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Start your journey in Warlords of Draenor with our beginner-friendly guide! Learn how to unlock content, set up your Garrison, and conquer Draenor like a true hero.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to World of Warcraft, Warlords of Draenor offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, challenging quests, and unforgettable stories. This expansion takes you back in time to a world of orcish legends and mighty heroes, where your choices shape the fate of Azeroth.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start Warlords of Draenor

1. Meet the Level Requirement
   • Ensure your character is at least level 35. This is the minimum level required to start the Warlords of Draenor content. If you’re below this level, complete quests in earlier expansions to level up.
2. Access the Dark Portal Questline
   • Travel to your faction’s capital city:
     • For Alliance: Go to Stormwind.
     • For Horde: Go to Orgrimmar.
   • A quest giver will prompt you with “The Dark Portal” quest, which begins the Warlords of Draenor storyline.
3. Enter the Dark Portal
   • Head to the Blasted Lands in the Eastern Kingdoms. Use your map to locate the Dark Portal.
   • Speak to Khadgar near the portal and follow his instructions to step into Draenor.
4. Complete the Tanaan Jungle Introductory Scenario
   • Upon entering Draenor, you’ll be in Tanaan Jungle. This is an on-rails introductory scenario where you’ll:
     • Assist key heroes like Thrall or Maraad.
     • Fight off waves of enemies to establish your foothold.
   • Follow the quest markers and complete objectives until you escape Tanaan Jungle.
5. Establish Your Garrison
   • After leaving Tanaan Jungle, you’ll arrive in either Frostfire Ridge (Horde) or Shadowmoon Valley (Alliance).
   • You’ll be given quests to build your Garrison, a personal base of operations in Draenor.
     • Collect materials and follow the instructions to complete its construction.
   • Your Garrison will serve as a hub for missions, resource gathering, and progressing through the expansion’s content.
6. Begin Questing in Draenor Zones
   • Once your Garrison is established, quest lines will open up in nearby zones.
     • Horde Zones: Frostfire Ridge, Gorgrond, Talador, and Nagrand.
     • Alliance Zones: Shadowmoon Valley, Gorgrond, Talador, and Nagrand.
   • Follow the main story quests, side quests, and bonus objectives for experience and rewards.
7. Upgrade Your Garrison
   • As you progress, upgrade your Garrison to unlock new buildings, followers, and features.
   • Buildings like the Barracks, War Mill, or Stables provide bonuses and additional gameplay options.
8. Explore Dungeons and Raids
   • Once your character levels up and gears up, start exploring Draenor’s dungeons like Bloodmaul Slag Mines and raids like Highmaul.
   • These provide powerful gear and exciting challenges.
9. Collect Achievements, Mounts, and Pets
   • Warlords of Draenor is rich with collectibles. Look for rare mobs, treasure chests, and special quests for mounts like the Frostwolf or pets like the Frostshell Pincher.
10. Keep Up with Bonus Objectives and Garrison Missions
    • Always check your Garrison Command Table for new missions. These provide resources, gold, and gear.
    • Complete bonus objectives while questing to level up faster and gain additional rewards.

1. How do I start Warlords of Draenor content?
To start Warlords of Draenor, pick up the “The Dark Portal” quest from your faction’s capital city (Stormwind for Alliance, Orgrimmar for Horde). This will guide you to the Dark Portal in the Blasted Lands.

2. What level do I need to be to access Warlords of Draenor?
You need to be at least level 35 to start the Warlords of Draenor expansion.

3. Where is the Dark Portal located?
The Dark Portal is in the Blasted Lands in the Eastern Kingdoms. You can travel there using your map as a guide or take a portal from your faction’s capital city.

4. What is the Garrison, and why is it important?
The Garrison is your personal base of operations in Draenor. It allows you to recruit followers, complete missions, gather resources, and unlock additional gameplay features. It’s central to progressing in the expansion.

5. Can I skip the Tanaan Jungle introductory scenario?
No, the Tanaan Jungle scenario is required to establish the story and lead you to your Garrison. It’s designed to be quick and action-packed.

6. How do I upgrade my Garrison?
You can upgrade your Garrison by collecting resources and completing specific quests. Upgrades unlock new buildings and features for your base.

7. Are there new dungeons in Warlords of Draenor?
Yes, Warlords of Draenor introduces several dungeons, including Bloodmaul Slag Mines, Iron Docks, and Shadowmoon Burial Grounds. These provide great gear and are part of the storyline.

8. Can I fly in Draenor?
Flying in Draenor requires the Draenor Pathfinder achievement, which involves completing various exploration, reputation, and questing objectives.

9. What rewards can I earn in Warlords of Draenor?
You can earn powerful gear, unique mounts like the Frostwolf or Garn Nighthowl, pets, and achievements by completing quests, dungeons, and raids.

10. How do I access raids in Warlords of Draenor?
Raids like Highmaul and Blackrock Foundry are accessible once you’ve leveled up and geared up appropriately. Use the Raid Finder tool or join a raid group to participate.

11. Is Warlords of Draenor beginner-friendly?
Yes, Warlords of Draenor is great for both new and returning players. Its quest lines are engaging, and the Garrison system provides a gradual introduction to its mechanics.

12. Can I return to Warlords of Draenor after skipping it?
Absolutely! You can return to Draenor anytime and continue the storyline or explore its content for rewards and achievements.

Warlords of Draenor offers an unforgettable journey filled with challenges, rewards, and rich lore that will immerse you in the world of Warcraft like never before. From building your Garrison to battling legendary foes, every step of this adventure is an opportunity to grow stronger and leave your mark on Draenor’s history.