Embarking on Your Draenor Adventure: A Comprehensive Guide to Starting Warlords of Draenor
The Warlords of Draenor expansion begins in the Blasted Lands, specifically at the Dark Portal. Players are summoned to Azeroth’s past to confront the Iron Horde. Here’s your comprehensive guide to embarking on your Draenor adventure!
Getting Started: Entering Draenor
The journey to Draenor officially kicks off with a call to action near the Dark Portal in the Blasted Lands. This zone, located in the Eastern Kingdoms, is your gateway to the alternate Draenor, the untainted homeworld of the orcs before its transformation into Outland.
The Initial Questline
Once you arrive in the Blasted Lands, you will be prompted to begin a questline that culminates in your character passing through the Dark Portal into the heart of Tanaan Jungle. The storyline serves as an introduction to the main antagonists and sets the stage for the conflicts to come.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a fresh adventurer, the initial hours spent in Tanaan Jungle are crucial. You establish a foothold, get acquainted with key figures, and earn your Garrison Hearthstone, a critical tool for navigation throughout Draenor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Starting Warlords of Draenor
1. How do I get to the Blasted Lands from Stormwind/Orgrimmar?
For Alliance players, head to the Stormwind portal room (Wizard Sanctum) and take the portal to the Blasted Lands. For Horde players, no convenient portal exists; you must travel manually to the Blasted Lands in the Eastern Kingdoms, flying from Orgrimmar or using other means of transportation to the Eastern Kingdoms.
2. Can I skip the Warlords of Draenor intro?
Yes, technically you can skip the intro, but it’s not recommended for a first playthrough. By choosing Chromie Time and selecting another expansion, you can avoid the Warlords of Draenor leveling entirely. However, skipping means missing out on the introductory quests, Garrison setup, and important story elements. If you really need to skip it, you can abandon the initial quest from Khadgar once you’ve reached the Dark Portal.
3. What level do I need to be to start Warlords of Draenor?
Ideally, you should be at least level 35 to efficiently begin the Warlords of Draenor campaign using Chromie Time. However, characters as low as level 10 can travel there, though combat will be challenging.
4. Where is the main city in Warlords of Draenor?
Shattrath City, located in Talador, serves as the Draenei capital on Draenor. However, during the leveling experience, your Garrison serves as your primary hub.
5. How do I get my Garrison Hearthstone?
The Garrison Hearthstone is awarded early in the Warlords of Draenor questline. You’ll receive it after completing a series of quests in Tanaan Jungle. It allows you to quickly teleport back to your Garrison from anywhere in Draenor.
6. How do I get to Warlords of Draenor without using a portal?
If you don’t want to use a portal, you’ll need to travel to the Dark Portal in the Blasted Lands and begin the initial questline.
7. Is Warlords of Draenor an alternate timeline?
Yes, Warlords of Draenor takes place in an alternate timeline of Draenor, 35 years in the past, where Garrosh Hellscream prevents the orcs from drinking the demon blood.
8. What are the main factions in Warlords of Draenor?
The main factions are the Iron Horde, led by Grommash Hellscream, and the opposing forces including the Horde and Alliance who work together to thwart the Iron Horde’s ambitions. Additionally, you have indigenous factions like the Draenei, Frostwolf Orcs, and various Apexis factions.
9. Can I go back to Draenor after leaving?
Yes, you can return to Draenor anytime. You can use your Garrison Hearthstone, travel to the Dark Portal in the Blasted Lands, or use the Ashran portals in Stormwind or Orgrimmar (provided you have already visited Draenor at least once).
10. What is the difference between Draenor and Outland?
Draenor is the original, largely intact world. Outland is what remains of Draenor after it was shattered by Ner’zhul’s portals. Warlords of Draenor takes place in the past, on an alternate, un-destroyed Draenor. Outland exists in the “main” timeline.
11. Where do I start the Horde War Campaign?
The Horde War Campaign is part of the Battle for Azeroth expansion, not Warlords of Draenor. It begins in Dazar’alor at level 35.
12. Where are the Warlords of Draenor raids located?
The raids in Warlords of Draenor are located in different zones:
- Highmaul in Gorgrond.
- Blackrock Foundry in Gorgrond.
- Hellfire Citadel in Tanaan Jungle.
13. What was the final raid in Warlords of Draenor?
The final raid was Hellfire Citadel, featuring Archimonde as the last boss.
14. Where does Rukhmar spawn?
Rukhmar, a world boss, spawns in the Spires of Arak, south of the Apexis Excavation and north of Axefall.
15. Is Warlords of Draenor considered a good expansion?
Opinions on Warlords of Draenor are very divided. While it had positive aspects like streamlined gameplay and engaging character stories initially, it suffered from a content drought and unfulfilled potential, leaving some players disappointed. It’s best to experience it yourself and form your own opinion!
Key Takeaways
- Starting Point: Blasted Lands, specifically at the Dark Portal.
- Initial Objectives: Follow the questline to Tanaan Jungle and establish your Garrison.
- Navigation: Utilize the Garrison Hearthstone for easy travel throughout Draenor.
- Lore: Experience an alternate timeline of Draenor before its destruction.
Whether you’re revisiting Draenor for nostalgia or exploring it for the first time, understanding where to start is key. Good luck, and may your journey be filled with adventure!
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