The Ultimate Guide to Mounts in WOW Classic

World of Warcraft Classic (WoW Classic) offers a rich and immersive experience for players, full of quests, dungeons, and, of course, mounts. Mounts in WoW Classic aren't just a means of getting around—they serve as a symbol of your achievements, your status, and your commitment to the game. Whether you're grinding for that coveted epic mount or aiming to collect all the mounts available, understanding their mechanics, costs, and the different types of mounts is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about mounts in WoW Classic, from low-level mounts to the legendary steeds that await the dedicated adventurer.

Understanding Mounts in WoW Classic

Mounts are more than just transportation in WoW Classic. They represent a significant milestone for your character, offering improved speed and opening up new strategies for travel and combat. The most common mounts fall into two categories: ground mounts and flying mounts.

In WoW Classic, flying mounts are not available. The focus remains solely on ground mounts which come in different tiers, including basic, epic (faster) mounts and rare mounts with special properties.

Types of Mounts

1. Ground Mounts

Ground mounts are the most accessible and the first mounts players will experience in WoW Classic. They are used to traverse the vast landscapes of Azeroth at a faster rate than simply running. Here are the main types:

• Basic Mounts: These are available for low-level players and cost between 4-10 gold, depending on your faction and class. Each race has unique mounts, from the Night Elf Nightsaber to the Dwarf Ram. These mounts are fairly basic and offer the standard movement speed.

• Epic Mounts: Requiring a much higher level of investment, these mounts provide faster movement speeds and are obtained at level 60. The epic mount training costs around 900 gold, with the mount itself typically costing around 100 gold. Epic mounts, such as the Swift Horde Wolf or Swift Alliance Steed, provide a significant advantage in both travel and PvP scenarios.

• Special Mounts: These are mounts that are earned through specific in-game activities, such as PvP ranks or raiding achievements. Some mounts, such as the Raven Lord mount or the Warhorse from the Scholomance dungeon, can only be obtained through dedication and effort.

2. Rare and Special Mounts

Certain mounts in WoW Classic are harder to acquire and represent rare or difficult feats. For example:

• Zul'gurub Raptor Mount: One of the most sought-after mounts, the Raptor mount is a rare drop from the final boss of the Zul'Gurub raid, Hakkar. This mount has a drop rate of around 1-2%, making it an incredibly rare find.

• Spectral Tiger: Available in the Tcg (Trading Card Game), the Spectral Tiger mount is one of the most coveted mounts in the game. It is not available through in-game methods but can be obtained via a WoW TCG loot code.

• Ashes of Al'ar: This mount, one of the most prestigious in the game, can drop from Kael'thas Sunstrider in Tempest Keep. With a low drop rate of 2-3%, it represents the pinnacle of raiding success.

How to Obtain Your Mount in WoW Classic

1. Training and Costs

To obtain a mount in WoW Classic, the first step is completing the mount training. Players can learn the ability to ride at level 40, and the training cost will vary based on the mount's speed.

• Standard Mount: The initial cost of purchasing the basic mount and the mount training is around 4-10 gold, depending on your faction.

• Epic Mount: Acquiring the epic mount training at level 60 costs 900 gold. The mount itself costs an additional 100 gold, totaling 1,000 gold.

2. Acquiring Mounts from Vendors

Most basic and epic mounts are purchased from mount vendors located throughout the world. These vendors sell a variety of mounts based on your race and faction.

• Horde Mounts: Typically found in Orgrimmar and Undercity, Horde players can purchase mounts such as the Swift Raptor and Swift Wolf. These mounts cost approximately 100 gold, not including the required epic mount training.

• Alliance Mounts: Alliance mounts, like the Swift Steed or Swift Warhorse, are available at vendors in Stormwind and Ironforge. Prices and mount types mirror those of the Horde, although availability is based on your character’s race.

3. Mounts from Dungeons and Raids

Certain mounts can only be obtained by completing dungeons or raids. These are generally rare drops, meaning there is a low chance that you will receive the mount on any given run.

• Dungeon Mounts: For example, the Warhorse mount drops from Baron Rivendare in Stratholme. The Raven Lord mount drops from Anzu in the Sethekk Halls dungeon.

• Raid Mounts: Some of the most iconic and challenging mounts in WoW Classic come from the end bosses of high-level raids. The Ashes of Al'ar mount, from the Tempest Keep raid, is a prime example.

Faction-Specific Mounts

Each faction—Horde and Alliance—has access to different mount types. This adds a layer of exclusivity to the mount system and further personalizes your experience.

• Horde: The Horde mounts include wolves, raptors, and kodos. Each race within the Horde has access to its own set of mounts, such as the Troll Raptor or the Orc Wolf.

• Alliance: The Alliance mounts feature horses, rams, and saber cats. Races like the Human, Dwarf, and Night Elf have unique mounts tailored to their heritage.

Mount Customization and Appearance

While mounts in WoW Classic don't offer as much customization as in future expansions, there are still certain cosmetic features to consider:

• Mount Skins: Some mounts have different skins or colors, providing variety. For example, the White Warhorse is an alternative color variant of the standard Warhorse mount.

• Faction Pride: Mounts are an excellent way to express your faction pride. Whether it’s the Horde’s Kodo or the Alliance’s Steed, your mount will be an extension of your character’s story and allegiances.

Conclusion: Mastering the Mount Game

Acquiring mounts in WoW Classic is a rewarding experience. Whether you're grinding for that epic mount, hunting down rare dungeon drops, or working toward the prestige of a raid mount, every mount tells a story of dedication and achievement. As you embark on your journey to become a mount collector, remember that each step, from earning your first ground mount to obtaining the legendary Ashes of Al'ar, is a testament to your progress in WoW Classic. No matter which mount you chase, remember that the path is just as important as the destination.