Soaring Skies: A Guide to Learning Flying in Classic WoW

Learning to fly in Classic WoW is a pivotal moment, opening up the vast world in a whole new way. It’s not as simple as hopping on a mount and taking off, though! You’ll need the right training and the right place to get it.

The answer is straightforward: In Classic WoW, flying training is available in Outland, specifically in Shadowmoon Valley.

• Alliance players seek out Brunn Flamebeard at Wildhammer Stronghold in Shadowmoon Valley.
• Horde players visit Dama Wildmane at Shadowmoon Village in Shadowmoon Valley.

These NPCs teach you the Expert Riding skill, which is required to ride flying mounts. Remember, you can only learn to fly once you reach level 60 and have the necessary gold.

Diving Deeper: All About Classic WoW Flying

While the core answer is simple, the nuances of flying in Classic WoW—specifically the Burning Crusade expansion—deserve further exploration. Let’s delve into the details with a comprehensive FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What level do I need to be to learn flying in Classic TBC?

   You must be level 60 to train the Expert Riding skill. Without it, your fancy flying mount is just an expensive ground mount.

2. How much does it cost to learn flying in Classic TBC?

   The Expert Riding skill itself costs 800 gold. Flying mounts generally cost around 100 gold on top of that. Saving up is crucial.

3. Do I need a specific riding skill before learning Expert Riding?

   Yes, you need to have the appropriate ground riding skill for your level. This usually means you need to learn the level 40 riding skill first, which allows you to use 60% speed ground mounts.

4. Can I learn flying in Classic WoW (Vanilla)?

   No, flying mounts and flying skills are not available in original Classic WoW (Vanilla). Flying was introduced with the Burning Crusade expansion.

5. Are there any reputation requirements to learn flying?

   No, there are no reputation requirements for learning the Expert Riding skill itself. However, some flying mounts might require certain reputations to purchase.

6. What flying mounts are available in Classic TBC?

   Many mounts become available, some easier to obtain than others. You’ll find faction-specific mounts, PvP mounts, and mounts from dungeons and raids. Some examples include:

   • Gryphons and Wind Riders: Faction-specific mounts available from vendors.
   • Nether Rays: Obtained through reputation with the Skyguard faction.
   • Swift White Hawkstrider: Drops from Kael’thas Sunstrider in Tempest Keep.

7. Can Druids use Flight Form right away at level 60?

   No, even Druids need to learn Expert Riding to use their Flight Form effectively in Outland. Flight Form itself is a separate ability learned earlier. Expert Riding improves it to allow for flying in Outland.

8. Is there a faster flying skill in Classic TBC?

   Yes, there is a faster flying speed. After hitting level 70, you can learn Artisan Riding, which increases flying speed by 280% and costs 5,000 gold. It is located in the same zones as the Expert Riding skill trainers.

9. Where can I find the flying trainers on the map?

   Using the /way command is useful:

   • Brunn Flamebeard (Alliance): /way Shadowmoon Valley 34.6 49.2
   • Dama Wildmane (Horde): /way Shadowmoon Valley 65.2 38.6

10. Does my gear affect my flying speed?

    No, your gear does not affect your flying speed. Your flying speed is solely determined by the riding skill you have learned (Expert Riding or Artisan Riding) and any temporary speed buffs.

11. Can I fly in Azeroth (Kalimdor & Eastern Kingdoms) in Classic TBC?

    No, flying is restricted to Outland in Classic TBC. Azerothian zones will get flying during the Cataclysm expansion, if and when that gets added to the Classic progression.

12. What happens if I try to fly in a zone where flying isn’t allowed?

    You simply won’t be able to mount your flying mount in those zones. The mount icon will be grayed out. You’ll need to dismount before entering such zones.

13. Are there any professions that benefit from flying?

    Yes, professions like Herbalism and Mining greatly benefit from flying. It allows you to reach resource nodes much faster and in previously inaccessible locations.

14. Are there any PvP advantages to flying?

    Yes, flying can provide a significant advantage in PvP, allowing for quick escapes, ambushes from above, and faster travel between objectives. However, you are also vulnerable to being dismounted.

15. Where can I learn more about game mechanics and learning?

    The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource for understanding how games and learning intersect. It’s fascinating to explore how game mechanics impact learning and engagement.

Mastering the Skies: Tips for New Fliers

• Save, Save, Save: The cost of flying is significant. Start saving gold as early as possible.
• Plan Your Routes: Before you take off, plan your routes to minimize travel time and discover new areas.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Keep an eye out for enemy players and environmental hazards.
• Utilize Addons: Certain addons can help with navigation, resource tracking, and other flying-related tasks.
• Explore! Flying opens up a whole new world of exploration. Take the time to discover hidden areas and enjoy the scenery.

Conclusion

Learning to fly in Classic WoW: Burning Crusade is a transformative experience. It provides new ways to explore, gather resources, and engage in PvP. By understanding the requirements, costs, and locations, you can prepare yourself to take to the skies and experience the world from a whole new perspective. Remember to visit Games Learning Society to understand the educational value of gaming. Happy flying!