch’s Battlegear
- Warlock: Dark Coven’s Regalia
- Warrior: Ymirjar Lord’s Battlegear
Acquisition Methods
- Emblems of Frost: Dropped by all ICC bosses plus Toravon in Vault of Archavon
- Mark of Sanctification: Available in Heroic 10-player and Normal 25-player modes
- Heroic Mark of Sanctification: Exclusive to Heroic 25-player mode
Token Distribution by Class
| Token Type | Classes |
|---|---|
| Conqueror’s Mark | Paladin, Priest, Warlock |
| Protector’s Mark | Hunter, Shaman, Warrior |
| Vanquisher’s Mark | Death Knight, Druid, Mage, Rogue |
Notable Weapons & Trinkets
- Havoc’s Call, Blade of Lordaeron Kings – Elite DPS weapons from various bosses
- Deathbringer’s Will – Best-in-slot trinket for physical DPS classes
- Primordial Saronite – Crafting reagent dropped by all bosses, used for profession recipes and quest turn-ins
Shadowmourne: The Legendary Axe
Shadowmourne is the most prestigious weapon in the raid—a legendary Item Level 284 two-handed axe for Death Knights, Paladins, and Warriors. This powerful weapon requires an extensive multi-week questline involving collecting 25 Primordial Saronite from boss kills, infusing the blade with 50 souls from defeated raid enemies, completing in-raid challenges and achievements, and reaching Friendly reputation with the Ashen Verdict.
The questline typically takes 4-8 weeks of consistent full clears. Due to its complexity and importance, we’ve created a comprehensive standalone guide.
Read our complete Shadowmourne questline guide – Step-by-step walkthrough with material checklists and optimization tips
Invincible’s Reins: The Ultimate Mount
The most sought-after reward in all of Wrath of the Lich King is Invincible’s Reins, the spectral flying mount that once belonged to Prince Arthas himself.
Drop Information
- Source: The Lich King (25-player Heroic mode only)
- Drop Rate: Approximately 1% per kill
- Mount Speed: 310% flying (scales with riding skill)
- Appearance: Ghostly skeletal horse with ethereal blue glow
This legendary mount is one of the rarest and most iconic in World of Warcraft history. Many players farm The Lich King weekly for months or even years before obtaining it. Our dedicated farming guide covers lockout strategies, solo farming methods (in later expansions), and tips for maximizing your chances.
The Ashen Verdict Reputation: Rewards & Farming Guide
The Ashen Verdict is ICC’s exclusive faction, offering powerful ring upgrades and prestigious titles.
How to Gain Reputation
- Boss Kills: 250 reputation per boss (1,500 for The Lich King)
- Trash Mobs: 50 reputation for larger enemies
- Shadowmourne Quest: Bonus reputation from questline steps
Reputation Levels & Rewards
| Reputation Level | Total Rep Needed | Key Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly | 0 | Access to vendor |
| Honored | 6,000 | Ring upgrade (ilvl 251) |
| Revered | 12,000 | Ring upgrade (ilvl 264) |
| Exalted | 21,000 | Ring upgrade (ilvl 277), Title: of the Ashen Verdict |
The Ring Upgrade Path
Complete the Choose Your Path quest to receive a class-appropriate ring. The base ring starts at Item level 251, upgrades to +13 item levels at Honored, another +13 at Revered, and reaches Item level 277 at Exalted (best-in-slot for many specs).
Farming Strategy: Clear all trash between bosses on every run. A full clear yields approximately 3,000-4,000 reputation per week.
How to Skip to The Lich King (Lockout Method)
Want to farm Invincible’s Reins without clearing 11 bosses? Here’s how:
Raid Lockout Skip Method
- Find a Saved Lockout: Join a raid group with 11/12 bosses cleared (up to Sindragosa)
- Zone In: Enter ICC and you’ll spawn at The Frozen Throne
- Fight The Lich King: Access the final boss immediately
- Save Your Lockout: After the kill, you maintain this lockout for the week
Creating Your Own Skip Lockout
- Clear the raid up to Sindragosa on one character
- Use that character to create raid groups for your alts
- Have alts zone in and save the lockout
- Farm The Lich King weekly on multiple characters
Note: In WotLK Classic, this method works for both 10 and 25-player modes.
