WoW Zaralek Cavern Overview

From the very beginning of the Dragonflight expansion, players have wondered where the world of the Dragon Isles will expand in future expansions. Will previously unexplored islands appear, as it was in the BFA expansion, or will the world completely change, as it was in Cataclysm. However, things got even more interesting. The new zone Zaralek Cavern is located under the lands of the Dragon Isles, and in this guide, we will get to know the new zone and its inhabitants closer.

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Dragonflight 10.1 New Zone Zaralek Cavern

The new zone will be opened with the release of World of Warcraft 10.1: Embers of Neltharion on May 2, 2023 (May 3 for EU). As soon as you enter the game world, you will receive a story quest that will introduce you to a new zone.

Zaralek Cavern, a vast and treacherous underground cave system located beneath the Dragon Isles, has long been shrouded in mystery and danger. This dark and foreboding place is home to some of the most elusive and dangerous creatures in all of Azeroth.

Legend has it that deep beneath the Obsidian Citadel, the former stronghold of Neltharion, the Earth-Warder, lies a hidden laboratory where the great dragon conducted his most forbidden experiments. It was here that Neltharion first communed with the Old Gods, walking a path that would ultimately lead to his catastrophic transformation into the malevolent dragon known as Deathwing.

However, the mysterious caves are inhabited not only by creatures hostile to the players but there are also quite peaceful ones here, with whom we can establish relations and get help. The mole folk known as Niffen and the fierce Drogbar, stand ready to lend their aid to those who seek to vanquish the Primalists and their minions.

Zaralek Cavern is not just a simple cave system — three distinct biomes converge to create a truly unique environment. Firstly, there are the crystalline caverns, a realm of lofty formations of stalagmites and stalactites that stretch toward the cavern’s ceiling. Secondly, there are the sulfur pools, which serve as the dumping grounds for Neltharion’s failed experiments. Lastly, there are the twisted spires of volcanic lava floes, which are the domain of the Djaradin Elders.

How to Enter Zaralek Cavern

There are three entrances to Zaralek Cavern. The first and most important entrance is located by the Cascades Canyon between Ohn’ahran Plains and Thaldraszus. We will be introduced to it in the first hours of the campaign.

The second entrance is located just north of Teerakai, in the Ohn’ahran Plains. It only recently appeared on the PTR servers, so little is known about it. However, at the moment you will not be able to get to know the cave better since now there is nothing there.

The third entrance is also a recent addition and is located by Three-Falls Lookout in the Azure Span. Most likely this cave will be discovered “accidentally”, as the Dragonscale Expedition excavation team is currently excavating this place.

Zaralek Cavern World Quests and Activities

Zaralek Cavern is a vast and exciting world that offers numerous opportunities for players to earn rewards and indulge in various activities. The cavern is home to several unique features and events, making it a popular destination for endgame PvE players and collectors:

• Reputation farming with the Loamm Niffen through events like Researchers Under Fire and other zone events.
• Treasure farming with Sniffenseeking and other activities to exchange for bartering currency with the scheming Ponzo.
• Hunting for Flightstones by taking on rares and completing World Quests.
• Treasure hunting for rare mounts, pets, toys, and appearances.
• Exciting opportunities for endgame PvE players and collectors alike.
• A vast and unique world to explore and discover.
• Valuable rewards to be earned through dedication and effort.
• Something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer.

Weekly Quest

The Zaralek Caverns is introducing a fresh challenge every week, named A Worthy Ally: Loamm Niffen, which mandates players to achieve 1500 Reputation with the Loamm Niffen. This quest becomes available once you finish Chapter 1 of the 10.1 storyline, Six Hundred Feet Under. In order to gain reputation with the Loamm Niffen, you have to partake in various events in Zaralek Caverns, including World Quests and zone events.

Once you complete this weekly quest, you will be entitled to certain rewards, including:

• 500 Reputation with the Loamm Niffen;
• A  Scentsational Niffen Treasures.

Weekly Event

Introducing Patch 10.1, the latest update to your favorite game, which comes packed with a brand new weekly event, Researchers Under Fire. This event is set to happen by the Ruins of Drekazera in the central Zaralek Cavern.

