Embarking on an adventure into Blackrock Depths (BRD) is a rite of passage for any seasoned World of Warcraft player. Whether you're revisiting it for a nostalgic trip during an anniversary event or tackling it for the first time in Classic, this sprawling dungeon/raid offers a unique and challenging experience.
So, are you ready to delve into the fiery heart of Blackrock Mountain and face the Dark Iron Dwarves? Let's get you set up for success!
Navigating the Fiery Depths: A Step-by-Step Guide to Entering Blackrock Depths
Blackrock Depths has seen some variations over the years, especially with its recent return as a raid for the 20th Anniversary event. This guide will cover both the Classic dungeon entrance and the Anniversary event raid access.
Step 1: Know Your Version - Dungeon or Raid?
Before anything else, you need to determine which Blackrock Depths you're trying to enter.
- Classic/Vanilla WoW (Dungeon): This is the original, sprawling dungeon, infamous for its size and numerous quests. You'll enter directly from Blackrock Mountain.
- WoW 20th Anniversary Event (Raid): This is a revamped version, designed as a raid with different mechanics and a simplified entry method. It's usually accessed through the Caverns of Time.
For the purposes of this lengthy guide, we'll cover both!
Part 1: Entering Blackrock Depths in WoW Classic (Dungeon)
If you're playing WoW Classic, or a similar "vanilla" experience, this section is for you.
Step 2: Reaching Blackrock Mountain - The Central Hub of Doom
Blackrock Depths is located deep within Blackrock Mountain, a massive volcanic caldera that serves as a central hub for several high-level instances.
- Sub-heading 2.1: Getting to Blackrock Mountain
- From Searing Gorge (Alliance & Horde): This is often the most direct route. Fly to Thorium Point in Searing Gorge (Alliance) or Kargath in Badlands (Horde), and then head towards the massive volcanic mountain in the center. There are chains leading down into its interior.
- From Burning Steppes (Alliance & Horde): Another option is to enter Blackrock Mountain from the Burning Steppes side. Follow the path leading towards the mountain.
- Once inside Blackrock Mountain, you'll find yourself in a large, open cavern with molten rivers and various chain bridges.
Step 3: Locating the BRD Dungeon Entrance within Blackrock Mountain
This is where it can get a little tricky for first-timers, as Blackrock Mountain is a bit of a maze.
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Sub-heading 3.1: Descending into the Quarry
- Upon entering Blackrock Mountain, you'll see several chains leading down. You need to take the chains that lead you into the quarry mine area.
- Follow these chains downwards. You'll eventually find yourself on a lower level, in an area with dark iron dwarf miners and various tunnels.
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Sub-heading 3.2: Finding the Instance Portal
- Once in the quarry, navigate through the tunnels. The entrance to Blackrock Depths itself is a large, glowing instance portal.
- Keep an eye out for other instance portals like Molten Core and Blackrock Spire (Upper and Lower), as they are also in this general vicinity but not your target.
- The BRD portal is typically found at the very back of the quarry mine. It's hard to miss once you're in the right spot.
Step 4: Group Up! (Crucial for Classic BRD)
Blackrock Depths is designed for a full 5-player dungeon group in Classic.
- You will not solo this in Classic unless you are significantly over-leveled or a very specific class with exceptional gear.
- Use the LFG (Looking for Group) channel, your guild, or friends to assemble a balanced group with a tank, healer, and DPS.
- Communication is key in BRD; many quests and events require coordination.
Step 5: Consider Your Quests (Optional, but Highly Recommended)
Blackrock Depths is teeming with quests, many of which are essential for attunements to other raids or offer valuable rewards.
- Sub-heading 5.1: Essential Quests to Pick Up
- Many quests for BRD start outside the dungeon in areas like Burning Steppes, Searing Gorge, or even Ironforge/Undercity.
- Examples include "Dark Iron Legacy" (from Franclorn Forgewright, who you find when dead inside BRM), "Attunement to the Core" (for Molten Core, from Lothos Riftwaker near the BRD entrance), and various parts of the Onyxia attunement chain.
- Make sure you research the quests relevant to your goals before entering to maximize your efficiency!
Step 6: The Shadowforge Key (For Deeper Exploration)
While you can enter a portion of BRD without it, the Shadowforge Key is absolutely essential for accessing the deeper parts of the dungeon, including the throne room of Emperor Dagran Thaurissan.
- Sub-heading 6.1: Obtaining the Key
- The Shadowforge Key is obtained by completing a quest chain that involves defeating Fineous Darkvire within Blackrock Depths and placing the Ironfel (which he drops) on the Shrine of Thaurissan.
- It often requires at least one full run through a significant portion of BRD to acquire.
- If someone in your group already has the key, they can open the necessary doors for everyone. Rogues with high lockpicking (around 260) can also pick some of the locked doors.
Part 2: Entering Blackrock Depths as a Raid (20th Anniversary Event)
If you're looking to participate in the special 20th Anniversary Blackrock Depths raid, the process is much simpler and designed for modern WoW convenience.
Step 2: Head to the Caverns of Time
The hub for the 20th Anniversary event is the Caverns of Time.
