The short recommendation
The Deadmines is a long first Alliance dungeon with a substantial pre-instance mine and a separate exit after VanCleef. Finish the Defias Brotherhood chain far enough to carry its objective, then advertise whether your group is doing every quest or a direct clear.
Choose the run before inviting
Full quest clear
Rhahk’Zor → Sneed → Gilnid → Mr. Smite → Captain Greenskin → VanCleef → Cookie.
Instance entrance
Enter the Defias mine in Moonbrook, follow the tunnels and pass the undead section before the portal.
Exit plan
After VanCleef and Cookie, use the ship-side exit and expect hostile mobs outside in southern Westfall.
Before travelling
- Advance The Defias Brotherhood chain at Sentinel Hill before forming.
- Collect Underground Assault in Stormwind and the mine quests near the Dwarven District.
- Clear bag space; the run, mine and quest objects produce far more loot than RFC.
- Bring crowd control or interrupts for Defias casters and patrols.
Quest pickup checklist
These are the key Classic Era quests to check before travelling. “Both” means the quest is available to both factions—not that reaching the dungeon is equally convenient.
| Quest | Faction | Pickup | Prerequisite / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Defias Brotherhood | Alliance | Gryan Stoutmantle, Sentinel Hill | Long Defias chain |
| Red Silk Bandanas | Alliance | Scout Riell, Sentinel Hill | Preceding Defias step |
| Underground Assault | Alliance | Shoni the Shilent, Stormwind | None |
| Collecting Memories | Alliance | Wilder Thistlenettle, Stormwind | Outside-instance mine section |
| Oh Brother... | Alliance | Wilder Thistlenettle, Stormwind | Outside-instance mine section |
Checked against Classic quest records in July 2026. Quest availability can differ on seasonal and progression realms.
Boss and event warnings
| Encounter | What the group must know |
|---|---|
| Rhahk’Zor | Pull him away from the door and prepare for the patrol that enters after his death. |
| Sneed’s Shredder | The fight has two phases: destroy the shredder, then kill Sneed. |
| Gilnid | Interrupt fire spells and control nearby goblins before engaging. |
| Mr. Smite | He stuns the group and changes weapons at health thresholds; recover instead of panic pulling. |
| Edwin VanCleef | Kill or control summoned adds, especially during later health thresholds. |
| Cookie | Found below the ship after VanCleef; do not leave without checking him. |
Notable reasons to run it
- Cruel Barb — VanCleef
- Cape of the Brotherhood — VanCleef
- Smite’s Mighty Hammer — Mr. Smite
- Emberstone Staff — Captain Greenskin
- Cookie’s Stirring Rod — Cookie
- Blackened Defias pieces — several bosses
Drop chances vary and rare items are targets, not promises. Compare upgrades for your actual class and level.
Role checklist
Control the route
Mark dangerous targets, use line-of-sight and pause before events. Protect the healer before chasing damage.
Call your mana
Drink before scripted waves, prioritise dispels and stop impatient pulls while resources are low.
Interrupt and control
Respect marked targets, stop dangerous casts and prevent runners from collecting another pack.
Common wipe and wasted-time risks
- Losing time because somebody still needs a Defias chain prerequisite.
- Pulling patrols through the foundry doors.
- Falling from the ship or fighting VanCleef with uncleared adds.
- Hearthstoning before Cookie or the exit quests are finished.