Here’s what you need to know about this exciting new event:

• The event takes place weekly, and you need to be present at the Ruins of Drekazera to participate.
• The event is inactive at the top of the hour for 30 minutes (x:00 to x:30), during which “The researchers will be starting an expedition to lift the Titan lockdown soon.”
• The event becomes active in Phase 1 for the next 20 minutes of the hour (:x30 to x:50). During this time, you have to complete as many tasks as possible for the research forces.
• The tasks involve helping the joint forces of the Loamm Niffen and the Dragonscale Expedition with various missions, such as collecting resources, rescuing hostages, and defending the researchers from the enemy.
• From x:50 to x:55, the event will enter its final phase, in which the Sundered Flame will launch a direct attack at the researcher forces.
• You have five minutes to defeat the Sundered Flame forces and their leader, Captain Reykal, to complete the event and earn its rewards.
• Once Reykal is defeated, you can talk to Rannan Korren to complete the event and claim your rewards.
• The event disappears until the top of the next hour, and the rotation starts all over again.

When you’re participating in the Researchers Under Fire event, your reward will depend on how many tasks you complete during Phase 1 of the event. Here’s a breakdown of the rewards you can expect:

Sniffenseeking

Patch 10.1 of the Embers of Neltharion introduces a new activity called Sniffenseeking, which requires players to team up with the Niffen Myrrit and embark on exciting adventures. The objective of Sniffenseeking is to solve puzzles and earn treasure by utilizing Myrrit’s unique abilities. To unlock Sniffenseeking, players must complete Chapter 1 of the Embers of Neltharion campaign. Once unlocked, players can find Myrrit in Loamm and embark on thrilling Sniffenseeking scenarios, provided they have Dig Maps at their disposal.

Myrrit, the treasure hunter, can carry a maximum of 3 Dig Maps at any given time. To acquire these maps, there are two main sources to consider:

• Lost Dig Map: Completing the weekly quest, A Worthy Ally: Loamm Niffen, will reward you with a Lost Dig Map.
• Bartered Dig Map: Ponzo sells a Bartered Dig Map once a week in exchange for bartering goods.

Additionally, there is a free weekly map available that you can obtain from Myrrit herself. If you ever forget which extra Dig Map you’re missing for the week, Myrrit can help you keep track of your progress.

During a Sniffenseeking adventure, Myrrit will accompany you, and you can utilize his abilities to help you solve the puzzle of the dig and find the treasure. Here are Myrrit’s abilities that you can use:

With Myrrit by your side and his special abilities at your disposal, you’ll be able to navigate through the underground tunnels and locate the treasure you seek.

Upon successfully completing a Sniffenseeking dig, you’ll be rewarded with a bag containing valuable items, such as Zaralek Glowspores, 250 Reputation with the Loamm Niffen, Dragon Isles Supplies, and a chance at Profession reagents. These rewards can help you advance your character and make your future Sniffenseeking adventures even more fruitful. In addition to these rewards, there’s also a Sniffenseeking meta-achievement called A Niffen’s Best Buddy that will grant you the prestigious title of Sniffenseeker upon completion. Here are the three challenges you must overcome to earn this achievement:

• Sniffen Sage: Use your senses to sniff out all possible special items while embarking on Sniffenseeking adventures.
• He’sSss All Mine: Complete the Ouroboros Tablet ritual and obtain the coveted Battle Pet, Salverun. This pet is obtained from items that can be found in Sniffenseeking reward bags.
• Can You Dig It?: Complete 50 Sniffenseeking digs with Myrrit by your side. This will showcase your mastery of the Sniffenseeking profession and prove that you’re truly a Niffen’s Best Buddy.

By completing these challenges and earning the Sniffenseeker title, you’ll be recognized as one of the most skilled Sniffenseekers in the land!

Bartering with Ponzo

After reaching Renown 3 with the Loamm Niffen, players will have the opportunity to meet Ponzo, a beloved Niffen with a passion for bartering. Ponzo accepts a unique currency called Barter Bricks, which players can earn by completing various activities in Zaralek Cavern, such as Sniff’N Seek digs and world quests. Players who successfully complete the Get Rich Quick questline will unlock the ability to purchase wares from Ponzo.

As players progress in Renown and reach level 12, they will discover a new and more valuable currency called Barter Boulders. Ponzo will change his list of available wares to accept these boulders, and players can also expect to see new items added to his inventory. With these new offerings, players will have even more incentive to explore the depths of Zaralek Cavern and complete various quests and activities to earn Barter Boulders and expand their collection of valuable items.

