World of Warcraft: How to unlock the Earthen Allied Race
The wait is over for many players looking to create a brand new race! With The War Within expansion, Blizzard introduced the Earthen — ancient stone dwarves from Khaz Algar. They are the first neutral Allied Race, playable by both Alliance and Horde, and feature unique customizations along with flavorful racials that set them apart from other dwarves.
The Earthen are titan-forged beings made of living stone. Long dormant, they were awakened during the events of The War Within. Their rugged, crystalline appearance and special abilities make them a popular choice for players seeking something distinctive.
Unlocking the Earthen
To unlock the Earthen Allied Race, you must complete the Allied Races: Earthen achievement. Since the expansion has concluded, the requirements have been slightly streamlined, but you still need to finish several key storylines from the War Within campaign as well as additional Earthen-focused quests.
Main War Within storylines required:
- Dalaran Intro
- Against the Current
- Ties That Bind
- News from Below
- The Machines March to War
- A Light in the Dark
You will also need to complete specific stories involving the NPCs Merrix and Steelvein in the Isle of Dorn and The Ringing Deeps, including:
- Breaking Point
- Earthen Fissures
- The First Blow
- Mourning Rise (also listed as “Remember Me. Earthen”)
- Merrix and Steelvein (also listed as “Behind Closed Doors”)
- By Candlelight
- Dark Revelations
- Broken Tools
These quests are marked with a small Earthen Allied Race icon in your quest log. Progress through the main campaign by following the gold crests and exclamation point quests. Some later quests only appear after you have advanced far enough in the story. If an NPC (such as Merrix) is not showing up, make sure you have completed the prerequisite campaign steps first.
The process is straightforward once you are in the War Within content and typically takes most players around 8–12 hours depending on pace.
Rewards
Upon completing the achievement, you can immediately create Earthen characters on either faction.
You will also receive the Reins of the Slatestone Ramolith mount, which can be used by any race on your account.
Reaching level 50 on an Earthen character and completing the Heritage of the Earthen feat of strength unlocks a full set of Heritage Armor with multiple color tints. This armor can only be transmogged by Earthen characters.
Earthen have unique racials, including the ability to consume minerals and gems (via Ingest Minerals) to gain buffs while always remaining Well Fed.
Important Information
The unlock is account-wide. Quest progression with Merrix and Steelvein can be finicky — complete the main War Within storylines first to avoid issues. If a quest giver or objective isn’t appearing, try advancing the campaign further or use Party Sync with a character who is further along. Boosted characters and race changes no longer prevent you from earning the Heritage Armor.
