Where to Find Your Worgen Riding Trainer: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’ve embraced your inner beast and chosen the Worgen life in Azeroth! Congratulations! Now you’re probably wondering, “Where in the world do I learn to ride?!” Fear not, fellow shapeshifter, because finding your Worgen riding trainer is a straightforward affair, even if it feels a little… unconventional given your starting zone.
The answer is simple: You need to head to Goldshire in Elwynn Forest. Yes, that’s right, the quintessential human starting zone.
Why Goldshire?
Worgen, upon completing their starting quests in Gilneas (which exists in its own phased area), are integrated into the Alliance. While they originate from a very different background, they become staunch allies of the humans, and therefore, their training infrastructure is integrated within the human lands. Goldshire, being a central hub for new Alliance characters, serves as the practical location for Worgen to learn the basics of riding.
While it may seem odd to learn to ride a horse (or ram, or mechanostrider, or whatever your preferred mount may be) amidst the idyllic farmlands of Elwynn Forest after escaping a monstrous curse, it’s simply a matter of gameplay mechanics and accessibility. Think of it as a cultural exchange! You’re learning the ways of your new allies.
Getting to Goldshire from Gilneas (Upon Completion of Starting Zone)
After completing the Worgen starting zone storyline in Gilneas, you’ll be transported to Darnassus, the night elf capital. From there, you’ll need to travel to Stormwind, the human capital. Don’t worry; this journey is designed to be relatively easy:
- From Darnassus, take the boat from Rut’theran Village (located outside Darnassus) to Stormwind City. The docks are clearly marked.
- Once in Stormwind, head to the Stormwind Trade District. You’ll find the riding trainer and the mount vendors readily available.
- Head out of Stormwind’s South Gate, and follow the road. Goldshire is a short ride (or walk, initially!) to the south.
Congratulations, you’re now ready to learn to ride!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Worgen Riding Training
Here’s a detailed guide to answer all your questions about riding as a Worgen character.
1. What level do I need to be to learn to ride as a Worgen?
You can learn Apprentice Riding (skill level 75) at level 10. This allows you to use mounts that increase your ground speed by 60%.
2. Who is the riding trainer in Goldshire?
The riding trainer in Goldshire is called Katie Hunter. She’s located near the barns, a short distance east of the Lion’s Pride Inn. Her coordinates are roughly (44, 64).
3. What mounts are available to Worgen players initially?
Initially, as an Alliance character, you’ll have access to the standard Alliance mounts: horses. However, once you reach Exalted reputation with other Alliance factions (such as the Dwarves, Gnomes, or Draenei), you can purchase their respective mounts (rams, mechanostriders, and elekks, respectively).
4. How much does it cost to learn Apprentice Riding?
The cost of Apprentice Riding fluctuates depending on your reputation with your faction. Being at exalted with a faction will usually reduce costs. It is usually a nominal fee that new players can afford upon reaching level 10.
5. Where can I buy my first mount?
You can purchase your first mount from Jeremiah Payson, located right next to Katie Hunter in Goldshire. He sells various horses.
6. Do Worgen get a special racial mount?
No, Worgen do not get a specific racial mount that is exclusive to them. They use the standard Alliance mounts available to them. However, their Running Wild racial ability provides a temporary mount-like movement speed increase.
7. What is the “Running Wild” racial ability? How does it compare to a mount?
Running Wild is a Worgen racial ability that allows them to drop to all fours and move at 40% ground speed (60% with the Darkflight talent). It’s usable from level 1 and is instant cast, making it useful in situations where mounting isn’t immediately possible. However, it does not benefit from riding skill increases.
8. Can I use “Running Wild” indoors?
Yes, you can use Running Wild indoors. It’s one of its key advantages over regular mounts.
9. Is there a faster way to travel to Goldshire from Darnassus?
Besides taking the boat to Stormwind and traveling by foot, you could also use a mage portal. However, this requires having a mage friend (or paying one) to create a portal to Stormwind for you.
10. What other riding skills are there besides Apprentice Riding?
There are several other riding skills:
- Journeyman Riding (Skill Level 150): Available at level 20, increases mount speed by 100%.
- Expert Riding (Skill Level 225): Available at level 30, allows you to use flying mounts in areas where flying is permitted.
- Artisan Riding (Skill Level 300): Available at level 40, increases flying mount speed by 150%.
- Master Riding (Skill Level 375): Available at level 60, increases flying mount speed by 250%.
11. Where do I learn the higher riding skills?
Higher riding skills can be learned from various trainers in major cities. For Alliance players, a common place is Stormwind City. Look for riding trainers near the flight master.
12. Can I learn to ride flying mounts as a Worgen?
Yes! Once you reach level 30, you can learn Expert Riding and use flying mounts in zones where flying is allowed.
13. Does my reputation with other factions affect the cost of riding skills and mounts?
Yes, your reputation does affect the cost. Being Honored, Revered, or Exalted with a faction will grant you discounts on riding skills and mounts sold by that faction’s vendors.
14. Are there any achievements related to collecting mounts?
Absolutely! There are numerous achievements related to collecting mounts, such as “Leading the Cavalry,” “A Stable of Epic Proportions,” and “Mountacular.” These achievements often reward you with unique mounts. This element of gaming is something that is researched by the Games Learning Society. They research how game design engages players and what makes it work. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. What are some rare or unique mounts that Worgen players might want to pursue?
There are countless rare and unique mounts to collect in World of Warcraft. Some popular choices include:
- Invincible’s Reins: Drops from the Lich King in Icecrown Citadel (Heroic).
- Mimiron’s Head: Drops from Yogg-Saron in Ulduar (0 Light).
- Ashes of A’lar: Drops from Kael’thas Sunstrider in Tempest Keep.
- The Headless Horseman’s Mount: Drops from the Headless Horseman during the Hallow’s End event.
So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to finding your Worgen riding trainer and mastering the art of mounted combat (or just getting around faster!). Now get out there, explore Azeroth, and collect ’em all!