Loatheb (boss)


 * ''For the minion card of the same name, see Loatheb

Loatheb is a boss found in the Curse of Naxxramas adventure. He is the third and final boss of the adventure's second wing, the Plague Quarter.

Decks
The below classes are listed purely for reference, and have no effect on the boss' use of the cards during the battle. Normal and Heroic

Starting board
Heroic Loatheb starts with a Spore and a Fen Creeper on the board.
 * Heroic

Prohibited cards
Despite Loatheb's substantial Health, do not attempt to use Alexstrasza on his Heroic mode. If summoned, Kel'Thuzad will destroy Alexstrasza, refund no mana, and taunt you for your cheap tactics. This applies whether her Battlecry is applied to Loatheb or the player.

If you manage to transform Loatheb into a different hero, such as Lord Jaraxxus or Ragnaros the Firelord, you will be able to play Alexstrasza normally.

Strategy
A common strategy to beat Loatheb is to run a very aggressive, board-flooding deck. Zoolock, Backspace Rogue, Aggro Paladins (due to their ability to buff small minions and give Divine Shield), Beast Hunters, and any deck of the sort does well against Loatheb. The goal is to establish board presence until Loatheb is forced to use his 5 damage single target, and 1 damage multi target abilities, each spawning Spores. When killed, Spores grant 8 attack to EVERY creature you have on your side of the field. With a full board, an aggressive deck can easily burst through over 50 damage in a turn.

Loatheb has a few copies of both of these spells, so Spores will spawn periodically throughout the game. In general, as long as you are summoning enough creatures, your Health value should not be in too much jeopardy, even with his Hero Power. Remember to always summon as many creatures as you can before killing a Spore, or the bonus is lost.

It is also possible to play a deck that can heal or buff a few minions very high, having them survive the single target nukes and slowly build up bonus damage.

One strategy available since the Knights of the Frozen Throne expansion is to use cards with the effect Lifesteal. When those are buffed with the deathrattle of Loathebs Spores they can heal the players hero for massive amounts, giving him the ability to survive the continuous damage from Loathebs hero power.

Decklists


 * Hearthpwn.com - The Plague Quarter Heroic Boss Deck Guides
 * Hearthhead.com - Decks for Defeating Loatheb

Wing completion
As the final boss of the Plague Quarter, defeating Loatheb also unlocks the following reward:

Dialogue
Before match
 * Kel'Thuzad
 * ''Just being nearby Loatheb causes your flesh to rot. So I recommend a melee class.

Introduction
 * Loatheb
 * ''I see you.

Emote Response
 * Loatheb
 * ''You waste your breath.

Hero Power
 * Loatheb
 * ''You are mine now.

Deathbloom
 * Loatheb
 * ''The end is close.

Play Alexstrasza in Heroic mode
 * Kel'Thuzad
 * ''This is heroic Naxxramas! I won't stand for such cheap tactics here!

Death
 * Loatheb
 * ''*rruuuhhhh*
 * Kel'Thuzad
 * ''You keep KILLING MY MINIONS. Stop it! Stop it right this minute!

In Curse of Naxxramas

 * A prime example of how the plague manifested in the local flora and fauna is the twisted . In a twisted mockery of the plant kingdom’s natural ability to regenerate, Loatheb can summon deadly spores that quickly spread a sickening miasma that turns magical healing arts against those who wield them.

In World of Warcraft

 * ". The hideous result of fusing the living plague of the with the s of Azeroth, Loatheb is said to control the power of healing itself."

Trivia
Senior UI Designer Derek Sakamoto shared the following pieces of unused flavor text for Loatheb:
 * "Loatheb: "
 * "Loatheb: He likes spores, fungus, and massages. His masseuse hates him because he's a poor tipper plus how do you massage a mushroom back?!"

Patch changes

 * Added.