Unlocking Broken Tools Quest in WoW: The War Within

The Broken Tools quest chain stands as a pivotal storyline in World of Warcraft: The War Within, serving as one of the essential prerequisites for unlocking the Earthen allied race. Nestled within the expansive underground realms of Khaz Algar, this series of quests introduces players to the industrious machinists and forges of the Ringing Deeps. Completing it not only grants an achievement but also advances your journey toward customizing your roster with the stoic, gem-forged Earthen.

This guide provides a thorough walkthrough, from pinpointing the starting NPC to overcoming each objective. Whether you’re a seasoned raider or a newcomer to the expansion, understanding the flow of these quests ensures smooth progression amid the war-torn depths.

Why Pursue the Broken Tools Questline?

In the grand narrative of The War Within, quest chains like Broken Tools weave into larger goals, such as accessing new playable races. The Earthen, with their crystalline physiology and engineering prowess, represent a fresh addition to Horde and Alliance lineups. To qualify, players must tackle three main chains: Mourning Rise, Broken Tools, and Merrix and Steelvein, alongside the core campaign spanning 10-14 hours.

The Broken Tools achievement specifically demands finishing three quests: Discarded and Broken, The Weight of a World, and Reforged Purpose. These tasks highlight themes of repair and resilience, mirroring the Earthen’s unyielding nature. Success here unlocks progress toward the race, making it a non-skippable milestone for alt enthusiasts.

Finding the Starting Point in Ringing Deeps

The adventure kicks off in Gundargaz, the bustling hub of the Ringing Deeps zone. Coordinates /way 48.19, 33.62 lead you straight to Machinist Kittrin, the quest giver. From the innkeeper, descend the stairs and veer left toward the steaming hot springs area, avoiding the downward stairs. The first structure on your left harbors Kittrin, ready to hand out “Discarded and Broken.”

This location is conveniently central, minimizing travel time. Ensure you’re at the appropriate level—typically around 78-80 for this content—and have flight unlocked for efficiency.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough of Discarded and Broken

The initial quest, Discarded and Broken, tasks you with scavenging vital tools scattered across the Ringing Deeps. Kittrin laments the loss of his gear, crucial for his forge work, and marks three key items on your map:

• Gorge Calipers: Found in small stone toolboxes near rocky outcrops.
• Wrench: Tucked in similar containers amid the geothermal vents.
• Other tools (e.g., Hammer or Pick): Dotted around the hot springs periphery.

Mount up and fly between these spots—each collection is straightforward, though watch for aggressive wildlife like sniffers that might interrupt. Return the items to Kittrin to complete the quest, earning the first piece of the achievement.

Tackling The Weight of a World

Upon turning in the tools, Kittrin immediately offers The Weight of a World. This combat-focused quest pits you against a massive subterranean worm terrorizing the forge area. The beast is oversized but manageable solo at level 79+, dealing predictable melee swipes and burrow attacks.

Position yourself on higher ground for an edge, dodging ground slams. Once defeated, interact with the corpse for a heroic loot moment, then report back. This quest explicitly flags its role in Earthen progression, boosting your achievement tracker.

Mastering Reforged Purpose

The finale, Reforged Purpose, introduces a mini-game element. Kittrin fires up his forge, launching molten chunks outward. Your goal: Kick three chunks per round back into the furnace across three rounds, totaling nine successful returns.

Timing is key—approach each chunk and use the interact prompt swiftly. Missing too many fails the round, but retries are instant. This engaging challenge culminates the chain, awarding the Broken Tools achievement upon completion.

Integrating into Earthen Unlock Progression

Broken Tools is one spoke in the wheel. Post-completion, pivot to Merrix and Steelvein in Dornogal. From the inn, navigate left at the T-intersection, hug rights up stairs to Aldra for “How Scandalous!” This longer chain involves council reports and a speakeasy intrigue, looping back to inn posters for continuity.

The full Earthen unlock demands the War Within campaign finish, but interleaving side chains like this saves time. Expect 1-2 hours total for Broken Tools alone.

Tips and Common Pitfalls

• Flight Paths: Unlock Ringing Deeps fully to zip between nodes.
• Group or Solo? Fully soloable, but bring consumables for worm fight.
• Dead Ends: Like Merrix chain, check inn areas for follow-ups.
• Achievement Tracking: In-game tooltip confirms allied race progress.

Advanced Strategies for Efficiency

For speedrunners, pre-mark toolboxes via addons like TomTom. Chain kills during worm phase with AoE if grouped. The forge mini-game rewards precise movement—practice on dummies if needed.

Post-quest, explore Gundargaz for reputation gains with local factions, enhancing Earthen customization options like heritage armor.

FAQ

What level is required for Broken Tools?

Optimal at 78-80, but scalable. Campaign completion prerequisite.

Does Broken Tools give gear rewards?

Primarily achievement and story progress; minor gold and XP.

Can I skip this for Earthen unlock?

No—mandatory alongside other chains.

Where exactly is Machinist Kittrin?

/way Ringing Deeps 48.19, 33.62, hot springs building.

Is there a video guide?

Yes, multiple full runs available.

Broader Context in The War Within

The Ringing Deeps embody industrial decay and rebirth, with Broken Tools exemplifying player agency in restoration. This chain foreshadows Earthen lore: beings forged from stone and gem, unbound by flesh’s frailties. Unlocking them expands playstyles, from tanky bruisers to utility casters.

As patches evolve—current as of latest updates—monitor Wowhead for adjustments. This questline remains core, rewarding persistence with lasting account-wide benefits.