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Soaring Through Azeroth: A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Flying in World of Warcraft

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So, you want to take to the skies in World of Warcraft? Excellent choice! Flying unlocks a whole new dimension of exploration, questing, and general convenience. The answer to how to buy flying in WoW isn’t always straightforward, as it depends on the specific expansion you’re playing. However, the general process involves reaching the required level, purchasing the appropriate riding skill from a trainer, and acquiring a flying mount. The specifics, including level requirements, gold costs, and quest prerequisites, vary from expansion to expansion. Let’s break it down piece by piece!

Understanding the Basics of Flying

Before we delve into the specifics of each expansion, let’s cover some core concepts. Flying in WoW isn’t just about hopping on a mount and taking off. It’s tied to Riding Skills, which you must learn from a Riding Trainer. These trainers are typically found in major cities like Stormwind for the Alliance and Orgrimmar for the Horde.

Riding Skill Levels: There are several tiers of riding skill, each allowing you to ride faster and, crucially, fly. The specific names and level requirements for these skills have changed over time.
Trainers: Look for NPCs specifically labeled “Riding Trainer” or “Flying Trainer.” They’ll offer a range of riding skills suitable for your level.
Mounts: Once you have the appropriate riding skill, you’ll need a flying mount. These can be purchased from vendors, earned through quests or achievements, or even obtained through the in-game store.

Flying in Classic WoW (and Burning Crusade Classic)

In Classic WoW (and its Burning Crusade Classic iteration), flying isn’t available until you reach level 60. You then need to train Expert Riding, also known as Flying Training. This training and your first flying mount (usually a Gryphon or Wyvern) will require a significant amount of gold. This is a substantial investment, so start saving early!

Level Requirement: 60
Riding Skill: Expert Riding (Flying Training)
Cost: This varies, but expect to pay several hundred gold for the training and mount combined.
Where to Train: Riding Trainers in major cities, such as Stormwind or Orgrimmar.

Flying in Retail WoW (Modern WoW)

The process of unlocking flying in modern WoW has evolved significantly over the years, with each expansion often introducing new requirements and systems.

Leveling and Basic Riding Skills

Before you can even think about flying, you need to level up! In modern WoW, the initial riding skills for ground mounts are available at lower levels and are relatively inexpensive.

Apprentice Riding: Available at level 10 (reduced from 20 in earlier versions).
Journeyman Riding: Available at level 20 (reduced from 40 in earlier versions).
Expert Riding (Ground): Available at level 30 and increases ground mount speed.

Shadowlands Flying: A Campaign Commitment

Shadowlands introduced a more structured approach to unlocking flying. It’s no longer just about reaching a level and paying gold. Now, it’s tied to completing specific Covenant Campaigns.

Renown Requirement: Reach 44 Renown with your chosen Covenant.
Covenant Campaign Completion: Complete all 9 chapters of your Covenant’s campaign.
Chains of Domination Campaign: Complete up through Chapter 3 of the 9.1 “Chains of Domination” campaign, ending with the quest “The Primus Returns.”
Flying Mounts: Once you’ve unlocked flying, any characters level 30 and above can fly in Shadowlands.
Convenience: Buying WoW Shadowlands Flying can save time and unnecessary grinding.

Dragonflight Flying: Dragonriding

Dragonflight shakes up the flying mechanics with the introduction of Dragonriding. Instead of simply purchasing a skill, you gain a special Dragonriding mount and learn to master its unique abilities.

Dragonriding Basics: Early in the Dragonflight campaign, you’ll obtain your first Dragonriding mount, the Renewed Proto-Drake.
Dragonriding Skills: You’ll then learn Dragonriding skills by collecting Dragon Glyphs scattered throughout the Dragon Isles.
Normal Flying: While Dragonriding is the primary method of aerial travel in Dragon Isles, players who have flying unlocked in previous expansions will eventually gain the ability to use their old flying mounts in the Dragon Isles as well.

