Taking to the Skies: Unlocking Flight in World of Warcraft
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The level at which you can fly in World of Warcraft is a bit of a moving target, depending on which era of the game you’re playing and where you’re trying to spread your wings. Generally speaking, you can learn to fly at level 30 in older zones if you’re leveling using Chromie Time. However, the requirements and level needed can vary significantly depending on the expansion and the specific content you’re engaging with. Understanding these nuances will help you get airborne as quickly as possible.
Flying Across Azeroth: A Level-by-Level Breakdown
The availability of flying in World of Warcraft has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, flying was a late-game privilege, but it’s gradually become more accessible as the game has progressed. This section breaks down the level and other requirements you’ll need to take to the skies in different parts of the WoW universe.
Classic Zones (Kalimdor & Eastern Kingdoms)
If you’re leveling through the original continents, you’ll generally be able to learn to fly at level 30. You’ll need to visit a Riding Trainer to purchase the ability to fly and a flying mount. Remember that prices have changed over time, so you may need to save a bit of gold. Chromie Time lets you level in previous expansions if you don’t have access, try making a trial character, which might unlock it.
Outland and Northrend
Similarly, in these expansion zones, flying becomes available at level 30. You will need to purchase the appropriate riding skill from the trainer and have a suitable flying mount. In Northrend, be sure to learn Cold Weather Flying from a trainer in a major city or Dalaran to fly in that continent.
Cataclysm Zones
With the Cataclysm expansion, flying became available in the original zones of Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms, following some significant world revamps. As mentioned above, this can be unlocked at level 30.
Pandaria and Draenor
Flying is available in these continents, but may need to be unlocked by hitting a specific level and purchasing the appropriate riding skills. You can learn to fly on these continents at level 30.
The Broken Isles (Legion)
As with many expansions, flying initially wasn’t available upon release in Legion. It was later unlocked by completing the “Broken Isles Pathfinder, Part One” and “Broken Isles Pathfinder, Part Two” achievements. These achievements involve exploring the zones, completing world quests, and achieving certain reputations with the various factions of the Broken Isles. To even begin working towards these, your character must be level 45.
Battle for Azeroth (Kul Tiras & Zandalar)
Similar to Legion, flying in Battle for Azeroth was unlocked through Pathfinder achievements. You needed to earn “Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part One” and “Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part Two” to soar through Kul Tiras and Zandalar. These achievements required reputation grinding, exploration, and completing specific questlines. To even begin working towards these, your character must be level 50.
Shadowlands
Flying in the four main Shadowlands zones (Bastion, Maldraxxus, Ardenweald, and Revendreth) isn’t tied to a specific level but rather to Covenant progression. Specifically, you need to:
- Earn 44 Renown with your Covenant.
- Complete all 9 chapters of the Covenant Campaign.
- Complete up through the 3rd chapter of the 9.1 “Chains of Domination” Campaign (ending with The Primus Returns).
Completing this unlocks an item called Memories of the Sunless Skies, which grants account-wide flying in those zones.
Dragonflight
Flying in Dragonflight is done via Dragonriding. After completing the first two chapters of the campaign in the Waking Shores, riders can unlock Dragonriding. Alexstraza the Life-Binder can be found at the Ruby Lifeshrine around level 61. They will be able to study Dragonriding and begin flying there.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you fly at level 20 in WoW?
No, you cannot fly at level 20 in most areas of World of Warcraft. The minimum level requirement for purchasing the ability to fly in older zones is typically level 30.
2. How do you unlock flying in Shadowlands?
Unlocking flying in the Shadowlands requires completing specific milestones in the Covenant campaign. You need to reach Renown level 44, finish all 9 chapters of your Covenant Campaign, and complete the first three chapters of the “Chains of Domination” campaign. This will reward you with the Memories of the Sunless Skies item, unlocking flying in the main Shadowlands zones.
3. How much does master riding cost?
The cost of Master Riding, which allows you to fly at maximum speed, is 5,000 gold. However, this cost can be reduced based on your reputation with the faction of the riding trainer. Achieving Exalted status with a faction can lower the cost to 4,000 gold.
4. Do you have to be level 60 to start Dragonflight?
Yes, your character must be at least level 60 to begin the Dragonflight intro questline.
5. Can you buy flying in WoW?
Yes, in several zones, including Kalimdor, Eastern Kingdoms, Northrend, Outland, Pandaria, Draenor, Broken Isles, and Battle for Azeroth zones, you can buy the WoW flying license in exchange for gold. However, in newer zones like the Shadowlands and Dragon Isles, you typically need to complete specific achievements or campaign progress to unlock flying.
6. How do I unlock flying in Azeroth?
To unlock flying in the Battle for Azeroth zones (Kul Tiras and Zandalar), you need to complete the “Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part Two” achievement. This requires completing the “Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder, Part One” achievement, reaching Revered reputation with specific factions, and exploring various zones.
7. How do you fly in Shadowlands at level 60?
At level 60, you need to progress through your Covenant campaign and the Chains of Domination campaign. Reach Renown level 44 and complete the first three chapters of the Chains of Domination campaign. This will grant you the Memories of the Sunless Skies, which unlocks flying in the Shadowlands zones.
8. Can you fly in WoW Classic?
In WoW Classic, flying becomes available once you reach level 70. You then need to purchase the appropriate flying training and a flying mount from the vendors.
9. What classes can fly in WoW?
While all classes can eventually learn to fly using purchased riding skills and mounts, Druids have a unique advantage with their Swift Flight Form. This allows them to instantly transform into a flying creature without needing a mount.
10. Does a level 60 boost skip Shadowlands?
Boosting a character to level 60 will skip the Shadowlands story if the character hasn’t already started it. If the character has already begun the Shadowlands campaign, the boost will not skip to the covenant selection.
11. Can you level to 60 without Shadowlands?
Yes, you can level to 60 without going through the Shadowlands by using Chromie Time and leveling through previous expansions. Alternatively, you can level through dungeons, battlegrounds, pet battles, or by completing quests in other zones.
12. Is WoW still free to level 20?
Yes, World of Warcraft is free to play up to level 20. You can create characters and explore the game up to this level without needing a subscription. To progress beyond level 20, you’ll need to purchase a subscription or game time.
13. Can everyone fly in Dragonflight?
In Dragonflight, flying is primarily done through Dragonriding, which is unlocked early in the expansion. This allows players to fly using the new Dragonriding mechanics. However, unlocking flying in older zones follows the existing rules, requiring appropriate riding skills and, in some cases, Pathfinder achievements.
14. What to do at level 70 in Dragonflight WoW?
Once you reach level 70 in Dragonflight, you can focus on gearing up through world quests, auction house purchases, and heroic dungeons. You can then progress to mythic dungeons and mythic plus dungeons to further improve your gear and tackle challenging content.
15. Where can I learn more about gaming and learning?
To delve deeper into the intersection of gaming and learning, check out the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This website has information about how game-based learning can be effective.