How Rare Is the Azure Drake? A Deep Dive into WoW Mount Rarity
The Azure Drake is considered a rare mount in World of Warcraft, boasting an approximate 1-2% drop rate. It’s found within Alexstrasza’s Gift, a chest awarded after defeating Malygos in the Eye of Eternity raid. This rate, while not the absolute lowest in the game, places it firmly in the category of mounts requiring persistence, a bit of luck, and potentially numerous runs to acquire. The drake’s icy blue hue and association with the blue dragonflight make it a highly sought-after addition to any collector’s stable. Now, let’s delve deeper into the specifics, answering some frequently asked questions about this elusive mount and other related rarities within the World of Warcraft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the Azure Drake’s drop rate compare to other rare mounts?
The 1-2% drop rate of the Azure Drake is fairly standard for raid-dropped mounts. This puts it in a similar rarity tier to mounts like the Onyxian Drake, the Drake of the South Wind, and the Blazing Drake. Mounts with significantly lower drop rates, such as Ashes of Al’ar (around 0.02%) or the Time-Lost Proto-Drake (spawn-based rarity), are considered much rarer and require far more effort or luck to obtain. Conversely, some mounts, while still uncommon, have higher drop rates, making them somewhat easier to acquire.
Where exactly does the Azure Drake drop?
The Azure Drake drops exclusively from Alexstrasza’s Gift, the loot chest that appears after you defeat Malygos in the Eye of Eternity raid. This raid is located in Northrend, specifically in the Nexus area of Borean Tundra. The drake can drop from both the 10-player and 25-player versions of the raid.
Is the Azure Drake drop rate affected by the raid difficulty (10-man vs. 25-man)?
No, the drop rate remains the same (1-2%) regardless of whether you run the Eye of Eternity raid on 10-player or 25-player difficulty. This means that you have the same odds of obtaining the Azure Drake whether you run a smaller or larger group. The choice often comes down to personal preference or group availability.
How fast is the Azure Drake?
The Azure Drake, like most flying mounts in World of Warcraft, has a speed that depends on your riding skill. With maximum riding skill, it can fly at 280% speed and move at 100% speed on the ground (when it isn’t able to fly).
What is the difference between the Azure Drake and the Blue Drake?
Both the Azure Drake and the Blue Drake are flying mounts obtainable from the Eye of Eternity raid. The key difference is the boss they drop from. The Azure Drake drops from Malygos.
Can you still get the Azure Drake in modern World of Warcraft?
Yes! The Azure Drake remains obtainable in retail versions of World of Warcraft. The Eye of Eternity raid is still accessible, and the drop rate remains consistent with its original values. Many players still farm this raid regularly in the hopes of acquiring this coveted mount.
Is there a trick to increase the drop rate of the Azure Drake?
Unfortunately, there is no known or proven method to increase the drop rate of the Azure Drake. It operates on a random number generator (RNG) system, meaning each attempt has the same 1-2% chance of success, regardless of any actions you take. Persistence and running the raid multiple times are the best strategies. Understanding the game mechanics can aid in efficiency, which is where research from sources such as the Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org can be beneficial.
What other rare Drake mounts are available in World of Warcraft?
World of Warcraft boasts a variety of rare drake mounts, each with its own unique acquisition method and rarity. Some notable examples include:
- Onyxian Drake: Drops from Onyxia in Onyxia’s Lair.
- Black Drake: Drops from Sartharion in the Obsidian Sanctum (requires keeping all three Twilight Drakes alive during the encounter).
- Twilight Drake: Another mount from Sartharion, sharing the same conditions as the Black Drake.
- Drake of the North Wind: Drops from Al’Akir in the Throne of the Four Winds.
- Blazing Drake: Drops from Deathwing in Dragon Soul.
- Time-Lost Proto-Drake: A rare spawn that roams the Storm Peaks in Northrend.
- Aeonaxx: Another rare spawn mount in Deepholm.
How does the Azure Drake compare to the Black Drake in terms of rarity?
The Black Drake, obtainable from defeating Sartharion with all three drakes alive in the Obsidian Sanctum, is considered to have a higher effective drop rate than the Azure Drake. Because it’s a 100% drop chance when you kill Sartharion with all 3 drakes alive.
How do I get to the Eye of Eternity raid?
To reach the Eye of Eternity raid, you need to travel to Borean Tundra in Northrend. Look for the Nexus, which is a large structure located in the northwestern part of the zone. Inside the Nexus, you will find the portal to the Eye of Eternity. You must be at least level 80 to enter.
Is the Azure Drake account-wide?
Yes, once you obtain the Azure Drake, it is added to your mount collection and becomes available for all characters on your account, as long as they meet any level requirements for riding.
What level do you need to be to use the Azure Drake?
Players need to be at least Level 70 to use the Azure Drake.
What are some other mounts similar in appearance to the Azure Drake?
While the Azure Drake has a distinct icy blue color scheme, other drakes share a similar model. The Blue Drake, also from the Eye of Eternity, is the most obvious comparison. Other dragon mounts with similar skeletal structures can be found throughout the game, though often with different colorations or armor.
Is the Azure Drake a good mount for collectors?
Absolutely! The Azure Drake is a highly desirable mount for collectors due to its rarity, its striking appearance, and its association with classic World of Warcraft content. Adding it to your collection is a testament to your dedication and perseverance as a mount collector.
What is the fastest way to farm the Azure Drake?
The most efficient way to farm the Azure Drake is to use multiple characters. Since the raid can be run once per character per week, having several level 70+ characters significantly increases your chances of obtaining the mount. Ensure you can quickly defeat Malygos on each character to maximize your runs.