- Sub-heading 2.1: Getting to Caverns of Time
- Alliance Players: Go to the Portal Room in Stormwind's Mage Tower. Look for the portal to the Caverns of Time.
- Horde Players: Go to the Portal Room downstairs in Orgrimmar. You'll find the Caverns of Time portal there.
- This will directly teleport you to the event hub within the Caverns of Time.
Step 3: Find Moira Thaurissan
Once you arrive in the Caverns of Time event area, you don't need to traverse a dangerous mountain.
- Sub-heading 3.1: The Direct Portal
- Look for Moira Thaurissan, who is typically located near the Mole Machine in the event area.
- She will provide you with a direct portal to the Blackrock Depths raid instance. Simply interact with her and step through!
- This eliminates the lengthy run through Blackrock Mountain.
Step 4: Queueing for the Raid (LFR, Normal, Heroic)
The 20th Anniversary BRD raid offers different difficulty levels.
- Sub-heading 4.1: Raid Finder (LFR)
- For LFR difficulty, you can typically queue through the Group Finder (I hotkey by default). This allows you to be matched with a random group. Players can enter LFR starting at Level 30.
- Sub-heading 4.2: Normal and Heroic
- For Normal and Heroic difficulties, you'll generally need to assemble a pre-made group (10-15 players recommended). You can use the Group Finder's "Premade Groups" tab or form a guild group. Heroic mode usually requires maximum level.
- These difficulties offer greater challenges and better rewards.
General Tips for Blackrock Depths (Both Versions)
- Be Prepared: Bring plenty of consumables (food, water, potions). BRD is a long instance!
- Clear Trash: Many trash packs can be dangerous. Don't pull too much, and focus fire on priority targets.
- Learn Boss Mechanics: Even if you're just doing LFR, a quick glance at boss abilities can save your group from wipes. Many guides exist online.
- Stay Together: The instance is vast, and getting lost or separated can lead to quick deaths. Stick with your group.
- Enjoy the Lore: Blackrock Depths has a rich history and tells an important part of the Dark Iron Dwarf story. Take a moment to appreciate the environment and the encounters.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Get the Shadowforge Key in Blackrock Depths?
The Shadowforge Key is obtained by first killing Fineous Darkvire in Blackrock Depths for the Ironfel, then taking the Ironfel to the Shrine of Thaurissan (located past the Ring of Law) and interacting with the shrine to receive the key.
How to Attune to Molten Core through Blackrock Depths?
To attune to Molten Core, you need to be Level 55+ and pick up the quest "Attunement to the Core" from Lothos Riftwaker near the BRD entrance in Blackrock Mountain. Then, venture deep into BRD, defeat the Fire Elementals on the Molten Bridge, and click the Core Fragment (a stalactite) located next to the Molten Core raid portal. Return to Lothos Riftwaker to complete the quest and gain the attunement.
How to Find Marshal Windsor in Blackrock Depths?
Marshal Windsor is found in the Detention Block section of Blackrock Depths. You need to defeat High Interrogator Gerstahn to obtain the Prison Cell Key, then use it to unlock Marshal Windsor's cell. He is part of a lengthy quest chain that leads to the Onyxia attunement.
How to Enter the Grim Guzzler in Blackrock Depths?
The Grim Guzzler is a tavern located within Blackrock Depths. You can access it by going through the residential district of the dungeon. It's known for its unique atmosphere and the "Dark Iron Lager" quest.
How to Skip Parts of Blackrock Depths?
In Classic, truly skipping major sections of BRD is difficult without specific class abilities (like a rogue's stealth or lockpicking for certain doors) or having someone with the Shadowforge Key to open shortcuts. In the 20th Anniversary raid, Moira Thaurissan provides a direct portal, effectively skipping the entire mountain traverse.
How to Defeat Emperor Dagran Thaurissan in Blackrock Depths?
Emperor Dagran Thaurissan is the final boss of the Blackrock Depths dungeon. The general strategy involves focusing down Princess Moira Bronzebeard first (to stop her healing the Emperor) while managing his powerful attacks and various adds that spawn throughout the fight.
How to Get to the Auction House in Blackrock Depths?
There isn't a traditional Auction House inside Blackrock Depths itself. However, there is a Mole Machine that can transport you to various locations, including Ironforge, which has an Auction House. This is a convenient way to access services without fully leaving the dungeon.
How to Do the Ring of Law Event in Blackrock Depths?
The Ring of Law is an arena encounter within Blackrock Depths. Upon entering the arena, an event will trigger, pitting your group against waves of enemies, culminating in a mini-boss fight. The key is to manage the adds and focus on the main target as they appear.
How to Complete Quests for Blackrock Depths?
To complete quests in Blackrock Depths, you need to read your quest log carefully. Quests often involve defeating specific bosses, interacting with objects, or escorting NPCs. Many require exploring different wings of the dungeon. Always check quest requirements before embarking.
How to Exit Blackrock Depths Quickly?
In Classic, after completing your objectives, you can usually use your Hearthstone to teleport back to your bind point. Alternatively, you can run back to the entrance or, in the 20th Anniversary raid, simply use the designated exit portal or leave the instance group.