Dalaran, the floating city of magic, is a key hub in World of Warcraft. Whether you’re a seasoned mage seeking arcane knowledge or a new adventurer eager to explore its wonders, getting there from Stormwind is a journey every player undertakes. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods, ensuring a smooth and efficient trip to this iconic location.
Understanding Your Destination: Dalaran Through the Expansions
Before we delve into the travel methods, it’s important to understand that there are two versions of Dalaran in the game, each tied to different expansions: Northrend Dalaran (from Wrath of the Lich King) and Broken Isles Dalaran (from Legion). Which Dalaran you need to reach depends entirely on the quests you’re pursuing or the activities you’re planning.
Northrend Dalaran hovers over Crystalsong Forest, located in the continent of Northrend. This is the Dalaran that became a sanctuary against the Scourge during the events of Wrath of the Lich King.
Broken Isles Dalaran, on the other hand, resides above the Broken Isles, a group of islands located south of the Eastern Kingdoms. This Dalaran served as a hub for the classes during the Legion expansion, offering class halls and associated quests.
Determining Which Dalaran You Need
The first step is to figure out which version of Dalaran you need to visit. Most quests will explicitly state which Dalaran they require you to go to. If you’re unsure, consider the expansion the quest or content is from. Quests related to Arthas or the Lich King will invariably point you to Northrend Dalaran. Content related to the Burning Legion’s invasion and class halls will lead you to Broken Isles Dalaran.
Methods for Reaching Northrend Dalaran
Several methods can transport you from the bustling streets of Stormwind to the chilling winds of Northrend and its magical capital. These methods vary in speed, cost, and level requirements.
The Portal Route: Mages and Beyond
The most direct route is through a mage portal. Mages with sufficient skill can learn the spell “Portal: Dalaran” and “Teleport: Dalaran”, which allows them to create a portal directly to Northrend Dalaran. If you are not a mage, you can often find a friendly mage willing to conjure a portal for a small tip. Check in Trade chat or ask guildmates.
Even if you are not a mage, having a mage friend or guildmate can make accessing Northrend Dalaran very simple.
The Boat to Borean Tundra: A Classic Journey
A more traditional method involves taking a boat from Stormwind Harbor to Borean Tundra, one of the starting zones in Northrend.
The boat departs from the docks located at the western end of Stormwind Harbor. Once in Borean Tundra, you can then travel by flying mount (if you have one) or by ground to reach Crystalsong Forest and Dalaran. This method is reliable but time-consuming, especially if you don’t have a flying mount.
Using the Orgrim’s Hammer Teleporter: A Warlock’s Shortcut (Limited Availability)
During the Wrath of the Lich King expansion, players were given a Death Gate-like portal into Icecrown, placed near the zone’s quest hub for the Ashen Verdict reputation. This portal no longer exists, and so is not a reliable method to reaching Northrend.
Summoning Stones: A Group Effort
Summoning Stones are located outside many dungeons and raids. While there isn’t one directly outside Dalaran, they can still be useful. If you have a friend already in Northrend Dalaran, they can summon you to their location if you’re near a summoning stone within Northrend.
Reaching Broken Isles Dalaran: Your Legion Destination
Getting to Broken Isles Dalaran offers different routes, primarily tied to quest progression and the expansion’s features.
The Initial Questline: A Guaranteed Arrival
The most common and straightforward way to reach Broken Isles Dalaran is to follow the Legion expansion’s starting questline. This questline, which begins with Khadgar summoning you to Stormwind, will eventually lead you to Dalaran as part of the main story. Completing these initial quests ensures you unlock Dalaran as a travel destination.
Using the Dalaran Hearthstone: A Rewarding Benefit
Once you’ve established your presence in Broken Isles Dalaran through the questline, you’ll receive a Dalaran Hearthstone. This item allows you to teleport directly to the city, making it incredibly convenient for quick travel. Make sure to set your normal hearthstone to Stormwind, so you can freely move between the two cities.
Class Hall Portals: For Dedicated Class Followers
Each class had its own Class Hall during the Legion expansion. Many of these Class Halls offered portals that could lead you to various locations, including Dalaran. However, accessing these portals requires you to be a member of that specific class and have progressed through the Class Hall campaign.
The Portal Room in Stormwind: A Convenient Connection
A later addition to the game, the portal room in Stormwind has a dedicated portal to Azsuna, one of the zones within the Broken Isles. While it does not lead you directly to Broken Isles Dalaran, it provides a rapid way to get to the Broken Isles, after which you can use your flying mount or a flight master to reach Dalaran. The portal room is located in the mage quarter.
Tips for a Smoother Journey
- Level Considerations: Some methods, like flying, require a certain level and flying skill. Make sure you meet the requirements before attempting those routes.
- Cost: Taking a boat is the most cost effective option, requiring no gold, while asking a mage for a portal might require a tip.
- Time Efficiency: Mage portals and Dalaran Hearthstones are the fastest options. Boats are the slowest.
- Quest Progress: Always prioritize following questlines, especially if you’re new to the game or an expansion. They often unlock essential features and travel options.
