Wowpedia

We have moved to Warcraft Wiki. Click here for information and the new URL.

READ MORE

Wowpedia
Register
Advertisement
The Blackrock Depths
BRD
Blackrock Depths loading screen
Blackrock Depths loading graphic
Location The Masonary, Blackrock Mountain
Race(s) Dark Iron dwarfDark Iron dwarf Dark Iron dwarf
IconSmall Fire Fire elemental
IconSmall Flamewaker Flamewaker
End boss IconSmall DarkIron MaleEmperor Dagran Thaurissan
Advised level Detention Block: 47-57
Upper City: 51-61
Player limit 5
Bosses
Detention Block

High Interrogator Gerstahn

(lore)

Halls of the Law

Lord Roccor
Houndmaster Grebmar

(lore)
(lore)

Ring of Law (Arena)

Anub'shiah
Eviscerator
Gorosh the Dervish
Grizzle
Hedrum the Creeper
Ok'thor the Breaker
Theldren & Company

(lore)
(lore)
(lore)
(lore)
(lore)
(lore)
(lore)

Outer Blackrock Depths

Pyromancer Loregrain
Warder Stilgiss & Verek
Watchman Doomgrip
Fineous Darkvire
Lord Incendius
Bael'Gar
General Angerforge
Golem Lord Argelmach

(lore)
(lore)
(lore)
(lore)
(lore)
(lore)
(lore)
(lore)

Grim Guzzler

Ribbly Screwspigot
Hurley Blackbreath
Phalanx
Plugger Spazzring
Coren Direbrew (Brewfest, summoned)

(lore)
(lore)
(lore)
(lore)
(lore)

Inner Blackrock Depths

Ambassador Flamelash
Panzor the Invincible
The Seven
Magmus
High Priestess of Thaurissan
Princess Moira Bronzebeard
Emperor Dagran Thaurissan

(lore)
(lore)
(lore)
(lore)
(lore)
(lore)
(lore)

Blackrock Mountain

Blackrock Depths (aka Blackrock Deeps) is the deepest part of Blackrock Mountain, ruled by the Dark Iron dwarves who are led by Emperor Dagran Thaurissan. Several minions of the Firelord Ragnaros also make their home in these lava-lined depths.

Overview

Blackrock Depths is currently the largest 5-man instance in the game, and is likely to remain so, making it a true wonder of the World of Warcraft. The average time to complete the entire instance is 4–6 hours due to its complexity: a large amount of mobs and bosses, several scripts, and many quests. The enemy level range is 48-56, and the minimum level requirement to enter is level 40. Although the minimum requirement is level 40, it generally is not a good idea to enter BRD before around level 53, since a player's pull circle will likely be too wide for the mobs within the instance. The Anvilrage Military are not to be underestimated either, particularly the Officers (who have Divine Shield) and the Medics who can heal their troops.

BRD is not visited as often these days as it used to be, since most players choose to level to 58 as fast as possible, and then go to Outland. The rewards for Outland's initial quests also render any of BRD's gear obsolete, so the drops here are only of interest to twinks. Farming for Spell holy greaterheal [Fiery Weapon] enchanting recipe may still be useful, since it is commonly used with low level twinks. In Wrath of the Lich King, Blackrock Depths attracted more interest, mainly because of the instance clearing achievement. Also, the schematic for Inv egg 05 [Field Repair Bot 74A] is wanted, since the famous 4th generation repair bot Achievement boss mimiron 01 [Jeeves] requires 2 of them.

The instance is almost entirely soloable (for Rogues or Hunters, at least, and probably most melee classes) by about tier 5 (level 70), although it is not economically efficient to do so. While there is money to be made here (especially for miners), the sheer size of the instance and the comparatively low level of the mobs mean that there are better instances for farming (notably Scholomance). By level 80, the instance is easily soloable. BRD (and the rest of the Blackrock Mountain complex) is well worth at least one visit. These instances represented the original game's endgame content, and were made with a high level of quality.

History

From the World Dungeons page on the official World of Warcraft Community Site:

Once the capital city of the Dark Iron dwarves, this volcanic labyrinth now serves as the seat of power for Ragnaros the Firelord. Ragnaros has uncovered the secret to creating life from stone and plans to build an army of unstoppable golems to aid him in conquering the whole of Blackrock Mountain. Obsessed with defeating Nefarian and his draconic minions, Ragnaros will go to any extreme to achieve final victory.

The volcanic Blackrock Depths are immense tunnels beneath Blackrock Mountain, the home of the Dark Iron dwarves, and the site of the black forge they use to smelt their namesake ore. The Dark Iron dwarves have claimed the depths under the banner of their emperor, Dagran Thaurissan. Thaurissan is the latest in a line of dwarven sorcerer-thanes to serve in the shadow of the demigod Ragnaros, foolishly summoned to Azeroth by Thaurissan's ancestors hundreds of years ago. Though the dwarves dominate Blackrock Depths, they worship and labor for Ragnaros's mighty fire elementals, who guide the already ill-tempered and maligned Dark Irons towards increasingly dangerous and apocalyptic acts.[1]

Dungeon Journal

The smoldering Blackrock Depths are home to the Dark Iron dwarves and their emperor, Dagran Thaurissan. Like his predecessors, he serves under the iron rule of Ragnaros the Firelord, a merciless being summoned into the world centuries ago. The presence of chaotic elementals has attracted Twilight's Hammer cultists to the mountain domain. Along with Ragnaros' servants, they have pushed the dwarves toward increasingly destructive ends that could soon spell doom for all of Azeroth.

