Ah, adventurer, so you're looking to delve into the fiery depths of Upper Blackrock Spire, are you? A wise choice, for within its confines lie powerful artifacts and challenging encounters that will truly test your mettle! But beware, for UBRS isn't just an instance you waltz into. It requires a significant attunement questline, a journey fraught with peril and demanding perseverance. Are you ready to embark on this epic undertaking? Let's begin!
The Grand Quest: Unlocking Upper Blackrock Spire
Unlocking Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) in World of Warcraft Classic (and Season of Discovery) is a multi-step attunement process centered around acquiring the Seal of Ascension. This isn't just a simple key; it's a ring imbued with powerful resistances and, most importantly, the ability to open the formidable door to UBRS.
Step 1: Prepare for the Journey and Seek the Unadorned Seal
Before you even think about setting foot into the upper reaches, you'll need to prepare. UBRS is designed for max-level characters (Level 60 in Classic, though you can start the attunement earlier), and the prerequisite dungeon, Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS), is also high-level content.
- Gather your allies! This attunement quest cannot be done alone. You'll need a group capable of clearing LBRS multiple times.
- Stock up on supplies! Potions, food, bandages – the usual adventuring essentials.
- Your first objective: The Unadorned Seal of Ascension. This crucial item is a random drop from most enemies within Lower Blackrock Spire. Yes, that means you might need to farm LBRS trash mobs and bosses a few times. Patience, young padawan, patience is key!
Step 2: Discover Vaelan and Initiate the "Seal of Ascension" Quest
Once you have the Unadorned Seal of Ascension in your possession, your next step is to find a specific NPC within LBRS named Vaelan.
Where to Find Vaelan: A Labyrinthine Search
Vaelan isn't just standing around waiting for you. He's a bit elusive, disguised as a Scarshield Infiltrator until you get close. Here's how to locate him within LBRS:
- Enter Lower Blackrock Spire. The entrance to LBRS (and UBRS) is located within Blackrock Mountain, which can be accessed from either the Searing Gorge (southwestern part) or the Burning Steppes (northwestern part).
- Once inside LBRS, head up the stairs to the right.
- Continue forward and fall down a ledge leading southeast.
- Enter the gate to your east.
- Proceed through Hordemar City until you spot a stony ramp leading upward to your left, just after the first group of mobs near a sconce.
- Climb this stone ramp. Vaelan will be crouching on an edge, revealing himself as you approach.
Once you find Vaelan with the Unadorned Seal in your inventory, he will offer you the quest "Seal of Ascension." Accept it! This is the true beginning of your UBRS attunement.
Step 3: Collect the Gemstones from LBRS Bosses
The "Seal of Ascension" quest requires you to collect three specific gemstones. These gemstones drop from three different bosses within Lower Blackrock Spire. Remember, each gemstone has approximately a one-in-five chance to drop, so multiple runs might be necessary.
- Gemstone of Spirestone: Drops from Highlord Omokk.
- Gemstone of Smolderthorn: Drops from War Master Voone.
- Gemstone of Bloodaxe: Drops from Overlord Wyrmthalak.
Strategize with your group to efficiently clear these bosses. You can collect these gemstones before you even pick up the quest from Vaelan, which can save you some time if you're feeling lucky!
Step 4: Return to Vaelan and the Emberstrife Encounter
Once you have all three gemstones (Spirestone, Smolderthorn, and Bloodaxe), return to Vaelan in LBRS (the same spot where you first found him). Turn in the "Seal of Ascension" quest.
Vaelan will then give you a follow-up quest and some items, including an Orb of Draconic Energy. This next step takes you outside of Blackrock Mountain, to the swampy lands of Dustwallow Marsh.
The Dragon's Fury: Taming Emberstrife
Your objective in Dustwallow Marsh is to confront an elite dragon named Emberstrife. This isn't a fight to the death, but rather a "taming" process.
- Locate Emberstrife's cave in Dustwallow Marsh.
- Engage Emberstrife with your group. You need to weaken him significantly, but do not kill him.