Item	Price (Before Renown 12)	Price (After Renown 12)	Description
Ponzo’s Scheming Topper	—	249  Barter Boulder	Cosmetic Helm of Ponzo’s cowboy hat. Only available after reaching Renown 12 with the Loamm Niffen.
Bartered Dig Map	3  Barter Brick	1  Barter Boulder	A Dig Map that can be given to Myrrit to allow you to go to another Sniff’ N Seek dig for the week. Myrrit can hold a total of 3 Dig Maps at a time.
Barter Boulder	—	3  Barter Brick	A purchase option that allows converting your Barter Bricks into Barter Boulders, after you unlock the ability to obtain and use Boulders in Bartering at Renown 12.
Winding Slitherdrake: Hairy Brow	55  Barter Brick	30  Barter Boulder	Unlocks the Hairy Brow dragonriding customization for the Winding Slitherdrake.
Winding Slitherdrake: Cluster Chin Horn	55  Barter Brick	30  Barter Boulder	Unlocks the Cluster Chin Horn dragonriding customization for the Winding Slitherdrake.
Winding Slitherdrake: Curled Nose	55  Barter Brick	30  Barter Boulder	Unlocks the Curled Nose dragonriding customization for the Winding Slitherdrake.
Bartered Profession Notes	35  Barter Brick	25  Barter Boulder	One-time Profession Knowledge item, added 5 Knowledge Points for the profession.
Bartered Professon Journals	90  Barter Brick	40  Barter Boulder	One-time Profession Knowledge item, added 5 Knowledge Points for the profession.
Ponzo’s Cream	25  Barter Brick	10  Barter Boulder	Used to buy certain 10.1 Profession recipes from the Profession Niffen NPCs in Loamm.
Glimmerogg Timeshare Voucher	80  Barter Brick	40  Barter Boulder	Used to buy certain 10.1 Profession recipes from the Profession Niffen NPCs in Loamm.
Thimblerig	85  Barter Brick	45  Barter Boulder	A green and purple snail Critter Battle Pet.
Boulder Hauler Reins	170  Barter Brick	85  Barter Boulder	A brown Zaralek Sporebat mount.

Snail Racing

To participate in the latest activity of snail racing in Zaralek Cavern, players must reach Renown 7 with the Loamm Niffen. The activity involves completing daily quests in Glimmerogg with Briggul, which grants 100 Reputation with the Glimmerogg Racer per quest.

To reach the maximum reputation level of 2800, players will need to complete daily quests for 28 days. However, they can speed up their reputation gains by showcasing their level 25 Snail Battle Pets to Briggul. Each pet presented to him grants an additional 100 Glimmerogg Racer reputation, and players can earn up to 1500 Reputation for showcasing all their pets.

By taking advantage of this feature, players can significantly reduce the time needed to reach the maximum reputation level and enjoy the benefits of being a top-ranked Glimmerogg Racer.

Battle Pet	Quest	Source
Amethyst Softshell	Snailspiration: Amethyst Softshell	Drop – Amethyst Spireshell in Nazjatar
Archetype of Vigilance	Snailspiration: Archetype of Vigilance	Protoform Synthesis craft
Blackchasm Crawler	Snailspiration: Blackchasm Crawler	Pet Battle – The Eternal Palace
Microlicid	Snailspiration: Microlicid	Protoform Synthesis craft
Mudshell Conch	Snailspiration: Mudshell Conch	Pet Battle – Highmountain
Predatory Helicid	Snailspiration: Predatory Helicid	Pet Battle – Zereth Mortis
Prismatic Softshell	Snailspiration: Prismatic Softshell	Vendor – Speaker Utia – Requires Waveblade Ankoan Revered
Rapana Whelk	Snailspiration: Rapana Whelk	Pet Battle – Dread Wastes
Rusty Snail	Snailspiration: Rusty Snail	Pet Battle – Ashenvale
Scooter the Snail	Snailspiration: Scooter the Snail	World Event – Children’s Week
Shelly	Snailspiration: Shelly	Protoform Synthesis craft
Shimmershell Snail	Snailspiration: Shimmershell Snail	Pet Battle – Darkshore
Silkbead Snail	Snailspiration: Silkbead Snail	Pet Battle – Gorgrond, Spires of Arak, Talador, The Jade Forest
Spireshell Snail	Snailspiration: Spireshell Snail	Pet Battle – Nazjatar
Zoom	Snailspiration: Zoom	Achievement –  Zoom!

