Rogue class quests in WoW Classic are essential for unlocking key abilities and skills that define the class. These quests teach you Poisons, Lockpicking, and provide valuable rewards. This guide covers all Rogue-specific quests for both Alliance and Horde, with step-by-step walkthroughs and tips.
Poison Quest (Level 20) 🧪
The Poison quest is the most important Rogue class quest, unlocking the ability to craft and use Poisons. This quest is mandatory for all Rogues and differs significantly between Alliance and Horde.
Alliance Poison Quest
Quest Name: Mathias and the Defias
Starting NPC: Mathias Shaw (SI:7 Headquarters, Stormwind City)
Level Requirement: 20
Step-by-Step Walkthrough:
- Speak with Mathias Shaw in the SI:7 building in Old Town, Stormwind
- Travel to Westfall and locate the Defias Messenger (patrols between Moonbrook and the Gold Coast Quarry)
- Pickpocket the Defias Messenger to obtain the Defias Script
- Return to Mathias Shaw in Stormwind
- Travel to Darkshire in Duskwood and speak with Renzik “The Shiv”
- Purchase 1x Simple Dagger from any weapon vendor (costs a few silver)
- Collect the quest item from Renzik and apply the poison to your dagger
- Use the poisoned dagger on a Training Dummy in Darkshire
- Return to Mathias Shaw in Stormwind to complete the quest
Rewards:
- Poisons skill unlocked
- Recipe: Instant Poison
- Recipe: Deadly Poison (learned at level 30)
Tips:
The Defias Messenger patrols a specific route and can be difficult to find. He walks from Moonbrook toward the coast, so position yourself along the road and wait. Make sure you have Pick Pocket on your action bar before attempting to pickpocket him.
Horde Poison Quest
Quest Name: Mission: Possible But Not Probable
Starting NPC: Shenthul (Cleft of Shadow, Orgrimmar)
Level Requirement: 20
Step-by-Step Walkthrough:
- Speak with Shenthul in the Cleft of Shadow in Orgrimmar
- Travel to Tarren Mill in Hillsbrad Foothills
- Speak with Serge Hinott inside the inn
- Travel to Southshore and pickpocket Councillor Wilhel Hendricks (patrols inside Southshore town hall)
- Obtain the Southshore Town Registry from Wilhel
- Return to Serge Hinott in Tarren Mill
- Purchase 1x Simple Dagger from any weapon vendor
- Receive the quest item from Serge and apply poison to your dagger
- Use the poisoned dagger on a Training Dummy in Tarren Mill
- Return to Shenthul in Orgrimmar to complete the quest
Rewards:
- Poisons skill unlocked
- Recipe: Instant Poison
- Recipe: Deadly Poison (learned at level 30)
Tips:
Councillor Wilhel Hendricks patrols inside the Southshore town hall. Wait for him to path away from other NPCs before attempting to pickpocket to avoid pulling extra enemies. Southshore is an Alliance town, so be prepared for PvP encounters on PvP servers.
Lockpicking Training 🔓
Lockpicking is a unique Rogue skill that allows you to open locked chests, doors, and lockboxes. Unlike Poisons, Lockpicking is trained through practice rather than a formal quest.
How to Train Lockpicking:
Lockpicking skill is increased by successfully picking locks on practice lockboxes, doors, chests, and junkboxes found throughout the world.
Lockpicking Trainers by Faction:
Alliance:
- Osiris (Stormwind City, SI:7 Headquarters) – Teaches Lockpicking skill
- Hank “The Hammer” Robinson (Stormwind City, Dwarven District) – Provides practice lockboxes
Horde:
- Ormok (Orgrimmar, Cleft of Shadow) – Teaches Lockpicking skill
- Craven Drok (Orgrimmar, Cleft of Shadow) – Provides practice lockboxes
Lockpicking Leveling Guide
| Skill Level | Location | Method |
|---|---|---|
| 1-70 | Orgrimmar/Stormwind | Practice Lockboxes from trainer |
| 70-100 | Redridge Mountains | Redridge Chests, Footlockers |
| 100-150 | Wetlands (Alliance) / Hillsbrad (Horde) | Battered Footlockers, Chests |
| 150-200 | Arathi Highlands | Waterlogged Footlockers |
| 200-250 | Searing Gorge / Tanaris | Heavy Junkboxes, Scarlet Footlockers |
| 250-300 | Eastern Plaguelands / Dire Maul | Sturdy Junkboxes, Dungeon doors |
Best Locations for Lockpicking Practice:
Levels 1-70: Purchase Practice Lockboxes from your faction’s Lockpicking trainer. These are cheap and found in your capital city.
Levels 70-100: Redridge Mountains has numerous footlockers in camps and along the roads. Focus on Lakeshire and the surrounding areas.
Levels 100-175: Wetlands (Alliance) or Hillsbrad Foothills (Horde) contain many footlockers. Check inside buildings and near enemy camps.
Levels 175-225: Buccaneer’s Den in Strath olme Bay (Arathi Highlands) has waterlogged footlockers that respawn quickly. This is one of the best spots for mid-level lockpicking.
Levels 225-300: Farm Heavy Junkboxes from humanoid mobs in Searing Gorge, Burning Steppes, or Eastern Plaguelands. Alternatively, run Blackrock Depths and pick the many doors throughout the dungeon.
Early Rogue Quests (Levels 1-10) ⚔️
Alliance Starting Quests
Human Rogues (Northshire Abbey / Elwynn Forest):
No specific Rogue class quests at low levels. Focus on general questing until level 10, then visit your class trainer in Stormwind.
