Blackrock Depths (BRD) is one of the most iconic and extensive dungeons in World of Warcraft, particularly in its Classic iteration. It's a sprawling, multi-tiered instance packed with lore, unique encounters, and valuable loot. While it doesn't have a traditional "attunement" like some raids, unlocking its full potential, including access to certain areas and quests, involves a few key steps. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to conquer the fiery depths!
Embarking on the Journey to Blackrock Depths: Your First Steps!
Hey there, adventurer! Are you ready to dive into one of Azeroth's most infamous dungeons? Blackrock Depths isn't just any instance; it's a monumental challenge that holds some of the most sought-after gear and a rich storyline. But before you charge in, swords swinging, there are a few things you need to know to truly unlock its secrets. So, let's get started on your epic journey!
Step 1: Reaching the Fiery Entrance - Getting to Blackrock Mountain
Before you can even think about the depths, you need to reach the gargantuan volcano that houses it: Blackrock Mountain. This imposing landmark is a central hub for many high-level instances and raids.
1.1 Choosing Your Path to the Mountain
Blackrock Mountain is strategically located at the crossroads of two significant zones: Searing Gorge and Burning Steppes. Both factions have convenient ways to reach these areas.
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From Searing Gorge (Northern Entrance):
- Alliance: From Ironforge, fly to Thorium Point in Searing Gorge. From there, head southwest into the natural corridor that leads directly into Blackrock Mountain.
- Horde: From Orgrimmar, fly to Kargath in the Badlands, then travel northwest into Searing Gorge to Thorium Point, and proceed as above.
- Pro-Tip: The path from Thorium Point is generally considered safer, as it bypasses many hostile Dark Iron Dwarf patrols.
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From Burning Steppes (Southern Entrance):
- Alliance: Fly to Morgan's Vigil in the southeast of Burning Steppes, then follow the main road northwest.
- Horde: Fly to Flame Crest in the north of Burning Steppes, and follow the main road west.
- Heads up! This route often involves more encounters with hostile mobs, so be prepared for a fight or two on your way.
1.2 Navigating Inside Blackrock Mountain
Once you're inside Blackrock Mountain, the landscape is a dizzying array of chains, bridges, and lava. Don't worry, it's not as complex as it looks!
- Follow the main chains downwards into the central cavern.
- You'll eventually reach a large, open area with more chains leading down. Take the chain that leads into the quarry mine area.
- Run through the quarry mine, pushing deeper into the mountain. The entrance to Blackrock Depths will be at the very back. It's a large, swirling instance portal, hard to miss once you're in the right spot!
Step 2: Unlocking the Deeper Parts - The Shadowforge Key Questline
While you can technically enter Blackrock Depths without the Shadowforge Key, having it is absolutely crucial for accessing a significant portion of the dungeon, including the path to Emperor Dagran Thaurissan and the Molten Core attunement. This key is your ticket to the true "Depths" of BRD.
2.1 The Quest Giver: Franclorn Forgewright (You Need to Be Dead!)
This is where things get a little... spooky. The quest to obtain the Shadowforge Key is given by the ghost of Franclorn Forgewright, a legendary Dwarven architect. The catch? You can only see him and accept his quest while you are a ghost yourself!
- How to find him: Franclorn Forgewright's tomb is located right outside the Blackrock Depths instance portal, within the Blackrock Mountain quarry area.
- The "Sacrifice": You'll need to die near his tomb. Many players simply aggro a mob nearby or jump into the lava (if you're a spirit healer, this is less painful). Once you're a ghost, seek him out.
- Quest Name: "Dark Iron Legacy" (Level 48 recommended to start this quest chain). Accept it!
2.2 The Shadowforge Key Quest Chain - A Multi-Step Endeavor
The "Dark Iron Legacy" quest leads into a series of tasks that will test your mettle. Be prepared for multiple trips and possibly some challenging fights.
- Initial Tasks: The quest will generally involve collecting items from various Dark Iron Dwarves within BRD's Detention Block, and possibly defeating specific mini-bosses.
- Locating the Grim Guzzler: A key part of this questline will lead you to the Grim Guzzler tavern within BRD. This lively (and dangerous) establishment is a unique encounter.
