Oh, so you're ready to brave the depths of Blackrock Spire? Excellent! This iconic World of Warcraft dungeon (and later, raid in its "Upper" iteration) holds a special place in the hearts of many adventurers. It's a challenging, multi-layered instance steeped in rich lore, and getting there can be a journey in itself, especially in WoW Classic. Let's get you prepared and guide you through every smoky, fiery step!
A Fiery Destination: Understanding Blackrock Spire
Before we dive into the how, let's briefly touch upon what Blackrock Spire is. Located deep within Blackrock Mountain, this massive fortress is a bastion for the Blackrock Orcs and the remnants of the black dragonflight. It's split into two main instances:
- Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS): A 5-player dungeon, often used for leveling from around level 55-60, and a crucial step for gaining access to its upper counterpart.
- Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS): Originally a 10-player "raid" (though often done with less with good gear), and later a 5-player dungeon in later expansions. In WoW Classic, UBRS is where you'll find some highly sought-after pre-raid BiS gear, as well as the attunement quest for Onyxia's Lair and Blackwing Lair.
The journey to Blackrock Spire is more than just a quick flight path; it's an adventure. You'll traverse dangerous zones, potentially complete intricate questlines, and face formidable foes. But fear not, for the rewards are well worth the effort!
Step 1: Embarking on the Journey - Getting to Blackrock Mountain
First things first, you need to reach the colossal, fiery mountain that houses Blackrock Spire itself. Blackrock Mountain is centrally located in the Eastern Kingdoms, bordered by the Searing Gorge to the north and the Burning Steppes to the south.
Sub-heading 1.1: Approaching from the Searing Gorge (Northern Entrance)
If you're coming from the north, perhaps after questing in the Badlands or Wetlands, the Searing Gorge offers a direct route.
- Where to go: Head to the southwestern reaches of the Searing Gorge. You're looking for a natural corridor that leads directly into the mountain.
- Flight Path Advantage: If you have the flight path to Thorium Point (the Dark Iron Dwarf town) in the northern Searing Gorge, it's a very convenient starting point. From there, simply travel south through the corridor. This route helps you bypass some of the more hostile Dark Iron Dwarf patrols in the central chasm, "The Cauldron."
Sub-heading 1.2: Approaching from the Burning Steppes (Southern Entrance)
For those traveling from the south, perhaps from Duskwood or Stranglethorn Vale, the Burning Steppes provides an equally viable entry.
- Where to go: The southern gate into Blackrock Mountain is located in the northwestern part of the Burning Steppes. Look for a large ramp leading into the mountain from the western foothills.
- Flight Path Advantage: Both Morgan's Vigil (Alliance) and Flame Crest (Horde) outposts in the Burning Steppes have flight masters. From either of these, follow the main road that winds from east to west through the zone; it will lead you straight to the mountain's entrance.
Sub-heading 1.3: Entering the Mountain's Depths
Once you're at the base of Blackrock Mountain, you'll find a massive entrance. Step inside, and you'll be in the uninstanced Blackrock Mountain zone, a sprawling, multi-level hub connecting several iconic dungeons and raids.
- Navigating the Interior: Inside Blackrock Mountain, you'll see a large central platform with chains extending upwards. These chains are your key!
- To reach LBRS/UBRS, you'll need to climb the chains upwards to the second-floor ledge.
- Once on the ledge, run along the wall until you see a balcony. Jump onto this balcony, and the Blackrock Spire portal will be right there.
Step 2: Entering Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS)
The entrance you just found is for Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS). This is your first destination within the Spire complex.
- Simply click on the glowing portal to enter the instance.
- Get ready for action! LBRS is a challenging dungeon with many distinct areas and bosses. It's recommended to go with a full group of 5 players, ideally around level 55-60.
Step 3: The Path to Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) - The Attunement
This is where it gets interesting and often requires some dedicated effort, especially in WoW Classic. Unlike LBRS, Upper Blackrock Spire requires an attunement to enter. You'll need the Seal of Ascension ring.
Sub-heading 3.1: Starting the "Seal of Ascension" Questline
The questline for the Seal of Ascension is initiated inside Lower Blackrock Spire.
- Find Vaelan (Scarshield Infiltrator): Vaelan is an NPC disguised as a Scarshield Infiltrator in LBRS. To find him:
- Upon entering LBRS, go up the stairs to the right.
- Jump off the ledge to the southeast.
- Go through the gate on the east side and continue through "Hordemar City."
- You'll eventually see a stone ramp leading upward to your left, behind the first group of monsters, near some candlesticks.
- Climb this ramp. Vaelan will be crouching on the edge, but he won't reveal his true form until you get close. Approach him, and he will transform into the friendly quest NPC.
- Accept the quest: Vaelan will offer you the "Seal of Ascension" quest.
Sub-heading 3.2: Gathering the Gemstones and Unadorned Seal
This part requires running LBRS multiple times, as the drops can be random!
- Collect the Gemstones: You need three specific gemstones, each dropped by a different boss in LBRS. These drops have a chance to occur, so be prepared for multiple runs.
