World & travel
The Plaguelands: Western and Eastern
The Plaguelands are two regions in the north-east of the Eastern Kingdoms, all that remains of the kingdom of Lordaeron after the Scourge burned it with the plague of undeath. This is endgame territory in WoW Classic 1.12.1: levels 51–60, four instances, the main hub of the Argent Dawn and the gateway to Naxxramas.
Contents
◆Two regions
| Region | Levels | Key locations |
|---|---|---|
| Western Plaguelands | 51–58 | Andorhal, Hearthglen, Caer Darrow, Dalson's Farm, Darrowshire |
| Eastern Plaguelands | 53–60 | Light's Hope Chapel, Tyr's Hand, Corin's Crossing, Plaguewood |
The two regions are joined by the road through Andorhal, while a pass from the Alterac Mountains and Hillsbrad Foothills leads into the Western Plaguelands from the south.
◆Instances
| Instance | Levels | Size | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scholomance | 56–60 | 5 | Western, on Caer Darrow |
| Stratholme | 56–60 | 5 | Eastern, north-east |
| Naxxramas | 60 | 40 | Eastern, floating above Stratholme |
Stratholme has two entrances — the main gate on the Scarlet side and the Service Gate on the Scourge side — while Naxxramas requires Honored reputation with the Argent Dawn for attunement. Step-by-step routes are in how to get to Scholomance and how to get to Stratholme.
◆Who fights here
- The Scourge — the main population: skeletons, abominations, banshees, plaguebats and necromancers of the Cult of the Damned.
- The Scarlet Crusade — human fanatics holding Hearthglen in the west and Tyr's Hand in the east. They fight both the Scourge and players.
- The Argent Dawn — an alliance of paladins and mages against the undead. Their base is Light's Hope Chapel in the Eastern Plaguelands; reputation unlocks Naxxramas access and a set of anti-undead enchants.
- Neutral NPCs — the dragon Chromie in Andorhal hands out quests to restore the history of Darrowshire.
◆What to do here at 51–60
- Reputation quests. Turning in Scourge trophies at Light's Hope Chapel is the main reputation source; full details in the Argent Dawn reputation guide.
- Leveling. The quest chains of both regions cover 51 to 60 with almost no gaps — see Western Plaguelands leveling and Eastern Plaguelands leveling.
- Farming. Runecloth from the undead is the best source in the game — see runecloth farming.
- Raid preparation. Scholomance and Stratholme drop Dungeon Set 1 and key pre-raid items — see pre-raid gearing.
- Naxxramas attunement — earned through Argent Dawn reputation, details in raid attunements.
At x5 rates it is comfortable to arrive at 50–51: the mobs hit hard, but quest density and experience more than cover the risk. Bring disease protection — the plague only comes off with a cure disease effect.
Lore: how Lordaeron became the Plaguelands
Ner'zhul, now the Lich King, seeded Lordaeron with the plague grain. Prince Arthas, following orders, culled Stratholme — the first step of his fall. After the Third War the land never recovered: the soil is poisoned, the rivers dead, and the flying necropolis Naxxramas hangs above Stratholme with Kel'Thuzad inside. More in Warcraft history and the Scourge.
◆Related material
- Eastern Kingdoms — the whole continent
- Argent Dawn — the faction and its rewards
- Blackrock Mountain — the other endgame hub
- Level 60 endgame guide
- Register on WowX5
FAQ
?How many Plaguelands are there in WoW Classic?
Two zones: the Western Plaguelands for levels 51–58 and the Eastern Plaguelands for levels 53–60.
?Which dungeons are in the Plaguelands?
Scholomance on the isle of Caer Darrow in the west, Stratholme in the east, and the raid Naxxramas floating above Stratholme.
?Why grind Argent Dawn reputation?
It grants Naxxramas attunement, anti-undead enchants and a set of items that help in Scholomance and Stratholme.
?What level should I enter the Plaguelands at?
At x5 rates the Western Plaguelands are comfortable at 50–51, the Eastern Plaguelands closer to 54.
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