WoWGrrl's World

One of the dynamics that was introduced with the Burning Crusade expansion pack and the new continent of Outland was that of flying mounts.

And with flying mounts, came the opportunity for bombing quests all over Outland and PvP bombing runs in the zone of Nagrand.

Abyssal Shelf, Hellfire Peninsula

First Look At Aerial Bombing

As soon as you get into Outland and - at least on Horde side - finish a small handful of quests within both Thrallmar and outside of it at encampments to the east of the town, you find your first Bombing Quest.

The first quest has you bomb two "portal" targets that are set up near the Dark Portal, and it's a warm-up for the quest which is next in line which brings you (repeatedly to the end of time, if you wish) to the Abyssal Shelf in Hellfire Peninsula.

Of course, you're on the back of a winged "taxi" as you do both of these bombing quests - you don't get a free flying mount for it, nor do you get any control of the path your taxi takes.

How "No Control" Effects The Experience

In short, trying to bomb something while someone else is driving your vehicle and determining the path isn't always easy.

Just when you think you've got a good shot, your driver suddenly swerves to the left and your shot lands way off of its intended target.

And if you don't have your camera configured correctly in-game, it's basically impossible to bomb successfully, and trying will only turn you against Aerial Bombing quests, when the frustration can be fixed with an easy few clicks!

Two Keys To Bombing Effectively

As I see it, there are two key things that can help make this type of quest a heck of a lot easier if you're new to Outland and new to its bombing quests:

1. Having The Correct Camera Setup
   If your camera settings are configured differently than is noted in the graphic below (drop down list specifically) then you may find yourself struggling with keeping your camera angle long enough to target and fire off a bomb.
   
   

   Camera Following Styles

2. Knowing How To Use The Bomb
   When you begin the quest you're given a bomb in your inventory. Drag this bomb onto a spot on your Action Bar so it's easily accessable - even if you have to replace a regularly-used skill temporarily.

   To actually use the bomb, fire off the correct Action Button and you'll be given a green circle at your mouse's pointer when you're within range to fire the bomb, and a red slashed circle when your mouse is somewhere out of range. When you click with your mouse, the bomb is fired off.

   It'll take a second or two for the bomb to hit its target, and you might have to try a few times to hit the right place.

   The bombs don't run out, and the taxi will always drive you through its route again, so don't be afraid to practice.

More Bombing Quests In Outland

Bombing Quests are found around in various places in Outland, including the PvP bombing runs in Nagrand, one of the Ogri'la Dailies, Fires over Skettis which gets you Skyguard reputation...

And if you think these skills don't help you in WoTLK, think again!

If you're a casual player with no intents to raid, there are still plenty of solo quests and Wintergrasps to defend which make use of a very similar mechanic.

And if you want to raid, the first boss fight in Ulduar doesn't include flight, but it certainly includes trying to aim and fire when your vehicle is being driven by someone else!

Related posts:

1. Another New Guild, learning about skills, Ruling the WC
2. Priest Hits 65, Healing In The Outland
3. Sharing The Honored Moment