Where Do I Learn to Fly in Battle for Azeroth (BFA)?
The short and sweet answer is: you don’t need to learn to fly specifically in Battle for Azeroth (BFA) anymore! Thanks to a change in Patch 10.0.7, the requirement to earn the Battle for Azeroth Pathfinder achievement to unlock flying in Kul Tiras and Zandalar was removed. Now, if you have the appropriate riding skill and are in the right area, you can simply take to the skies! This means no more tedious achievement grinding to soar through the BFA zones.
How Flying Works in BFA Now
Previously, players had to complete a complex series of achievements, collectively known as the BFA Pathfinder meta-achievement, to unlock flying in these areas. This was a two-part process, with the second part proving particularly time-consuming. Now, all that is in the past.
The Key to Flying: Riding Skill and Location
The ability to fly in Battle for Azeroth zones depends entirely on two factors:
- Your Riding Skill: You need the Expert Riding skill, which allows you to use flying mounts and ride them at 150% movement speed. This skill can be purchased from a Riding Trainer.
- Your Location: You must be in the Kul Tiras or Zandalar regions (or Nazjatar and Mechagon). These zones were previously locked behind the Pathfinder achievement, but are now open for flying upon reaching the required skill level.
Where to Find Riding Trainers
Riding Trainers are typically located in major cities. Here are some of the most common locations:
- Stormwind (Alliance): Bralla Cloudwing is the riding trainer located in the city.
- Orgrimmar (Horde): Maztha is the riding trainer in Orgrimmar.
Simply approach a riding trainer in one of these locations (or similar locations in other major cities), and you’ll be able to purchase the Expert Riding skill for 250 gold. This skill will grant you the ability to fly in all appropriate zones, provided you are of the required level and have a flying mount in your collection.
Understanding the Evolution of BFA Flying
It’s important to understand that Blizzard has changed the rules around flying in BFA over time. Initially, it was quite restrictive, forcing players to unlock it through extensive achievement completion. However, that approach has evolved into the simplified method available today. This change reflects a wider effort to streamline the player experience and reduce unnecessary barriers to enjoying the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Flying in BFA
Here are some frequently asked questions related to flying in Battle for Azeroth, to help further clarify the topic:
1. Can I fly in BFA right after creating a new character?
No, you need to level to the appropriate point, purchase the Expert Riding skill and have a flying mount, even though the achievement requirements have been removed.
2. Do I need to finish the entire BFA storyline to fly?
No, the BFA storyline is not required to fly in Kul Tiras or Zandalar anymore. You just need the appropriate riding skill and level.
3. What level do I need to be to learn to fly in BFA?
You will be able to access the Expert Riding skill to fly at level 60 but the skill can be purchased earlier at level 30. Be mindful of gear and scaling in this range.
4. I already earned Pathfinder. Does that mean anything now?
Not for flying specifically, you will retain the account-wide mount speed increase from the Pathfinder achievement, even though flying is now open to anyone.
5. Do I need to complete any quests related to flying in BFA?
No, there are no specific quests you need to complete to learn to fly in BFA since the patch update.
6. Can my alts fly in BFA once my main has learned the skill?
Yes, the Expert Riding skill is character based. Any character that has trained the skill can fly, meaning your alts do not need to do any specific activities to unlock flight in BFA zones.
7. What about Allied Races? Do they have special flying requirements?
No, Allied Races are treated the same as other races regarding flying in BFA. The Pathfinder requirements are removed for them as well.
8. Is the flying restriction still in place for the Shadowlands expansion?
For the Shadowlands expansion, flying was unlocked by achieving 44 Renown with your covenant, completing the covenant campaign, and completing chapter three of the “Chains of Domination” Campaign. These requirements are separate from BFA.
9. Where can I buy flying mounts?
Flying mounts can be obtained through various sources, including vendors, achievements, quests, drops from enemies, and the in-game store. There are plenty of flying mount options to suit different tastes.
10. Can I fly in instanced content like dungeons or raids?
No, flying is not permitted in dungeons, raids, battlegrounds, or any other instanced content.
11. Is there an item to unlock flying for all of my characters?
While there is an item Memories of Sunless Skies that unlocks account-wide flying in the four main Shadowlands zones for characters level 50 and above, there is no single account-wide flying item for BFA zones.
12. I can’t fly in certain areas. Why is that?
Some specific areas might still have no-fly zones for design reasons. These are usually isolated locations or places where flying would break the game flow.
13. Do I need the basic riding skill before buying Expert Riding?
Yes, you need to purchase the basic riding skill before purchasing the Expert Riding skill.
14. What is the cost of purchasing flying in BFA?
The cost is simply the 250 gold for purchasing the Expert Riding Skill from the riding trainer. You will, of course, need to have a flying mount in your collection to actually utilize the skill.
15. How has the removal of the Pathfinder requirement improved the game?
Removing the Pathfinder achievement has significantly improved accessibility for players. It allows them to explore the world more freely and enjoy the game without time-consuming and complicated requirements. It also reduced the need for “boost” services that existed to help players with this in previous iterations.
By understanding the current mechanics, you’ll be soaring through Battle for Azeroth in no time! Happy flying!