Completing the snail racing reputation grind in Zaralek Cavern rewards players with the exclusive Big Slick in the City mount.

World Boss

Vakan and Gholna, the Zaqali Elders, are the new World Boss that awaits daring adventurers at the end of Zaralek Cavern’s Zaqali Caldera. Defeating them will require skill and courage, but those who emerge victorious will be rewarded with ilvl415 gear drops.

Zone Events

Zaralek Cavern hosts a plethora of zone events that offer exciting challenges and rewards. These events entail completing various tasks within specific areas of the cavern and are announced via a zone announcement 30 seconds prior to their commencement. To help players locate the events, a map marker appears upon the announcement.

Completing these events rewards players with either a Clanging Dirt-Covered Pouch or a Clinking Dirt-Covered Pouch. Both of these contain unique items and goodies, adding an element of surprise and excitement for the players. The events are a fantastic way to add more depth and fun to the game while also providing players with the opportunity to collect rare items.

Clinking Dirt-Covered Pouch	Clanging Dirt-Covered Pouch
5-9  Flightstones 25 Loamm Niffen Reputation 3-5  Unearthed Fragrant Coin 10  Dragon Isles Supplies	11-15  Flightstones 50 Loamm Niffen Reputation 6-9  Unearthed Fragrant Coin 20  Dragon Isles Supplies

Here is a list of the events you may face.

Zaralek Cavern Rares

Deep within Zaralek Cavern, there are 25 rare elite creatures with an initial health pool of 14 million. These creatures are sought after by adventurers and collectors for their rare drops, including Flightstones and gear specific to your specialization. The loot from each rare can only be obtained once a day, with resets occurring alongside the daily quests.

For those seeking a challenge and a chance at glory, the Adventurer of Zaralek Cavern achievement can be earned by slaying 10 of these rare elites. However, be warned that these foes are not easily defeated and will test even the most skilled adventurers.

To aid in your quest, we’ve included a map with the locations of all known Zaralek Cavern rare spawns and more detailed information about each creature. Do you have what it takes to claim the treasures of Zaralek Cavern?

