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Can I Start Leveling in Northrend at 68? A Comprehensive Guide to Wrath of the Lich King Leveling

Absolutely! You can indeed begin your leveling journey in Northrend as early as level 68. In fact, many players find it to be a highly efficient strategy for quickly progressing from level 68 to 70. While Outland still holds some allure for those who prefer its zones, the experience gains and quest density in Northrend often make it the superior choice for maximizing your leveling speed.

This comprehensive guide will explore the nuances of leveling in Northrend at 68, offering insights into the best zones, travel options, and common pitfalls to avoid. We’ll delve into strategies to optimize your experience gain, ensuring you make the most of your time in the frozen wastes. Plus, we’ll answer frequently asked questions to address any lingering doubts or concerns you might have.

Why Level in Northrend at 68?

The decision to venture into Northrend at 68 hinges on a few key factors:

Experience Efficiency: Wrath of the Lich King (WotLK) quests generally provide more experience than equivalent quests in The Burning Crusade (TBC) zones. This means that you’ll level faster by focusing on Northrend content.
Quest Density: Northrend zones, particularly Borean Tundra and Howling Fjord, are packed with quests, allowing for a continuous and rewarding leveling experience.
Fresh Content: After spending considerable time in Outland, the change of scenery and new quest lines in Northrend can be a welcome breath of fresh air.
Gear Upgrades: While the starting gear in Northrend might not be groundbreaking, it will quickly become an improvement compared to what you have been wearing.

Getting to Northrend at Level 68

Reaching Northrend is relatively straightforward, with different options available depending on your faction:

Alliance

Stormwind Harbor: Head to the northernmost dock in Stormwind Harbor. A boat will take you directly to Valgarde in Howling Fjord or Borean Tundra.
Menethil Harbor: Alternatively, take the boat from Menethil Harbor in the Wetlands. This boat will drop you off in Valgarde, Howling Fjord.

Horde

Orgrimmar Zeppelin Tower: At the top of the Zeppelin Tower outside Orgrimmar, you’ll find a zeppelin that travels to Warsong Hold in Borean Tundra.
Undercity Zeppelin Tower: Similarly, a zeppelin from the Undercity Zeppelin Tower will take you to Vengeance Landing in Howling Fjord.

Choosing Your Starting Zone: Borean Tundra vs. Howling Fjord

Both Borean Tundra and Howling Fjord are excellent starting zones for level 68 characters. However, they offer different experiences:

Borean Tundra: Generally considered faster for leveling due to its relatively flat terrain and abundance of quests centered around Warsong Hold (Horde) or Valiance Keep (Alliance). It’s also a more forgiving zone for players who prefer a less challenging start.
Howling Fjord: Offers a more immersive and atmospheric experience with its rugged landscapes and Viking-inspired theme. The quests are slightly more spread out, but the storyline can be engaging.

Many players choose to start in Howling Fjord for a few levels to enjoy the scenery before switching to Borean Tundra for optimized leveling speed.

Optimizing Your Leveling Experience in Northrend

To make the most of your leveling journey in Northrend, consider the following tips:

Utilize Addons: Addons like Questie or TomTom can significantly improve your questing efficiency by providing quest locations and optimal paths.
Stock Up on Supplies: Before heading to Northrend, ensure you have enough food, water, bandages, and any necessary profession supplies.
Choose Professions Wisely: Leveling professions alongside your character can provide valuable benefits, such as crafting gear, providing buffs, or generating gold.
Resting XP: Always log out in an inn or a major city to maximize your rested XP bonus.
Don’t Get Attached to Gear: Focus on quest rewards and occasional dungeon drops. Don’t waste time or gold on expensive gear upgrades, as you’ll quickly outlevel them.
Consider Dungeon Runs: Running dungeons can be a fun and efficient way to gain experience, especially if you have a group of friends.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While leveling in Northrend at 68 is generally a smooth experience, be mindful of these potential pitfalls:

Underestimating Mob Difficulty: Northrend mobs can be tougher than those in Outland, so be cautious when pulling multiple enemies.
Ignoring Weather Conditions: The harsh weather in Northrend can impact visibility and movement.
Getting Lost: The vastness of Northrend can make navigation challenging. Utilize your map and addons to stay on course.
Neglecting Flight Points: Unlock flight points in each zone as soon as possible to facilitate faster travel.

