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What is the Best Mount in World of Warcraft?

The “best” mount in World of Warcraft (WoW) is entirely subjective and depends on individual preferences. There’s no single, universally accepted answer because the criteria vary wildly. Some players prioritize rarity and prestige, while others value aesthetics, utility, or the story behind the mount. Ultimately, the best mount is the one that brings the most joy to the player riding it, whether it’s a common drop or an elusive treasure.

Mount Mania: A Deep Dive into WoW’s Best Rides

World of Warcraft boasts a staggering collection of mounts, from humble horses to magnificent dragons and everything in between. Choosing the absolute “best” is a fool’s errand, akin to declaring a single “best” flavor of ice cream. However, we can explore the contenders based on different metrics.

Rarity and Prestige: The Status Symbols

For many, the most desirable mounts are those that are incredibly rare and difficult to obtain. Owning one of these signifies dedication, luck, or even considerable financial investment.

Swift Spectral Tiger: This reigns supreme in the realm of rarity. Obtained through a rare code in the World of Warcraft Trading Card Game (TCG), it’s a symbol of status and a testament to a player’s commitment (or deep pockets). Unused codes can sell for thousands of dollars, making it arguably the most expensive mount in the game.
Black Qiraji Resonating Crystal: From the original Classic WoW opening of Ahn’Qiraj, this mount was only obtainable by the first few players on each realm who completed the Scepter of the Shifting Sands questline. Its limited availability makes it incredibly coveted.
Feldrake: Originally a rare drop from the WoW TCG, Blizzard re-introduced this mount as a Twitch drop during a limited-time promotion for Dragonflight. Despite its renewed availability, it remains a highly sought-after mount with a fiery design.

Aesthetic Appeal: The Beauty Contest Winners

Visual appeal is a major factor for many players. Mounts that are visually striking or fit a specific character theme are highly valued.

Heavenly Onyx Cloud Serpent: The cloud serpent mounts, particularly the Heavenly Onyx variant, are undeniably impressive. The black and white color scheme, coupled with an ethereal glow, makes it a visually stunning mount.
Invincible: Arthas Menethil’s fallen steed brought back as an undead charger. Invincible is visually impressive. The combination of sorrowful lore and striking visual design makes Invincible one of the most popular mounts in the game.
Lucid Nightmare: Not only beautiful, but also with a story behind it. Requires a challenging, community-driven puzzle.

Ease of Acquisition: The Accessible Favorites

Not every “best” mount needs to be a rare drop or expensive purchase. Some of the most beloved mounts are relatively easy to obtain, making them accessible to a wider range of players.

Arboreal Gulper: This vibrant frog mount from Ardenweald is a 100% drop from a rare mob and only requires looting an Unusually Large Mushroom from Ardenweald. A relatively easy to get and cool-looking mount.
Red/Blue Dragonhawk Mount: Awarded for collecting 100 mounts in either the Horde or Alliance respectively.

Class-Specific Mounts: A Touch of Uniqueness

Certain classes have access to unique mounts that reflect their lore and abilities.

Paladin Charger: Paladins traditionally have access to their Charger mounts, these invoke a sense of class identity.
Warlock Dreadsteed: Likewise, Warlocks receive an epic mount that evokes a sense of class identity.

Mounts and Learning: The Connection You Didn’t Expect

Believe it or not, the world of WoW mounts can even be connected to educational concepts. The drive to collect, strategize, and learn the game’s systems to acquire these mounts can foster skills applicable in other areas of life, such as problem-solving, goal-setting, and collaboration. For more on how games can be powerful tools for learning, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about WoW Mounts

What is the most expensive mount in World of Warcraft? The Swift Spectral Tiger, obtainable through the WoW TCG, is considered the most expensive due to its rarity and the high cost of the associated TCG cards. Some cards sell for upwards of $15,000 on the secondary market.
What is the easiest mount to get in WoW? The Arboreal Gulper is a strong contender, with a 100% drop rate from a rare mob in Ardenweald after looting an Unusually Large Mushroom.
What do you get for collecting a certain number of mounts? Rewards are given at various milestones, such as the Red or Blue Dragonhawk Mount for collecting 100 mounts.
What is the rarest mount in WoW Classic? The Black Qiraji Resonating Crystal, obtained only by a handful of players on each realm during the original opening of Ahn’Qiraj.
Do you get a free flying mount in WoW? Yes, upon reaching level 30, the Time to Fly quest grants a free flying mount.
What class has access to the most mounts? Classes like Paladins, Warlocks, Death Knights, Demon Hunters, Engineers, and Tailors tend to have access to the most mounts due to class-specific and profession-specific mounts.
Can you buy WoW mounts with real money? Yes, some mounts are available for purchase through the Blizzard store. Additionally, some players choose to buy mounts from third-party services, though this comes with risks.
Can you trade mounts in WoW? No, most mounts cannot be traded.
What is the invincible mount in WoW? Invincible is the skeletal horse mount dropped by The Lich King in Icecrown Citadel.
What happens if I already have the reward mount for an achievement, and I get the achievement again on a different character? You will not receive another copy of the mount. Achievement rewards are usually account-wide.
How do I learn to ride flying mounts? You must train the flying skill, which becomes available at certain levels and requires a gold investment.
Do all mounts increase my character’s movement speed? Yes, all mounts increase movement speed compared to running on foot. The exact speed increase depends on your riding skill level.
Are there any mounts that can carry another player? Yes, there are several multi-passenger mounts available in the game, such as the Sandstone Drake, which transforms you into a dragon capable of carrying another player.
Can I use any mount on any character? Generally, yes. However, some mounts are restricted by class, race, or faction.
How can I see all the mounts I have collected? You can open the Mounts tab in your Collections window (default hotkey: Shift + P). This will display all mounts you have obtained and whether they are usable by your current character.

Ultimately, the “best” mount in WoW is a matter of personal preference. Explore the vast collection, find the ones that resonate with you, and enjoy the journey!

What is the best mount in WoW?