Oh, hello there, adventurer! Are you ready to dive into the fiery depths of Blackrock Mountain and unlock the secrets of Upper Blackrock Spire? Excellent! This isn't just about finding a key; it's about embarking on a journey that will test your resolve, your teamwork, and your knowledge of Azeroth's most dangerous creatures. So, let's get you attuned to UBRS, one step at a time!
Unlocking the Gates of Upper Blackrock Spire: A Grand Adventure
Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) is a legendary 10-player dungeon (or 5-player in some later iterations and Classic Season of Discovery) nestled deep within Blackrock Mountain. It's a place of epic loot, challenging encounters, and a vital stepping stone for many late-game activities, including the attunement for Blackwing Lair. But before you can raid Rend Blackhand and General Drakkisath, you need a very special item: the Seal of Ascension.
This isn't a simple "kill X, get Y" quest. It's a multi-part attunement chain that takes you through the dangerous Lower Blackrock Spire and even out into the treacherous Dustwallow Marsh. So, gather your courage, prepare your party, and let's begin!
Step 1: The Whispers of the Unadorned Seal
Are you ready to truly begin your journey? Good! Because our first objective is to acquire the Unadorned Seal of Ascension. This isn't a quest item you pick up from a friendly NPC; it's a random drop from almost any mob within the Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS) dungeon.
- What you need to do: Form a group and head into LBRS. You'll be spending some time here, so be prepared for a full clear or multiple runs.
- Where to find it: The Unadorned Seal of Ascension has a small chance to drop from any enemy within LBRS. This means killing trash mobs and bosses alike. Don't worry too much about specifically farming for it; it will likely drop naturally as you progress through the dungeon for the other quest components.
- Pro Tip: You can even collect this item before you officially pick up the quest for the Seal of Ascension. So, if you're already running LBRS for other reasons, keep an eye out for this valuable drop! It can save you a trip later.
Step 2: Seeking Vaelan, the Secret Keeper
With the Unadorned Seal in hand (or in your bags, waiting patiently), your next step is to find the mysterious NPC who will kick off the official attunement quest chain. This NPC is Vaelan, and he's hidden deep within LBRS.
- Entering LBRS: Make your way into the Lower Blackrock Spire dungeon, located within Blackrock Mountain.
- Navigating to Vaelan: This is where it gets a little tricky. Vaelan isn't standing out in the open.
- Once you enter LBRS, head up the stairs to your right.
- Continue along this path until you reach a ledge. You'll need to fall down this ledge, leading southeast.
- Enter the gate to your east, then 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.
- Climb this ramp. Vaelan can be found crouching on an edge, but he's cleverly disguised as a Scarshield Infiltrator until you walk right up to him. Be patient and explore that area thoroughly!
- Accepting the Quest: Once you approach him, he will reveal himself and offer you the quest "Seal of Ascension." Accept it! This is the core quest that will guide you through the rest of the process.
Step 3: The Collection of the Gemstones
Now that you have the quest, it's time to gather the missing pieces to complete your Unadorned Seal. The Seal of Ascension requires three specific gemstones, each dropped by a different boss within LBRS.
- The Gemstones and Their Bosses:
- Gemstone of Spirestone: Drops from Highlord Omokk. He's a large ogre found in the "Arena" area of LBRS. Be ready for a fight, as he packs a punch!
- Gemstone of Smolderthorn: Drops from War Master Voone. This orc warlord is usually found near the entrance of the "Hordemar City" section.
- Gemstone of Bloodaxe: Drops from Overlord Wyrmthalak. He's typically the final boss you'll encounter in the main progression path of LBRS.
- Drop Rates: In original Classic WoW, these had a chance to drop, and only one would drop per kill, leading to potential roll-offs within groups. In some later iterations or Season of Discovery, these might be guaranteed drops for the quest holder. Check your specific game version's mechanics.
- Strategy: You'll likely need to clear a significant portion of LBRS to reach all three of these bosses. Coordinate with your group to ensure everyone gets their gemstones.
Step 4: Forging the Seal: A Dragon's Breath
Once you have the Unadorned Seal of Ascension and all three gemstones, it's time for the truly epic part of the quest: forging the seal itself. This requires the fiery breath of a mighty black dragon!
- Returning to Vaelan: Go back to Vaelan in LBRS (where you found him in Step 2). He will take your Unadorned Seal and the gemstones.
- The Next Quest: Vaelan will then give you a follow-up quest, typically instructing you to travel to Dustwallow Marsh to confront a black dragon named Emberstrife. He will also give you an Orb of Draconic Energy.
- Traveling to Dustwallow Marsh: Make your way to Dustwallow Marsh. Emberstrife's cave is located in the Wyrmbog area, in the southern part of the zone. You'll definitely want a group for this part, as Emberstrife is a formidable elite dragon.
- Confronting Emberstrife:
- Engage Emberstrife: Begin combat with Emberstrife. Your goal here is not to kill him outright, but to weaken him.
