Do you remember that feeling of finally hitting level 60 in WoW Classic, ready to conquer the endgame, only to realize that some of the most epic content is locked behind attunement quests? Well, my friend, if you're eyeing that glorious 10-man instance known as Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS), you're in for a bit of an adventure. But don't despair! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every single step to gain access to UBRS, claim your Seal of Ascension, and dive into one of Azeroth's most iconic dungeons.
Unlocking the Gates of UBRS: Your Journey to the Seal of Ascension
Upper Blackrock Spire is not just another dungeon you can waltz into. It's a challenging 10-player instance (in WoW Classic and Season of Discovery) that holds some fantastic pre-raid and even best-in-slot gear. To enter, you'll need a special key: the Seal of Ascension. This isn't just a simple drop; it's the culmination of a multi-part quest chain that takes you deep into the heart of Blackrock Spire itself.
Step 1: Embarking on the Quest for the Seal – Let's Get Started!
Are you ready to begin your epic journey? Excellent! The first thing you'll need is to obtain an item that kicks off the entire attunement questline.
Sub-heading: Obtaining the Unadorned Seal of Ascension
Your adventure truly begins with finding the Unadorned Seal of Ascension. This item is a random drop from most enemies within Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS). While the drop chance isn't exceptionally high, it's fairly common to come across it during your runs through LBRS for other quests or gear.
- Tip: You can actually collect this item before you even pick up the quest it's associated with, which can save you some time later!
Once you have the Unadorned Seal of Ascension in your inventory, you're ready for the next crucial step.
Step 2: Seeking Out the Hidden Quest Giver – Vaelan's Secret Location
With the Unadorned Seal of Ascension in hand, your next objective is to find the elusive NPC who will give you the quest: Vaelan. He's not just chilling by the entrance; Vaelan is hidden deep within LBRS.
Sub-heading: Navigating Lower Blackrock Spire to Find Vaelan
Getting to Vaelan can be a bit tricky if you don't know where to look. Follow these directions carefully:
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Enter Lower Blackrock Spire: The entrance to Blackrock Spire (both LBRS and UBRS are inside) is located in Blackrock Mountain, which can be accessed from either the Burning Steppes (south entrance) or Searing Gorge (north entrance).
- From Burning Steppes (Alliance/Horde): Head to the northern part of the zone, towards the giant volcanic mountain. You'll find a massive entrance leading into Blackrock Mountain.
- From Searing Gorge (Alliance/Horde): Travel to the southeastern part of the zone, and you'll find the path leading into Blackrock Mountain.
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Inside Blackrock Mountain: Once inside the mountain, you'll see a large, fiery central chamber with various paths leading off. Look for the entrance to Blackrock Spire itself. It's usually a large, imposing doorway.
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Entering Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS): Once through the Blackrock Spire instance portal, you are now in LBRS.
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Finding Vaelan:
- Upon entering LBRS, head up the stairs to the right.
- Continue following this path until you can fall down a ledge leading southeast.
- Enter the gate to your east.
- Continue through the area known as Hordemar City.
- Keep an eye out for a stony ramp leading upward to your left, just after the first group of mobs near a sconce.
- Vaelan is crouching on an edge after you climb this stone ramp. He's cleverly disguised as a Scarshield Infiltrator until you walk close enough for him to reveal himself. Don't kill him!
Once you approach him, Vaelan will reveal his true form and offer you the quest "Seal of Ascension." Accept this quest – it's the key to your UBRS access!
Step 3: Gathering the Gemstones – A Perilous Scavenger Hunt
The "Seal of Ascension" quest requires you to collect four specific items to forge the complete seal. You already have the Unadorned Seal of Ascension. Now, you need three rare Gemstones that drop from bosses within LBRS.
Sub-heading: Bosses and Their Precious Gemstones
You'll need to run LBRS multiple times to acquire all these gemstones, as their drop rates are approximately 20% (about 1 in 5 chance).
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Gemstone of Spirestone: Drops from Highlord Omokk.
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Gemstone of Smolderthorn: Drops from War Master Voone.
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Gemstone of Bloodaxe: Drops from Overlord Wyrmthalak.
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Pro-Tip: These bosses are generally part of standard LBRS runs, so you can often combine your gemstone farming with other LBRS objectives or help guildmates. Patience is a virtue here!
Step 4: Forging the Seal – An Encounter with Emberstrife
Once you have all three gemstones and the Unadorned Seal of Ascension, return to Vaelan in LBRS. He will then give you a follow-up quest that sends you to a new zone: Dustwallow Marsh.
Sub-heading: The Dragon and the Orb of Draconic Energy
This next part of the quest chain involves interacting with a powerful black dragon named Emberstrife in Dustwallow Marsh.
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Travel to Dustwallow Marsh: Head to the zone of Dustwallow Marsh. Emberstrife's location is typically in the southern part of the zone.
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Encountering Emberstrife: You won't actually kill Emberstrife for this part. Instead, you need to weaken him to a certain health percentage (usually around 20-30%).
