How to Reach the Isle of Thunder in World of Warcraft: A Comprehensive Guide
The Isle of Thunder, a once-forgotten stronghold of the Mogu Empire, beckons adventurers in World of Warcraft. Reaching this island, a key location in the *Mists of Pandaria* expansion, is essential for unlocking its secrets, participating in its unique quests, and earning valuable rewards. This comprehensive guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to get to the Isle of Thunder, ensuring a smooth and rewarding journey.
## Prerequisites
Before embarking on your voyage to the Isle of Thunder, ensure you meet the following requirements:
* **Level Requirement:** Your character must be at least level 90 to access the Isle of Thunder content. While the zone scales, the initial questline requires this minimum level.
* **Mists of Pandaria Expansion:** You must have the *Mists of Pandaria* expansion enabled on your World of Warcraft account. Although technically you can reach the Isle of Thunder without owning the expansion on retail WoW since level scaling exists, you would not be able to progress any of the relevant content there.
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Embarking on Your Journey
Once you’ve met the prerequisites, follow these steps to reach the Isle of Thunder:
**1. Head to Townlong Steppes (if you haven’t already started the questline):**
* For Alliance players, the initial quest is typically given in Lion’s Landing on Krasarang Wilds but it can be bypassed by traveling to Townlong Steppes. For Horde players it is given in Domination Point on Krasarang Wilds, but can also be bypassed by traveling to Townlong Steppes.
* **Alliance:** Take a portal from Stormwind to the Jade Forest. Fly south towards Krasarang Wilds. Proceed to Townlong Steppes from there.
* **Horde:** Take a portal from Orgrimmar to the Jade Forest. Fly south towards Krasarang Wilds. Proceed to Townlong Steppes from there.
**2. Locate Nalak’sha (if you have already started the questline, this will be easier):**
* Nalak’sha is the name of the Engine of Nalak’sha that is built around the corpse of the Storm Dragon Nalak. It is in the center of the Townlong Steppes.
* The co-ordinates for the area is roughly (55, 55).
* It will be immediately identifiable by the large structures surrounding it that are reminiscent of Mogu architecture.
**3. Finding Shadopan Monastery if you don’t have the flight path.**
* Shadopan Monastery is on the North Western Border of Townlong Steppes, it sits on the border that connects Townlong Steppes and Kun-Lai Summit.
* The best way to get to the Monastery is from the Nalak’sha location mentioned above, travel directly north-west from there following the road, you will pass through a small wooded area and arrive at the Monastery. It is also possible to fly directly to it, however, if you do not have the flight path it will be more difficult to find.
**4. Initiating the Questline:**
* Once you arrive at the Shado-Pan Monastery speak to **Taoshi**. She is located inside the main building. She will give you the quest “The Storm Gathers”.
* Accept the quest.
* **Important**: If you do not receive the quest from Taoshi, it may be because you have already started the questline on another character, or your character is not level 90, or because you have not completed some of the required quests such as the introductory quests for Krasarang Wilds.
**5. “The Storm Gathers” Quest Details:**
* The quest “The Storm Gathers” will require you to speak to some key figures at the Shado-Pan Monastery. Specifically you need to:
* Speak with Taran Zhu.
* Speak with Sho.
* Taran Zhu will be in the main building, and Sho will be outside. The quest text will provide you with more detailed instructions on the exact locations of these NPC’s, however, they are relatively easy to find.
**6. “The Storm Gathers” Final Steps:**
* After speaking with Taran Zhu and Sho you will need to return to Taoshi in the main building to complete the quest.
* She will then provide you with the next quest in the chain, “The All-Seeing Eye”, accept this quest.
**7. “The All-Seeing Eye” Quest Details:**
* Taoshi requires you to travel to the Terrace of Gurthan. This is in the very North East corner of Townlong Steppes. Again, the quest text will provide more detailed instructions if you are not familiar with the area.
* Specifically you are looking for a Mogu Statue on the Terrace, upon approaching it, it will reveal itself to be an illusion, and the statue will disappear.
* After the illusion breaks, you will need to defeat a Mogu Guardian named “Kor’dok”.
* Kor’dok is a level 90 elite Mogu, be prepared to fight an elite level monster. He does hit relatively hard, but can be defeated by most classes as long as you use your abilities effectively.
**8. “The All-Seeing Eye” Turning in the Quest:**
* Once Kor’dok is defeated, return to Taoshi at the Shado-Pan Monastery. She will be in the main building.
* She will give you the next quest, “Assault on Zeb’tula”, accept this quest.
