Games Review

How to Get to Northrend: A Comprehensive Guide for World of Warcraft Players

In World of Warcraft, reaching Northrend, the icy continent introduced in the Wrath of the Lich King expansion, requires players to know the right routes. This guide provides a step-by-step approach for both Alliance and Horde players, covering available portals, zeppelins, ships, and their specific departure points. We’ll also discuss requirements like level restrictions and questlines to unlock Northrend, ensuring players can explore this challenging new world with ease.

Introduction

The Wrath of the Lich King expansion for World of Warcraft introduced players to the frozen continent of Northrend, a land steeped in rich lore and filled with challenging content. Northrend is not just a place; it’s the heart of the Lich King’s domain, a setting for some of the most memorable and iconic moments in the game.

Whether you’re playing as Alliance or Horde, getting to Northrend is a journey every player must undertake to experience the full breadth of Wrath of the Lich King content.

This guide will walk you through the various ways to access Northrend, including transportation methods, key locations, and tips to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Whether you prefer the traditional route or the fastest method, this guide has you covered.

Why Northrend?

Before discussing how to get to Northrend, it’s important to understand why this continent is a must-visit for any World of Warcraft player. Northrend is the focal point of the Wrath of the Lich King expansion, where the story of the Lich King unfolds.

This icy land offers a wealth of content, including quests, dungeons, and raids that are essential for progressing through the game.

Northrend is divided into several zones, each with its own unique environment, quests, and lore. From the battle-worn landscapes of the Borean Tundra to the haunting beauty of the Howling Fjord, Northrend provides a diverse and immersive experience for players.

It is here that you will encounter the Lich King himself, face off against his minions, and participate in some of the most epic battles in the game’s history.

Preparing for the Journey

Before setting out on your journey to Northrend, there are a few things you need to prepare. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, these tips will help you get the most out of your Northrend experience.

1. Check Your Level

Northrend is designed for players who are at least level 68. If you’re below this level, it’s recommended to continue leveling in other zones, such as Outland, before making the journey to Northrend.

The quests and enemies in Northrend are tuned for higher-level players, and being under-leveled can lead to unnecessary challenges.

2. Upgrade Your Gear

Ensure that your gear is up to par before heading to Northrend. Outdated gear can make your first foray into this dangerous continent more difficult than it needs to be.

Consider running some dungeons in Outland to upgrade your equipment before making the trip.

3. Stock Up on Supplies

Northrend is a harsh environment, so be sure to stock up on essential supplies such as health potions, food, and other consumables. These items can be lifesavers in tough battles and long quests.

Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to explore the various ways to get to Northrend. The method you choose will depend on your faction—Alliance or Horde—as well as your preferences for travel.

1. Traveling by Boat or Zeppelin

The most traditional way to reach Northrend is by boat (for the Alliance) or zeppelin (for the Horde). These methods provide a classic World of Warcraft experience and immerse you in the journey to the frozen continent.

For Alliance Players:

• Stormwind Harbor to Borean Tundra: Alliance players can travel to Northrend by boarding a boat at the northernmost dock in Stormwind Harbor. This boat will take you to Valiance Keep in the Borean Tundra, one of the two starting zones in Northrend.
• The Borean Tundra is a windswept and icy landscape, offering quests that introduce you to the conflict between the Alliance and the Horde, as well as the dangers posed by the Lich King.
• Menethil Harbor to Howling Fjord: Another option for Alliance players is to take a boat from Menethil Harbor in the Wetlands to Valgarde in the Howling Fjord. This zone is known for its stunning cliffs, ancient ruins, and the Viking-like Vrykul.
• The Howling Fjord offers a different atmosphere from the Borean Tundra, with quests that delve into the lore of the Vrykul and their connection to the Lich King.

For Horde Players:

• Orgrimmar to Borean Tundra: Horde players can take a zeppelin from the zeppelin tower in Orgrimmar to Warsong Hold in the Borean Tundra. This zone is a key military outpost for the Horde, and the quests here focus on establishing the Horde’s presence in Northrend and combating the threats posed by the Lich King’s forces.
• Undercity to Howling Fjord: Another option for Horde players is to take a zeppelin from the zeppelin tower in Tirisfal Glades, near the Undercity, to Vengeance Landing in the Howling Fjord. This zone offers a dark and mysterious atmosphere, with quests that explore the history of the Forsaken and their involvement in the war against the Lich King.

