Flying High in Battle for Azeroth: Your Guide to Azerothian Skies
How do you fly in Battle for Azeroth? The key to unlocking the skies of Kul Tiras and Zandalar lies in achieving the Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder achievements, specifically Part One and Part Two. Completing these achievements grants your account the ability to fly in all Battle for Azeroth zones.
The Journey to Flight: Unlocking Pathfinder
Flying in Battle for Azeroth wasn’t immediately available upon release. Blizzard introduced it in patches, rewarding player effort and exploration through achievements. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:
Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part One
This achievement serves as the foundation for flight. It requires completing the following criteria:
- Azerothian Diplomat: Reach Revered reputation with all six major Battle for Azeroth factions:
- Alliance: Proudmoore Admiralty, Storm’s Wake, Order of Embers.
- Horde: Zandalari Empire, Talanji’s Expedition, Voldunai.
- Exploration of Kul Tiras/Zandalar: Explore every corner of the three zones on your respective continent:
- Alliance: Tiragarde Sound, Drustvar, Stormsong Valley.
- Horde: Zuldazar, Nazmir, Vol’dun.
- Ready for War: Complete the War Campaign quests up to the point just before you begin the Battle of Dazar’alor raid. This involves storylines in enemy territory and requires completing a significant portion of the War Campaign.
- The Tiragarde Sound/Zuldazar questlines: Finish all the zone storylines.
Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part Two
Once you’ve obtained Pathfinder Part One, you can begin working on Part Two. This achievement, added in a later patch, requires the following:
- Revered Reputation with the Rustbolt Resistance: This faction is located in Mechagon Island, introduced in Patch 8.2. Completing quests and daily activities in Mechagon will increase your reputation.
- Revered Reputation with the Unshackled: This faction is found in Nazjatar, also introduced in Patch 8.2. Similar to the Rustbolt Resistance, you’ll gain reputation through quests and daily content in Nazjatar.
- Explore Nazjatar and Mechagon: Discover all the named locations in both Nazjatar and Mechagon. This involves thoroughly exploring each zone.
Completion Rewards: Upon completing both Pathfinder achievements, your account gains the ability to fly in Kul Tiras, Zandalar, Nazjatar, and Mechagon. You’ll also receive a flying mount as a reward: the Wonderwing 2.0 for the Alliance and the Rusted Keys to the Junkheap Drifter for the Horde.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I buy flying in Battle for Azeroth?
No, flying in Battle for Azeroth cannot be purchased directly. It is only obtainable by completing the Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part One and Part Two achievements.
2. Do I need to complete both Pathfinder achievements on the same character?
No, the Pathfinder achievements are account-wide. Once a character on your account completes the requirements for either Part One or Part Two, all characters on that account benefit from the progress. This means you can complete Part One on one character and Part Two on another.
3. Is there a level requirement for the Pathfinder achievements?
Yes, you need to be at least level 50 to begin the Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder achievements, since the related content is level locked.
4. What’s the fastest way to reach Revered reputation with the required factions?
- World Quests: Prioritize completing World Quests that reward reputation with the factions you need. Look for those with reputation bonuses.
- Contracts: Purchase Contracts from the Auction House (or craft them if you have Inscription) to gain additional reputation with a specific faction each time you complete a World Quest.
- Emissary Quests: Complete Emissary Quests for the relevant factions whenever they are available.
- Reputation Tokens: Look out for items that grant reputation, often obtained from quests or rare spawns.
- Darkmoon Faire: Utilize the Darkmoon Faire buff during the week it is active for a reputation boost.
5. How long does it take to complete the Pathfinder achievements?
The time required depends on your playstyle and commitment. Reaching Revered reputation with all factions can take several weeks, especially if you don’t actively pursue reputation gains. The War Campaign and zone exploration are also time-consuming. Expect it to take several weeks to a couple of months.
6. Do I need to complete the Pathfinder achievements on both Alliance and Horde characters?
No, because the achievement is account wide, this is not necessary. The achievement only needs to be completed once to unlock for all characters.
7. Can I track my progress on the Pathfinder achievements?
Yes, you can track your progress in the Achievement window (default keybind: Y). Navigate to the Expansion Features category under the Battle for Azeroth section to find the Pathfinder achievements and see which criteria you’ve completed.
8. What happens if I switch factions after completing part of the War Campaign?
Switching factions can reset your War Campaign progress. You’ll need to redo the appropriate sections of the War Campaign to continue towards the Ready for War requirement.
9. Are there any specific mounts recommended for completing the exploration requirements?
While any mount will do, mounts with instant cast speed and high movement speed can be beneficial for covering ground quickly. Consider using mounts like the Swift Zulian Panther or mounts with similar speed boosts.
10. Is flying affected by the War Mode bonus?
No, flying speed is not directly affected by the War Mode bonus. However, enabling War Mode can make completing World Quests for reputation faster if you are comfortable with world PvP, as it grants a bonus to experience and rewards from World Quests.
11. Does the Pathfinder achievement unlock flying for my alts automatically?
Yes, once you complete both Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder achievements, all characters on your account, regardless of level (but a minimum of level 50) or faction, will be able to fly in the Battle for Azeroth zones.
12. What are the benefits of flying in Battle for Azeroth?
Flying significantly improves your gameplay experience by:
- Faster Travel: Allows you to traverse the zones quickly, saving time on travel.
- Easier Access to World Quests: Makes it easier to reach World Quests and other objectives.
- Gathering Efficiency: Speeds up the process of gathering herbs and ores.
- Exploration: Allows you to discover hidden areas and scenic views.
- Evading Enemies: Offers a quick escape from unwanted encounters.
13. Can I use flying mounts from other expansions in Battle for Azeroth before unlocking Pathfinder?
No, you cannot use flying mounts in Kul Tiras, Zandalar, Nazjatar, or Mechagon until you have completed the Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part One and Part Two achievements.
14. Are there any alternative ways to increase reputation with the Rustbolt Resistance or the Unshackled besides World Quests and Daily Quests?
Yes, in addition to World Quests and Daily Quests, you can also increase reputation with the Rustbolt Resistance and the Unshackled through the following methods:
- Mechagon and Nazjatar rares: Killing rare enemies in Mechagon and Nazjatar has a chance to drop items that grant reputation.
- Crafting: Some professions can craft items that can be turned in for reputation.
- Weekly events: Certain weekly events can offer reputation boosts.
15. Will completing the Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder achievements help me in later expansions?
While the direct ability to fly in Battle for Azeroth zones remains, completing the Pathfinder achievements doesn’t directly impact gameplay in later expansions. However, the increased speed and efficiency in completing BfA content due to flying can still save time. More significantly, going through the BfA content, can lead a player through the story to understand more recent expansions, and provides context to the lore.
By following this guide and diligently working towards the Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder achievements, you’ll soon be soaring through the skies of Kul Tiras, Zandalar, Nazjatar, and Mechagon, unlocking a whole new dimension of gameplay and exploration. Good luck, and happy flying!