**9. “Assault on Zeb’tula” Quest Details:**
* Travel to Zeb’tula. Zeb’tula is a ruined Mogu structure, it is located South East of the Shado-Pan Monastery in Townlong Steppes. If you follow the road from the Monastery in the south east direction, you will eventually arrive at Zeb’tula.
* The quest requires you to:
* Plant bombs at the base of four different structures, these structures are dotted around Zeb’tula.
* Defeat Mogu Commanders at the top of each structure.
* Be aware that there are many Mogu patrolling the area, and the Mogu Commanders are also relatively difficult. Be prepared to fight, or use stealth to avoid unecessary conflict. Classes with strong area of effect abilities will find this quest easier.
**10. “Assault on Zeb’tula” Finishing the Quest:**
* Once all the structures have been bombed, and all the Mogu Commanders have been defeated, return to Taoshi at the Shado-Pan Monastery.
* She will give you the next quest, “Reclaiming the Ziggurat”, accept this quest.
**11. “Reclaiming the Ziggurat” Quest Details:**
* You need to take control of the Ziggurat, which is a key location within Zeb’tula. To do this you will need to defeat the Mogu forces inside the Ziggurat.
* Specifically the quest requires you to kill:
* 10x Zeb’tula Defenders.
* 5x Zeb’tula Battle-Mages.
* Zeb’tula High Priest.
* The Ziggurat is crawling with Mogu, so be prepared to fight many different types of Mogu enemies. Area of effect abilities are very useful for this part of the quest chain.
* The Zeb’tula High Priest is a level 90 elite, so be prepared for a tough fight.
**12. “Reclaiming the Ziggurat” Completion:**
* Once all the requirements for the quest have been fulfilled, return to Taoshi at the Shado-Pan Monastery and hand in the quest.
* She will give you the next quest in the chain “To the Skies!”, accept this quest.
**13. “To the Skies!” Quest Start:**
* Taoshi has now decided it is time to bring the fight to the Thunder Isle itself. This quest is the key to unlocking the Thunder Isle.
* You will need to head back to Nalak’sha. The Engine of Nalak’sha. Remember this is where you found the flight path to Shado-Pan Monastery. Travel to the center of Townlong Steppes.
**14. “To the Skies!” Quest Details:**
* When you arrive at Nalak’sha, you will see several Shado-Pan banners that have been erected around the site.
* The quest will require you to speak to “Zhu-Fang” who is standing near the banners, and in front of an airship that has been parked in the area.
**15. Boarding the Airship:**
* Upon speaking to Zhu-Fang and accepting the quest “To the Skies”, you will automatically board the airship.
* The airship will then begin its journey towards the Isle of Thunder.
**16. The Journey to the Isle of Thunder:**
* The airship will take you directly to the Isle of Thunder. Enjoy the scenic views as you fly across the sea.
* During the flight, Taran Zhu will provide dialogue that will give context to what is happening, and what your mission is once you arrive at the Isle of Thunder.
**17. Arriving at the Isle of Thunder:**
* The airship will land at the Shado-Pan Garrison on the Isle of Thunder. This will serve as your base of operations for exploring the island.
* Congratulations! You have successfully reached the Isle of Thunder.
## Alternative Method: Direct Flight (If Available)
If you’ve already completed the initial questline on another character, you might be able to fly directly to the Isle of Thunder from the Shado-Pan Garrison in Townlong Steppes. Check for a flight master who offers flights to the island. This method saves time and is a convenient option for subsequent characters.
## Exploring the Isle of Thunder
Once you’ve arrived, the Isle of Thunder offers a wealth of content, including:
* **The Isle of Thunder Scenario:** This is the main activity of the zone and it is what you will start upon landing. You will be given the quest “Thunder Calls”, accept this quest and follow the instructions to continue the storyline and unlock the daily quests.
* **Daily Quests:** Engage in daily quests to earn reputation with the Kirin Tor Offensive or the Sunreaver Onslaught. The dailies involve PvE quests, solo scenarios, and more. Successfully completing these quests will reward gold, reputation, and other valuable items.
* **Rare Elites:** The Isle of Thunder is home to many rare elite creatures that provide challenging encounters and opportunities for valuable loot. Be on the lookout for these formidable foes as you explore the island.
* **Treasures:** Hidden treasures are scattered throughout the Isle of Thunder, offering valuable rewards to those who seek them out. Explore every nook and cranny to uncover these hidden caches.