2. Using Mage Portals

For those who prefer a quicker and more direct method of travel, using a Mage portal is a great option. Mages can create portals to Dalaran, the capital city and central hub of Northrend.

If you have a friendly Mage in your group or can find one willing to help, you can skip the boat or zeppelin ride and teleport directly to Dalaran.

• Dalaran Portal: Once in Dalaran, you’ll find portals that can take you to various locations in Northrend. This makes it easy to access different zones and quickly get to where you need to be. However, remember that using Mage portals may require you to pay the Mage for their services, especially if you’re hiring one from a city like Stormwind or Orgrimmar.

3. Unlocking Flight Paths

Once you arrive in Northrend, it’s crucial to unlock the various flight paths across the continent. These flight paths are essential for fast travel between zones and for returning to key locations such as Dalaran, Warsong Hold, Valiance Keep, and others.

• Unlocking Flight Paths Early: As soon as you arrive at your chosen starting zone—whether it’s the Borean Tundra or Howling Fjord—make sure to unlock the flight paths in those areas. This will save you time later when you need to travel across the continent.
• Connecting Flight Paths: Northrend’s flight paths connect major quest hubs, dungeons, and the capital city of Dalaran. By unlocking these paths, you’ll have a much easier time navigating the continent and completing quests efficiently.

4. Teleportation Methods

If you’ve already been to Northrend and have established a presence there, you might have access to additional teleportation methods, such as items or class-specific spells.

For example, Druids can use their teleportation abilities to reach Moonglade and then use flight paths to get to Northrend quickly.

• Using Teleportation Items: Some items in the game allow players to teleport to specific locations. If you’ve obtained any such items during your adventures, consider using them to cut down on travel time.
• Dalaran Hearthstone: If you’ve already set your hearthstone to Dalaran, you can use it to return to Northrend at any time. This is particularly useful for players who are actively questing in the continent and need to frequently return to the capital city.

Key Zones in Northrend

Northrend is divided into several zones, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. Here’s an overview of some of the key zones you’ll encounter:

1. Borean Tundra

• Overview: The Borean Tundra is one of the two starting zones in Northrend. It’s a vast, icy wasteland filled with dangerous wildlife, Scourge forces, and mysterious Tuskarr villages.
• Key Locations: Valiance Keep (Alliance), Warsong Hold (Horde), and The Nexus (dungeon).
• Quests: The quests in the Borean Tundra focus on the conflict between the Alliance and Horde, as well as the Blue Dragonflight’s battle for control of magic.

2. Howling Fjord

• Overview: The Howling Fjord is known for its towering cliffs, ancient Vrykul ruins, and haunting forests. It’s a zone filled with history and lore, providing players with a deep and immersive experience.
• Key Locations: Valgarde (Alliance), Vengeance Landing (Horde), Utgarde Keep (dungeon).
• Quests: Quests in the Howling Fjord explore the history of the Vrykul, their ties to the Lich King, and the ongoing war between the Alliance and Horde.

3. Dragonblight

• Overview: Dragonblight is a desolate zone, home to the ancient dragon graveyard and the Wyrmrest Temple. It’s a central location for the Dragonflights and the conflict against the Lich King.
• Key Locations: Wyrmrest Temple (neutral), Naxxramas (raid).

Conclusion

Getting to Northrend in World of Warcraft is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and anticipation. As the central location in the Wrath of the Lich King expansion, Northrend offers a vast array of content that is essential for any player looking to fully experience one of the game’s most beloved expansions.

Whether you choose to sail from Stormwind Harbor, board a zeppelin from Orgrimmar, or use the convenience of a Mage portal to Dalaran, the journey to Northrend is an adventure in itself.

Once you arrive, the continent unfolds with diverse zones, each rich in lore and packed with quests that will engage and challenge you.

From the icy expanse of the Borean Tundra to the rugged beauty of the Howling Fjord, and the haunting ruins of Dragonblight, every corner of Northrend offers something unique.

Unlocking flight paths, preparing with the right gear, and familiarizing yourself with the key locations will help you navigate this treacherous land effectively. Northrend isn’t just another area in World of Warcraft; it’s a pivotal part of the game’s history and a must-experience for any serious player. So gather your supplies, choose your path, and embark on the epic adventure that is Northrend. The Lich King awaits, and your journey to face him is one that will be remembered for years to come in the world of Azeroth. Whether you’re playing as Alliance or Horde, Northrend is the gateway to some of the most thrilling content World of Warcraft has to offer.