Ah, the call of nostalgia! Warlords of Draenor was a fantastic expansion, and Upper Blackrock Spire was a pivotal dungeon, particularly as it was revamped for the level cap. Whether you're chasing transmogs, achievements, or just reliving old content, getting to UBRS in WoD (or rather, the WoD version of it) is a journey worth taking.
So, are you ready to embark on this epic adventure? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Establishing Your Presence in Draenor
Before you can even think about setting foot in the re-imagined Upper Blackrock Spire, you need to be firmly planted in Draenor. For many, this will be a given, but if you're returning after a long break or playing a new character, this is your crucial first step.
Sub-heading: The Tanaan Jungle Intro - Your Gateway to Draenor
- For Fresh Characters or Those Who Skipped: If you're completely new to WoD content, or perhaps you boosted a character and bypassed the intro, you'll need to complete the Tanaan Jungle introductory questline. This cinematic and action-packed scenario serves as your initial entry point into Draenor.
- Horde: Head to the Blasted Lands (the original one) and look for the Dark Portal. Thrall will be waiting for you there to kick off the questline.
- Alliance: Similarly, head to the Blasted Lands and seek out Khadgar near the Dark Portal. He'll guide you through the initial assault.
- Why is this important? This questline not only introduces you to the story of Warlords of Draenor but also leads you directly to establishing your Garrison, which will be your primary hub in Draenor.
Sub-heading: Alternative Ways to Draenor (If You've Done the Intro Before)
- The Stormwind/Orgrimmar Portal: Once you've completed the Tanaan Jungle intro on at least one character on your account, a portal to Draenor (specifically, to your faction's main hub in Ashran: Warspear for Horde, Stormshield for Alliance) will become available in your faction's capital city.
- Horde: In Orgrimmar, you'll find the portal in the Valley of Strength, typically near Saurfang's room or the main building.
- Alliance: In Stormwind, the portal is located in the Wizard's Sanctum in the Mage Quarter.
- Mage Portals: If you're feeling lazy or just want a quick hop, a kind Mage can open a portal directly to Warspear or Stormshield for you. This is often the fastest way if you have a friendly Mage nearby!
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| How To Get To Upper Blackrock Spire Warlords Of Draenor |
Step 2: Reaching Blackrock Mountain
Upper Blackrock Spire, in all its iterations, has always been located within the fiery heart of Blackrock Mountain. This iconic zone, straddling the Burning Steppes and Searing Gorge, is a central hub for many Classic and even some Cata dungeons and raids.
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
Sub-heading: Traveling to Blackrock Mountain
- From Your Garrison/Ashran: Once you're in Draenor, you'll typically be in your Garrison or Ashran. From there, you'll need to travel back to Azeroth.
- Horde: Use your Garrison Hearthstone to return to your Garrison, then use the portal in your Garrison to Orgrimmar. From Orgrimmar, take the portal to the Blasted Lands (if available) or fly/ride to the Burning Steppes.
- Alliance: Use your Garrison Hearthstone to return to your Garrison, then use the portal in your Garrison to Stormwind. From Stormwind, fly or ride to the Burning Steppes.
- Direct Flight/Ride: If you're already in Eastern Kingdoms, simply fly or ride to the Burning Steppes or Searing Gorge. Blackrock Mountain is the massive, imposing structure at their intersection.
Sub-heading: Navigating Inside Blackrock Mountain
- The Main Entrance: The primary entrance to Blackrock Mountain is a large, ominous gateway on the lower southern side, facing the Burning Steppes. Fly or ride directly into this entrance.
- Inside the Mountain: Blackrock Mountain is a sprawling, multi-tiered hub of various instances. Think of it as a giant, fiery spaghetti bowl! You'll need to navigate its winding paths to reach the specific location of the Spire.
- Don't get lost! It's easy to wander into Blackrock Depths or Molten Core by accident. Focus on ascending.
Step 3: Locating the Upper Blackrock Spire Entrance (WoD Version)
This is where things sometimes get tricky, especially if you're used to the Classic version of UBRS which required an attunement and was part of the same instance as LBRS. For Warlords of Draenor, UBRS is a standalone 5-player dungeon, and it does NOT require the "Seal of Ascension" key.
Sub-heading: The Direct Path to UBRS
- Ascend the Chains: Once inside Blackrock Mountain, you'll see massive chains leading upwards. You need to follow these chains.
- Look for the Ramp/Path: As you ascend, look for a path or ramp that breaks off and leads directly into a separate entrance. This isn't the same as the entrance to Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS).
- The Specific Location: The entrance to the Warlords of Draenor version of Upper Blackrock Spire is higher up within Blackrock Mountain, distinct from the LBRS entrance.