* **Throne of Thunder Raid:** The Isle of Thunder is also the location of the Throne of Thunder raid, a challenging endgame instance that offers some of the best gear in the *Mists of Pandaria* expansion.
## Tips for a Smooth Journey
* **Bring Supplies:** Stock up on food, water, and potions before heading to the Isle of Thunder. While there are vendors on the island, it’s always best to be prepared.
* **Group Up:** Consider grouping up with other players for challenging quests and encounters. The Isle of Thunder can be dangerous, and having allies by your side can make all the difference.
* **Use the Map:** Utilize the in-game map to navigate the Isle of Thunder and locate quest objectives, rare elites, and treasures.
* **Read Quest Text:** Pay close attention to quest text to understand your objectives and find your way around the island.
* **Be Patient:** The Isle of Thunder can be a challenging zone, so be patient and don’t give up. With persistence and determination, you’ll be able to conquer its challenges and reap its rewards.
## Factions and Reputation
Upon reaching the Isle of Thunder, you’ll have the option to align yourself with one of two factions:
* **Kirin Tor Offensive (Alliance):** Led by Jaina Proudmoore, the Kirin Tor Offensive seeks to secure the island’s powerful artifacts and prevent the Horde from gaining an advantage. Gaining reputation with this faction will unlock access to unique rewards, including gear, mounts, and transmogrification items.
* **Sunreaver Onslaught (Horde):** Under the command of Lor’themar Theron, the Sunreaver Onslaught aims to exploit the Isle of Thunder’s resources and secure its strategic location for the Horde. Increasing your reputation with this faction will grant access to exclusive rewards, such as gear, mounts, and transmogrification items.
The choice between these factions is character-specific and does not affect your ability to access the Isle of Thunder’s core content.
## Understanding the Isle of Thunder Scenarios
A defining feature of the Isle of Thunder is its evolving scenarios. These scenarios unlock gradually as you progress through the storyline and contribute to your chosen faction’s efforts. Here’s what you need to know:
* **Progression:** Completing quests for your faction unlocks new phases of the scenarios, leading to different encounters, challenges, and rewards. These scenarios are what you will start doing immediately upon arrival on the island with the quest “Thunder Calls”. This quest is provided as soon as you land.
* **Rewards:** Successfully completing scenarios will net you reputation with your faction, allowing you to acquire items from the faction vendor. The faction vendor unlocks once you have chosen a faction during the quest. You can also earn gold and materials.
* **Solo and Group Play:** The scenarios can be completed solo or in a group of up to three players. Consider grouping up with friends or guildmates for more challenging scenarios.
## Daily Quests and Rewards
Daily quests are an integral part of the Isle of Thunder experience, providing a consistent source of reputation, gold, and other valuable items. These quests typically involve completing tasks such as:
* **Killing specific mobs**
* **Collecting items**
* **Protecting areas**
* **Scouting for Intel**
* **Assisting with construction projects**
Each daily quest will reward you with reputation towards your chosen faction on the island. Be diligent with doing these quests if you want to quickly unlock the reputation based rewards that you can purchase from your faction vendor.
## Rare Elite Encounters
The Isle of Thunder is populated by numerous rare elite creatures, each presenting a unique challenge and an opportunity for lucrative loot. These elites often drop valuable gear, pets, and other collectibles. Some notable rare elites include:
* **Ku’lai the Skyclaw**
* **Al’tabim the All-Seeing**
* **Haywire Sunreaver Construct**
* **Molthor**
Be prepared to engage these elites in combat, as they can be quite formidable. Consider grouping up with other players to increase your chances of success.
## Treasures and Hidden Secrets
The Isle of Thunder holds many hidden treasures and secrets waiting to be discovered. These treasures can contain valuable gold, items, and other rewards. Be sure to explore every nook and cranny of the island to uncover these hidden caches.
## The Throne of Thunder Raid
For those seeking the ultimate challenge, the Throne of Thunder raid awaits. This epic instance pits players against the resurrected Thunder King Lei Shen and his formidable army. Defeating the bosses in the Throne of Thunder will reward you with some of the best gear in the *Mists of Pandaria* expansion, as well as unique achievements and collectibles.
## Conclusion
The Isle of Thunder offers a rich and rewarding experience for players of all levels. By following these detailed instructions and tips, you’ll be able to reach the island with ease and embark on your own epic adventure. Whether you’re seeking challenging quests, valuable rewards, or thrilling encounters, the Isle of Thunder has something to offer everyone. So gather your gear, summon your courage, and prepare to face the Thunder King’s wrath!