Saddle Up, Champion! How Much Does Riding Training REALLY Cost in WoW Classic?

So, you’re ready to ditch those tired feet and finally experience Azeroth from the back of a trusty steed in WoW Classic? Excellent choice! But before you gallop off into the sunset, let’s talk brass tacks: how much is this adventure actually going to cost you? The simple answer is 20 gold for the initial riding skill and then the cost of the mount which can be anywhere from 80 to 1,000 gold depending on the mount. This cost only applies to the base riding skill. There are no skill ranks like in later expansions. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics and clear up some common misconceptions about riding costs and training in WoW Classic.

The Bare Bones: Riding Training and Your First Mount

The good news is, riding training in WoW Classic is refreshingly simple compared to later versions of the game. There aren’t a bunch of different skill ranks to learn. Instead, you learn one skill at level 40, and it opens up the world of riding. This is your racial riding skill, and it is available for 20 gold.

Remember, this 20 gold only covers the training itself. You’ll still need to purchase a mount to actually use the skill!

The Mount: Your Biggest Investment

The price of your mount depends on what you’re after. Generally, they range in price from 80 to 1,000 gold. Faction mounts (those purchased from your race’s vendor) typically cost 80 or 100 gold. Rarer, more desirable mounts like the Winterspring Frostsaber or PvP reward mounts can easily fetch prices of 1,000 gold or more if you can find someone willing to sell them!

Reputation Discounts: Your Wallet’s Best Friend

One of the best ways to save money on your first mount is to grind reputation with your faction. Reaching Honored with your faction earns you a 10% discount on mounts and training. This can shave off a considerable amount, especially when you’re scraping together every copper piece to afford your first ride.

PvP Rank Discounts: The Bloodsoaked Bargain

Another source of discounts (added in Phase 2) is reaching Rank 3 in PvP. This also grants a 10% discount on mount costs. Keep in mind that this requires a significant time investment in PvP.

No Master Riding, No Problem (Yet)

It’s crucial to remember that flying mounts and advanced riding skills like Artisan Riding don’t exist in the initial phases of WoW Classic. Those additions came later with expansions. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about saving thousands of gold for these advanced skills. For now, focus on mastering the ground game!

Frequently Asked Questions: Your WoW Classic Riding Guide

Here are some of the most common questions players have about riding training and mount costs in WoW Classic:

1. Where do I learn riding in WoW Classic? The location depends on your race. Humans learn from Randal Hunter at the Eastvale Logging Camp in Elwynn Forest. Orcs learn from Kildar in the Valley of Honor in Orgrimmar, and so on. You will find riding trainers near your race’s starting zone.

2. Can any race learn any riding skill? Not initially. You can only learn your own race’s riding skill unless you reach Exalted reputation with another race’s faction. For example, a Night Elf needs Exalted with Ironforge to learn how to ride a Ram.

3. How much does it cost to buy a mount from another race? The mount itself will cost the standard price (usually 80 or 100 gold for faction mounts). The challenge is reaching Exalted reputation with their faction to even make the purchase possible. This involves a significant time investment in running specific dungeons or quests.

4. What level do I need to be to learn riding? You must be level 40 to learn your initial racial riding skill.

5. Are there any free mounts in WoW Classic? There are no truly “free” mounts readily available at level 40 in WoW Classic. Certain quests and achievements might award mounts, but they usually require higher levels and more involved gameplay. Keep your eyes peeled for events!

6. Is it worth grinding reputation for the discount? Absolutely! A 10% discount might seem small, but it adds up, especially when you’re on a tight budget. Plus, gaining reputation unlocks other benefits with the faction, such as cheaper repairs and item purchases.

7. What are some good ways to make gold at level 40 to afford my mount? Questing, farming materials, and running dungeons are all reliable ways to earn gold. Learn which items are in high demand on your server’s auction house and focus your efforts on acquiring them. Tailoring and Skinning, while leveling, can provide a substantial starting fund.

8. Do I need to buy a new riding skill in later phases of WoW Classic? Yes, when The Burning Crusade Classic is launched, you will need to learn new riding skills for flying mounts. These skills will cost significantly more gold than the initial ground riding skill. You will be able to learn Journeyman Riding at level 60 for 600 gold and Artisan Riding at level 70 for 5000 gold.

9. Will flying mounts be available at level 40 when TBC is released? No. Journeyman riding is available at level 60, and Artisan riding is available at level 70.

10. What is the fastest mount speed in WoW Classic? All ground mounts in WoW Classic provide a +60% movement speed increase. The speed increase does not change until The Burning Crusade Classic expansion.

11. Can I trade mounts with other players? Most mounts are Bind on Pickup, meaning they cannot be traded once acquired. Some rare mounts, like those obtained from the Black Market Auction House, might be tradable, but these are exceptions.

12. Are there any class-specific discounts for riding training or mounts? No. Paladins and Warlocks get free class-specific mounts at level 40, but do have to purchase Journeyman riding in order to use them. There are no class-specific discounts on general riding training or mount purchases.

13. Are mounts account-wide in WoW Classic? No, mounts are character-specific in WoW Classic. You will need to acquire mounts separately for each character you wish to ride.

14. How much does a 310% flying mount cost? 310% flying mounts are not available in WoW Classic, and are not available until later expansions are introduced. 310% flying speed requires a specific mount, and is not available to all flying mounts.

15. Can I buy riding training or mounts with real money? No, and buying game services for real money is a violation of the terms of service.

Mastering the Art of Affordability

Getting your first mount in WoW Classic is a significant milestone. Plan ahead, save your gold, and take advantage of reputation discounts. With a little effort, you’ll be galloping across Azeroth in no time!

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