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Using the Orb of Draconic Energy: Once Emberstrife is weakened, you will use a special item provided by Vaelan: the Orb of Draconic Energy. This orb will mind-control Emberstrife and force him to forge the Forged Seal of Ascension.
- Important Note: Make sure your group is aware of this mechanic and doesn't accidentally kill Emberstrife before you can use the orb!
Step 5: The Final Attunement – Receiving Your Seal of Ascension
With the Forged Seal of Ascension in your possession, it's time to return to Vaelan one last time.
Sub-heading: Claiming Your Prize
- Return to Vaelan in LBRS: Make your way back to Vaelan at his hidden spot in Lower Blackrock Spire.
- Complete the Quest: Turn in the Forged Seal of Ascension to him.
Upon completion, you will be rewarded with your very own Seal of Ascension ring! This ring is not just a piece of gear; it's your key to Upper Blackrock Spire.
- Ring Stats: The Seal of Ascension typically provides useful resistances, often +10 Fire, Frost, and Nature Resistance. It's a decent piece of pre-raid gear in its own right!
Step 6: Entering Upper Blackrock Spire – The Grand Entrance
Now that you possess the Seal of Ascension, you are finally ready to step foot into UBRS.
Sub-heading: The Locked Door Within Lower Blackrock Spire
Just like how the Molten Core raid entrance is within Blackrock Depths, the entrance to Upper Blackrock Spire is within Lower Blackrock Spire.
- Enter LBRS (Again!): Head back into the LBRS instance.
- Locating the UBRS Entrance:
- Upon entering LBRS, head up the left side of the first set of stairs.
- Then, turn left again. You will see a large, imposing, locked door.
- Unlocking the Door: To open this door, you simply need to equip the Seal of Ascension ring. The door will then magically unlock, granting you access to Upper Blackrock Spire!
- Note: Even a Rogue with maximum Lockpicking cannot open this door without the Seal of Ascension equipped.
- Once Inside: Once your group is safely inside the UBRS instance, you can unequip the Seal of Ascension and put your regular gear back on. The door will remain open for your group.
Congratulations! You've successfully completed the attunement quest and can now delve into the depths of Upper Blackrock Spire with your 10-player raid group. Prepare for challenging encounters, valuable loot, and plenty of classic WoW memories!
10 Related FAQ Questions about Upper Blackrock Spire Attunement
Here are some quick answers to common questions about getting into UBRS:
How to get to Blackrock Mountain itself?
You can get to Blackrock Mountain from either the Burning Steppes (north) or Searing Gorge (southeast). Both zones have a large, fiery entrance leading into the mountain's interior.
How to start the Seal of Ascension quest?
You must first obtain the Unadorned Seal of Ascension, which is a random drop from mobs inside Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS). Once you have it, find Vaelan hidden within LBRS to pick up the quest.
How to find Vaelan in LBRS?
Vaelan is disguised as a Scarshield Infiltrator. From the LBRS entrance, go right up the stairs, fall down a southeast ledge, go through the east gate into Hordemar City, and look for a stony ramp leading left after the first mob pack. Vaelan is on an edge after climbing this ramp.
How to get the Gemstones for the Seal of Ascension?
You need to kill three specific bosses in Lower Blackrock Spire:
- Highlord Omokk for the Gemstone of Spirestone.
- War Master Voone for the Gemstone of Smolderthorn.
- Overlord Wyrmthalak for the Gemstone of Bloodaxe.
How to interact with Emberstrife in Dustwallow Marsh?
You need to weaken Emberstrife (bring his health down significantly) and then use the Orb of Draconic Energy (provided by Vaelan) on him to force him to forge the Forged Seal of Ascension. Do not kill him!
How to open the UBRS door?
Once you have the Seal of Ascension ring, you must equip it while standing in front of the locked door to UBRS, which is located inside Lower Blackrock Spire.
How to find the UBRS entrance inside LBRS?
After entering LBRS, go up the left side of the first set of stairs, then turn left. The locked UBRS door will be directly in front of you.
How to equip the Seal of Ascension and remove it?
You only need to have the Seal of Ascension equipped when initially clicking on the UBRS door to open it. Once your group is inside the instance, you can freely unequip the ring and put your normal gear back on.
How to get to UBRS from Stormwind or Orgrimmar?
For Alliance from Stormwind, take the tram to Ironforge, then fly to Southshore, and ride south through Wetlands and Loch Modan to the Burning Steppes entrance to Blackrock Mountain. For Horde from Orgrimmar, take the zeppelin to Grom'gol Base Camp (Stranglethorn Vale) or Ratchet (Northern Barrens), then ride to Dustwallow Marsh and then north into the Barrens and on to Southern Kalimdor flight paths to get closer to Blackrock Mountain, or simply fly to Kargath in Badlands and ride south into the Burning Steppes. Both factions eventually head to the central Blackrock Mountain.
How to know if I'm attuned to UBRS?
If you have the Seal of Ascension ring in your inventory, you are attuned to UBRS. Simply having the ring grants you access.
