Where Do Tauren Get Mounts in World of Warcraft?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Tauren, the noble and powerful bovine race of the Horde in World of Warcraft, have a unique relationship with mounts. Their sheer size and cultural connection to the land influence the types of creatures they can ride. Initially, Tauren primarily use Kodo mounts, large, sturdy beasts perfectly suited to their stature. These mounts are deeply rooted in Tauren tradition and serve as both a symbol of their heritage and a practical means of traversing the vast landscapes of Azeroth. Beyond their racial mounts, Tauren also have access to other mounts through various means, such as reputation and PvP rewards. Let’s delve deeper into how Tauren acquire these trusty steeds.
Tauren Racial Mounts: The Mighty Kodo
Purchasing Kodo Mounts
The primary source of Kodo mounts for Tauren characters is Harb Clawhoof, located in Bloodhoof Village in Mulgore. This is where newly created Tauren characters begin their journey, making it a convenient location to acquire their first mount. Harb sells the standard Kodo mounts, which come in various colors.
Kodo Riding Skill
To ride a Kodo, a Tauren character must first learn the Kodo Riding skill. This skill is also acquired from Harb Clawhoof. Once the skill is learned and the required level achieved, players can finally use their newly purchased mount.
Mount Cost and Discounts
The level 40 Kodo mounts, which provide a 60% increase to movement speed, initially cost 80 gold. However, several discounts can reduce this price. Being at least honored with Thunder Bluff (the Tauren capital city) lowers the price to 72 gold. A Rank 3 PvP rating also provides a discount, bringing the price down to 72 gold. A character who is honored with Thunder Bluff and has a Rank 3 rating can purchase the mount for a further discounted price of 64 gold.
Beyond the Kodo: Other Mount Options
While Kodo mounts are iconic for Tauren, they are not the only mounts available. As players progress through World of Warcraft, they gain access to a broader range of mounts.
Faction Mounts
Tauren, as part of the Horde, can purchase mounts from other Horde races once they reach exalted reputation status with those races. This means they can ride Orcish Wolves, Troll Raptors, and Blood Elf Hawkstriders (among others), provided they’ve worked hard to earn the faction’s respect. You can visit the mount vendors of these other races to acquire their mounts.
PvP Mounts
Tauren can also earn mounts through participation in Player vs Player (PvP) activities. These mounts can include PvP War Wolves and Kodos, as well as other faction-specific mounts earned through battleground or arena achievements. However, not all PvP mounts are available, such as the Black War Horse or the PvP Hawkstrider, which are excluded.
Reputation Mounts
Many factions throughout the game offer unique mounts as rewards for reaching exalted status. These can range from the mundane to the truly exotic and can provide variety to a Tauren’s mount collection.
World of Warcraft Mounts: FAQs
To further clarify and enhance your understanding of Tauren mounts in World of Warcraft, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Can Tauren ride Raptors in Classic WoW?
No, Tauren are limited to riding Wolves and Kodos in Classic WoW. They cannot ride Raptors, even if they are exalted with the Troll faction.
2. Where can I buy mounts in Thunder Bluff?
While the mount vendor for Kodos is not in Thunder Bluff itself, it is in Bloodhoof Village in Mulgore at coordinates 47, 58. This is where you’ll find Harb Clawhoof, the Kodo vendor.
3. Where do I buy Orc mounts?
Orc mounts (Wolves) can be purchased from Ogunaro Wolfrunner, located in the Valley of Honor inside Orgrimmar, the Orc capital city.
4. Can Tauren ride Undead Horses?
No, Tauren cannot ride Undead Horses, even if they are exalted with the Undead faction. This is a specific restriction, as are Troll Raptors for Tauren.
5. What is the easiest mount vendor in WoW?
The easiest mount vendor that also offers the mount as a vendor itself is Uncle Bigpocket in One Keg village, Kun-Lai Summit, who sells the Reins of the Grand Expedition Yak for 120,000 gold. This is an easy location to access and can also provide a mount vendor for others.
6. What is the rarest mount in WoW?
Some of the rarest mounts include the Black Qiraji Resonating Crystal, Vicious War Croaker, Deepstar Polyp, Obsidian Worldbreaker, Ashes of Al’ar, and Deathcharger’s Reins. Rarity is based on drop rates and limited availability.
7. Do Tauren have heritage armor?
Yes, Tauren have heritage armor. To acquire it, your Tauren must be level 50 and exalted with Thunder Bluff. You must also complete the War Campaign up through either the quest Stay of Execution (Alliance) or Old Allies (Horde) on any character on the account.
8. Where is the Tauren mount in WotLK?
The Tauren Mount in WotLK is a tamed kodo belonging to Beast-Handler Rustclamp located in the Temple of Earth in Deepholm. It’s situated near the Dragonhawk Mount and Oronok’s Mount.
9. What are the best classes for Tauren?
As only Tauren can be Druids within the Horde, they are automatically the best choice for Horde Druid players. Tauren are also a strong option for most other classes due to their War Stomp racial ability, making them well suited for both PvE and PvP.
10. Are Highmountain Tauren better than standard Tauren?
Neither race is inherently “better”. While standard Tauren gains stamina, which scales with level, Highmountain Tauren reduce initial damage taken by a small percentage of their stamina. Highmountain Tauren are generally considered more advantageous for tanks, while standard Tauren stamina benefits all classes.
11. Is a Tauren a Minotaur?
No, Tauren are not Minotaurs. Minotaurs were an extinct, bestial variant of the Tauren that existed in the subterranean caves of the Red Steppes before Ragnaros.
12. Are Highmountain Tauren playable?
Yes, Highmountain Tauren are a playable Allied Race within the Horde and were introduced at the end of the Legion expansion.
13. How strong is a Tauren physically?
Tauren are exceptionally strong, standing around 10 feet tall with considerable muscle mass. They often wield heavy wooden totems as weapons, demonstrating their immense physical power.
14. How do Blood Elves get their mounts?
Blood Elves initially ride Hawkstrider mounts. These are purchasable from Winaestra outside of Silvermoon City.
15. What are the rewards for collecting many mounts?
A reward for reaching 200 different mounts is the Armored Dragonhawk mount. The achievement is called “Mount Parade”.
Conclusion
Tauren, with their unique cultural connection to the land and their mighty physique, have a unique journey when it comes to mounts in World of Warcraft. They start with their dependable Kodos, but the path to a diverse mount collection expands as they adventure, gain faction standing, and achieve victories. So, whether you are a seasoned Tauren veteran or new to the plains of Mulgore, understanding how to acquire mounts is an essential aspect of the gameplay.