Have you ever stood in the bustling heart of Stormwind, gazing at the distant peaks, and thought, "How on Azeroth do I get to Blackrock Spire?" You're not alone! This infamous stronghold, teeming with challenges and valuable loot, is a common destination for adventurers seeking to prove their might in World of Warcraft Classic. While it might seem like a daunting journey across the Eastern Kingdoms, fear not! This comprehensive guide will illuminate every step, ensuring your triumphant arrival at Blackrock Mountain and its iconic spire.
Your Epic Journey Begins: Navigating from Stormwind to Blackrock Spire
Getting to Blackrock Spire (both Lower Blackrock Spire - LBRS, and Upper Blackrock Spire - UBRS) from Stormwind involves traversing a significant portion of the Eastern Kingdoms. It's a trip that will test your patience, your map-reading skills, and perhaps even your mount's stamina. But the rewards, from pre-raid BiS gear to epic questlines, are absolutely worth it.
Let's break down this adventure step-by-step!
Step 1: Your First Decision - The Road Less Traveled, or the Familiar Path?
Alright, adventurer, let's get started! Before we even leave Stormwind, you have a crucial choice to make regarding your path to Blackrock Mountain. There are two primary ways to approach the mountain itself, each with its own quirks and scenic views (or lava pits, as the case may be).
- Option A: The Northern Approach via Searing Gorge
- This route takes you through the relatively desolate Badlands before reaching the fiery Searing Gorge. It can be a bit of a longer run on foot if you don't have many flight paths unlocked.
- Option B: The Southern Approach via Burning Steppes
- This is often the more popular and generally quicker route for Alliance players, as it offers a direct flight path to a nearby outpost.
For this guide, we'll focus on the Southern Approach via Burning Steppes, as it's typically the most efficient for Alliance characters.
Step 2: Setting Sail (or Tram-Riding!) from Stormwind
Your initial goal is to reach the continent's interior.
- Journey to Ironforge via the Deeprun Tram:
- From Stormwind, head to the Dwarven District. You'll find the entrance to the Deeprun Tram at the easternmost side, marked by a large, rotating gear.
- Enter the tunnel and wait for the Deeprun Tram to arrive. Board it and enjoy the scenic (and surprisingly quick) underground ride to Ironforge. This is a free and safe mode of transport!
- Pro Tip: The Deeprun Tram is a fantastic way to quickly connect two major Alliance cities. Remember it for future adventures!
Step 3: From Ironforge to the Open World
Once you disembark in Ironforge (in Tinker Town), you need to exit the city and begin your overland journey.
- Exiting Ironforge:
- Head out of the main gates of Ironforge into Dun Morogh.
- From Dun Morogh, proceed eastward into Loch Modan.
- Continue south through Loch Modan until you reach the Stonewrought Pass, which leads into the Wetlands.
- Alternative: If you have the flight path to Menethil Harbor (Wetlands) from Stormwind, you can take a boat directly there. However, the Deeprun Tram is often faster and less prone to hostile encounters if you're lower level.
Step 4: The Long Haul Through the Eastern Kingdoms
This is where the real legwork begins. Be prepared for a bit of a run!
- Through the Wetlands to the Badlands:
- From the Wetlands, travel southeast towards the Thandol Span, a massive bridge connecting the Wetlands to the Arathi Highlands. You don't need to cross the entire Arathi Highlands.
- Instead, from the Wetlands, you'll be looking to head south into the Badlands. This zone is known for its rugged terrain and occasional hostile creatures. Stick to the main road as much as possible to avoid unnecessary aggro.
Step 5: Entering the Fiery Heart - The Burning Steppes
You're getting closer! The air will start to feel warmer, and the landscape will become more volcanic as you approach.
- Reaching the Burning Steppes:
- From the Badlands, continue heading southwest until you enter the Burning Steppes. You'll know you're there by the scorched earth, lava flows, and the imposing presence of Blackrock Mountain itself on the western side.
- Flight Path Recommendation: If you haven't already, make sure to pick up the flight path at Morgan's Vigil (Alliance outpost) in the southeastern part of the Burning Steppes. This will save you a lot of travel time on future trips! It's highly recommended to make a mental note of this location or even set your Hearthstone here if you plan to farm Blackrock Spire.
Step 6: The Gates of Blackrock Mountain
Now, for the final approach to the mountain itself.
- Locating the Entrance:
- From Morgan's Vigil, head northwest towards the massive, looming structure of Blackrock Mountain. You'll see a large ramp leading directly into the mountain from the Burning Steppes.
- Alternatively, if you came from Searing Gorge (the northern route), you'd enter from the southwestern reaches of that zone. Both entrances lead to the same central hub within Blackrock Mountain.
