World of Warcraft Mount Guide

Since the addition of flying mounts to WoW in the Burning Crusade expansion, the number of mounts available in World of Warcraft (WoW) has grown to over 400. Mounts can be obtained in numerous ways: They can be purchased from vendors, earned through PvP battles, or won as drops from certain bosses.

The first mount most players purchase is a racial mount, which increases your speed. These become available at level 20 and require the Apprentice riding skill. Racial mounts can be purchased at a vendor near the race's capital city.

If you want to purchase a mount from a race other than that of your character, you need to reach exalted reputation with that race's faction. Once you reach level 40 and obtain the Journeyman riding skill, you can purchase an epic ground mount, which increases your speed even more.

Some classes in World of Warcraft can obtain special mounts by completing quests that become available at certain levels. With the release of Wrath of the Lich King expansion, alternatives to the more complicated quests have been offered, and several have been made easier.

Some mounts can be acquired through the Achievement system that was introduced just prior to the Wrath of the Lich King expansion.

Reputation rewards give you an alternative to standard ground mounts if you want transportation that looks a little different. Earning reputation with certain factions allows you to purchase special items from vendors associated with that faction.

Some of the bosses and quests in World of Warcraft can also yield mounts. These mounts tend to be relatively rare, as there is only a chance that a defeated boss will drop one.

Flying mounts require at least level 70 and the Expert riding skill. Epic flying mounts are faster than standard flying mounts and require the Artisan riding skill. These mounts come in several color variations.

World of Warcraft has quite a few flying mounts that are rewarded for reaching certain milestones within the game's Achievement system.

Reputation rewards give you an alternative to Gryphons and Windriders. Earning reputation with certain factions allows you to purchase special items from vendors associated with that faction.

Some flying mounts can be obtained by completing quests or as rare drops for defeating certain enemies.

World of Warcraft's first aquatic mount was introduced with patch 3.1.

Argent Tournament mounts can be earned by completing Argent Tournament quests in Icecrown, Northrend. These quests award Champion's Seals that can be used, along with gold, to purchase these mounts. The amount of gold needed can be reduced with reputation.

Some mounts can be crafted by characters with certain professions.

These mounts can be purchased from Mei Francis in Dalaran or Uncle Big-pocket in Kun-Lai Summit.

Mounts are also offered as rewards for player vs. player (PvP) combat in World of Warcraft. Marks of Honor earned from participating in Battlegrounds can be used to purchase some mounts. Others can be acquired by accruing reputation in PvP zones or obtaining a high rank in game's PvP arenas.

For each season of the arena competition in World of Warcraft, a mount is rewarded to the top tier of players. The mounts from earlier arena seasons can no longer be acquired, although you may see other characters with them in the game.

Some mounds are exclusively available in the Blizzard store.

Seasonal world events present opportunities to acquire unusual mounts or temporarily change the appearance of your mount.

Certain mounts are only available through the World of Warcraft trading card game (TCG) or promotional events such as BlizzCon.