Instance guide

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Dungeons, keeps, or other confined areas can have sub-areas called "Instance Dungeons", or just "Instances". These Instances are special areas in the World of Warcraft where your group or raid party is able to interact with a dungeon privately; that is, without interference from other parties. Instance dungeons tend to feature the most difficult and rewarding content, both in terms of enemies and items, but also in terms of level design. Getting through an instance requires a well-trained and well-balanced group of players that are of an appropriate level for the challenge. Please check each instance's individual page for maps, strategy, and loot lists (see below).

See also:

• Instances by level - A graphical guide to instance levels
• Instance bosses - Category list of instance bosses
• Battlegrounds - Information on PvP instances
• Non-instanced dungeons - A list of other dungeons found

General instance info:

• Instance Grouping Guide - Info on how to make the most of your instance group
• Instance attunement - A guide to getting all the keys and attunements
• Instance portal - Details on the different types of portals
• Instance limitations - Details about the restrictions instances have
• It is considered rude to invite someone to join your group without first asking. Always pratice good etiquette if you want to be invited into future instances.

[edit] Eastern Kingdoms

[edit] Kalimdor

[edit] Outland

[edit] Northrend

[edit] Speculative future instances

See also: Coming Soon

[edit] Game Mechanics

Because instances are in effect separate from the actual main World of Warcraft maps such as Azeroth, Kalimdor and Outland much like the Battlegrounds, players too are literally moved from one part of the map to an artificial creation of the main map sections. However this is not to suggest that Blizzard did not go to the effort of re-creating instance geography and terrain within the main maps. Areas like Zul'Farrak are fully constructed within Tanaris though it is impossible for players to enter this area without any way to climb over the hills. This is a rarity since in order to save processing power and make the world smoother to run without rendering useless features that no one would ever see, Blizzard creates a "false" portrayal of the instances such as Shadowfang Keep where only what the player sees is worth rendering.

Because map viewers allow players to see everything there is within an instance, it is revealed that instances will include the sections before the instance gates itself to give a feeling of authenticity that they are leaving one world and can look back to see where they came from. Such is the case with all instances. Some bugs can allow the user to see what actually is available, for example, Mages can Blink past the instance portals in many places and see what is beyond, like the entrance to Stratholme on the dead side.