- Visual Tip: If you are looking at the main central pillar of Blackrock Mountain from within the hub, the WoD UBRS entrance is generally on one of the upper levels, accessed by following paths that spiral upwards. It's often found on the opposite side from the Molten Core entrance.
- Coordinates (Approximate): While in Blackrock Mountain, the entrance to the WoD UBRS is typically found around (37, 80) on the in-game map of Blackrock Mountain itself. You'll generally be aiming for the upper eastern side of the central pillar.
Sub-heading: Distinguishing WoD UBRS from Classic UBRS
- No Attunement Needed: This is the most crucial difference. You do not need to complete the Seal of Ascension questline for the WoD version. That attunement was for the original, 10-player Classic UBRS.
- Separate Instance Portal: While geographically close, the WoD UBRS has its own distinct, clickable instance portal. You won't be entering LBRS first and then proceeding into UBRS as you did in Classic. The revamped version stands alone.
- Level Requirement: The WoD UBRS is a level 100 dungeon (or whatever the scaled equivalent is now, typically 40-50 in Chromie Time or 60+ at current max level). The Classic UBRS was a level 55-60 dungeon.
Step 4: Forming Your Group and Entering the Dungeon
Once you've located the glowing blue portal to Upper Blackrock Spire, the final steps are simple.
Sub-heading: Grouping Up
- Solo Entry: If your character is significantly over-leveled for the content (which is highly likely now), you can simply walk into the portal solo. The enemies will be trivial.
- Group Play: If you're running it with friends or for a challenge at a relevant level (via Chromie Time, for example), make sure you're in a party or raid group before entering. The dungeon is designed for 5 players.
Sub-heading: Stepping Inside!
- Click the Portal: Once you're ready, simply right-click the glowing blue instance portal.
- Welcome to Upper Blackrock Spire! You'll be whisked away into the instance, ready to face the Iron Horde and Warlord Zaela.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions you might have about Upper Blackrock Spire in Warlords of Draenor:
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
How to find the specific coordinates for the Upper Blackrock Spire entrance?
You can use an in-game addon like TomTom and input /way Blackrock Mountain 37 80 to get a helpful arrow guiding you to the approximate location within the mountain.
How to tell the difference between the Classic UBRS and the WoD UBRS entrances?
The WoD UBRS entrance is a distinct, glowing blue portal located higher up in Blackrock Mountain, and it doesn't require any attunement. The Classic UBRS was accessed through Lower Blackrock Spire and required the Seal of Ascension. The Warlords of Draenor revamp changed its accessibility entirely.
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How to skip the Tanaan Jungle intro if I've already done it on another character?
For subsequent characters, you should be able to find a portal to Warspear/Stormshield directly in your capital city (Orgrimmar for Horde, Stormwind for Alliance) without redoing the Tanaan intro. If not, a Mage can portal you there.
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
How to get back to Draenor quickly after returning to Azeroth?
The quickest ways are often your Garrison Hearthstone (if you set it to your Garrison) or the portal in your faction capital (Orgrimmar/Stormwind) directly to Ashran.
How to solo Upper Blackrock Spire (WoD version) effectively?
At current maximum level, almost any class and specialization can solo the WoD UBRS with ease. Simply walk in and use your normal rotation. The mechanics will be largely negligible.
How to get loot from Upper Blackrock Spire in Warlords of Draenor?
Loot from the WoD UBRS will drop directly from the bosses. For transmog runs, you'll be looking for level 100 appropriate gear.
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
How to find specific boss locations within the WoD UBRS dungeon?
The WoD UBRS is a fairly linear dungeon. Just follow the path, defeat the enemies, and you'll naturally progress to each boss encounter, including Orebender Gor'ashan, Kyrak, Commander Tharbek, Ragewing the Untamed, and Warlord Zaela.
How to start the questline for Upper Blackrock Spire in WoD (if there is one)?
Unlike its Classic counterpart, the WoD UBRS does not have a specific attunement questline to unlock entry. It was designed as a regular 5-player dungeon available to max-level characters in Warlords of Draenor. There are quests inside the dungeon that update as you progress, but no pre-requisite entry quest.
How to use Chromie Time to run WoD UBRS at its intended level?
If you want to experience the dungeon at a more appropriate difficulty, visit Chromie in Stormwind or Orgrimmar and select the Warlords of Draenor timeline. This will scale you and the dungeon to a relevant level, making it more challenging.
How to find a group for Upper Blackrock Spire in Warlords of Draenor today?
For current content, you'd typically use the Dungeon Finder (LFG tool) if it's part of a timewalking event or if you're grouped with players in Chromie Time. Otherwise, for transmog or achievement runs, you'll likely create a custom group in the group finder or simply invite friends.
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