- Be cautious: The areas surrounding Blackrock Mountain and inside it are teeming with high-level hostile mobs, particularly Dark Iron Dwarves and various elemental and dragonkin creatures. Travel with a group if you're not confident in your soloing abilities.
Step 7: Navigating the Caverns of Blackrock Mountain
Once inside Blackrock Mountain, the real maze begins. This is where many first-timers get lost.
- Inside Blackrock Mountain's Core:
- You'll find yourself in a large, central cavern with several pathways leading off. Your goal is to reach the upper levels to find the entrance to Blackrock Spire.
- Look for the massive chains hanging down from above. You'll need to climb these chains to reach the higher platforms. It might take a few tries to get the jump just right, but keep at it!
- Once on the second-floor ledge, run along the wall. You're looking for a specific balcony that serves as the entrance to Blackrock Spire. This balcony is typically around coordinates (37.0, 80.0) within Blackrock Mountain.
- Visual Aid: If you're struggling, it's highly recommended to watch a quick video guide on YouTube. A visual walkthrough of navigating Blackrock Mountain can save you a lot of headaches!
Step 8: Welcome to Blackrock Spire! (Lower and Upper)
Congratulations! You've made it to the entrance of Blackrock Spire.
- Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS):
- The first portal you encounter inside Blackrock Mountain at the coordinates mentioned above will lead you into Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS). This is a 5-man dungeon, a fantastic source of pre-raid gear, and home to several important quests.
- Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) - Attunement Required!
- To access Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS), a 10-man (or sometimes 15-man) raid in Classic, you'll need to complete a special attunement questline known as the Seal of Ascension.
- This quest begins with an NPC named Vaelan inside LBRS. You'll need to collect several items from various LBRS bosses (Highlord Omokk, War Master Voone, and Overlord Wyrmthalak) and an Unadorned Seal of Ascension that drops from Dragonkin in LBRS.
- Once you have these, you'll return to Vaelan, then be sent on a journey to Dustwallow Marsh to tame an elite dragon named Emberstrife (using an Orb of Dragonic Energy).
- Finally, you'll return to Vaelan in LBRS to receive the Seal of Ascension ring. Equipping this ring is what allows you to open the locked door to UBRS, which is also located inside LBRS, up a specific ramp.
- Don't forget: UBRS is a major endgame content piece in Classic, so make sure you're properly geared and grouped before attempting it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Blackrock Spire
Here are 10 common questions about getting to and navigating Blackrock Spire, with quick answers to help you on your way!
How to get to Blackrock Mountain directly?
You can access Blackrock Mountain from either the Burning Steppes (southern entrance, typically preferred by Alliance) or the Searing Gorge (northern entrance, often used by Horde or those with the Thorium Point flight path).
How to find the Deeprun Tram in Stormwind?
The Deeprun Tram entrance in Stormwind is located in the Dwarven District, at the easternmost side, marked by a large, rotating gear.
How to skip the long run through the Badlands?
For Alliance, the quickest way to minimize the run is to take the Deeprun Tram to Ironforge, then fly to Morgan's Vigil in the Burning Steppes if you have the flight path unlocked.
How to know if I'm in Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS) or Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS)?
The first portal inside Blackrock Mountain leads to LBRS. UBRS is a separate, locked entrance within LBRS, requiring the Seal of Ascension attunement.
How to get the Seal of Ascension for UBRS?
The Seal of Ascension quest begins with Vaelan in LBRS. It involves collecting gems from LBRS bosses and a special Unadorned Seal, then taming a dragon in Dustwallow Marsh, and finally returning to Vaelan to receive the ring.
How to reach the Blackrock Spire entrance within Blackrock Mountain?
Once inside Blackrock Mountain, climb the large chains hanging in the central cavern to reach the second-floor ledge. The Blackrock Spire portal is on a balcony around coordinates (37.0, 80.0).
How to get out of Blackrock Mountain quickly?
You can simply run back the way you came. If you have your Hearthstone set to Morgan's Vigil or Thorium Point, you can use it. Otherwise, you'll need to run back through the zone you entered from.
How to get Blackrock Depths (BRD) from Blackrock Mountain?
The entrance to Blackrock Depths is also inside Blackrock Mountain, but on a lower level. After entering the mountain, follow the chains down to the quarry mine; the BRD portal is at the back.
How to prepare for the journey to Blackrock Spire?
Ensure you have a good mount, some healing potions, and consider inviting a friend or two for safety, especially if you're not max level. Unlocking flight paths along the way is also crucial for future convenience.
How to make the UBRS attunement easier?
Gather a strong 5-man group for LBRS to efficiently defeat the bosses needed for the gem drops. For the Emberstrife part, having a good healer or tank can make the "taming" process much smoother.
