World of Warcraft
What Is a Mythic Keystone in World of Warcraft?
The item that opens a Mythic+ dungeon in WoW, setting which dungeon you run and at what level.
What is a Mythic Keystone in WoW?
A Mythic Keystone (or just “key”) is the item that starts a Mythic+ run. Each keystone names a dungeon and a level, such as a +8. Whoever holds it can open that dungeon for their group at that level, and the keystone changes after every run depending on how fast the group finished.
What a keystone tells you
- The dungeon you will run, from the current season’s pool.
- The level, which sets enemy health, damage and which affixes are active.
You can hold only one keystone at a time. To use it, the key holder places it in the pedestal at the dungeon entrance and the timer begins.
Getting a keystone
Each season you usually get your first key by completing a Mythic dungeon at level 0. After that, every run you finish gives the key holder an updated keystone, and the Great Vault can also offer one in its weekly rewards.
How the keystone changes after a run
| Result | What happens to the keystone |
|---|---|
| Finished in time | Goes up one to three levels, depending on time left, and moves to another dungeon |
| Finished over time | Drops one level and moves to another dungeon |
| Run reset | Drops one level but keeps the same dungeon |
Players who time every dungeon of the season at a high enough level unlock a resilient keystone, which stops their key from dropping below that level. A keystone can also be lowered on purpose at an NPC near the Great Vault, which helps when a key has become too hard for your group.
Example
You hold a +7 for one dungeon. Your group finishes with lots of time to spare, so your new key is a +9 for a different dungeon. Your result also adds to your Mythic+ Rating if it is your best in that dungeon.
Struggling to time a key? Our Mythic+ Dungeons service runs the key level you need with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one keystone?
No. Each character holds one keystone at a time; finishing a run replaces it with the updated one.
Does everyone get their key upgraded after a run?
No. Only the keystone that was used changes. The other players keep their own keys as they were.