Dwarf/Gnome Rogues (Coldridge Valley / Dun Morogh):
No specific Rogue class quests at low levels. Train at your class trainer in Ironforge when you reach level 10.
Night Elf Rogues (Shadowglen / Teldrassil):
No specific Rogue class quests at low levels. Visit Darnassus trainers at level 10.
Horde Starting Quests
Orc/Troll Rogues (Valley of Trials / Durotar):
No specific Rogue class quests at low levels. Train with Rwag in Razor Hill or travel to Orgrimmar at level 10.
Undead Rogues (Deathknell / Tirisfal Glades):
No specific Rogue class quests at low levels. Visit your class trainer in Undercity at level 10.
Blade of Cunning Quest (Level 10) 🗡️
Quest Name: Mathias and the Defias (Alliance) / Dark Storms (Horde)
Level Requirement: 10
This is NOT a mandatory quest but provides a decent weapon upgrade for low-level Rogues.
Alliance Version:
Start in Stormwind City with Mathias Shaw. This is an introductory quest that leads into the larger SI:7 questline. Rewards include minor experience and a brief introduction to Rogue lore.
Horde Version:
Similar introductory quest from Orgrimmar trainers. Provides flavor text and minor rewards.
Rewards:
- Experience points
- Minor silver reward
- Introduction to class trainers
Secondary Rogue Quests 📜
The Touch of Zanzil (Level 35+)
Faction: Both Alliance and Horde
Location: Stranglethorn Vale
Description:
This quest involves investigating the pirate Zanzil and his toxic brews. While not strictly a Rogue-only quest, it involves stealth mechanics and provides good experience for mid-level Rogues.
Rewards:
- Experience
- Silver
- Minor consumables
Sealed Azure Bag (Level 50+)
Faction: Both
Location: Various high-level zones
Description:
Occasionally, Rogues will loot Sealed Azure Bags from high-level humanoid enemies. These bags can be lockpicked and contain valuable loot, though they’re not part of a formal quest chain.
Dungeon-Specific Rogue Utility 🏰
While not quests, several dungeons feature locked doors and chests that only Rogues can open, making you valuable to groups.
Key Dungeons for Rogue Utility:
Blackrock Depths: Multiple locked doors throughout the instance. A skilled Rogue can skip significant portions of the dungeon or provide shortcuts for the group.
Scarlet Monastery: Several locked doors in the Library and Armory wings. Lockpicking provides faster run times.
Scholomance: Locked doors and the infamous “Viewing Room” door that requires 280+ Lockpicking skill.
Stratholme: Multiple locked doors and gates, particularly useful for speed runs and farming.
Dire Maul: Several locked doors in all three wings, especially Dire Maul North where you can open shortcuts.
Tips for Completing Rogue Quests ✨
Prepare for the Poison Quest: The level 20 Poison quest is your top priority. Clear your quest log space and prepare to travel between zones. Bring at least 1 gold for purchasing the Simple Dagger and any travel costs.
Level Lockpicking Early: Don’t wait until max level to train Lockpicking. Start practicing at level 16-20 to have a useful skill by endgame. Groups will appreciate a Rogue who can pick locks in dungeons.
Use Stealth for Pickpocketing: When completing quests that require pickpocketing specific NPCs, use Stealth to get close without pulling additional enemies. Pick Pocket has a very short range, so positioning is key.
Bring Friends for Horde Poison Quest: If you’re Horde on a PvP server, bring guildmates when traveling to Southshore for the Poison quest. Alliance players frequently camp this area.
Save Junkboxes: As you level, save any Heavy Junkboxes or Sturdy Junkboxes you pickpocket from humanoid mobs. These are excellent for leveling Lockpicking from 200-300.
Poison Quest Troubleshooting 🔧
Can’t Find the Defias Messenger (Alliance)?
The Defias Messenger has a long patrol route in Westfall. Start at Moonbrook and follow the road east toward the Gold Coast Quarry. He walks this path repeatedly. If he’s not spawning, another player may have killed him. Wait 5-10 minutes for respawn.
Failed to Pickpocket the Target?
Pickpocketing can fail if your Lockpicking skill is too low or if you’re detected. Make sure you’re in Stealth, approach from behind, and try again. You have multiple attempts.
Killed the Quest NPC by Accident?
If you accidentally kill your pickpocket target, you’ll need to wait for them to respawn. These NPCs typically respawn within 5-10 minutes.
Can’t Find Renzik/Serge?
Renzik “The Shiv” is located in the basement of the Darkshire inn (Alliance). Serge Hinott is on the second floor of the Tarren Mill inn (Horde). Check your minimap for the inn icon.
Rewards Summary Table 🎁
| Quest Name | Level | Faction | Key Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathias and the Defias | 20 | Alliance | Poisons Skill |
| Mission: Possible But Not Probable | 20 | Horde | Poisons Skill |
| Lockpicking Training | 16+ | Both | Lockpicking Skill |
| SI:7 Introduction | 10 | Alliance | Experience |
| Cleft of Shadow Introduction | 10 | Horde | Experience |
FAQ Section
When should I do the Poison quest?
Is Lockpicking required for Rogues?
Can I skip the Poison quest?
What's the fastest way to level Lockpicking?
Do Horde and Alliance have different Rogue quests?
Can I learn Poisons without doing the quest?
What level can I start Lockpicking?
Are there any Rogue-only items from quests?
Conclusion
Completing your Rogue class quests is essential for mastering the class in WoW Classic. The Poison quest at level 20 is mandatory and should be your top priority, while Lockpicking provides valuable utility throughout your journey to level 60. Take time to level Lockpicking early, as it will make you a valuable asset in dungeon groups and provide access to bonus loot.
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