Lich King (tactics)

This article is about how to defeat the Lich King in the Halls of Reflection. For information on how to defeat the Lich King in Icecrown Citadel, see Lich King (Icecrown Citadel tactics). For other appearances, see Lich King (disambiguation).

The Lich King is the final boss of the Halls of Reflection, and thus of the Frozen Halls, in Icecrown Citadel. Players must escape through the Hidden Passage from the Shadow Throne to the outside in order to complete the encounter.

AbilitiesEdit

[Remorseless Winter]^ω ϖ—Slows movement speed by 75%. Also deals 7069 to 7931 Frost damage per second to players within 10 yards of him Debuff on the Lich King for the duration of the encounter.

[Fury of Frostmourne]^ω ϖ 50,000 yd range—Deals 1,000,000 Shadow damage to all enemies that fail to break the ice wall in time. 2.6 sec cast. Only used if the players fail to escape and the Lich King catches up with them.

The Lich King also creates ice walls to halt the party and raises various Scourge minions to battle them (see the Strategy section, below).

[Summon Ice Wall]^ω ϖ 50,000 yd range—Summons an ice wall to block the escaping champions. Instant
[Summon Raging Ghoul]^ω ϖ 10 yd range—Summons a Raging Ghoul to attack the players. Instant
[Summon Lumbering Abomination]^ω ϖ 10 yd range—Summons a Lumbering Abomination to attack the players Instant
[Summon Risen Witch Doctor]^ω ϖ 18 yd range—Summons a Risen Witch Doctor to attack the players. 1 sec cast

The ChaseEdit

In order to reach the Lich King after defeating Falric and Marwyn, players must battle a skeletal Frostsworn General and Spiritual Reflections of the party members. Upon entering the Shadow Throne, they find their faction guide (Jaina Proudmoore or Sylvanas Windrunner) in combat with the Lich King, and near death. The guide makes her way out into the Hidden Passage while ordering the party to follow her out, and the Lich King - not willing to let his quarry escape - gives chase.

The Lich King raises a series of four ice walls throughout the Hidden Passage to block the escape of the party. At each wall, the Lich King raises groups of undead to attack. The groups consist of the following:

Raging Ghoul - Upon entering range, the ghouls leap at their targets.
Lumbering Abomination - The abominations Cleave their targets and also spray vomit on their targets.
Risen Witch Doctor - vargul spellcasters who cast Shadow Bolt, Shadow Bolt Volley and Curse of Doom.

In order to break through each ice wall, the groups of undead must be destroyed. Typically, a half-dozen non-elite ghouls are spawned first, then a few risen witch doctors, and finally a lumbering abomination or three. More and more Scourge are spawned at each wall, so kill quickly and keep close to the guide.

The risen witch doctors must be killed first as they attack from range and may end up behind the Lich King, thus causing a wipe if the group is heavy on melee DPS.

Upon reaching the end of the tunnel to the platform outside, the party finds they are trapped on the ledge - and the Lich King is hot on their heels. Suddenly, their faction gunship (The Skybreaker or Orgrim's Hammer) rises up and opens fire, collapsing the tunnel before the Lich King can reach them. The ship's captain (Justin Bartlett or Korm Blackscar) encourages the party to get on board before the mountainside collapses; a chest with the loot for the encounter is on the deck, as is a portal to Dalaran. If the instance was entered by the Dungeon Finder, the portal will actually lead to wherever you entered from, just as if you used the Dungeon Finder to teleport out.