- Jailbreak! You might also encounter quests to free NPCs like Marshal Windsor or Kharan Mighthammer from the prison sections of BRD. These often have follow-up quests that are part of other important attunements (like Onyxia's Lair).
- The "Living" Quest Giver: Once you've completed some initial tasks, Franclorn Forgewright will often direct you to a living NPC who will give you further quests in the chain. This typically involves speaking to a Dwarf named Grelin Whitebeard, who is found alive within the Grim Guzzler.
- Final Stage: Fineous Darkvire: The ultimate step to obtaining the key involves defeating Fineous Darkvire, a boss located deeper within Blackrock Depths. He drops the Ironfel, an item crucial for completing the quest.
- Turning in the Quest: After acquiring the Ironfel and completing all other objectives, you'll likely need to return to Franclorn Forgewright as a ghost to turn in the quest and receive your hard-earned Shadowforge Key!
2.3 Alternatives to the Key (If You're Impatient or a Specific Class)
While the Shadowforge Key is the intended way to open many doors, there are some clever workarounds:
- Rogues: A Rogue with a high enough Lockpicking skill (around 260) can pick most locked doors within BRD. Bring a skilled Rogue!
- Engineers: Engineers can craft Large Seaforium Charges (or Powerful Seaforium Charges for tougher locks) to blow open certain doors. This is a great alternative if you have an Engineer in your group.
- "Skips" and Jumps: There are a few well-known "skips" or jumps that can bypass some locked doors, particularly around the Ring of Law area. These often require precise positioning and jumping. However, relying on these can be risky and may not work for all groups or situations.
Step 3: Understanding BRD's Structure and Key Areas
Blackrock Depths is not a linear dungeon. It's more like a sprawling city with various districts. Knowing these will help you navigate and plan your runs.
3.1 The Detention Block (Lower BRD)
This is the initial section you enter. It's characterized by its prison cells and various Dark Iron Dwarf guards. Many of the initial quests, including those for the Shadowforge Key, will take place here. Bosses like High Interrogator Gerstahn are found in this area.
3.2 The Ring of Law
A notorious arena event within BRD where you face off against several waves of gladiators and eventually a boss. It's a common part of many BRD runs for its unique encounter and drops.
3.3 The Grim Guzzler
The lively tavern area. It's a social hub for the Dark Iron Dwarves and a source of various quests and unique interactions. Don't forget to grab a "Dark Iron Ale" for a fun buff!
3.4 Shadowforge City (Upper BRD)
This is the main capital of the Dark Iron Dwarves, ruled by Emperor Dagran Thaurissan. This area features the Black Forge, the Vault, and the path to the Molten Core entrance. This section is generally higher level and more challenging.
Step 4: Questing in Blackrock Depths - Maximize Your Runs!
BRD is a goldmine for quests, offering a substantial amount of experience and valuable rewards. Always try to gather as many quests as possible before heading in.
4.1 Important Quest Chains Starting Outside BRD
- Onyxia Attunement (Alliance): The questline to gain access to Onyxia's Lair heavily involves BRD, particularly freeing Marshal Windsor. This is a very lengthy and involved chain.
- Molten Core Attunement (Neutral): To get the Molten Core attunement (which allows you to teleport directly to the Molten Core raid entrance from Blackrock Mountain), you need to venture deep into BRD, find the raid entrance, and collect a Core Fragment.
- "Incendius!" (Alliance): Starts by killing Overmaster Pyron outside BRD in Burning Steppes.
- "The Smoldering Ruins of Thaurissan" (Alliance/Horde): Leads to the "Kharan Mighthammer" quest inside BRD.
4.2 Quests Found Within BRD
Many NPCs within BRD, particularly in the prison or Grim Guzzler areas, offer follow-up quests. Keep an eye out for exclamation marks above their heads!
- Kharan Mighthammer: A dwarf you free from the prison.
- Marshal Windsor: Another key NPC freed from the prison, crucial for Onyxia attunement.
- Commander Gor'shak: An Orc you can free in the prison (Horde-centric quests).
Step 5: Conquering the Emperor - Dagran Thaurissan
The final boss of Blackrock Depths is Emperor Dagran Thaurissan, located in the Shrine of Thaurissan. He's a formidable opponent, often accompanied by Princess Moira Bronzebeard.