- Once Emberstrife is at approximately 25% health, use the Orb of Draconic Energy given to you by Vaelan. This will mind control the dragon.
- With Emberstrife under your control, use his Flames of the Black Flight spell to forge the Unadorned Seal into the Forged Seal of Ascension.
This encounter requires careful coordination to ensure you don't accidentally kill Emberstrife.
Step 5: The Final Forging and the Seal of Ascension
With the Forged Seal of Ascension in hand, your epic journey is almost complete!
- Return to Vaelan in Lower Blackrock Spire one last time.
- Turn in the quest with the Forged Seal of Ascension.
Upon completion, Vaelan will reward you with the actual Seal of Ascension ring! This isn't just a key; it's a powerful piece of gear itself, providing +10 Fire, Frost, and Nature Resistance.
Step 6: Entering Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS)
Now that you possess the magnificent Seal of Ascension, the doors to UBRS are open to you!
- Gather your raid group. While UBRS in Classic was originally designed for 10 players, it's often run with fewer experienced players now.
- Head back into Lower Blackrock Spire.
- Once inside, head up the left side of the first set of stairs.
- Then, turn left again, and you will see a large, locked door. This is the entrance to Upper Blackrock Spire.
- Equip the Seal of Ascension ring. As long as one person in your party or raid group has the ring equipped and is near the door, it will open.
- Once inside, you are free to unequip the Seal of Ascension and put your normal gear back on. The door will remain open for your group.
Congratulations, adventurer! You have successfully unlocked and gained access to Upper Blackrock Spire! Prepare for a thrilling raid, challenging bosses, and potentially some fantastic loot!
Frequently Asked Questions about Unlocking UBRS
How to get to Blackrock Mountain?
You can reach Blackrock Mountain from either the Searing Gorge (southwest corner, near Thorium Point) or the Burning Steppes (northwest corner, near Flame Crest or Morgan's Vigil). Both zones have a large entrance leading into the mountain's interior.
How to find Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS) entrance?
Once inside Blackrock Mountain, navigate through the chains and pathways. The entrance to Lower Blackrock Spire (which also houses the UBRS entrance) is located deep within the mountain's core. Look for a large portal.
How to get the Unadorned Seal of Ascension?
The Unadorned Seal of Ascension is a random drop from most trash mobs and bosses found within Lower Blackrock Spire. Keep clearing the instance until it drops.
How to find Vaelan in LBRS?
Vaelan is disguised as a Scarshield Infiltrator. After entering LBRS, go right up the stairs, fall down the southeast ledge, go east through the gate into Hordemar City, and then take the stony ramp up to your left. Vaelan will be waiting there.
How to get the three gemstones for the Seal of Ascension quest?
The gemstones drop from specific bosses in LBRS: Highlord Omokk (Gemstone of Spirestone), War Master Voone (Gemstone of Smolderthorn), and Overlord Wyrmthalak (Gemstone of Bloodaxe).
How to weaken Emberstrife in Dustwallow Marsh?
Engage Emberstrife in combat and reduce his health to approximately 25%. Do not kill him. At this point, use the Orb of Draconic Energy provided by Vaelan to mind control him.
How to forge the Seal of Ascension?
After mind-controlling Emberstrife with the Orb of Draconic Energy, use his "Flames of the Black Flight" ability to forge the Unadorned Seal of Ascension into the Forged Seal of Ascension.
How to open the UBRS door?
Once you have the final Seal of Ascension ring, simply have at least one person in your party or raid group equip the ring when standing in front of the UBRS door (located inside LBRS, to the left after the first set of stairs). The door will then open.
How to tell the difference between LBRS and UBRS?
LBRS is the initial, larger dungeon portion that you enter first. UBRS is a separate, locked section within LBRS, accessed via a specific door that requires the Seal of Ascension.
How to get rid of the Seal of Ascension after entering UBRS?
Once the UBRS door is open and your group is inside, you are free to unequip the Seal of Ascension ring and put your regular gear back on. The door will remain open for your current instance ID.