Stratholme Guide — Dungeon guide · WoW Burning Crusade
- Level
- 55–60
- Group
- 5 players
- Bosses
- 18
- Difficulty
- Normal
- Location
- Eastern Plaguelands
- Key
- None needed
How the run goes
Two runs through the burning city with two entrances. The main gate leads to the Scarlet half, ending with Balnazzar in the Crimson Throne. The service entrance leads to the Scourge half: the three ziggurats open the Slaughterhouse, where Ramstein and then Baron Rivendare wait.
Group: A tank, a healer and three damage dealers around level 58–60. The undead side wants disease removal; Rivendare's aura hurts everyone near him.
Map and route
Through the main gate into the Scarlet half of the city: along Festival Lane, Market Row and Crusader's Square to the Cannon Master and the Archivist, then into the Crimson Throne for the Grand Crusader.
- strategyA rare spawn: not always there.
- strategyA rare spawn.
- strategy
- strategy
- strategy
- strategy
- strategy
- strategyGrand Crusader Dathrohan, who becomes Balnazzar.
! marks a quest giver inside the instance; select it for the quest.
1.Scarlet side (main gate)
Through the main gate along Festival Lane and Market Row. Hearthsinger Forresten, Skul and the Stratholme Courier are rare spawns on the streets; Fras Siabi's event is at his shop and The Unforgiven rises in Crusader's Square. Timmy the Cruel appears when the square is cleared, before the Scarlet Bastion: Cannon Master Willey, Archivist Galford, and Balnazzar in the Crimson Throne.
2.Undead side (service entrance)
From the service entrance: Magistrate Barthilas in Elders' Square, then the three ziggurats of Baroness Anastari, Nerub'enkan and Maleki the Pallid (kill each boss and its acolytes). Stonespine is a rare gargoyle. The Slaughterhouse opens: clear the abominations for Ramstein the Gorger, survive the wave after him, and face Baron Rivendare.
3.Summoned bosses
Sothos and Jarien are summoned together with the brazier from the Dungeon Set 2 quest chain.
Boss by boss
Scarlet side (main gate)
On the way: Undead in the streets, then dense Scarlet packs in the Bastion. Kill gargoyles that fly off before they bring more.
- Level
- 57 · Rare elite
- Health
- 6,960–69,602
- Armor
- 3,380
Enchanting LullabyLulls an enemy to sleep for up to 10 sec. Any damage caused will awaken the target. Only one target can be asleep at a time.
Demoralizing ShoutReduces the melee attack power of nearby enemies by 20 for 30 sec.
Multi-ShotFires a volley of missiles at an enemy and its nearby allies, striking up to 3 targets for normal damage plus 50.
A rare ghostly bard who puts players to sleep with Enchanting Lullaby and fires Multi-Shot.
- Tanks
- Pull him away from the street packs and hold him on his own.
- Healers
- A slept player can't act: dispel the sleep or wake them with damage.
- Damage dealers
- Kill him quickly before his lullaby takes the healer out.
- Level
- 58 · Rare elite
- Health
- 13,065
- Mana
- 10,922
- Armor
- 2,438
Frost ArmorEncases the caster in a layer of frost that lasts 30 min. The thick ice increases armor by 12, slows melee attackers' movement to 25%, and increases the time between their attacks by 30%.
Frost ShockInflicts Frost damage to an enemy and reduces its movement speed for 8 sec.
FrostboltInflicts Frost damage to an enemy and reduces its movement speed for 4 sec.
Arcane BoltHurls a magical bolt at an enemy, inflicting Arcane damage.
A rare frost caster on the streets with Frostbolt, Frost Shock and Arcane Bolt.
- Tanks
- Pull him away from nearby undead so he comes on his own.
- Healers
- Light frost damage on whoever he targets; easy to heal.
- Damage dealers
- Interrupt his spells and kill him; he's a rare and isn't always there.