5.1 Emperor Thaurissan Strategy (Classic WoW)
- The Royal Couple: Thaurissan fights alongside Princess Moira Bronzebeard. Moira will heal Thaurissan, making her a high-priority target for interruption or crowd control.
- Aggro Management: If you plan to kill both, your tank needs to be ready for substantial damage. Some groups opt to "kite" Moira away from Thaurissan while the DPS focuses him down, though this can be tricky.
- The Ironfoe: Thaurissan has a chance to proc Ironfoe, a powerful weapon that grants him additional attacks, leading to burst damage on the tank.
- Princess Moira's Fate: For many quests, you need to not kill Princess Moira. Letting her live will trigger a different dialogue and quest completion. If you're on a quest like "The Fate of the Kingdom" (part of the Onyxia attunement chain), you must let her live. Communicate with your group beforehand!
Step 6: Beyond the Depths - What's Next?
Once you've mastered Blackrock Depths, you've opened doors to even greater challenges:
- Molten Core: With the Molten Core attunement, you're ready to tackle the first 40-man raid in World of Warcraft!
- Onyxia's Lair: Completing the lengthy Marshal Windsor questline allows Alliance players to enter Onyxia's Lair.
- Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS): Also located within Blackrock Mountain, UBRS is a 10-man dungeon (later 5-man) that serves as a gateway to Blackwing Lair.
This extensive guide should provide you with all the knowledge you need to confidently navigate and unlock the secrets of Blackrock Depths. Good luck, and may your adventures be fruitful!
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Blackrock Depths:
How to Get to Blackrock Mountain?
You can reach Blackrock Mountain from either Searing Gorge (north entrance, often safer from Thorium Point) or Burning Steppes (south entrance, often involves more hostile mobs). Both zones have flight paths for convenience.
How to Find the Blackrock Depths Entrance?
Once inside Blackrock Mountain, follow the chains downwards into the central cavern. Then, take the chain leading to the quarry mine area and proceed to the very back. The large, swirling portal is unmistakable.
How to Get the Shadowforge Key?
To get the Shadowforge Key, you must first die near Franclorn Forgewright's tomb outside the BRD instance portal (in ghost form, he'll offer the "Dark Iron Legacy" quest). This quest chain involves various tasks inside BRD, culminating in defeating Fineous Darkvire and turning in the quest to the ghost of Franclorn Forgewright.
How to Enter Locked Areas in BRD Without the Key?
Rogues can pick locked doors with high Lockpicking skill (around 260), or Engineers can use Large/Powerful Seaforium Charges. There are also some known "skips" or jumps that can bypass specific locked gates.
How to Start the Molten Core Attunement Quest?
The Molten Core attunement quest, "Attunement to the Core," is given by Lothros Riftwalker, an elf located just outside the quarry area in Blackrock Mountain (near the BRD entrance). You need to be Level 55 to accept it, and it requires you to find the Core Fragment next to the Molten Core raid entrance deep within BRD.
How to Find Marshal Windsor in Blackrock Depths?
Marshal Windsor is held captive in the prison section of the Detention Block (lower BRD). You'll need to defeat High Interrogator Gerstahn for the Prison Cell Key to free him. His questline is crucial for the Onyxia Attunement.
How to Complete the Ring of Law Event?
The Ring of Law is an arena encounter within BRD. To complete it, you must defeat several waves of gladiators, followed by a final boss. Ensure your group is prepared for sustained combat and potential crowd control.
How to Deal with Princess Moira Bronzebeard During the Emperor Fight?
Princess Moira will heal Emperor Dagran Thaurissan. You can either focus her down first (requires good DPS and interrupts), or have a dedicated player "kite" her away from the Emperor to prevent her healing while the rest of the group focuses Thaurissan.
How to Get Out of Blackrock Depths Quickly?
The fastest way out of Blackrock Depths after completing your objectives is usually by using your Hearthstone. If your Hearthstone is on cooldown, you can run back through the instance or die and use the Spirit Healer.
How to Re-enter Blackrock Depths After Leaving?
You can re-enter Blackrock Depths at any time by simply walking back to the instance portal within Blackrock Mountain. There is no cooldown or re-attunement required once you've physically entered the dungeon.