Navigating Dalaran: A Quick Orientation
Once you arrive in either version of Dalaran, it’s useful to understand the layout:
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Northrend Dalaran: The city is relatively compact. Key locations include the Violet Citadel (center), the Underbelly (sewers), and various profession trainers. Flight masters are located on the edges of the city.
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Broken Isles Dalaran: This version is larger and more spread out. Key locations include Krasus’ Landing (flight master), the Violet Citadel, and various shops and vendors. Class order halls each have a presence somewhere in the city.
Utilizing the Flight Master Network
Both versions of Dalaran have flight masters that connect to the broader flight network of their respective continents. Once you’ve discovered flight points in Northrend or the Broken Isles, you can use these flight masters to travel quickly between locations. Make sure to explore and unlock these flight points as you progress.
Conclusion: Embark on Your Magical Adventure
Reaching Dalaran from Stormwind is a journey that can be accomplished through various methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. By understanding the differences between Northrend and Broken Isles Dalaran and utilizing the methods outlined in this guide, you can efficiently navigate to your desired destination and embark on your magical adventure in one of World of Warcraft’s most iconic cities. Whether you choose the direct route of a mage portal, the classic journey by boat, or the convenience of the Dalaran Hearthstone, Dalaran awaits! Remember to check your quest logs, consider your level and resources, and prepare for the wonders that await you in the floating city.
How can I get to Dalaran from Stormwind if I’m a new player?
For new players, the easiest method is typically using the portal located in the Stormwind portal room. This room is situated within the mage tower in the city’s Mage Quarter. Speak to the portal trainer, and they will guide you to the correct location and ensure you have the necessary requirements, if any, to use the Dalaran portal.
Another reliable, albeit slightly more lengthy, method is taking the boat from Stormwind Harbor to Northrend. Once in Northrend, you can fly or travel to the Crystalsong Forest, where Dalaran floats. However, the portal from Stormwind’s portal room is generally much faster and more convenient for new players.
What level do I need to be to access Dalaran from Stormwind?
The level requirement to access Dalaran depends on the version of Dalaran. Dalaran, as a city, appears in multiple expansions: Wrath of the Lich King (Northrend) and Legion (Broken Isles). Generally, you should be at least level 60 to comfortably explore the Northrend version, though the portal in Stormwind should be available much earlier.
To access the Legion version of Dalaran, which is located above the Broken Isles, you typically need to start the Legion expansion questline, which generally becomes available around level 98. However, using the portal in Stormwind should take you to the Northrend version of Dalaran regardless of your level if available.
Is there a portal to Dalaran in Stormwind? Where is it located?
Yes, there is a portal to Dalaran located in Stormwind. This portal can be found in the portal room, which is part of the mage tower situated in the Mage Quarter of Stormwind. It’s generally considered the fastest and easiest way to reach Dalaran for Alliance players.
Inside the mage tower, navigate to the portal room. The Dalaran portal is typically clearly marked and guarded by portal mages. Ensure you’re familiar with the layout of the Mage Quarter to find the portal room efficiently.
Are there any specific quests I need to complete before I can use the portal to Dalaran?
Generally, there are no specific quests required to use the portal to Northrend Dalaran from Stormwind’s portal room. The portal should be readily available to characters of sufficient level.
However, accessing the Legion version of Dalaran might require initiating the Legion expansion’s introductory quests, typically starting with a quest that sends you to your faction’s leader. If you aim to reach the Legion Dalaran, check the Adventure Guide (Shift+J) to see if a starting quest is available.
What are the alternative methods to reach Dalaran if the portal is unavailable?
If the portal in Stormwind is unavailable, you can take the boat from Stormwind Harbor to Northrend. Once in Northrend, you can travel to Crystalsong Forest and then fly up to Dalaran. This is a longer route but a reliable alternative. Another option is asking a mage to create a portal for you if you have a friend willing to help.
Another alternative, if you’re a higher level, is to use your Garrison Hearthstone to return to your Warlords of Draenor Garrison. From there, you can take the Ashran portal in your Garrison to Warspear (Horde) or Stormshield (Alliance) on Ashran. In Ashran, there is a portal to Stormwind, and you can then use the portal room to travel to Dalaran.
Can I reach Dalaran using flight paths from Stormwind?
No, there isn’t a direct flight path from Stormwind to Dalaran. Flight paths only connect locations within the same continent or to nearby zones. Dalaran is located in Northrend and the Broken Isles depending on the version, which are separate continents from where Stormwind is located.
You would need to first take a transport method to Northrend (boat) or the Broken Isles (questline initiation) before you could utilize flight paths to travel within those zones. Thus, a flight path directly from Stormwind to Dalaran is not an option.
How do I get to the Legion version of Dalaran from Stormwind?
To reach the Legion version of Dalaran, which is located above the Broken Isles, you need to start the Legion expansion’s introductory questline. This typically involves speaking to a character in Stormwind who will offer a quest to travel to your faction’s leader and begin the Legion storyline.
Following the Legion questline will eventually lead you to the Broken Isles and the relocation of Dalaran above the zone. After the initial questline steps, you’ll unlock a portal directly to the Legion version of Dalaran, allowing for easy travel between Stormwind and the Broken Isles Dalaran. The portal in Stormwind’s portal room will take you to the Northrend version of Dalaran.