What Level Can I Start Burning Crusade?
The Burning Crusade, World of Warcraft’s first expansion, introduced players to the shattered world of Outland. The question of when you can begin this adventure is a common one, especially for new or returning players. The short answer is: you can physically enter Outland at level 58, and begin the questing experience. However, the optimal and most enjoyable start might differ slightly, as we’ll explore further.
When Can You First Set Foot in Outland?
While level 58 is the minimum to trigger the initial questline and begin experiencing the content of Outland, you don’t necessarily need to be exactly at this level to get there. The Dark Portal in the Blasted Lands acts as the gateway to this new realm. There are a few ways players can arrive:
The Standard Route: Level 58 and the Dark Portal
- Minimum Level: The most direct way is to reach level 58, then head to the Blasted Lands. Here, at the Dark Portal, you will find your faction’s representative awaiting your arrival. Speaking to them will trigger the initial questline, allowing you to pass through the portal.
- Quest: You can obtain the quest chain to head to Outland from the Dark Portal itself, skipping the usual bulletin board prompt from capital cities.
- Early Advantages: Entering at 58, you’ll discover that much of Hellfire Peninsula, the first Outland zone, is tailored for levels 58-59. The gear upgrades here are substantial, typically eclipsing any equipment you might be using from classic WoW.
Alternative Routes: Reaching Outland Before Level 58
- Mage Portals: Mages with high enough skill can create portals to Shattrath City in Outland. This allows players below level 58 to be transported to the zone. While you can get there, you won’t be able to begin the questline, limiting your progression until you reach the level 58 threshold.
- Summons: Warlocks or other methods of summoning can also bring low-level characters to Outland. Again, this does not circumvent the level requirements for quests.
Why Not Rush to Outland at 58?
While entering Outland at level 58 is permissible, some players opt to remain in the original Azeroth zones for a bit longer.
Old World Leveling
- Enhanced Experience: The original zones in Azeroth have undergone significant improvements over time and offer compelling and often more streamlined leveling experiences than they used to. Especially for those familiar with those zones from the original Vanilla World of Warcraft.
- Flying Mounts: Leveling in Azeroth can be significantly faster with the use of flying mounts, something not readily available in the first part of Outland until level 70.
- Gear: There is potential for some great gear from leveling in Azeroth, and you might want to fully complete your quest lines, before venturing on.
Optimal Level for Outland
- Level 60-61: Many players suggest waiting until levels 60 or 61 to begin leveling in Outland. This allows players to finish some leveling in Azeroth, potentially gaining some useful loot in the process, while at the same time not wasting any time. The content in Outland is specifically balanced around a level 60 start point and some players will feel they are slightly under leveled at the start if they begin leveling there at level 58.
- Hellfire Peninsula: You can technically enter Hellfire Peninsula at level 58, but that is the minimum level, not the optimal level. You will be on the lower end of the level range for the zone when you enter at 58.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best way to start the Burning Crusade questline?
The most straightforward approach is to travel to the Dark Portal in the Blasted Lands once you reach level 58. There you can find your faction’s representative and start the initial quest, “The Burning Crusade.”
2. Do I have to go to my faction’s capital city to start the Burning Crusade?
No, you can skip the capital city quest board and directly start the questline at the Dark Portal.
3. Is there any way to get to Outland before level 58?
While you can be transported to Outland via mage portals or summons, you won’t be able to access quests until you reach level 58.
4. What level range is Hellfire Peninsula designed for?
Hellfire Peninsula is designed for characters between levels 58-63, but you will find it more difficult at the start if you enter at the minimum level of 58.
5. Where should I level from 55 to 60 in TBC Classic?
Good leveling zones from 55 to 60 include Stratholme, Upper Blackrock Spire, Dire Maul, Silithus, Winterspring, Scholomance, Eastern Plaguelands, and Western Plaguelands.
6. What level should I be in Zangarmarsh?
Zangarmarsh quests generally require a minimum of level 60, with some higher-level quests requiring level 61 or 62. Most players arrive here from Hellfire Peninsula around level 61 or 62.
7. What happens if I fall off the edge of Outland?
Falling off the edge of Outland will result in death, but your corpse will be moved to a reachable location for recovery.
8. How can I get to Burning Crusade if I am below level 60?
If you are below level 60 you can start the quest “Burning Crusade: To Outland!” by selecting “Portal to Outland” from the adventure guide. If you are above level 60 you will no longer be able to start this quest, as you are no longer eligible for Chromie Time.
9. What are the Outland zones?
The main leveling zones in Outland are, in order of progression: Hellfire Peninsula, Zangarmarsh, Terokkar Forest, Nagrand, Blade’s Edge Mountains, and Netherstorm.
10. Does Hellfire Citadel drop any mounts?
Yes, the Felfire Hawk mount drops from the Mythic version of the Hellfire Citadel raid with a low probability.
11. What level do you need to fly in Northrend?
You need to be level 77 to learn Cold Weather Flying in Northrend.
12. Can you go to Northrend at level 68?
Yes, any level can travel to Northrend but you’ll need to be at least level 68 to pick up quests.
13. Is it better to start Howling Fjord or Borean Tundra?
Both zones are valid starting points in Northrend at level 68. Borean Tundra is considered better for quest progression, while Howling Fjord is often praised for its atmosphere.
14. What is the first Northrend quest zone?
The two available starter zones are Borean Tundra and Howling Fjord.
15. What level do I need for the Cataclysm zones?
You can start questing in the Cataclysm zones after reaching level 80.
Conclusion
While you can begin your Burning Crusade journey in Outland at level 58, many find that waiting until levels 60 or 61 provides a more balanced experience, especially after completing some old world content with enhanced speed from flying mounts. The journey to Outland is a crucial moment in WoW’s history, and careful consideration of when you start can greatly enhance your experience. Enjoy your adventure through the shattered lands!