WoW: Nostalgic Bug from 2005 Resurfaces

World of Warcraft's Corrupted Blood Bug Returns in Season of Discovery

The infamous Corrupted Blood incident, a notorious chapter in World of Warcraft's history, has unexpectedly reappeared in the Season of Discovery servers. Players have shared videos showcasing the deadly plague's resurgence, sparking both amusement and concern, particularly regarding its potential impact on Hardcore realms.

The source of the problem lies within the Zul'Gurub raid, reintroduced in Phase 5 of Season of Discovery (September 2024). This 20-player instance, originally launched in 2005 with Patch 1.7, features Hakkar the Soulflayer, whose Corrupted Blood spell inflicts damage over time and spreads to nearby players. While manageable with sufficient healing in normal circumstances, the bug's return has allowed for a recreation of the 2005 incident.

A video posted on r/classicwow by Lightstruckx depicts the chaotic spread of Corrupted Blood in Stormwind City's Trade District. The footage vividly echoes the original 2005 event, where players exploited pet mechanics to spread the plague across the game world. Lightstruckx's video shows the rapid incapacitation of several players, highlighting the debuff's potent effect.

Accidental Recreation and Hardcore Concerns

The reappearance of this bug has ignited debate within the World of Warcraft community. Some players attribute the issue to unresolved lingering problems, while others voice concerns about the potential for malicious exploitation in Hardcore mode, where character death is permanent.

Despite past attempts to address the Corrupted Blood issue, its legacy persists. With Season of Discovery's seventh phase slated for early 2025, the question remains: when will Blizzard Entertainment finally resolve this recurring problem?