Geography

Location

Blackrock Depths is located inside the lowest part of Blackrock Mountain. To reach it, you will need to cross the chain to the central island, then follow the path downward to a ledge just above the lava. Follow the ledge into and through the Grinding Quarry to find the instance portal.

Maps and subregions

Main article: Blackrock Depths regions
The Black VaultChamber of EnchantmentDark Iron HighwayDetention BlockThe DomicileEast GarrisonThe Grim GuzzlerHall of CraftingHalls of the LawThe Imperial SeatThe Iron HallThe LyceumThe ManufactoryThe Molten BridgeMold FoundryRing of the LawShadowforge CityShrine of ThaurissanSummoners' TombWest Garrison

Dungeon Finder Tips

If you encounter BRD when you enter it through the Dungeon Finder, you can be dropped into 2 parts: The Lower City and the Upper City. There is no sure way of knowing which you have entered but killing the end-bosses of the parts. Clues to the part you are on can be found inside the Dungeon Finder—if Blackrock Depths - Upper City shows a lock in the Specific Dungeons part, then you are definitely in the Blackrock Depths - Detention Block. Additionally, if there are no players less than level 54, then you are definitely on Blackrock Depths - Upper City.

Lower City

To complete the Lower City, go straight forward from the entrance portal into the cellblocks and take to the right and kill High Interrogator Gerstahn. She is the Boss who drops the Satchel. This part is normally chosen while still at the lower level range for the dungeon.

Upper City

To complete the Upper City, players must kill Emperor Dagran Thaurissan—this may be an ideal time to use the Abandoned Mole Machine near the portal entrance, to shorten the length of time clearing the dungeon.

Note: Players will not receive a Satchel for killing the "wrong" boss—it will be one or the other depending on which one the dungeon finder selected.

Quests

Quest name Quest giver Zone location
Alliance Alliance Quests
Quest:Into the Prison (Alliance) Alliance Jalinda Sprig Blackrock Depths entrance
Quest:Twilight?! No! (Alliance) Alliance Kevin Dawson Detention Block, Blackrock Depths
Quest:Infiltrating Shadowforge City (Alliance) Alliance Oralius Blackrock Depths entrance
Quest:Dark Iron Tacticians Alliance Prospector Seymour Blackrock Depths
Quest:The Grim Guzzler (Alliance) Alliance Mayara Brightwing The Grim Guzzler, Blackrock Depths
Quest:The Dark Iron Pact (Alliance) Alliance Mountaineer Orfus Blackrock Depths
Quest:Morgan's Fruition Alliance Marshal Maxwell The Lyceum, Blackrock Depths
Quest:A Dangerous Alliance (Alliance) Alliance Ander Germaine Stormwind
Quest:Slaves of the Firelord (Alliance) Alliance Farseer Umbrua Stormwind
Quest:Stones of Binding (Blackrock Depths) (Alliance) Alliance Demisette Cloyce Stormwind
Quest:The Pyromancer's Grimoire (Alliance) Alliance Maginor Dumas Stormwind
Quest:Twilight Scheming (Alliance) Alliance High Priestess Laurena Stormwind
Quest:The Golem Lord's Creations (Alliance) Alliance Wulf Hansreim Stormwind
Quest:Weapons of Darkness (Alliance) Alliance Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker Stormwind
Quest:The Dark Iron Army (Alliance) Alliance Lord Tony Romano Stormwind
Horde Horde Quests
Quest:Into the Prison (Horde) Horde Thal'trak Proudtusk Blackrock Depths entrance
Quest:Twilight?! No! (Horde) Horde Lexlort Detention Block, Blackrock Depths
Quest:Infiltrating Shadowforge City (Horde) Horde Galamav the Marksman Blackrock Depths entrance
Quest:The 109th Division Horde Razal'blade Blackrock Depths
Quest:The Grim Guzzler (Horde) Horde Hierophant Theodora Mulvadania The Grim Guzzler, Blackrock Depths
Quest:The Dark Iron Pact (Horde) Horde Thunderheart Blackrock Depths
Quest:Rebirth of the K.E.F. Horde Warlord Goretooth The Lyceum, Blackrock Depths
Quest:A Dangerous Alliance (Horde) Horde Grezz Ragefist Orgrimmar
Quest:Slaves of the Firelord (Horde) Horde Kardris Dreamseeker Orgrimmar
Quest:Stones of Binding (Blackrock Depths) (Horde) Horde Zevrost Orgrimmar
Quest:The Pyromancer's Grimoire (Horde) Horde Ureda Orgrimmar
Quest:Twilight Scheming (Horde) Horde Dark Cleric Cecille Orgrimmar
Quest:The Golem Lord's Creations (Horde) Horde Ormak Grimshot Orgrimmar
Quest:Weapons of Darkness (Horde) Horde Master Pyreanor/Horde Sunwalker Atohmo Orgrimmar
Quest:The Dark Iron Army (Horde) Horde Gordul Orgrimmar
Neutral Neutral Quests
Quest:Rocknot's Ale Private Rocknot The Grim Guzzler, Blackrock Depths
Quest:A Binding Contract Inv scroll 05 [Thorium Brotherhood Contract] Lokhtos Darkbargainer
Quest:The Sealed Gate Tinkee Steamboil Blackrock Depths entrance
Quest:The Spectral Chalice Spectral Chalice Summoners' Tomb, Blackrock Depths
Quest:The Heart of the Mountain Maxwort Uberglint Blackrock Depths entrance
Quest:The Breath of Cenarius Loganaar Nighthaven, Moonglade