Advanced Tips for Mastering Icecrown Citadel
Optimize Your Raid Composition
10-Player Ideal Setup:
- 2 Tanks (1 main tank, 1 off-tank)
- 2-3 Healers
- 5-6 DPS (mix of melee and ranged)
25-Player Ideal Setup:
- 3 Tanks
- 5-7 Healers
- 15-17 DPS (balanced melee/ranged/caster)
Essential Addons for ICC
- Deadly Boss Mods (DBM) – Boss ability timers and warnings
- WeakAuras – Custom alerts for debuffs (Defile, Vampiric Bite, etc.)
- GTFO – Audio warnings when standing in bad stuff
- Details! – Damage/healing meters for performance tracking
Consumables Checklist
- Flasks: Flask of Endless Rage (DPS/Tank), Flask of the Frost Wyrm (casters)
- Food Buffs: Fish Feast or class-appropriate food (+40 stat buff)
- Potions: Speed potions for mechanics, healing/mana potions
- Resistance Gear: Frost resistance gear for Sindragosa (optional but helpful)
Heroic Difficulty Strategy
Start by toggling Heroic for these “easier” bosses:
- Gunship Battle (mechanics barely change)
- Lord Marrowgar (once you master Bone Storm)
- Deathbringer Saurfang (gear check more than mechanic check)
Save these for last when attempting Heroic:
- Professor Putricide (significantly harder)
- Blood-Queen Lana’thel (tight DPS check)
- Sindragosa (brutal frost damage)
- The Lich King (hardest fight in WotLK)
⁉️Frequently Asked Questions About Icecrown Citadel
What level do I need to be for ICC?
You must be level 80 to enter Icecrown Citadel. Recommended minimum gear score is 200 for Normal mode and 232+ for Heroic mode
How long does a full ICC clear take?
- 10-Player Normal: 2-3 hours with an experienced group
- 25-Player Normal: 3-4 hours
- Heroic Modes: Add 1-2 hours depending on progression
Can I solo Icecrown Citadel?
Not in WotLK Classic – the raid requires a full group. In Retail WoW (current expansion), max-level characters can solo ICC easily for transmog and mount farming.
What’s the best way to get Tier 10 gear?
- Farm Emblems of Frost from daily heroic dungeons and ICC bosses
- Purchase base Tier 10 pieces (ilvl 251) from vendors in Dalaran
- Upgrade with Marks of Sanctification from Heroic ICC runs
How rare is Invincible’s Reins?
The mount has approximately a 1% drop rate from The Lich King (25-player Heroic only). Many players farm weekly for months or years before obtaining it.
Do I need a raid to get Shadowmourne?
Yes, Shadowmourne requires extensive ICC raiding. You need to collect materials from boss kills and complete challenges within the raid instance itself.
What’s the lockout system for ICC?
- Separate lockouts for 10-player and 25-player
- Separate lockouts for Normal and Heroic (you can run both in one week)
- Lockouts reset weekly on Tuesday/Wednesday (US/EU servers)
Which wing should I clear first after The Lower Spire?
All three wings (Plagueworks, Crimson Hall, Frostwing Halls) can be done in any order. Most groups prefer:
- Plagueworks (good loot, moderate difficulty)
- Crimson Hall (shorter wing)
- Frostwing Halls (hardest wing with Sindragosa)
Conclusion: Prepare to Face the Lich King
Icecrown Citadel stands as the pinnacle raid experience in Wrath of the Lich King Classic. With 12 unique bosses, flexible difficulty modes, and legendary rewards like Shadowmourne and Invincible’s Reins, this raid offers countless hours of challenging content.
Quick Preparation Checklist
✅ Reach level 80 and gear up (ilvl 200+ minimum)
✅ Install DBM and WeakAuras addons
✅ Stock up on flasks, food buffs, and potions
✅ Join a guild or PUG raid for your first clear
✅ Study boss mechanics using our strategy guides
✅ Start farming Emblems of Frost for Tier 10 gear
✅ Begin the Shadowmourne questline if eligible
Ready to storm the gates? With This Icecrown Citadel Guide Gather your raid team and march on the Frozen Throne. The Lich King awaits, and glory—or legendary loot—will be yours!