- Level
- 57 · Elite
- Health
- 12,000
- Armor
- 3,380
Snap KickInflicts 4 damage to an enemy, stunning it for 2 sec.
PummelPummels an enemy for 45 damage and interrupts the spell being cast for 5 sec.
A courier with escorts who snap-kicks and pummels as he patrols the streets.
- Tanks
- Clear a safe stretch of street before engaging his escorts, then hold them together.
- Healers
- Pummel interrupts casts: stay out of melee range while you heal.
- Damage dealers
- Kill the escorts first, then the courier himself, before more street packs wander in.
- Level
- 61 · Elite
- Health
- 28,296
- Armor
- 4,091
Smoke BombCasts a smoke bomb, stunning nearby enemies for 4 sec.
Flame BreathInflicts 20 Fire damage to enemies in a cone in front of the caster.
A smoker summoned at his tobacco shop for a quest. He uses Smoke Bomb and Flame Breath.
- Tanks
- Be ready before the quest object is used: he arrives with his guards.
- Healers
- Flame Breath hits a cone in front of him: stay to the side and heal those caught.
- Damage dealers
- Stay behind him, out of Flame Breath, and kill him.
- Level
- 57 · Elite
- Health
- 11,136
- Armor
- 4,064
Frost NovaInflicts Frost damage to nearby enemies, immobilizing them for up to 8 sec.
A ghost in Crusader's Square who rises with other ghosts and casts Frost Nova.
- Tanks
- Gather the ghosts that rise with him on you, then hold The Unforgiven.
- Healers
- Frost Nova roots the melee; heal anyone the ghosts reach.
- Damage dealers
- Kill the ghosts that come with him first, then The Unforgiven.
- Level
- 58 · Elite
- Health
- 22,968
- Armor
- 3,435
Ravenous ClawDrains 925 to 1075 health from an enemy, transferring it to the caster.
Enrage
An abomination who appears when the square is cleared. Ravenous Claw and Enrage.
- Tanks
- Pick him up the moment he appears in the square and turn him away from the group.
- Healers
- Heavy tank damage when he enrages: save a cooldown and keep the tank high.
- Damage dealers
- Burn him fast; he hits harder the longer the fight goes.
- Level
- 60 · Elite
- Health
- 36,624
- Armor
- 3,791
- PummelPummels an enemy for 45 damage and interrupts the spell being cast for 5 sec.
Knock AwayInflicts normal damage plus 30 to an enemy and knocks it back.
Summon Crimson Rifleman
A Scarlet cannon master who knocks away, pummels and calls Crimson Riflemen.
- Tanks
- Hold Willey and keep him away from the cannons and the riflemen he calls.
- Healers
- The riflemen shoot the group from range; heal everyone until they're dead.
- Damage dealers
- Use the cannons or kill the riflemen as they come.
- Level
- 60 · Elite
- Health
- 19,536
- Mana
- 7,302
- Armor
- 3,075
PyroblastInflicts Fire damage to an enemy, then additional damage every 3 sec. for 12 sec.
Burning WindsStuns an enemy and inflicts 1600 Fire damage over 8 sec.
Fire NovaInflicts Fire damage to nearby enemies.
A Scarlet archivist with Pyroblast, Fire Nova and Burning Winds.
- Tanks
- Clear his guards first, then hold him away from the fire he spreads.
- Healers
- Fire Nova hits everyone in melee, and Burning Winds hits the group.
- Damage dealers
- Interrupt his Pyroblast; finish the archive objective before leaving.
- Level
- 62 · Elite
- Health
- 31,080
- Mana
- 15,408
- Armor
- 3,555
Grand Crusader Dathrohan fights first, then turns into the dreadlord Balnazzar, who casts Mind Blast, Shadow Shock and Psychic Scream, puts players to sleep and mind-controls them.
- Tanks
- Hold Dathrohan, then Balnazzar; pick him up after each fear.
- Healers
- Dispel his sleeps and heal through the heavy shadow damage on the group.