Flying in Northrend

Cold Weather Flying: You can fly in Northrend at level 77 after purchasing Cold Weather Flying from a trainer in Dalaran.
Tome of Cold Weather Flying: If you have a character that already knows Cold Weather Flying, you can purchase the Tome of Cold Weather Flying and send it to your lower-level character (level 68+), allowing them to learn the skill earlier.

Northrend: A Land of Adventure Awaits

Starting your leveling adventure in Northrend at 68 is a fantastic choice, offering a blend of engaging quests, breathtaking landscapes, and accelerated experience gains. By understanding the basics of travel, zone selection, and optimization strategies, you can efficiently navigate the frozen wastes and prepare yourself for the challenges that await at level 80. Remember to have fun and savor the journey, for Northrend is a land filled with unforgettable experiences! To learn more about games and education, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you go to Northrend at 67?

Yes, you can technically travel to Northrend at level 67, but you won’t be able to accept quests until you reach level 68.

2. Can you go to Howling Fjord at 68?

Absolutely! Howling Fjord is designed as a starting zone for levels 68-72, making it a perfect destination for your character.

3. What is the best starting zone in Northrend at 68?

The “best” starting zone is subjective and depends on your preferences. Borean Tundra is generally considered faster for leveling, while Howling Fjord offers a more immersive experience.

4. Can you fly in Northrend at 60?

No, the ability to fly in Northrend is not available at level 60. You must be at least level 77 and have learned the Cold Weather Flying skill, or use the Tome of Cold Weather Flying on a level 68+ character.

5. Can you fly in Northrend before 80 without a level 80 character?

You can fly in Northrend before level 80. If you have a level 80 character, you can buy the Tome of Cold Weather Flying for your lower-level character (level 68+) which allows you to learn cold weather flying at a lower level.

6. How do I get to Northrend at 68 Alliance?

As an Alliance player, you can reach Northrend by taking a boat from the northernmost dock in Stormwind Harbor or from Menethil Harbor in the Wetlands.

7. How do I get to Northrend at 68 Horde?

As a Horde player, you can take a zeppelin from the zeppelin tower outside of Orgrimmar or the zeppelin tower in the Undercity.

8. What level can you start questing in Northrend?

You can begin accepting and completing quests in Northrend once you reach level 68.

9. How much bigger is Northrend than Outland?

The data size for Northrend is roughly equal to the data size for Outland combined with the Blood Elf and Draenei starting areas.

10. Should I start in Howling Fjord or Borean Tundra?

Both zones are viable starting points. Howling Fjord has a richer storyline, but Borean Tundra is known for its efficient leveling. Many players do a bit of each.

11. What level can you start Sholazar Basin?

You need to be at least level 76 to start questing in Sholazar Basin.

12. Is the Northrend boost worth it?

Whether the Northrend boost is “worth it” depends on your personal priorities. If you value the time saved over the cost of the boost, then it can be a worthwhile investment.

13. How do you train Northrend to fly?

To learn Cold Weather Flying, visit Hira Snowdawn in Krasus’ Landing in Dalaran. You must be at least level 77. If you have a character that already knows Cold Weather Flying, you can buy the Tome of Cold Weather Flying for your lower-level character.

14. Where do I start Northrend Engineering?

You can learn Northrend Engineering from Timofey Oshenko in Dalaran (Crystalsong Forest) at coordinates 38,25.

15. Can I level from 68 to 80 exclusively in Northrend?

Yes, Northrend is designed to accommodate leveling from 68 to 80. You can comfortably reach the level cap by focusing on the zones within Northrend.

Can I start leveling in Northrend at 68?