Dungeon Denizens

The depths are inhabited by Dark Iron Dwarves, their demonic bloodhound pets, their golem creations, and their fire elemental allies. There is also a contingent of Twilight's Hammer ambassadors inside the city and the detention block area. The dwarves in the Depths consist primarily of warrior and priest types with a handful of paladins. Outside Shadowforge City, the dwarves are all elite. Inside the city, one can find groups of two to three elite dwarves and Twilight cultists surrounded by a cadre of non-elite citizens. Some other humanoid races appear in the city and in the Ring of Law event.

The demonic bloodhounds in the Depths are renowned for their ability to sniff out stealthed rogues and druids. They will sometimes appear as a separate pack of three, and sometimes included in a group patrolling alongside a dwarf. All of the dogs are non-elite, but their damage capability in large numbers is not to be underestimated. The golems and fire elementals in the Depths generally fit the stereotypes of their types. The golems are strong and well-armored melee attackers, though some exceptional specimens have the ability to release single-target or area-of-effect fire spells. The fire elementals dish out large amounts of fire damage with melee attacks and ranged fire spells.

Encounters

Blackrock Depths bosses

Blackrock Depths bosses

Bosses Monsters NPCs

First Wave

Second Wave

Summoned

  • East Garrison
  • The Molten Bridge
  • The Lyceum

Loot

Main article: Blackrock Depths loot

Related achievements

Professions

Dark Iron

Blackrock Depths is one of the two where Dark Iron ore can be mined reliably, the other location being Molten Core. Blackrock Depths is also the location of the Black Forge and the Black Anvil. The Black Forge, located at the far back of the dungeon near a portal to Molten Core, is the only place where dark iron ore can be smelted into bars. The Black Anvil can be found in the center of the dungeon, where Lord Incendius patrols. It is required for most crafting recipes that use dark iron bars. As such, a run in BRD is essential to most blacksmithing or engineering work which uses that rare metal. Since these recipes are principally armor with heavy fire resistance values, they are not frequently crafted anymore except for novelty.

Blacksmithing

Scattered around Blackrock Depths are B Blacksmithing [10-50] Blacksmithing Plans which appear as scrolls that can be clicked on with a gear icon. Only a high level Blacksmith should click on these plans, if anyone without high level blacksmithing attempts to use them the plans will be destroyed. Opening the scroll will teach you one of the following BoP plans:

Places to find different plans:

  • Beside Golem Lord Argelmach in a room inside the Manufactory
  • In the Manufactory on a bench on the right, near the bridge to the Grim Guzzler
  • In the room before The Seven, beside the stairs
  • Near General Angerforge on a table
  • On a wall shelf in the northwest corner of the East Garrison's upper level

Engineering

Several engineering schematics are available only in the Depths.

Tailoring

Overmaster Pyron, who patrols in the Masonary in front of the instance, drops [Pattern: Cloak of Fire].

Brewfest

Main article: Brewfest

Celebrated by both the Horde and the Alliance, the Brewfest is a time to enjoy the fermented fruits of the harvest. Players can venture to Blackrock Depths and defeat Mob Coren Direbrew to get epic loot. The Inv cask 02 [Keg-Shaped Treasure Chest] is gained when defeating him the first time every day, which can contain an epic mount. The mount is not a guaranteed drop, but the mounts are not faction-specific. Players from either side stand a chance at looting the [Great Brewfest Kodo] or the [Swift Brewfest Ram].

Gallery

Video

Patch changes

  • Cataclysm Patch 4.0.1 (2010-10-12): New quests added.
  • Bc icon Patch 2.4.3 (2008-07-15): The Grim Guzzler underwent minor renovations and now houses several new NPCs and vendored items.
  • WoW Icon update Patch 1.10.0 (2006-03-28): Blackrock Depths now allows a maximum of five players.
  • WoW Icon update Patch 1.4.0 (2005-04-19): There is a new load screen for Blackrock Depths.
  • WoW Icon update Patch 1.3.0 (2005-03-07):
    • Capped at ten players.
    • The doors to the Lyceum will now re-open after Magmus has been killed.
    • Mind Flay and Cripple will now work on Blackrock Depths bosses.
  • Test-inline Patch 0.9 (2004-08-17): Quests added.

References

External links


Advertisement