LootEdit

Main article: The Captain's Chest

Normal
Blackened Geist Ribs Item Level 219 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Leather Chest 585 Armor +98 Agility +91 Stamina Red Socket Socket Bonus: +4 Agility Durability 120 / 120 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves hit rating by 63. Equip: Improves haste rating by 71. Equip: Increases attack power by 154. Sell Price: 10 97 23 Bone Golem Scapula Item Level 219 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Mace Main Hand Speed 1.80 80.8 - 257.8 Damage (94.1 damage per second) +60 Stamina +49 Intellect Durability 105 / 105 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves haste rating by 37. Equip: Restores 10 mana per 5 sec. Equip: Increases spell power by 487. Sell Price: 20 68 59 Chilled Heart of the Glacier Item Level 219 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Unique Dagger Main Hand Speed 1.80 80.8 - 257.8 Damage (94.1 damage per second) +54 Stamina +28 Intellect Blue Socket Socket Bonus: +4 Critical Strike Rating Durability 75 / 75 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves hit rating by 28. Equip: Improves haste rating by 46. Equip: Increases spell power by 487. Sell Price: 20 76 50 Crypt Fiend Slayer Item Level 219 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Bow Ranged Speed 3.00 309 - 575 Damage (147.3 damage per second) +34 Agility +26 Stamina Durability 90 / 90 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves hit rating by 20. Equip: Improves haste rating by 24. Equip: Increases attack power by 51. Sell Price: 15 45 67 Crystalline Citadel Gauntlets Item Level 219 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Plate Hands 1451 Armor +79 Strength +118 Stamina Durability 55 / 55 Requires level 80 Equip: Increases defense rating by 41. Equip: Increases your dodge rating by 32. Equip: Increases the block value of your shield by 142. Sell Price: 7 22 65 Greathelm of the Silver Hand Item Level 219 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Plate Head 1886 Armor +86 Stamina +66 Intellect Meta Socket Red Socket Socket Bonus: +8 Intellect Durability 100 / 100 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves critical strike rating by 48. Equip: Improves haste rating by 73. Equip: Increases spell power by 105. Sell Price: 11 8 69 Grim Lasher Shoulderguards Item Level 219 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Leather Shoulder 438 Armor +69 Stamina +56 Intellect +58 Spirit Durability 70 / 70 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves critical strike rating by 44. Equip: Increases spell power by 92. Sell Price: 7 84 61 Hate-Forged Cleaver Item Level 219 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Axe One-Hand Speed 2.60 297 - 552 Damage (163.3 damage per second) +46 Agility +39 Stamina Durability 105 / 105 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves haste rating by 28. Equip: Increases attack power by 66. Equip: Increases your armor penetration rating by 32. Sell Price: 21 86 77 Legguards of Untimely Demise Item Level 219 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Mail Legs 1137 Armor +81 Stamina +81 Intellect Durability 105 / 105 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves hit rating by 67. Equip: Improves critical strike rating by 73. Equip: Increases spell power by 124. Sell Price: 12 50 64 Mourning Malice Item Level 219 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Sword Two-Hand Speed 3.50 594 - 892 Damage (212.3 damage per second) +114 Strength +141 Stamina Durability 120 / 120 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves critical strike rating by 67. Equip: Increases your expertise rating by 73. Sell Price: 27 23 58 Tapestry of the Frozen Throne Item Level 219 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Back 155 Armor +68 Strength +68 Stamina Requires level 80 Equip: Improves hit rating by 35. Equip: Improves critical strike rating by 42. Sell Price: 6 13 52 Tattered Glacial-Woven Hood Item Level 219 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Cloth Head 253 Armor +81 Stamina +68 Intellect +66 Spirit Meta Socket Yellow Socket Socket Bonus: +9 Spell Power Durability 60 / 60 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves haste rating by 58. Equip: Increases spell power by 105. Sell Price: 6 30