- Damage dealers
- Crowd-control a mind-controlled player; don't kill them.
Undead side (service entrance)
On the way: Acolytes at each ziggurat must die too. The Slaughterhouse's abominations and the Black Guard wave after Ramstein are heavy fights.
- Level
- 58 · Elite
- Health
- 28,710
- Armor
- 3,435
Draining BlowDrains 250 health from an enemy, transferring it to the caster.- Crowd PummelPummels nearby enemies for normal damage plus 10 and interrupts any spell being cast 75% of the time for 5 sec.
- Mighty BlowInflicts normal damage plus 25 to an enemy, knocking it back.
An undead magistrate with Crowd Pummel, Mighty Blow and Draining Blow. Drops the Key to the City.
- Tanks
- Keep your back clear of packs: his knockbacks can throw you into them.
- Healers
- Steady melee damage, with Mighty Blow spikes; nothing to dispel.
- Damage dealers
- Kill him and take the Key to the City for the shortcut on later runs.
- Level
- 60 · Rare elite
- Health
- 15,260
- Armor
- 7,505
Vicious RendInflicts Physical damage to an enemy every 3 sec. for 15 sec.
A rare gargoyle on the undead route whose Vicious Rend makes the tank bleed.
- Tanks
- Pull it away from nearby packs and hold it on its own; it's a rare.
- Healers
- Vicious Rend bleeds the tank; light damage otherwise.
- Damage dealers
- Kill it quickly before its patrol drags in another pack.
- Level
- 59 · Elite
- Health
- 35,535
- Mana
- 9,476
- Armor
- 2,832
PossessTakes control of a humanoid enemy up to level 100 for 2 min. and increases its maximum health by 2000%.
Banshee WailWails with anguish, inflicting Shadow damage to an enemy.
Banshee CurseReduces nearby enemies' chance to hit by 10% for 12 sec.
SilenceSilences nearby enemies, preventing them from casting spells for 10 sec.
A banshee who possesses a player, wails and silences.
- Tanks
- Hold her in her ziggurat and clear the acolytes afterwards.
- Healers
- Silence stops your heals for a few seconds: heal ahead so the tank isn't low when it lands.
- Damage dealers
- Damage a possessed player enough to break possession.
- Level
- 60 · Elite
- Health
- 30,520
- Armor
- 4,719
Encasing WebsImmobilizes an enemy and increases the time between its attacks by 100% for 6 sec.
Pierce ArmorReduces an enemy's armor by 50% for 20 sec.
Crypt ScarabsSummons 4 Crypt Scarabs to aid the caster in battle for 10 sec.
Raise Undead Scarab
A crypt lord who webs players, pierces armour and summons scarabs.
- Tanks
- Pick up the scarabs he summons and keep them on you with him.
- Healers
- Webbed players can't move or act; heal the tank through Pierce Armor.
- Damage dealers
- Kill the scarabs he calls with area damage, then go back to Nerub'enkan.
- Level
- 61 · Elite
- Health
- 22,010
- Mana
- 8,812
- Armor
- 2,073
- FrostboltInflicts Frost damage to an enemy and reduces its movement speed for 4 sec.
Ice TombStuns an enemy, rendering it unable to move or attack for 10 sec.
Drain LifeDrains 480 health from an enemy over 5 sec., transferring it to the caster.
Drain ManaDrains up to 150 mana from an enemy over 5 sec. and transfers it to the caster.
A lich with Frostbolt, Ice Tomb, Drain Life and Drain Mana.
- Tanks
- Hold him in his ziggurat; Ice Tomb can lock you in place for a moment.
- Healers
- Drain Mana pulls your mana away: stay at range and keep an eye on it.
- Damage dealers
- Interrupt his Frostbolt and Drain Mana; kill the acolytes after him.
- Level
- 61 · Elite
- Health
- 28,296
- Armor
- 4,091
TrampleInflicts normal damage plus 8 to nearby enemies.- KnockoutInflicts normal damage plus 300 to an enemy, knocking it back and stunning it for 6 sec.
