When Can You Fly in Northrend? A Comprehensive Guide
The skies of Northrend, with their icy winds and breathtaking vistas, beckon adventurers. However, unlike the familiar landscapes of Azeroth, flight in the frozen north isn’t available from the get-go. Understanding when and how you can take to the skies in Northrend is crucial for efficient leveling, exploration, and general enjoyment of the Wrath of the Lich King experience. In short:
Your first character in Wrath of the Lich King Classic must reach level 77 to learn Cold Weather Flying. Subsequent characters on the same realm and account can learn it as early as level 68. This involves purchasing either the training itself or a specific item, depending on your character’s situation. Let’s delve into the specifics.
The First Character’s Struggle: Level 77 and Cold Weather Flying
For your first character venturing into Northrend, the mandatory requirement is reaching level 77. At this level, you can finally learn Cold Weather Flying. It’s a significant hurdle, forcing you to use ground mounts for a good portion of your Northrend adventure. This is designed to encourage you to experience the world on foot, engaging with the environments and quests in a more grounded way.
Learning Cold Weather Flying
Once you hit level 77, you will need to seek out a specific trainer to learn the skill. Hira Snowdawn is a key NPC to find. She is located in Krasus’ Landing in Dalaran. You’ll need 1000 gold to purchase the training from her, so make sure you have saved up some gold during your leveling journey. Make sure you have the required skill Expert Riding or Flight Form (for Druids), before talking to her.
No Shortcuts for Your First Northrend Flyer
There’s no way around this requirement for your first character. You cannot access flying in Northrend before level 77 on your primary account character. This means that your initial trek through the snowy landscape will be on foot, or on a ground-based mount. Enjoy the world on foot for a while.
The Alts’ Advantage: Cold Weather Flying at Level 68
Subsequent characters on the same realm and account benefit significantly from the bind on account mechanic. Once your main character hits level 80 and learns Cold Weather Flying, they unlock the ability to purchase Tome of Cold Weather Flight. This tome is an heirloom item, and can be sent to any other character that you have on the same realm and faction.
The Tome of Cold Weather Flight
The Tome of Cold Weather Flight allows an alt character to learn Cold Weather Flying as soon as they reach level 68. This is a crucial quality of life upgrade for players who want to efficiently level and explore Northrend on multiple characters. This feature makes alts a breeze to level through northrend.
How to Use the Tome
To use the tome on an alt, simply transfer the item to them and then right-click to learn the skill. This saves the alt the trouble of leveling to 77 before flying and eliminates the 1000 gold expense associated with training. You are now free to explore the vastness of Northrend.
Temporary Flying Options
If you need a temporary means of flight before unlocking cold weather flying, you can seek out “Honest” Max at K3 in Storm Peaks (Coordinates: /way 40.6 84.6). He will provide you with Loaned Gryphon Reins (Alliance) or Loaned Wind Rider Reins (Horde), allowing temporary flight, although this is not the standard, reliable flight available with Cold Weather Flying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I fly in Northrend at level 70?
No, not initially. Your first character needs to be level 77 to learn Cold Weather Flying through training. Subsequent characters can learn it at level 68 with the Tome of Cold Weather Flight.
2. What level is required to start questing in Northrend?
You can physically travel to Northrend at any level, but you must be level 68 to access quests. This makes it the ideal time to make your way there for a smoother leveling experience.
3. Can I go to Northrend before level 68?
Yes, you can travel to Northrend before level 68, but there will be no quests available. The boats can be boarded at any level.
4. Do I need Outland flying to fly in Northrend?
Yes, you do. Outland flying, and the corresponding Expert Riding skill, is a prerequisite for flying in Northrend.
5. What happens if I am boosted to level 70 in the Northrend Heroic Upgrade?
The Northrend Heroic Upgrade boosts you to level 70 but does not grant you the ability to fly in Northrend. You’ll still need to level to 77 on your main character to unlock Cold Weather Flying. It is good for a quick start, though.
6. Is there a way to fly in Northrend without Cold Weather Flying permanently?
No. The Loaned Gryphon Reins/Wind Rider Reins are temporary and designed to help players reach a specific location if they cannot fly. For permanent flight you must unlock Cold Weather Flying.
7. Where do I find the Cold Weather Flying trainer?
The trainer is Hira Snowdawn, located in Krasus’ Landing in Dalaran. She’s hard to miss once you arrive there.
8. How much gold is Cold Weather Flying training?
Cold Weather Flying training costs 1000 gold for your first character. Subsequent characters who use the tome will not need to pay this.
9. Can I send the Tome of Cold Weather Flight to a character on a different server?
No, the Tome of Cold Weather Flight is bind-on-account and can only be sent to a character on the same realm and faction.
10. What are the best leveling zones in Northrend?
Howling Fjord (68-72) and Borean Tundra (68-72) are good starting zones. Followed by Dragonblight (71-74) and Grizzly Hills (73-76). Finally, Zul’Drak (74-77) and Storm Peaks (76-80) will round you out to level 80.
11. Why do my alts get to fly earlier than my main?
This is intentional, to provide a catch-up mechanism for alts and make leveling more efficient for subsequent characters. It encourages players to continue enjoying content without having to start from scratch.
12. Can Druids fly in Flight Form in Northrend?
Yes, Druids can use their Flight Form in Northrend, but they still need the Cold Weather Flying skill. They just don’t need the Expert Riding skill.
13. Is Northrend leveling faster than Outland?
Yes, many players find that leveling in Northrend from 68-70 is faster than staying in Outland because of the improved experience rewards from quests.
14. How does the cold affect my character?
Being in a cold climate does not directly affect your character in gameplay. The only effect cold has is if you do not have Cold Weather Flying, you will not be able to fly.
15. If I purchase a level boost, can I fly in Northrend immediately?
No, purchasing a level boost still requires your character to acquire Cold Weather Flying if they are your first character. Boosted characters are not exempt from this rule. The boost is designed to get you quickly into Northrend, but flying is a separate skill.
Conclusion
Flying in Northrend is a crucial aspect of enjoying the expansion. While the initial restriction for your first character to reach level 77 might seem frustrating, it’s a designed part of the experience. Alts, however, can take to the skies much earlier, making the subsequent leveling process much more efficient. Understanding these rules helps you plan your Northrend adventure effectively and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from a different perspective. Happy flying!