Highmaul is the seat of power for the Gorian Empire, the ogre civilization that ruled Draenor for generations until the arrival of the draenei. A massive city that belies the ogre reputation for brutish stupidity, Highmaul is full of bustling markets, wealthy nobles, and the roar of the Coliseum crowd echoing through the streets of the slums. Visible from everywhere within the city’s walls, Imperator Mar’gok’s citadel casts a long shadow, a reminder of his watchful eye and iron grip.

Highmaul is an imposing stretch of ogre-controlled territory located within Nagrand. The Highmaul Raid contains seven bosses, three of which are optional: The Butcher, Tectus, and Brackenspore. Players will need a minimum Item Level of 615 to enter the ogres’ domain Raid Finder.

Here’s a brief breakdown of the bosses you’ll find in Highmaul. Additional information on abilities and role-specific tips can be found within the in-game Dungeon Journal.

Gear Reward Item Level Range:640-685

Kargath Bladefist

Warlord of the Shattered Hand, Kargath honed his combat skills as a slave in the ogres’ gladiatorial games. He slaughtered countless opponents for the promise of freedom, only to be ultimately rewarded by being locked away with the other retired “champions.” Fueled by rage, Kargath severed his own hand to escape and led a revolt that soaked Draenor in ogre blood. Now, he returns to the arena to teach you the true meaning of savagery.

The Butcher (Optional Boss)

Born in the fetid Underbelly of Highmaul, this ogre may have once had a proper name, but it’s since been long forgotten. Abused and beaten from his earliest days, the hardship only strengthened his body even as it broke his mind. Now there is not an ogre in Highmaul who will not give him a wide berth as he hacks away at slaughtered carcasses to pass his days.

Tectus (Optional Boss)

An ancient embodiment of the chaotic forces that shaped the terrain of Draenor, Tectus has been twisted and enslaved by the maddened Pale Orcs—who themselves barely maintain control over this imposing force of nature.

Brackenspore (Optional Boss)

The Iron Horde juggernaut moored in the waters beside Highmaul drew the attention of Brackenspore, ancient walker of the deep. This aquatic giant spreads fungal growth and moss in its wake, and is driven by primal instinct to eradicate any traces of civilization on Draenor.

Twin Ogron

Guarding the entrance to the Gorthenon atop Highmaul, Pol and Phemos are the personal guard of Imperator Mar’gok. Peerless in strength and determination, what these ogron brothers lack in intelligence, they make up for with sheer size and brute force.

Ko’ragh

Ko’ragh was the only ogre to survive direct exposure to a mysterious relic unearthed by the Highmaul excavations of Nagrand, leaving him with a near-complete immunity to all magic. Rumors abound regarding his connection to the Imperator, with some wondering why Ko’ragh would remain subservient to a sorcerer despite his unique gifts.

Imperator Mar’gok

As the grand Imperator of Highmaul, Mar’gok is descended from a long line of sorcerers who ruled the Gorian Empire. With cunning that matches his brutality, Mar’gok recognized the rising tide of the Iron Horde and what it would mean to oppose them. He has acquiesced to an alliance with Grommash, even as he continues to search for a way to tip the balance of power back into his favor.

Raid Unlock Schedule

To help you plan your escapades into the heart of this dangerous new place, we’ve broken down Highmaul’s unlock schedule for you.

December 2, 2014

• Highmaul opens with Normal and Heroic difficulties accessible.

December 9, 2014

• Mythic difficulty and the first wing of Raid Finder (Kargath, Butcher, Brackenspore) unlock.

December 16, 2014

• Raid Finder Wing 2 (Tectus, Twin Ogron, Ko’ragh) unlocks.

January 6, 2015

• Raid Finder Wing 3 (Imperator Mar’gok) unlocks.