Is Shattrath in Draenor? A Deep Dive into Warcraft’s Shifting Realities

The short answer is: Yes, and No. This seemingly contradictory answer requires a bit of unpacking to fully understand. Shattrath City exists in both Draenor and Outland, but they are not the same place or time. It’s a complex situation rooted in the lore of World of Warcraft and the dramatic events that shaped these two worlds.

Understanding the Difference: Draenor vs. Outland

To grasp the dual existence of Shattrath, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental difference between Draenor and Outland.

• Draenor: Draenor is the original homeworld of the orcs and ogres, and the refuge of the draenei. It was a lush, vibrant world before the events that led to its destruction. Shattrath City was the proud capital of the draenei on Draenor, located in the region of Talador.

• Outland: Outland is the shattered remains of Draenor after the orc shaman Ner’zhul recklessly opened numerous dimensional portals, tearing the planet apart. This resulted in a fractured world of floating islands and chaotic landscapes. The Shattrath City that remains in Outland is a major sanctuary and hub for various factions, notably the naaru and their followers, located within Terokkar Forest.

The critical distinction is that Draenor is the past, and Outland is the present. The Draenor we see in the Warlords of Draenor expansion is an alternate timeline version, a past that was changed, where the destruction that turned Draenor into Outland never happened. This alternate Draenor allowed for a version of Shattrath to exist in its prime, completely different from the ruined city in Outland.

Shattrath: A City in Two Worlds

The Shattrath City you encounter in Warlords of Draenor is a majestic capital city, the heart of draenei civilization on Draenor, located in Talador. It was a thriving hub of culture and spirituality, representing a time before the corruption of the orcs and the sundering of the world.

On the other hand, the Shattrath City in Outland is a refugee city, a sanctuary built among the remnants of the destroyed world. It’s located in Terokkar Forest and serves as a major neutral hub for both Alliance and Horde players. This version of Shattrath is filled with refugees and weary travelers. It’s a place of hope amidst the desolation.

The short story, “Unbroken” describes Shattrath City in a way that was initially similar to its appearance in Outland. However, Warlords of Draenor presented a drastically different version of the city, ignoring some descriptions from that short story, showcasing the contrast between the city as it was before and after the cataclysm.

The Significance of Shattrath

The importance of Shattrath lies not just in its location but also in its symbolism. Whether in its pristine Draenor form or its ruined Outland iteration, Shattrath represents refuge and hope. In Draenor, it is a testament to the power and grandeur of the draenei. In Outland, it is a beacon of light and sanctuary amidst the chaos. Both versions are equally significant to the narrative of World of Warcraft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Draenor and Outland

1. Are Outland and Draenor the same place?

No, they are not the same place, but Outland is the fragmented remnant of the original planet Draenor. Outland is what Draenor became after its destruction.

2. How did Draenor become Outland?

Draenor was shattered by the reckless magic of the orc shaman Ner’zhul. In his desperate attempt to open portals to escape the coming war, the massive influx of magic tore the planet apart, resulting in Outland.

3. Is the Draenor we see in Warlords of Draenor the past?

Yes, the Draenor in Warlords of Draenor is an alternate timeline version of the past, a world where the events that led to its destruction were averted. This is not the same Draenor that became Outland.

4. Why does Draenor look different from Outland?

Draenor looks different because it’s depicted in its prime before its destruction. Outland is the result of the planet being torn apart by chaotic magical forces.

5. How did Garrosh Hellscream end up in Draenor?

Garrosh escaped with the help of a bronze dragon, Kairozdormu, and traveled back in time to an alternate Draenor to prevent the orcs from drinking the blood of Mannoroth.

Shattrath City

6. Where is Shattrath located in Outland?

Shattrath City is located in the northwestern portion of Terokkar Forest in Outland.

7. Where is Shattrath located in Draenor?

Shattrath City is located in the region of Talador in Draenor.

8. Why is Shattrath so important in Outland?

Shattrath serves as a major neutral hub for both Alliance and Horde players, offering sanctuary and access to various services. It’s a place of refuge amidst the ruined landscape of Outland.

9. What is the main faction in Shattrath in Outland?

The main faction in Shattrath is the Sha’tar, followers of the naaru A’dal.

10. Is there a lower city in Shattrath?

Yes, the Lower City of Shattrath in Outland is a refuge for various outcasts and refugees.

11. Is there a portal to Shattrath?

Yes, there are portals to Shattrath. Initially, they were located in Shrine of the Seven Stars (Alliance) and Shrine of Two Moons (Horde), but were moved to the lower floors. You can also use portals in Caverns of Time or in major city hubs to reach Shattrath.

12. How do I get to Shattrath City from Orgrimmar or Stormwind?

There are portals to Shattrath in the portal rooms of both Orgrimmar and Stormwind, on the lower floor.

Miscellaneous

13. What is the “Secret of Draenor” in relation to gameplay?

“Secret of Draenor Engineering” is a trading item used to purchase engineering recipes at the garrison and Ashran.

14. What zones are present in Warlords of Draenor?

Draenor is composed of seven zones: Frostfire Ridge, Gorgrond, Nagrand, Shadowmoon Valley, Spires of Arak, Talador, and Tanaan Jungle.

15. Can you skip the introduction to Warlords of Draenor?

Yes, players can skip the lengthy introduction to Warlords of Draenor by choosing to level through other expansions.

Conclusion

Shattrath City is a location with immense lore and history in World of Warcraft. Its dual existence in both the past world of Draenor and the shattered Outland adds depth to the game’s narrative. Understanding the differences between these worlds and the significance of Shattrath in each context is key to appreciating the rich and complex story of World of Warcraft. Whether you are exploring the majestic draenei capital in Draenor or seeking sanctuary in the ruins of Outland, Shattrath stands as a pivotal place in the game’s vast universe.