- Weaken, Don't Kill: Continue attacking Emberstrife until he reaches approximately 10-15% health. You will receive a special emote or notification when his will is sufficiently weakened. This is the critical moment!
- Use the Orb: Stop attacking! Immediately use the Orb of Draconic Energy that Vaelan gave you. This will allow you to mind control Emberstrife.
- Forge the Seal: While controlling Emberstrife, you'll gain access to one of his abilities, typically called "Flames of the Black Dragonflight" (or similar). Target the quest item (which will likely be called something like "Unforged Seal of Ascension" in your inventory) with this ability. You only have a limited number of attempts (usually 5) before you fail and have to restart this part of the quest, so be precise!
- Succeed and Finish: If done correctly, the quest item will transform into the Forged Seal of Ascension. You can then proceed to defeat Emberstrife (or let him despawn if you're feeling merciful).
Step 5: Claiming Your Key and Unlocking UBRS
You're almost there! With the Forged Seal in hand, all that remains is to return to Vaelan and claim your prize.
- Return to Vaelan (Again!): Head back into Lower Blackrock Spire and find Vaelan once more.
- Turn in the Quest: Turn in the "Seal of Ascension" quest. Vaelan will be pleased with your efforts.
- Receive Your Reward: As a reward, you will finally receive the Seal of Ascension! This isn't just a key; it's a ring that provides some decent resistances (often Fire, Frost, and Nature) and, most importantly, allows you to open the locked door to Upper Blackrock Spire.
- Equip the Ring: To open the UBRS door, you must have the Seal of Ascension equipped in one of your ring slots. Once the door is open, you can switch back to your regular gear. Only one person in your group needs to have the key and open the door; once open, everyone can enter.
Step 6: Entering Upper Blackrock Spire
Now that you possess the legendary Seal of Ascension, the gates of UBRS are open to you!
- Locating the UBRS Entrance: The entrance to Upper Blackrock Spire is inside Lower Blackrock Spire.
- From the main entrance of LBRS, instead of going right, head up the stairs to your left.
- Turn left again, and you will see a large, imposing locked door. This is the entrance to UBRS.
- Unlocking the Door: The party member with the Seal of Ascension equipped should approach the door. An interaction prompt will appear, allowing them to open the door.
- Venture Forth! Once the door swings open, step into the challenging and rewarding depths of Upper Blackrock Spire! Prepare for epic boss fights, valuable gear, and the thrill of conquering one of Classic WoW's most iconic dungeons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the UBRS Key
Here are 10 common questions about getting the Upper Blackrock Spire key, with quick answers to help you on your way!
How to start the UBRS key quest?
You start the UBRS key quest by finding Vaelan inside Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS) after you have obtained an Unadorned Seal of Ascension from random mob drops within LBRS.
How to get the Unadorned Seal of Ascension?
The Unadorned Seal of Ascension is a random drop from nearly any mob (trash or bosses) inside the Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS) dungeon.
How to find Vaelan in Lower Blackrock Spire?
Vaelan is located on a hidden ledge within LBRS, disguised as a Scarshield Infiltrator. From the LBRS entrance, go right and down a ledge, then east through Hordemar City. Look for a stony ramp leading up on your left; Vaelan is crouched on an edge at the top.
How to get the three gemstones for the Seal of Ascension?
The three gemstones (Gemstone of Spirestone, Gemstone of Smolderthorn, and Gemstone of Bloodaxe) drop from specific bosses in LBRS: Highlord Omokk, War Master Voone, and Overlord Wyrmthalak, respectively.
How to mind control Emberstrife in Dustwallow Marsh?
To mind control Emberstrife, you must fight him in his cave in the Wyrmbog (Dustwallow Marsh) until he is at 10-15% health, then immediately use the Orb of Draconic Energy that Vaelan provides.
How to use Emberstrife's breath to forge the seal?
While mind controlling Emberstrife, use his "Flames of the Black Dragonflight" ability (or similar) on the Unforged Seal of Ascension quest item in your inventory.
How to get a new Seal of Ascension if I lose it?
If you lose or destroy your Seal of Ascension, you can typically return to Vaelan (in LBRS) with an Unadorned Seal of Ascension in your inventory, and he should offer you dialogue to replace it.
How to open the UBRS door once I have the Seal of Ascension?
You must equip the Seal of Ascension ring in one of your ring slots and then interact with the locked door to Upper Blackrock Spire, which is found inside LBRS (take the left path from the LBRS entrance).
How to bypass the UBRS key requirement?
You cannot bypass the UBRS key requirement by lockpicking or other means. However, only one person in your group needs to have the Seal of Ascension to open the door for the entire party.
How to travel to Blackrock Mountain for UBRS?
For Horde, the easiest way is usually to fly to Kargath in the Badlands and then head west to Blackrock Mountain. For Alliance, fly to Thorium Point in the Searing Gorge and travel south into Blackrock Mountain. Both factions can also use various teleportation methods depending on their class and expansions.
