How to Get to Draenor from Stormwind in WoW: World of Warcraft Guide – World of Warcraft (WoW) is a massive and intricate game, offering players countless zones to explore, including the captivating world of Draenor. For new players and veterans alike, traveling from Stormwind to Draenor can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions to help you navigate from Stormwind to Draenor effortlessly.
What is Draenor in WoW?
Draenor is the setting for the Warlords of Draenor expansion, a vast and perilous world steeped in lore. It is the homeworld of the Orcs and a land filled with fascinating landscapes, hostile enemies, and a plethora of quests. Draenor plays a significant role in the story of WoW, offering unique zones like Frostfire Ridge, Shadowmoon Valley, and Nagrand.
To access Draenor, players must complete specific prerequisites and follow the correct path from Stormwind.
Preparation Before Traveling to Draenor
1. Level Requirements
To begin your journey to Draenor, ensure your character is at least level 90. While the level squish in Shadowlands might alter the way leveling works, level 90 remains the baseline for starting the Draenor content.
2. Warlords of Draenor Expansion
Ensure that the Warlords of Draenor expansion is installed and enabled on your WoW account. Without this expansion, you will not be able to access Draenor or its questlines.
3. Access to the Hero’s Call Board
The Hero’s Call Board, located in Stormwind, provides the quest that will initiate your journey to Draenor. If you’ve completed this questline before on another character, you may need to pick up the starting quest manually.
Step-by-Step Guide: Getting to Draenor from Stormwind
Step 1: Head to the Hero’s Call Board
- Locate the Hero’s Call Board in Stormwind. It’s typically found near the city’s main areas, such as the Trade District.
- Look for the quest titled “The Dark Portal”. This quest is your ticket to Draenor.
Step 2: Travel to the Blasted Lands
Once you accept the quest, you’ll be directed to travel to the Blasted Lands, the zone containing the Dark Portal.
Here’s how to get there from Stormwind:
- Use the portal to the Blasted Lands in the Mage Tower. The Mage Tower is located in the Mage Quarter of Stormwind. If you’ve previously unlocked this portal, it will provide the fastest route.
- Alternatively, fly or ride to the Blasted Lands by traveling through the Eastern Kingdoms. Use a flight path to minimize travel time.
Step 3: Reach the Dark Portal
When you arrive in the Blasted Lands, head towards the Dark Portal, a massive structure that serves as the gateway to Draenor. It is located in the Tainted Scar area of the Blasted Lands.
Be prepared to encounter enemy forces in the vicinity. Although they are manageable, it’s always a good idea to approach with caution, especially if your character is under-leveled or lightly geared.
Step 4: Speak with Khadgar
At the Dark Portal, you’ll meet Archmage Khadgar, a key figure in the Warlords of Draenor expansion. He will provide you with the quest “Breaking into Draenor”, which is your official entry into the expansion content.
Step 5: Enter Draenor
After accepting Khadgar’s quest, step through the Dark Portal. This will transport you to Tanaan Jungle, the starting zone of Draenor. Tanaan Jungle serves as an introductory area where you’ll learn about the challenges ahead and establish your presence in Draenor.
What If You Don’t See the Quest “The Dark Portal”?
If you’ve already completed the Draenor intro questline on another character or have bypassed some steps, you may not see “The Dark Portal” quest on the Hero’s Call Board. In this case:
- Check your quest log for any active Draenor-related quests.
- Speak with Archmage Khadgar directly at the Dark Portal in the Blasted Lands. He may still provide the “Breaking into Draenor” questline.
- If you’ve previously set up a Garrison on Draenor, use your Garrison Hearthstone to travel there instantly.
Navigating Draenor After Arrival
Once you’ve successfully entered Draenor, follow these steps to continue your journey:
1. Complete the Tanaan Jungle Intro Questline
Tanaan Jungle serves as the tutorial zone for Draenor. Here, you’ll:
- Defend against waves of Iron Horde enemies.
- Work alongside iconic WoW characters like Khadgar and Thrall.
- Establish your first foothold in Draenor.
By the end of the Tanaan Jungle quests, you’ll unlock access to your faction’s base:
- Frostfire Ridge (Horde)
- Shadowmoon Valley (Alliance)
2. Build Your Garrison
Your Garrison is a central feature of the Warlords of Draenor expansion. It serves as your personal base of operations, offering access to missions, followers, and resources.
Steps to Build Your Garrison:
- Complete the quests in Shadowmoon Valley or Frostfire Ridge.
- Follow the main questline to gather materials and manpower for constructing your Garrison.
- Your Garrison becomes a vital hub for completing daily missions, gaining resources, and advancing the Draenor storyline.
Tips for Traveling Back to Draenor
1. Use Your Garrison Hearthstone
After establishing your Garrison, you’ll receive a Garrison Hearthstone. This unique item allows you to teleport to your Garrison from anywhere in the world.
2. Utilize the Dark Portal
If you need to return to Draenor through the Dark Portal, simply travel back to the Blasted Lands and step through the portal.
3. Access Portals from Major Cities
Certain major cities, including Stormwind, have portals to Draenor available in their Mage Towers. Check these portals if you’re unable to locate your Garrison Hearthstone or Dark Portal access.
Additional Notes on Draenor Travel
- Flight Paths: Unlocking flight paths across Draenor is essential for quick navigation. Make it a priority to grab flight points as you progress through each zone.
- Draenor Pathfinder Achievement: While flying in Draenor is restricted initially, completing the Draenor Pathfinder achievement will grant flying access, significantly speeding up travel.
- Portal Hub Access: After unlocking certain achievements, you may gain access to portals that provide direct routes between Draenor and Azeroth.
Conclusion
Traveling from Stormwind to Draenor in World of Warcraft is a straightforward process once you understand the steps involved. By following this guide, you’ll smoothly transition into the captivating world of Draenor, where countless adventures await. Whether you’re delving into the lore of the Arakkoa, constructing your Garrison, or battling the Iron Horde, Draenor offers an unforgettable gaming experience.