- Dragonwilds quest guide: Quests come in three types — primary, secondary, and tertiary.
- Primary quests must be done in order: Each main quest requires finishing the previous one.
- Secondary quests unlock mechanics and recipes that improve combat and quality of life.
- Tools and skills gate progress: New materials are useless without the right tool tier and skill level.
- Explore between quests: Chests, vaults, side quests, and vestiges drive most long-term progression.
Understanding the Quest System in Dragonwilds
Quests in RuneScape: Dragonwilds are the stories that carry you across the continent of Ashenfall. They are handed out by NPCs such as the Wise Old Man, and they serve two purposes at once: advancing the narrative and unlocking the regions, mechanics, and recipes your character needs to survive. This Dragonwilds quest guide breaks down how each quest type works so you never get stuck waiting on an unlock you didn't know existed.
Video Highlights:
- Progression is built on exploring new regions and converting their materials into better gear.
- Quest markers give direction, but exploration handles most of your actual power growth.
- Power level symbols tell you instantly whether your gear matches a region's difficulty.
Quest descriptions are no longer shown in the Quest Journal after the 0.11 update (March 31, 2026). Pay attention to NPC dialogue when accepting quests — the journal only tracks objectives.
Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Quest Types
Every quest in Dragonwilds falls into one of three categories, each with its own unlock rules and rewards.
| Quest Type | Purpose | Unlock Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Main narrative, opens new regions | Must complete the previous primary quest first | First Steps, Regicide |
| Secondary | Personal stories, new mechanics and recipes | Requires starting/finishing a related primary quest | Growing Pains, Shrimp Catcher |
| Tertiary | Triggered automatically during a primary quest | Activated while running the parent quest | Icthlarin's Little Helper tasks |
Primary Quests
- Linear storyline
- Opens new areas and regions
- Includes the tutorial: First Steps
Secondary Quests
- Mechanic unlocks
- Special item recipes
- Region-specific, gated by primary progress
Tertiary Quests
- Auto-triggered
- Tied to a parent primary quest
- First introduced in Icthlarin's Little Helper
Primary quests are strictly sequential. Through bugs or mods it is technically possible to start a later primary quest early, but this breaks progression and can leave your character permanently stuck. Always finish the current primary quest before moving on.
Where to Start Key Quests
Knowing the NPC and region for each quest saves long treks across Ashenfall. Here are confirmed starting points from the official wiki:
| Quest | Type | Region | How to Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Steps | Primary/Tutorial | Temple Woods | Starts automatically with a new character |
| Getting Started | Primary | Temple Woods | Speak to Doric just outside the temple |
| Growing Pains | Secondary/Tutorial | Brynmoor | Speak to the Wise Old Man in Bramblemead Village |
| Shrimp Catcher | Secondary | Brynmoor | Speak to the Wise Old Man in Bramblemead Village |
| Saga of the Adventurer | Secondary | — | Speak to the Wise Old Man |
Unless you have started a new primary quest or finished one (such as completing Dragon Slayer to start Withering Heights), certain region-specific secondary quests will not be available. If an NPC has nothing to offer, advance the main story first.
Quest-to-Progression Loop: Step by Step
Quests point you toward new regions, but your actual power comes from materials, tools, skills, and crafting stations progressing together. Follow this loop every time a quest sends you somewhere new:
Check the Region's Power Level
Compare your power level against the region's diamond indicator. Aim to match the zone or stay at most one level below it — the skull diamond means you are severely under-leveled.
Upgrade Gathering Tools First
Your pickaxe, logging axe, shovel, and farming tools determine which resources you can collect. Mark ungatherable resources on your map and return once the tool is upgraded.
Collect Every New Material
First-time collection typically unlocks recipes. Bring new materials back to base and interact with each crafting station — some recipes only appear after interacting with the correct station.
Level Skills and Build Stations
Skills level naturally as you use them, unlocking recipes, perks, and abilities. Upgrade stations like the tannery (tanner's kit, then advanced tannery) to process higher-tier materials.
Explore Beyond the Quest Marker
Open chests, clear vaults, complete side quests, and collect vestiges. Vestige gear offers end-game equipment options beyond the normal material-tier path.
| Power Symbol | Meaning | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| White diamond | Neutral zone/enemies | Typical of Temple Woods, safe to proceed |
| Green diamond | Your power exceeds the zone | Comfortable, good farming area |
| Yellow diamond | Equal power to the zone | Fair fight, standard progression |
| Orange diamond | One level below the zone | Challenging but doable |
| Skull diamond | More than one level below | Avoid or upgrade gear first |
Your displayed power level is based on equipped armor only. Mixing gear tiers averages them and rounds down, so a single low-tier chest piece can drag your entire rating down.
Quest Milestones Checklist
Track these goals as you work through Ashenfall's quest chains:
Quest & Progression Milestones:
- Complete First Steps and Getting Started in Temple Woods
- Finish the current primary quest before starting the next
- Upgrade gathering tools before farming a new region
- Bring new materials to base and check every crafting station
- Collect vestiges for end-game gear options
Since the 0.7.2 patch (April 24, 2025), quests awarding non-quest items can be completed even with a full inventory — but keep space free anyway to avoid missing pickup steps.
FAQ
Q: Do I have to complete Dragonwilds quests in order?
Primary quests are strictly sequential — each one requires completing the previous quest. Secondary quests have their own gating: many region-specific ones only unlock after starting or finishing a related primary quest.
Q: What is the difference between secondary and tertiary quests?
Secondary quests are started by speaking to NPCs and typically unlock new mechanics or special recipes. Tertiary quests are triggered automatically while running a parent primary quest, first introduced with Icthlarin's Little Helper.
Q: Why can't I start a secondary quest in a new region?
Most region-specific secondary quests are gated behind primary quest progress. Advance the main storyline — for example, finishing Dragon Slayer to start Withering Heights — then return to the NPC.
Q: How does this Dragonwilds quest guide relate to power level?
Quests send you into regions with their own power ratings shown as colored diamonds. If a quest leads somewhere with a skull diamond indicator, upgrade your tools, skills, and crafting stations before pushing forward instead of brute-forcing it.