- Gemstone of Spirestone: Drops from Highlord Omokk.
- Gemstone of Smolderthorn: Drops from War Master Voone.
- Gemstone of Bloodaxe: Drops from Overlord Wyrmthalak.
- Obtain the Unadorned Seal of Ascension: This item has a small chance to drop from any Dragonkin enemy within LBRS. Keep an eye out for it! You can also sometimes buy this on the Auction House, which can save you some farming time.
- Pro-Tip: You can collect these items before picking up the quest from Vaelan to speed up the process.
Sub-heading 3.3: Taming Emberstrife
Once you have all four components (the three gemstones and the Unadorned Seal of Ascension), return to Vaelan in LBRS to turn in the quest. He will then give you a follow-up quest that sends you outside of Blackrock Mountain.
- Travel to Dustwallow Marsh: This zone is located on the western coast of Kalimdor.
- Find Emberstrife: Locate the elite dragon named Emberstrife.
- The Subjugation: You don't kill Emberstrife. Instead, you need to weaken it significantly (get it down to low health, typically around 25%) and then use the Orb of Dragonic Energy (an item Vaelan gives you) to force it to produce the Forged Seal of Ascension. This is a unique and memorable part of the questline!
Sub-heading 3.4: Forging the Seal and Gaining Entry
With the Forged Seal of Ascension in hand, your journey is almost complete!
- Return to Vaelan: Head back to LBRS and find Vaelan again.
- Quest Completion: Turn in the Forged Seal of Ascension quest. As a reward, you will receive the Seal of Ascension ring. This ring not only provides useful resistances (+10 Fire, Frost, and Nature resistance) but, most importantly, it grants you the ability to open the door to Upper Blackrock Spire!
- Crucial Note: To open the UBRS door, you must have the Seal of Ascension ring EQUIPPED. A Rogue cannot pick the lock, nor can anyone else open it without the ring.
Step 4: Entering Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS)
Now that you have the Seal of Ascension, entering UBRS is straightforward.
- Locate the UBRS Entrance within LBRS:
- Enter Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS) as usual.
- Go up the left side of the first set of stairs.
- Immediately turn left. You will see a locked door.
- Equip and Open: Make sure your Seal of Ascension ring is equipped, and then click on the door. It will open, granting you access to Upper Blackrock Spire!
Step 5: Enjoying the Spire!
Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the treacherous journey to Blackrock Spire and gained entry to its upper reaches. Now, whether you're here for epic loot, challenging boss fights, or to continue questlines for other major attunements (like Blackwing Lair), you're ready to face the challenges within.
- Team Up: UBRS is a challenging instance, even as a 5-player dungeon. Make sure you have a well-balanced and coordinated group.
- Be Prepared: Bring consumables, repair your gear, and understand the boss mechanics.
- Explore: Both LBRS and UBRS are rich in lore, unique encounters, and hidden gems. Take your time to explore and appreciate the intricate design of these iconic dungeons.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackrock Spire
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Blackrock Spire, with quick answers:
How to find Blackrock Mountain on the map? Blackrock Mountain is a massive, fiery volcano located centrally in the Eastern Kingdoms, situated between the Searing Gorge to the north and the Burning Steppes to the south.
How to get to Blackrock Mountain quickly? The fastest ways are typically by flying to Thorium Point (Searing Gorge) or Morgan's Vigil/ Flame Crest (Burning Steppes) and then heading directly to the mountain's entrance.
How to enter Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS)? Once inside Blackrock Mountain, climb the chains from the central platform upwards to the second-floor ledge, then run along the wall to find the balcony leading to the LBRS portal.
How to start the Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) attunement quest? The quest "Seal of Ascension" is started by finding Vaelan (disguised as a Scarshield Infiltrator) inside Lower Blackrock Spire.
How to get the Unadorned Seal of Ascension? This item is a rare drop from Dragonkin enemies found within Lower Blackrock Spire. It can also sometimes be purchased on the Auction House.
How to get the three gemstones for the Seal of Ascension? The Gemstone of Spirestone drops from Highlord Omokk, Gemstone of Smolderthorn from War Master Voone, and Gemstone of Bloodaxe from Overlord Wyrmthalak, all within LBRS.
How to use the Orb of Dragonic Energy on Emberstrife? Weaken Emberstrife in Dustwallow Marsh to low health (around 25%), then use the Orb of Dragonic Energy (given by Vaelan) on it to produce the Forged Seal of Ascension.
How to open the door to Upper Blackrock Spire? You must have the Seal of Ascension ring (obtained from the attunement questline) equipped and then click on the locked door inside LBRS (up the left stairs from the entrance, then turn left).
How to find the entrance to Upper Blackrock Spire once inside LBRS? From the LBRS entrance, go up the left set of stairs, turn left immediately, and you'll see the locked door for UBRS.
How to get raid attunements related to Blackrock Spire? Completing quests within UBRS (like "Blackhand's Command") often leads to attunements for raids such as Blackwing Lair (BWL) and Onyxia's Lair.