Battle for Azeroth Flying: Pathfinder Achievements

Battle for Azeroth (BFA) implemented a “Pathfinder” system. To unlock flying, you had to complete a series of achievements across multiple patches.

Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part One: Required completing various exploration, questing, and reputation-based achievements in the BFA zones.
Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part Two: Introduced later in the expansion, this required additional achievements, including reaching Revered with specific factions.

Finding Riding Trainers and Mount Vendors

Knowing where to go is just as important as knowing what to do. Here are some common locations:

Stormwind: Bralla Cloudwing (Riding Trainer) in the Trade District.
Orgrimmar: Maztha (Riding Trainer) on the flight master/zeppelin level.
Exodar/Silvermoon City: Each race has their own riding trainer, usually found near the main city.

Mount vendors are often located near riding trainers or in faction-specific areas of major cities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Flying in WoW

What level do I need to be to start learning riding skills? In modern WoW, you can learn Apprentice Riding at level 10.
How much does it cost to learn flying in WoW? The cost varies depending on the expansion and the riding skill. In Classic, it can be several hundred gold. In modern WoW, the gold costs for basic riding skills are relatively low, but unlocking flying in expansions like Shadowlands requires campaign completion rather than just gold.
Can I fly in all zones in WoW? No. Some zones, particularly those from older expansions, require you to learn specific riding skills to fly. Some zones may also restrict flying due to game design or specific events. Dragon Isles allow dragonriding early on and later you can use all your other flying mounts.
Do I need to buy each expansion to fly in its zones? Generally, no. Once you unlock flying in an expansion (if it’s unlockable), it’s usually account-wide. However, you may need to own the expansion to access the content and complete the necessary quests or achievements to unlock flying.
How do I unlock flying in Zandalar and Kul Tiras (Battle for Azeroth)? You need to complete the Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder achievements (Part One and Part Two).
Where can I find a riding trainer in Orgrimmar? Maztha, the Riding Trainer, is located on the flight master/zeppelin level of Orgrimmar.
What is Dragonriding in Dragonflight? Dragonriding is a new form of aerial movement introduced in Dragonflight, allowing players to master unique skills and abilities on their Dragonriding mounts.
Do I get a free flying mount when I learn to fly? Sometimes! Some expansions or special events may offer a free flying mount upon learning the necessary riding skill.
Can I buy flying mounts from the in-game store? Yes, Blizzard offers a selection of flying mounts for purchase in the in-game store. However, these mounts still require you to have the appropriate riding skill to use them.
How do I unlock flying in Shadowlands if I’m starting now? Focus on leveling to 60, choosing a Covenant, and completing the Covenant Campaign and the initial chapters of the Chains of Domination campaign.
Is flying account-wide once I unlock it? In most cases, yes. Once you unlock flying on one character, it is typically available for all characters on your account who are level 30 or higher.
What is the fastest way to level up my riding skill? Simply train the next available riding skill at a Riding Trainer as soon as you meet the level requirement. There’s no “leveling up” your riding skill beyond purchasing the next tier.
Do I need Shadowlands to buy Dragonflight? Yes, historically you needed Shadowlands to pre-purchase Dragonflight. Usually, once Dragonflight launches Shadowlands will be merged with the base game.
What does a WoW subscription include? A WoW subscription includes access to World of Warcraft, Wrath of the Lich King Classic, and Classic Hardcore Realms!
Where can I learn more about the impact of games on learning and society? Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They delve into the intersection of gaming, education, and social impact.

Flying in World of Warcraft is a rewarding experience, opening up new possibilities for exploration and gameplay. While the process has changed over the years, the core principle remains the same: reach the required level, learn the necessary riding skill, and acquire a flying mount. So, buckle up, adventurer, and prepare to take flight! The Games Learning Society acknowledges the value in game mechanics and how to leverage them for learning and the greater good.