The skies of Azeroth opened up in a whole new way with the Cataclysm expansion, allowing players to soar through previously inaccessible zones. For those venturing into the revamped world or even returning veterans, understanding how to unlock flying in Cataclysm is a key step to efficient travel and exploration. Forget ground mounts for a moment; mastering the art of flight will drastically change how you experience the game. Let’s dive into exactly how you can take to the skies in Cataclysm.
When Can You Learn to Fly in Cataclysm?
The first thing to know is the level requirement. In Cataclysm, flying isn’t available from the very start. You’ll need to reach level 80 before you can even think about taking flight. This level gate ensures that players experience the initial content and progression on the ground before unlocking the faster travel method. So, if you’re just starting out or leveling a new character, focus on questing and leveling up to 80 as your first priority to unlock flying.
Where to Learn Flying in Cataclysm?
Once you’ve hit level 80, you’ll need to visit a Flying Trainer to learn the necessary skills. The trainers are conveniently located in the main faction cities:
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For Alliance players: Head to Stormwind City and find Rider trainer Sky-Captain Dorys near the Stormwind portal area, in the northeast part of the city, near the entrance to Stormwind Harbor.
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For Horde players: Travel to Orgrimmar and seek out Wind Rider trainer Thrallmar Farseer located on the zeppelin tower just outside Orgrimmar, near the zeppelin master.
Simply speak to these trainers, and they will offer you the option to learn or upgrade your flying skills.
The Cost of Flying in Cataclysm
Learning to fly in Cataclysm, like in previous expansions, involves a gold cost. However, the system is tiered, allowing you to learn progressively faster flying speeds. Here’s a breakdown of the flying skills and their approximate costs:
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Regular Flying (150% speed): This is your basic flying skill, allowing you to use flying mounts. The cost is relatively affordable, making it accessible to most players who have reached level 80. This is the essential skill you’ll need to purchase to get airborne.
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Swift Flying (280% speed): This skill significantly increases your flying speed, making travel much faster. It’s an upgrade to regular flying and comes at a higher gold cost. While not mandatory, swift flying is highly recommended for efficient gameplay, especially for covering large distances or farming.
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Master Flying (310% speed): The fastest flying speed available in Cataclysm. This skill was often discussed and speculated about in terms of cost, as mentioned in the original forum post. Reassuringly, Master Flying is also available from the trainers for a gold cost, though it is the most expensive of the three. For players wanting the absolute quickest travel across Azeroth, Master Flying is the ultimate goal.
It’s important to note that the exact gold costs can fluctuate slightly based on reputation discounts or patch changes, but generally, they are designed to be attainable without excessive grinding, especially for regular and swift flying. Master flying, while pricier, is still within reach for most players through regular gameplay.
Is Flying in Cataclysm Worth It?
Absolutely! Flying in Cataclysm is not just about speed; it’s about unlocking a vast amount of content and making your gameplay experience significantly smoother and more enjoyable.
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Exploration: Cataclysm revamped many zones, and flying allows you to explore these changes from a breathtaking perspective. Discover hidden areas, scenic vistas, and easily access quest objectives that might be cumbersome to reach on the ground.
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Efficiency: Whether you are questing, farming materials, or traveling between dungeons and raids, flying cuts down travel time dramatically. This efficiency translates to more time spent actually playing the content you enjoy.
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Accessibility: For many players, especially those with limited playtime, flying makes the vast world of Azeroth feel much more manageable and accessible. It reduces the frustration of long travel times and allows you to focus on your goals within the game.
Conclusion
Learning to fly in Cataclysm is a straightforward process: reach level 80, visit your faction’s flying trainer, and invest in the flying skill that suits your needs and budget. Don’t be intimidated by potential gold costs; flying is designed to be accessible and is an invaluable tool that will enhance your Cataclysm experience. So, level up, train up, and take to the skies to explore the reshaped world of Azeroth from a whole new perspective!