Heroic
Black Icicle Item Level 232 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Mace One-Hand Speed 2.60 325 - 605 Damage (178.8 damage per second) +39 Agility +39 Stamina Durability 105 / 105 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves hit rating by 29. Equip: Improves critical strike rating by 38. Equip: Increases attack power by 103. Sell Price: 22 35 12 Blighted Leather Footpads Item Level 232 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Leather Feet 410 Armor +89 Agility +68 Stamina Durability 60 / 60 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves critical strike rating by 54. Equip: Increases attack power by 136. Equip: Improves your armor penetration rating by 63. Sell Price: 8 76 9 Chestguard of Broken Branches Item Level 232 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Leather Chest 596 Armor +97 Stamina +89 Intellect +80 Spirit Red Socket Socket Bonus: +4 Spirit Durability 120 / 120 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves haste rating by 72. Equip: Increases spell power by 132. Sell Price: 11 84 72 Fossilized Ammonite Choker Item Level 232 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Neck +67 Strength +100 Stamina Requires level 80 Equip: Increases defense rating by 35. Equip: Increases your dodge rating by 35. Equip: Increases your parry rating by 35. Sell Price: 7 56 23 Grinning Skull Boots Item Level 232 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Plate Feet 1629 Armor +102 Strength +102 Stamina Durability 75 / 75 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves critical strike rating by 64. Equip: Increases your armor penetration rating by 52. Sell Price: 11 79 84 Hoarfrost Gauntlets Item Level 232 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Mail Hands 828 Armor +89 Agility +71 Stamina +41 Intellect Durability 50 / 50 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves hit rating by 50. Equip: Improves critical strike rating by 52. Equip: Increases attack power by 128. Sell Price: 6 72 97 Liar's Tongue Item Level 232 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Sword One-Hand Speed 1.50 187 - 349 Damage (178.7 damage per second) +52 Agility +42 Stamina Durability 105 / 105 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves critical strike rating by 34. Equip: Increases your expertise rating by 34. Equip: Increases attack power by 77. Sell Price: 22 26 77 Oath of Empress Zoe Item Level 232 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Unique-Equipped Finger +48 Stamina +52 Intellect Requires level 80 Equip: Improves critical strike rating by 36. Equip: Restores 25 mana per 5 sec. Equip: Increases spell power by 78. Sell Price: 7 56 23 Second Helm of the Executioner Item Level 232 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Plate Head 1925 Armor +84 Strength +157 Stamina Meta Socket Blue Socket Socket Bonus: +8 Defense Rating Durability 100 / 100 Requires level 80 Equip: Increases defense rating by 82. Equip: Increases your shield block rating by 55. Equip: Increases your expertise rating by 53. Sell Price: 12 37 33 Shriveled Heart Item Level 232 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Held In Off-hand "Held In Off-hand" is not in the list of possible values (Back, Chest, Feet, Finger, Hands, Head, Held in off-hand, Legs, Main Hand, Neck, Off Hand, One-Hand, Projectile, Ranged, Relic, Shirt, Shoulder, Tabard, Thrown, Trinket, Two-Hand, Waist, Wrist, Two-Handed) for this property. +54 Stamina +34 Intellect Requires level 80 Equip: Improves critical strike rating by 51. Equip: Improves haste rating by 50. Equip: Increases spell power by 78. Sell Price: 7 54 52 Strip of Remorse Item Level 232 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Cloth Waist 178 Armor +68 Stamina +68 Intellect Durability 35 / 35 Requires level 80 Equip: Improves critical strike rating by 55. Equip: Improves haste rating by 62. Equip: Increases spell power by 105. Sell Price: 4 32 3 The Lady's Promise Item Level 232 Disenchants into: [Abyss Crystal]: 1-2 Binds when picked up Unique-Equipped Finger +76 Strength +76 Stamina Requires level 80 Equip: Improves critical strike rating by 47. Equip: Increases your expertise rating by 40. Sell Price: 7 56 23

Related AchievementsEdit

QuotesEdit

AllianceEdit

Entering the Shadow Throne: The Lich King yells: Your allies have arrived, Jaina, just as you promised. You will all become powerful agents of the Scourge.; Jaina voices the sentences "There's nothing left of Arthas. Only the Lich King remains..."; Lady Jaina Proudmoore yells: He is too powerful, we must leave this place at once! My magic will hold him in place for only a short time! Come quickly, heroes!

Starting the gauntlet: The Lich King yells: There is no escape!

First ice wall: The Lich King yells: Death's cold embrace awaits.; Lady Jaina Proudmoore yells: I will destroy this barrier. You must hold the undead back!

Second ice wall: The Lich King yells: Succumb to the chill of the grave.; Lady Jaina Proudmoore yells: Another ice wall! Keep the undead from interrupting my incantation so that I may bring this wall down!

Third ice wall: The Lich King yells: Another dead end.; Lady Jaina Proudmoore yells: We're almost there... Don't give up!

Last ice wall: The Lich King yells: How long can you fight it?; Lady Jaina Proudmoore yells: Your barriers can't hold us back much longer, monster. I will shatter them all!

Gauntlet ends: Lady Jaina Proudmoore yells: There's an opening up ahead. GO NOW!; The path ends there - you're trapped! As he approaches, the Lich King laughs maniacally.; Lady Jaina Proudmoore yells: It... It's a dead end. We have no choice but to fight. Steel yourself heroes, for this is our last stand!; The Lich King yells: Nowhere to run... You're mine now!; At that moment, The Skybreaker comes up from below!; Sky-Captain Justin Bartlett yells: Fire! FIRE!; The Skybreaker's guns open fire on the tunnel, collapsing it. A ramp leading up to the deck is lowered.; Sky-Captain Justin Bartlett yells: Quickly, climb aboard! We mustn't tarry here. There's no telling when this whole mountainside will collapse!; Lady Jaina Proudmoore yells: Forgive me, heroes. I should have listened to Uther. I... I just had to see for myself. To look into his eyes one last time. I am sorry.; Lady Jaina Proudmoore yells: We now know what must be done. I will deliver this news to King Varian and Highlord Fordring.