Rare	Location	Special Loot	Note
Alcanon	56.90 73.14	—	Located inside a caver under a waterfall east of Nal Ks’kol. Spawn announcement: Alcanon toils to protect the deep secrets of the cavern.
Aquifon	48.33 75.09	Aquapo	Located by a lake in the Cascades Column. Spawn announcement: Aquifon stirs the waters in the cascades.
Brullo the Strong	41.46 86.12	Brul	Located by a clearing behind Glimerogg. Initially friendly, must be talked to and challenged to engage. Loot drops from the Chest of Massive Gains spawned after the rare is brought to 1 health. Spawn announcement: The strong are gathering in Glimmerogg to test their mettle.
Colossian	48.38 23.86	—	Located by a platform in the lava lake to the east of Brimstone Garrison. Spawn announcement: Colossian defends its ancient post.
Dinn	28.51 51,11	Jrumm’s Drum	Located by one of the Elder altars at the western portion of the Zaqali Caldera. Warning: Zaqali Caldera is a no-flight zone. Spawn announcement: The drone of ancient drums echoes throughout the cavern.
Emberdusk	31.79 50.58	—	Located by a cliff overlooking the Shadowflame river in the Zaqali Caldera. Warning: Zaqali Caldera is a no-flight zone. Spawn announcement: Emberdusk’s plumage burns with dark flames.
Flowfy	35.86 43.83	—	Located by a cavern in the lava river that flows through Zaqali Caldera. Warning: Zaqali Caldera is a no-flight zone. Spawn announcement: A vicious roar resonates through the caldera.
General Zskorro	42.63 18.88	—	Located inside a building in the Brimstone Garrison. Spawn announcement: Barked orders can be heard from within the Brimstone Garrison.
Goopal	68.80 45.84	Winding Slitherdrake: Long Chin Horn	By the edge of the green crystal area in the Throughway. Spawn announcement: Goopal blends its shell in with the environment.
Hadexia		—
Invoq	45.65 33.30	Molten Lava Pack	Located by the edge of the lava river in the Battlefield Ruins. Spawn announcement: A champion emerges on the ancient battlefield.
Karokta	42.20 65.17	Cobalt Shalewing	Located by the southwestern end of Zaralek Cavern, by a cliff overlooking the lava river that flows from Zaqali Caldera. Spawn announcement: A flesh of teeth and wings darts across the cavern ceiling.
Kapraku	59.58 39.45	—	Located by a small water pool at the northern portion of the Deepflayer Nest. Spawn announcement: Kaprachu roars after making a fresh kill.
Klakatak	54.19 41.77	—	By the center of the lake in Glitterspore Lake. Warning: Glitterspore Lake is a PvP Free-For-All area. Spawn announcement: The snapping of great claws can be heard from the waters.
Kob’rok	64.73 55.46	Ridged Shalewing	Inside a cave at the southern portion of the Throughway. Spawn announcement: Kob’rok hisses and slithers under the earth.
Lavermix
Magtembo	40.79 38.29	—	By the waterfall at the lava river that flows through the Zaqali Caldera, in Igira’s Watch. Be careful with lava. Spawn announcement: The great war beast bathes in the burning fires.
Professor Gastrinax	52.83 18.87	Winding Slitherdrake: Cluster Horns	Inside a building north of Obsidian Rest. Lots of slimes in the way. Spawn announcement: Maniacal laughter and explosions can be heard echoing in the cavern.
Shadowforge Mole Machine
Skornak	36.40 52.74	Skornak’s Lava Ball	By the southern end of the Zaqali Caldera. Warning: Zaqali Caldera is a no-flight zone. Spawn announcement: You feel the temperature within the cavern rise significantly.
Spinmarrow	54.77 65.89 (Entrance)	—	At the back of a cave full of spiders in the Crystal Fields. Spawn announcement: Spinmarrow watches its prey with its many eyes.
Subterrax	38.45 46.56	—	By a platform at the eastern end of the Zaqali Caldera. Warning: Zaqali Caldera is a no-flight zone. Spawn announcement: The earth trembles in the caldera.
Underlight Queen	57.78 69.10	Teardrop Moth	By a mountain base just north of Nal Ks’kol. Spawn announcement: An eerie yet soothing light flickers in the darkness from underneath large wings.
Viridian King	38.91 71.58	—	By the central portion of the Viridian Throne. Explodes and dies once it reaches 50% health. Spawn announcement: The crystalline structures begin to stir.

Dragon Riding in Zaralek Cavern

Even though it’s a cave, you can still fly dragons here and collect signs to gain new rider abilities. The cave will give us 8 new glyphs and 2 new abilities for the dragon.

• Ground Skimming — when dragonriding near the ground, you regenerate 1 Vigor every 30 sec. This effect does not occur while affected by Thrill of the Skies;
• Land’s Blessing — ground Skimming regenerates 1 Vigor every 20 sec.

You can find the Dragon Glyphs on a map using the following coordinates:

• /way 71.96 48.41
• /way 62.54 73.31
• /way 41.71 80.36
• /way 54.75 54.63
• /way 30.50 45.30
• /way 47.43 36.99
• /way 55.34 27.82
• /way 48.06 4.46

Moreover, after completing chapter 4 of the campaign, a new, fifth type of dragon will become available. His name is Winding Slitherdrake and he comes in five colors.

Dragonflight 10.1 New Raid Aberrus, the Shadowed Crucible

With the launch of Dragonflight’s second season (10 May) comes a fresh raid: Aberrus, the Veiled Crucible, which is also in a new location. Unlike previous expansions, all raid challenge levels will become available simultaneously during the weekly reset rather than being released in a staggered manner. To date, we know the names of the raid bosses:

• Kazzara
• Molgoth
• Experimentation of the Dracthyr
• Zaqali Invasion
• Rashok
• Zskarn
• Magmorax
• Echo of  Neltharion
• Scalecommander Sarkareth

Interestingly, Neltharion, the future Deathwing, is not the final boss. Most likely we will meet with the next experiment of the insane dragon.

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We appreciate you taking the time to peruse this piece. Your thoughts matter to us. Tell us in the comments how your first Dragonflight season went and whether you are ready to conquer the second one. Remember that Overgear is always here and you can always get fresh patch 10.1 services!