Where Do Pandaren Start in World of Warcraft? A Comprehensive Guide
Pandaren adventurers in World of Warcraft begin their journey on the Wandering Isle, a unique and self-contained starting zone. Unlike other races that begin within the broader world of Azeroth, Pandaren characters awaken on this mystical, turtle-shaped landmass. The Wandering Isle is not a part of the main continent and serves as a contained experience designed to introduce players to the Pandaren culture, history, and gameplay. This initial experience guides players from level 1 to approximately level 10, culminating in a pivotal decision that will shape their future in Azeroth.
The Wandering Isle: A Self-Contained Adventure
A Unique Starting Experience
The Wandering Isle is a departure from traditional starting zones. It’s a large, instance-based area exclusively for Pandaren characters. New Pandaren characters will find themselves awakening on this island that floats across the seas. Here, they are presented with a series of quests that slowly unravel their history and the challenges they face.
The island is not merely a quest hub; it’s a living, breathing microcosm of Pandaren society. Players will encounter various Pandaren figures, including wise elders, aspiring students, and skilled martial artists. This immersion allows for a thorough understanding of their traditions, beliefs, and the unique martial arts the Pandaren are renowned for.
Gameplay and Progression
The gameplay on the Wandering Isle is designed to introduce new players to the core mechanics of World of Warcraft. Quests focus on familiarizing players with combat, inventory management, and basic interaction with the game’s world. Characters will learn to harness the power of the Pandaren martial arts, and experience a self-contained storyline that provides context for their journey.
As players advance through the quest line, they’ll face various challenges that test their skills and introduce them to the larger conflict that looms over Pandaria. It’s not just about leveling up; it’s about understanding their place in the world and the choices they must make.
The Faction Decision
The defining moment of the Wandering Isle experience is the final choice. Upon completing all the main quests, players must decide which faction to join: the Alliance or the Horde. This isn’t a reversible choice, so players should carefully consider their options before making this decision. This pivotal moment determines the Pandaren’s future, aligning them with one of the two major powers in Azeroth.
Once a faction is chosen, the Pandaren character is then transported from the Wandering Isle into the main world of Azeroth, ready to embark on adventures aligned with their chosen faction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is the Wandering Isle located?
The Wandering Isle is not fixed to a specific location on the map of Azeroth. It floats across the seas, and is treated as an instanced zone. Players are transported there upon creation of a Pandaren character. It’s essentially its own distinct, self-contained world.
2. When was the Pandaren race and the Wandering Isle introduced?
Pandaren and the Wandering Isle debuted in the fourth World of Warcraft expansion, Mists of Pandaria, in 2012. This expansion introduced the Pandaren as a playable race and unveiled their unique starting experience.
3. What level does the Wandering Isle take you to?
The Wandering Isle storyline generally takes players from level 1 to about level 10. After completing the main storyline on the Wandering Isle and selecting a faction, players are ready to enter the broader world of Azeroth.
4. Can I revisit the Wandering Isle?
No, once you leave the Wandering Isle, you cannot return. It’s a self-contained, one-time starting experience. Once you make your faction decision and leave, it’s sealed off.
5. What is the storyline of the Wandering Isle?
The storyline revolves around a Pandaren who has spent their entire life on the island and is soon to depart, alongside other students, on a journey to the main world. However, things go awry and the island becomes unstable, forcing you to deal with the problem alongside other Pandaren leaders.
6. What is the origin of the Pandaren?
The Pandaren are originally from the central part of Kalimdor. They were once allied with the night elves but broke ties due to the night elves’ obsession with magic. They decided to seclude themselves on a hidden island.
7. How do I start the Pandaria storyline after leaving the Wandering Isle?
There are three main ways:
* Chromie Time: Speak with Chromie in Stormwind or Orgrimmar.
* Hero’s Call Board: Interact with the Hero’s Call Board in Stormwind or the Warchief’s Command Board in Orgrimmar.
* Specific NPCs: Accept introductory quests from relevant NPCs like Grand Admiral Jes-Tereth.
8. What are the new zones introduced in Mists of Pandaria?
The expansion added several new zones to the continent of Pandaria including: the Jade Forest, Valley of the Four Winds, Vale of Eternal Blossoms, Townlong Steppes, Kun-Lai Summit, Krasarang Wilds, the Timeless Isle, and the Dread Wastes.
9. What makes Pandaren a neutral race?
Pandaren start the game in a neutral state on the Wandering Isle. They do not belong to either the Alliance or the Horde at the start. Their ultimate loyalty is decided by the player after completing the initial questline on the Isle.
10. Are Pandaren related to Furbolgs?
Yes, Pandaren are distantly related to Furbolgs. There are even some feral-looking Pandaren in Northrend that appear to be connected to the Wendigos.
11. What is considered the best class for Pandaren?
Pandaren are well-suited to a variety of classes due to their racial abilities. However, Shaman is often mentioned as a thematic fit, given their connection to the elements and harmony.
12. Is leveling in the Wandering Isle faster than Exiles Reach?
Exile’s Reach is designed as a very compact and fast experience from levels 1-10, it is typically quicker than the Pandaren starting experience which focuses more on lore and context.
13. What is the main city in Pandaria?
There are two major cities in Pandaria located in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms: Shrine of Two Moons for the Horde, and Shrine of Seven Stars for the Alliance.
14. How is the Wandering Isle connected to Pandaria?
The Wandering Isle is not directly connected to the mainland of Pandaria. It is an island that floats across the seas. After completing the Pandaren starting experience on the Wandering Isle, you are then introduced to Pandaria.
15. Was Mists of Pandaria a good expansion?
Mists of Pandaria is widely considered a very good expansion among many fans. It introduced an interesting new continent with rich lore and culture, along with significant new threats, and was considered to be a very strong expansion.