Unveiling the Rarest Mounts in World of Warcraft: A Collector’s Holy Grail
The quest for rare and elusive items has always been a driving force in World of Warcraft (WoW). Among these treasures, mounts hold a special place in the hearts of collectors. They’re not just a means of transportation; they’re symbols of dedication, luck, and sometimes, considerable wealth. So, what is the absolute rarest mount in WoW?
Without a doubt, the title belongs to the Swift Spectral Tiger. This phantom feline wasn’t obtainable through in-game activities like raiding or questing. Instead, it was available only through a very rare loot card in the now-discontinued World of Warcraft Trading Card Game (TCG). Unused codes for this mount now fetch astronomical prices on the secondary market, ranging from $8,000 to $15,000 on eBay. This price tag firmly cements its status as the most expensive and arguably the rarest mount in the game. The accessibility constraints and inherent exclusivity of the Trading Card Game make this mount incredibly coveted.
It is not attainable in game and that’s what makes it even more valuable.
Delving Deeper: Understanding Mount Rarity in WoW
Mount rarity in WoW is a complex topic, influenced by several factors:
- Drop Rate: Mounts that drop from raid bosses or dungeons often have extremely low drop rates (sometimes less than 1%), making them time-consuming and challenging to acquire.
- Availability: Some mounts were only available for a limited time, such as during specific events or promotions. Once these events end, the mounts become unobtainable, drastically increasing their rarity.
- Difficulty to Obtain: Some mounts require completing challenging achievements, reaching high PvP ranks, or undertaking lengthy questlines. These requirements can significantly limit the number of players who possess the mount.
- Source Removal: Mounts that were once obtainable through specific means, but are no longer available due to game updates or content removal, are considered retired mounts and are generally very rare.
Top Contenders for Rarest Mounts
While the Swift Spectral Tiger reigns supreme in terms of monetary value and exclusivity, several other mounts are considered incredibly rare:
- Black Qiraji Resonating Crystal: Obtainable only during the original opening of the Gates of Ahn’Qiraj event. Only one per server was available, and its uniqueness cements its rarity.
- Ashes of Al’ar: This fiery phoenix drops from Kael’thas Sunstrider in The Eye raid. Its low drop rate (around 1%) and the age of the content contribute to its desirability.
- Invincible’s Reins: This skeletal horse drops from the Lich King in Icecrown Citadel. Its iconic status and low drop rate have made it a long-term farm for many players.
- Mimiron’s Head: This unique flying machine drops from Yogg-Saron in Ulduar, requiring a specific challenge mode (no keepers active). The difficulty of this encounter makes it a rarer drop.
- Reins of the Raven Lord: Obtainable from Anzu in Sethekk Halls (Heroic). A stylish bird mount with a low drop rate and some farming needed.
- Swift Zulian Tiger: This striped tiger was removed from Zul’Gurub, making it unobtainable since the raid’s revamp.
- Clutch of Ji-Kun: Dropping from the Throne of Thunder raid, this mount shares the common low drop rate.
FAQs About Rare WoW Mounts
Here are some frequently asked questions about rare mounts in World of Warcraft:
- Is Invincible the rarest mount?
No, while Invincible is a highly sought-after mount with a low drop rate (approximately 1% from the Lich King), it is not the rarest. The Swift Spectral Tiger, obtainable only through the TCG, is significantly rarer. - What is the drop rate of Invincible’s Reins?
Invincible’s Reins have a drop rate of approximately 1% from the Lich King in the Icecrown Citadel raid. - Can you skip to Lich King in Icecrown Citadel?
Yes, but only partially. You must defeat all bosses in the raid to access the Lich King, with the exception of Valithria Dreamwalker. You can skip Valithria Dreamwalker by bypassing her room. - What is the rarest tiger mount in WoW?
The Swift Zulian Tiger is the rarest tiger mount in WoW. It was removed from the game when Zul’Gurub was revamped, making it unobtainable. - How rare is the Clutch of Ji-Kun?
The Clutch of Ji-Kun has a 1% drop rate from the Ji-Kun boss in the Throne of Thunder raid. - What is the coolest mount in WoW?
“Coolest” is subjective, but popular choices include Invincible’s Reins, the Swift Spectral Tiger, Ashes of Al’ar, Mimiron’s Head, and the Felsteel Annihilator. - What is the rarest mount in WoW Classic?
The Black Qiraji Resonating Crystal is arguably the rarest in WoW Classic, as it was only obtainable by a limited number of players during the original Ahn’Qiraj opening event on each server. - How rare is the Reins of the Raven Lord?
The Reins of the Raven Lord have a 1% drop rate from Anzu in the Heroic Sethekk Halls dungeon. - Who has the largest mount collection in WoW?
As of recent tracking, Wurzelstange is known to have the largest mount collection in WoW, with over 1,000 mounts. - How rare is the Fallen Charger mount?
The Fallen Charger has a 5% drop chance from an elite NPC in the Maw zone in Shadowlands. - How many WoW mounts exist?
Currently, there are over 900 mounts available in World of Warcraft that count towards mount-related achievements. This excludes retired and unobtainable mounts. - How rare is the Headless Horseman’s mount in WoW?
The Headless Horseman’s Reins has a drop chance of approximately .4%. - What affects the price of TCG mounts such as the Swift Spectral Tiger?
The condition of the card and the presence of the original code heavily influence the price. Also, whether or not the card is graded can affect its value. The demand for mounts that can’t be easily acquired increases the price as well. The fact that they’re retired from the game also drives up prices. - Is there anything that can be learned from the way that WoW implements achievements and rewards?
Yes, there is a large amount that can be learned from the way WoW implements achievements and rewards. Game developers have a lot to learn and improve. To learn more about games, learning, and society, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. - Is the Feldrake mount worth $3,000?
This particular mount was incredibly difficult to obtain and has been listed for prices close to $3000, but luckily, it has been given away for free.
The Enduring Appeal of Rare Mounts
The allure of rare mounts in World of Warcraft extends beyond simple aesthetics. They represent dedication, perseverance, and a bit of luck. They’re a badge of honor, showcasing a player’s commitment to the game and their willingness to go the extra mile. While obtaining the Swift Spectral Tiger may be beyond the reach of most players due to its exorbitant price, the pursuit of other rare mounts remains a compelling and rewarding goal for countless WoW enthusiasts. It’s a testament to the enduring power of collecting and the unique sense of accomplishment that comes from acquiring these virtual treasures. The challenge of obtaining those treasures makes it even more desirable.