HordeEdit

Gauntlet begins: The Lich King yells: I will not make the same mistake again, Sylvanas. This time there will be no escape. You will all serve me in death!; Lady Sylvanas Windrunner yells: He's too powerful! Heroes, quickly, come to me! We must leave this place immediately! I will do what I can do hold him in place while we flee.

First ice wall: The Lich King yells: There is no escape!; Lady Sylvanas Windrunner yells: No wall can hold the Banshee Queen! Keep the undead at bay, heroes! I will tear this barrier down!

Second ice wall: The Lich King yells: Succumb to the chill of the grave!; Lady Sylvanas Windrunner yells: Another barrier? Stand strong, champions! I will bring the wall down!

Third ice wall: The Lich King yells: Another dead end...; Lady Sylvanas Windrunner yells: I grow tired of these games, Arthas! Your walls can't stop me!

Last ice wall: The Lich King yells: How long can you fight it?; Lady Sylvanas Windrunner yells: You won't impede our escape, fiend. Keep the undead off me while I bring this barrier down!

Gauntlet ends: Lady Sylvanas Windrunner yells: We're almost there! Don't give up!; The path ends there - you're trapped! As he approaches, the Lich King laughs maniacally.; The Lich King yells: Nowhere to run! You're mine now...; Lady Sylvanas Windrunner yells: BLASTED DEAD END! So this is how it ends. Prepare yourselves, heroes, for today we make our final stand!; Suddenly, Orgrim's Hammer comes up from below!; Sky-Reaver Korm Blackscar yells: Fire! FIRE!; Orgrim's Hammer's guns open fire on the tunnel, collapsing it. A ramp leading up to the deck is lowered.; Sky-Reaver Korm Blackscar yells: Get onboard, now! This whole mountainside could collapse at any moment.; Lady Sylvanas Windrunner yells: We are safe, for now. His strength has increased ten-fold since our last battle! It will take a mighty army to destroy the Lich King, an army greater than even the Horde can rouse.

BugsEdit

There used to be a trick where players could stand on the platform next to the start of the path and have the Lich King pass them. The spawns still target you, but the Lich King walks away from you. As long as you make it outside your faction's ship blasts the mountainside, you are fine. With Patch 3.3.2, The Lich King deals massive damage to players standing in this position.
If you entered the instance using the Dungeon Finder, the portal to Dalaran will not actually lead to Dalaran, but rather to wherever you were before teleporting into the instance. It is unknown whether this is a bug or "working as intended".
There have been a few reported cases of the faction guide (Sylvanas or Jaina) having far less health than she normally would during this encounter. Her health has been known to reach as low as 1. Nonetheless, it is still possible to succeed. In such a scenario, it is actually best to have all party members stay away from the guide, so that any multi-target spells or attacks from the mobs don't accidentally hit her (since her death will result in an instant wipe). It is actually unknown if this is a bug, or dependent on the time it takes the party to reach their guide following Marwyn's defeat. Her health has been known to return to more manageable levels if the party should have to try again.
While not necessarily a bug, players can run past the location of the first ice wall before it is created. If the player is inside the ice wall, they are technically allowed to walk back out and continue as normal. While this does allow the player to get to the airship right away, your faction guide will still be stuck at the ice wall and the party will wipe when the Lich King makes it to her.

Killing the Lich KingEdit

The Lich King cannot be killed in this instance. He will be stuck at 1 HP, and will continue moving forward.^{[citation needed]}

GalleryEdit

Patch changes Edit

Hotfix (2010-02-05): "The range of the Lich King's Remorseless Winter aura has been increased in Halls of Reflection."
Patch 3.3.0 (08-Dec-2009): Added.

External linksEdit

Info

Archive.org The Lich King

News

WoW Insider Ensidia scores world first 25-man Lich King kill [Updated] by Alex Ziebart Feb 3rd 2010 at 8:25PM

WoW Insider Blood Legion scores world first Lich King kill by Alex Ziebart Feb 3rd 2010 at 5:25AM

Falric Marwyn The Lich King	(lore) (lore) (lore)
Other Icecrown Citadel instances
The Frozen Halls · The Forge of Souls‎ (5) · Pit of Saron (5) Icecrown Citadel (10/25)

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