World of Warcraft (WOW) has captivated gamers for nearly two decades with its sprawling universe, immersive gameplay, and diverse content wow mount to buy. One aspect that has always fascinated WOW players is the vast collection of mounts that can be obtained and used for faster travel, bragging rights, or just pure aesthetic enjoyment. With so many options available, how do you choose the best mount to buy for your character? Let’s explore the factors to consider when selecting the ideal mount for your WOW journey.
1. Know Your Character and Faction
Before diving into the huge selection of mounts, it’s important to understand your character’s race, class, and faction (Horde or Alliance). Some mounts are exclusive to certain factions, while others may have race or class-specific restrictions. For example, a Night Elf might have access to unique mounts such as the Frostsaber or Swift Frostsaber, while an Orc might have access to the Raptor mount line.
The first step is to check whether the mount you’re considering is available to your faction and race. Additionally, if you’re looking to match your mount with your character’s theme or appearance, this can guide your selection as well. A mount that reflects your class (like a Felsteed for Warlocks) can make you feel more connected to your character’s lore.
2. Mount Rarity and Prestige
Some players are drawn to mounts because they carry a sense of prestige or rarity. If you’re looking to show off to others, rare mounts can definitely help you do that. Many mounts can be obtained through in-game achievements, special events, or from rare bosses or locations.
Here are some of the prestigious mounts to consider:
- Invincible (the mount dropped by the Lich King)
- Ashes of Al’ar (from Kael’thas in Tempest Keep)
- Mimiron’s Head (dropped by the final boss in Ulduar)
- Raven Lord (from Anzu in Sethekk Halls)
These mounts are hard to come by, and owning one is often seen as a mark of dedication and skill.
3. Mount Speed and Efficiency
Not all mounts are created equal when it comes to speed. While most mounts in WOW offer a standard 100% movement speed bonus, some special mounts can increase your speed to 150%, 200%, or even faster in certain situations.
If you’re primarily concerned with getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible, speed is an important factor to consider. Some mounts, like the Turbo-Charged Flying Machine or Gilded Ravasaur, offer faster movement speeds than the average mount. While these can be appealing for efficiency, remember that many mounts are not faster than others unless you’re utilizing certain buffs or riding in specific zones (like a flying mount in the open world).
4. Aesthetic Appeal
Mounts are also a way to express your personality and style in WOW. From majestic flying dragons to adorable mechanical creatures, the variety of mount designs is endless. The mount’s appearance might be just as important as its utility, depending on what you’re looking for.
Consider the vibe you want your mount to give off. Are you looking for something sleek and majestic? A mount like the Netherlord’s Wyrm might fit the bill. Do you want something quirky or humorous? The Chopper motorcycle mount or the Green Balloon is sure to catch eyes.
Ultimately, your choice of mount can reflect how you want to present yourself in-game. Do you prefer to blend in, or do you want to stand out with a mount that makes a bold statement?
5. The Cost of the Mount
In WOW, mounts can range from inexpensive to extraordinarily pricey. Some mounts can be purchased for gold from vendors or through achievements, while others may require a larger time investment to earn through specific raids, dungeons, or events. Additionally, you can also purchase mounts from the in-game store using real-world money.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, consider buying mounts that are available for gold from faction vendors or through the auction house. For those with extra disposable income, the Blizzard Store offers some flashy mounts, such as the Heart of the Aspects or Jade Panther.
Be sure to also check out mounts that can be earned through seasonal events or in-game promotions, which may only be available for a limited time. These mounts can often provide unique aesthetic choices that set your character apart from others.
6. Consider Mount Collections and Achievements
If you’re a completionist at heart, you may want to focus on collecting mounts as part of your overall game achievements. WOW offers a Mounts achievement that rewards you for acquiring a variety of mounts from different sources.
Mount collection can take time, but it’s immensely rewarding. Some mounts are tied to specific in-game activities, such as:
- Dungeon and raid drops (e.g., Reins of the Time-Lost Proto-Drake)
- PvP rewards (e.g., Reins of the Vicious War Bear)
- World events (e.g., Reins of the Heavenly Onyx Cloud Serpent from the Mists of Pandaria’s legendary questline)
- Achievements (e.g., Reins of the Black Proto-Drake from the “Glory of the Raider” achievement)
You’ll also gain the satisfaction of unlocking exclusive rewards as you add to your collection.
7. Flying or Ground Mount?
Don’t forget to factor in whether you’ll be using the mount for flying or ground travel. Some mounts are only usable in the air, while others are restricted to ground-based travel. With expansions like Legion and Battle for Azeroth, there are mounts that can be used both in the air and on the ground.
Flying mounts generally offer the advantage of bypassing obstacles and giving you faster access to difficult-to-reach locations, but ground mounts can be equally useful for traversing certain zones. Additionally, mounts that allow you to switch between flying and ground modes are great for those exploring expansive new worlds.
8. Special Mount Abilities
Lastly, some mounts come with unique abilities that offer special perks. For example, the Darkmoon Dirigible can be used to summon an extra cart to transport items for your auctions, while the Traveler’s Tundra Mammoth comes with an NPC vendor that allows you to purchase goods while on the go.
If you enjoy the extra utility that certain mounts can provide, keep an eye out for these special mounts that offer convenience or functionality beyond mere transportation.
Conclusion: Choose What’s Best for You
Ultimately, the best WOW mount for your character is the one that fits your playstyle, aesthetic preferences, and goals in the game. Whether you’re looking for a mount to show off, for efficiency, or just because it looks cool, there’s a mount out there that’s perfect for you. Keep in mind the options we’ve discussed, from speed and rarity to faction and utility, and choose the mount that will help make your World of Warcraft journey even more enjoyable!