A giant abomination in the Slaughterhouse. Trample and Knockout.
- Tanks
- Clear the abominations first, then hold him; his knockback throws you, so keep a wall behind you.
- Healers
- Knockout stuns the tank; keep them topped up before it lands.
- Damage dealers
- Kill him and stay ready: a wave of undead comes after him.
- Level
- 62 · Elite
- Health
- 46,000
- Mana
- 12,840
- Armor
- 3,555
Mortal StrikeInflicts 300% weapon damage and leaves the target wounded, reducing the effectiveness of any healing by 50% for 5 sec.- Shadow BoltHurls a bolt of dark magic at an enemy, inflicting Shadow damage.
Raise Dead
Unholy AuraCauses the caster to automatically inflict 150 Shadow damage every 2 sec. to nearby enemies. The aura lasts until cancelled.
CleaveInflicts weapon damage plus 10 to an enemy and its nearest allies, affecting up to 3 targets.
The Scourge baron. Mortal Strike and Cleave on the tank, Shadow Bolt, an Unholy Aura that hurts everyone nearby, and skeletons he raises during the fight.
- Tanks
- Hold the Baron in the middle and pick up the skeletons.
- Healers
- Mortal Strike cuts your heals on the tank; heal early. Stay out of his aura.
- Damage dealers
- Kill the skeletons with area damage, then the Baron.
Summoned bosses
- Level
- 60 · Elite
- Health
- 14,652
- Mana
- 36,510
- Armor
- 4,570
Shield BlockIncreases the caster's chance to block by 75% for 5 sec., but will only block 1 attack.
Shield SlamInflicts 40 damage to an enemy, stunning it for 2 sec.
FearStrikes fear in an enemy, causing it to flee in terror for 6 sec. Only 1 target can be feared at a time.- Shadow Bolt VolleyHurls missiles of dark magic, inflicting Shadow damage to nearby enemies.
Shield ChargeCharges an enemy, knocking it back and inflicting normal damage plus 150.
One of two summoned Dungeon Set 2 bosses: a shield-bearer with Shield Slam, Shield Charge, Fear and Shadow Bolt Volley.
- Tanks
- One tank on Sothos and one on Jarien, held apart so their effects don't overlap.
- Healers
- Fears scatter the group and Shadow Bolt Volley hits everyone: heal widely.
- Damage dealers
- Focus one boss at a time, usually Jarien first, then Sothos.
- Level
- 60 · Elite
- Health
- 19,536
- Mana
- 36,510
- Armor
- 3,075
CrippleIncreased the time between an enemy's attacks by 100% and its movement by 50%, in addition to reducing its Strength by 50%. Lasts 15 sec.- CleaveInflicts weapon damage plus 10 to an enemy and its nearest allies, affecting up to 3 targets.
- Shadow ShockInstantly lashes an enemy with dark magic, inflicting Shadow damage.
- Mortal StrikeInflicts 200% weapon damage and leaves the target wounded, reducing the effectiveness of any healing by 50% for 5 sec.
The second summoned Dungeon Set 2 boss: a fighter with Mortal Strike, Cleave, Shadow Shock and Cripple.
- Tanks
- Hold Jarien away from Sothos so both tanks have room to work.
- Healers
- Mortal Strike cuts healing on Jarien's tank; heal early.
- Damage dealers
- Kill one boss, then the other; usually Jarien goes first.
Before you go
- Clear each ziggurat's acolytes after its boss; killing the bosses alone does not open the slaughterhouse.
- Avoid supply crates unless prepared for pests or disease, and kill fleeing gargoyles before they bring more enemies.
- Decide before starting whether this is a timed Baron rescue; optional detours can consume the timer.
- No attunement for the main entrance. Magistrate Barthilas drops the Key to the City for the service gate. Individual quests and the timed rescue have their own prerequisites.