Unveiling the Cost of Mounts in Classic WoW: A Redditor’s Guide

So, you’re diving into the nostalgia of Classic WoW and itching to get your hands on a mount? You’re probably wondering what it’ll cost you. The short answer, echoing what you’ll find discussed on Reddit threads aplenty, is that a level 40 mount will set you back roughly 100 gold. This includes 20 gold for the Journeyman Riding skill and 80 gold for the mount itself. However, for an epic mount at level 60, prepare to shell out a hefty 1,000 gold. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of mount costs, reputation discounts, and other essential information to get you galloping across Azeroth.

Classic WoW Mount Costs: The Breakdown

The price of getting around in Classic WoW isn’t just a simple number. It’s a tiered system based on your level, the speed of the mount, and your standing with various factions. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Level 40 Mounts: Your First Ride

• Riding Skill (Journeyman): This will run you 20 gold. You need to learn this skill to actually use your mount.
• Mount (Normal Speed): A standard level 40 mount costs 80 gold. These mounts increase your movement speed by 60%.
• Total Cost (No Discounts): 20 gold (riding skill) + 80 gold (mount) = 100 gold.

Level 60 Mounts: Epic Speed

• Riding Skill (Artisan): This level of riding skill is required to ride the faster epic mounts at level 60.
• Mount (Epic Speed): The coveted epic mounts will set you back a cool 1,000 gold. These increase your movement speed by 100%.
• Total Cost (No Discounts): 1,000 gold.

Reputation Discounts: Earning Your Savings

One of the most crucial factors affecting mount costs is your reputation with the faction from which you’re buying the mount. Being Honored, Revered, or Exalted with a faction can significantly reduce the price of both the riding skill and the mount itself.

• Honored: Reduces vendor prices by 5%.
• Revered: Reduces vendor prices by 10%.
• Exalted: Reduces vendor prices by 10% (the best possible discount).

Achieving Exalted status can save you a considerable amount of gold, especially when purchasing the expensive epic level 60 mounts. Dedicated players often grind reputation with their chosen faction to take advantage of these discounts.

Free Mounts: Paladins and Warlocks

In Classic WoW, Paladins and Warlocks have a unique advantage: they receive their level 40 mounts for free by completing class-specific quests. This saves them the initial 100 gold investment, but they still need to pay for their level 60 epic mount.

The Hunt for Rare Mounts

While most mounts are purchased from vendors, some are incredibly rare drops from specific encounters. These mounts are highly sought after, not only for their unique appearance but also for their prestige. Examples include the Deathcharger’s Reins from Stratholme’s Baron Rivendare and the Swift Zulian Tiger from Zul’Gurub. Acquiring these mounts involves significant effort, luck, and sometimes, intense competition.

Mounts and the Games Learning Society

Understanding the costs, benefits, and acquisition methods for mounts in Classic WoW engages players in various economic and strategic decisions. This resonates with the principles explored by the Games Learning Society, where gameplay mechanics can foster valuable skills such as resource management, long-term planning, and community collaboration. The GamesLearningSociety.org studies how games can create impactful learning experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about mount costs and acquisition in Classic WoW, addressing common concerns and clarifying the nuances of the system:

1. How much does it cost to learn to ride in Classic WoW? The riding skill (Journeyman) needed for level 40 mounts costs 20 gold. Artisan Riding, needed for level 60 mounts, has no associated cost.
2. Can I get a mount before level 40? No, mounts are not available until level 40 in Classic WoW.
3. Where do I learn the riding skill? You learn the riding skill from trainers located in major cities. For example, Undead characters can find their riding trainer in Brill, while Humans can find theirs in Eastvale Logging Camp.
4. How much does the level 60 epic mount cost? The level 60 epic mount costs 1,000 gold before any reputation discounts.
5. Do all races have the same mount costs? Mount costs are generally the same across all races, but your reputation with a faction significantly impacts the final price.
6. How do I improve my reputation with a faction? You can improve your reputation by completing quests, killing mobs, and donating specific items to the faction.
7. What is the fastest way to earn gold for a mount? Common methods include farming materials for the auction house, completing quests, and running dungeons.
8. Do professions help with earning gold for a mount? Yes, professions like mining, herbalism, and skinning can provide valuable materials to sell, helping you accumulate gold quickly.
9. Are there any mounts that are easier to get than others? The mounts you purchase from vendors are the easiest to obtain, as they require gold and reputation. Rare drop mounts are significantly more challenging.
10. Can I purchase mounts from other players? No, you cannot purchase standard mounts from other players. However, some mounts obtained from the TCG (Trading Card Game) could be purchased from other players via the Black Market Auction House or direct sales, but these are not available in Classic WoW.
11. Do mounts share across characters on the same account? No, mounts are character-specific in Classic WoW. Each character needs to acquire their own riding skill and mount.
12. Are there any special mounts available through PvP? Yes, Rank 11 PvP mounts are available to players who achieve a certain rank in the PvP system, but the process to obtain these mounts requires significant time and effort.
13. How much does it cost to train epic riding skill in TBC (The Burning Crusade)? Epic riding training costs 800g in The Burning Crusade.
14. Do Death Knights get a special flying mount? Yes, they do. The Death Knight-exclusive flying mount (http://www.wowhead.com/?item=40775) costs 1000g without faction discount, but it does scale with your riding skill.
15. Will WoW give players a $3000 mount? The Feldrake has been so difficult to come by that there have been tons of eBay listings for the mount that reach up to $3,000. Now, with the launch of WoW’s next expansion Dragonflight, Blizzard is giving away the mount for free. This is a different mount from those available in Classic WoW.

Conclusion

Securing your first mount in Classic WoW is a significant milestone, marking your transition into a faster and more efficient adventurer. Whether you’re aiming for a simple level 40 mount or saving up for a prestigious level 60 epic ride, understanding the costs, reputation benefits, and alternative acquisition methods will set you on the right path. Remember to leverage your professions, complete quests, and build your reputation to maximize your gold-earning potential and minimize your expenses. Now saddle up and explore the vast world of Azeroth!