Level 40 Riding in WotLK: Your Ultimate Guide
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The Burning Crusade Classic has faded into memory, and the icy winds of Northrend beckon. As you journey through Wrath of the Lich King (WotLK) Classic, reaching level 40 is a significant milestone, not least because it unlocks faster ground travel. So, the burning question: How much does level 40 riding cost in WotLK?
The total cost for level 40 riding (Journeyman Riding) in WotLK is 50 gold for the riding skill and an additional 10 gold for the standard mount, totaling 60 gold. This price can be reduced if you have a high reputation with your faction. Being Honored with your home faction reduces the cost to 45 gold for the riding skill and 9 gold for the mount, bringing the total down to 54 gold.
Understanding Journeyman Riding
Journeyman Riding is the riding skill that allows you to ride ground mounts at 100% movement speed. It’s a massive upgrade from Apprentice Riding (level 20), which only grants 60% speed. This increased speed dramatically improves your leveling experience, making questing and traveling between zones much faster and more efficient.
Reputation Discounts
One of the most important factors influencing the cost of Journeyman Riding and your mount is your reputation with your faction. Here’s how reputation affects the price:
- Neutral: Full price (50g for riding skill, 10g for mount).
- Honored: 10% discount (45g for riding skill, 9g for mount).
- Revered: 15% discount.
- Exalted: 20% discount.
It’s highly likely that by the time you reach level 40, you will have at least Honored standing with your home faction, granting you that initial 10% discount. Striving for higher reputation levels before investing in riding can save you even more gold.
Where to Learn Journeyman Riding
You can learn Journeyman Riding from the riding trainer in your faction’s capital city:
- Alliance: Look for riding trainers in Stormwind, Ironforge, or Darnassus.
- Horde: Find riding trainers in Orgrimmar, Thunder Bluff, or Undercity.
Speak to a guard if you are having difficulty locating the correct trainer.
Mount Options at Level 40
At level 40, your initial focus will likely be on purchasing a standard mount. These mounts are readily available from vendors near the riding trainers. However, as you progress through the game, you’ll discover more unique and visually appealing mounts from various sources, including quests, dungeons, raids, and reputation vendors. While that initial investment into your first mount is important, remember that there will be more opportunities in the future to get better, more rare mounts.
Gold Farming Tips for Level 40
Saving up 60 gold (or potentially less with reputation discounts) can still feel like a grind at level 40. Here are a few tips to help you accumulate gold:
- Questing: Completing quests is the most reliable way to earn gold while leveling.
- Selling unwanted items: Vendor any grey items you loot and sell valuable greens and blues on the Auction House.
- Gathering Professions: Mining, Herbalism, and Skinning can provide a steady income by selling raw materials on the Auction House.
- Dungeons: Running dungeons can drop valuable items and provide experience, killing two birds with one stone.
Epic Ground Mounts (Level 60)
While this article mainly discusses Journeyman Riding at level 40, it’s important to look ahead. At level 60, you’ll unlock the ability to learn Expert Riding, allowing you to ride Epic Ground Mounts at 100% speed. These mounts are significantly faster and more visually impressive than standard mounts, providing a considerable upgrade to your travel speed and overall enjoyment of the game. The cost for Expert Riding is substantial (around 600 gold), but the investment is well worth it.
Flying Mounts (Level 77/80)
The ultimate goal for movement in WotLK Classic is undoubtedly flying. You unlock flying in Northrend at level 77 by learning Cold Weather Flying. This skill allows you to use flying mounts in Northrend, drastically reducing travel time and opening up new areas for exploration. Then at Level 80 you can learn to fly in Azeroth. Flying mounts can be purchased from various vendors, with prices varying depending on the mount.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about riding and mounts in WotLK Classic:
1. What is the difference between Apprentice Riding and Journeyman Riding?
Apprentice Riding, available at level 20, allows you to ride ground mounts at 60% speed. Journeyman Riding, available at level 40, increases the speed to 100%.
2. Can I get a discount on riding training?
Yes, your reputation with your faction affects the cost. Being Honored, Revered, or Exalted will provide increasing discounts.
3. Where do I learn Journeyman Riding?
You learn Journeyman Riding from the riding trainer in your faction’s capital city.
4. What level do I need to be to use flying mounts in Northrend?
You need to be level 77 and have learned Cold Weather Flying.
5. How much does Cold Weather Flying cost?
Cold Weather Flying costs around 1,000 gold.
6. Can Death Knights use mounts?
Yes, Death Knights start with a special mount, making the initial cost of riding less of a hurdle.
7. Are there any special mounts available in WotLK Classic?
Yes, there are numerous special mounts obtainable through quests, dungeons, raids, achievements, and reputation.
8. How do I increase my reputation with my faction?
Completing quests in your faction’s zones, wearing a tabard in dungeons, and participating in specific events can increase your reputation.
9. What is the fastest way to level from 40 to 50 in WotLK Classic?
A combination of questing in zones like Stranglethorn Vale and running dungeons is an efficient way to level.
10. Is it worth it to invest in gathering professions to make gold?
Yes, gathering professions like Mining, Herbalism, and Skinning can provide a steady income source.
11. Where can I find rare mounts in WotLK Classic?
Rare mounts can drop from raid bosses, be obtained through achievements, or purchased from specific vendors.
12. What is the drop rate of Invincible’s Reins from the Lich King?
Invincible’s Reins has an extremely low drop rate (around 1%) from the Lich King in Icecrown Citadel.
13. How long does it take to level from 70 to 80 in WotLK Classic?
It typically takes between 24 and 48 hours of playtime to level from 70 to 80.
14. Can I boost a character to level 70 in WotLK Classic?
Yes, Blizzard offered a Northrend Heroic Upgrade that boosts one character to level 70 (excluding Death Knights).
15. What are some good resources for learning more about WoW Classic?
There are many helpful websites and communities dedicated to WoW Classic, including Games Learning Society, which explores the educational aspects of gaming. GamesLearningSociety.org
16. How do I know which mounts I already have?
Open your character pane (default key ‘C’) and click on the ‘Mounts’ tab. This will show you all the mounts your character knows. It also shows the mounts you do not know.
Conclusion
Investing in Journeyman Riding at level 40 is crucial for efficient leveling and enjoying the vast world of WotLK Classic. By understanding the costs, reputation discounts, and gold farming tips outlined in this guide, you can acquire your first mount and embark on your adventures in Northrend with confidence. And, while you’re conquering Azeroth, remember the broader educational impact of gaming. Explore how games can transform learning at the Games Learning Society website.