Leveling 1 to 60 in WoW Forever: the scenic roadmap
Quick answer
Start in your race’s home zone, move to the next zone when quests turn grey, and fit in a dungeon whenever your level matches one. Train every couple of levels, pick two gathering professions early to fund your mount, and don’t rush: the journey is the game.
Key takeaways
- Follow the level ranges: each zone has a sweet spot.
- Visit your class trainer every couple of levels; new ranks matter.
- Two gathering professions pay for your first mount.
- Dungeons along the way give some of your best early gear.
Which zones should I level in?
These are Classic’s level ranges, which Forever builds on. Forever also adds new zones, including Mount Hyjal, which we’ll add as Blizzard confirms their levels.
- 1–10: your starting zone (Elwynn Forest, Dun Morogh, Teldrassil, Durotar, Mulgore or Tirisfal Glades).
- 10–20: Westfall, Loch Modan or Darkshore for the Alliance; the Barrens or Silverpine Forest for the Horde.
- 20–30: Redridge, Duskwood, Wetlands and Ashenvale; Hillsbrad, Stonetalon and Thousand Needles.
- 30–40: Arathi Highlands, Desolace, Stranglethorn Vale and Dustwallow Marsh.
- 40–50: Tanaris, Feralas, the Hinterlands and Searing Gorge.
- 50–60: Un’Goro Crater, Felwood, Burning Steppes, the Plaguelands, Winterspring and Silithus.
Tip: Set your level on your Forever character page and “Where to next” suggests zones and dungeons for it.
How often should I visit my class trainer?
New spells and new ranks of old ones arrive every couple of levels, and a higher rank can be a big jump in power. Make a habit of training whenever you’re in town. Remember that a new rank often needs to be dragged onto your action bar.
Which professions should I pick while leveling?
Two gathering professions, such as mining, herbalism or skinning, earn steady gold to sell on the auction house, which helps pay for your first mount and your training costs.
Cooking, fishing and first aid are free to learn alongside them. First aid bandages save you a lot of time resting.
When do I get a mount?
In Classic, riding opened at level 40 and cost a good amount of gold, with faster mounts at 60. We’ll update this when Forever confirms its mount levels and prices. Either way, saving a little from every trip to town makes that day much easier.
How do I enjoy the long road?
Read the quest text; the stories are the point. Group up with people doing the same quest. Finish a zone’s storyline even if the next zone would be slightly faster. Mark your milestones: first blue item, first dungeon, first mount.
How do I spend less time resting?
Between fights you’ll often sit to eat and drink. Carry food and water a few levels behind your own (it’s cheap from innkeepers), make bandages with first aid, and fight enemies one at a time where you can.
Logging out in an inn or a city builds rested experience, which doubles the experience from monsters for a while. Ending each session in town is an easy, free speed-up.
Tip: Mages can conjure food and water for themselves and friends. A mage in the group is always welcome at the campfire.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach 60 in WoW Forever?
It depends on your pace, but expect many evenings rather than a weekend. That’s by design; there’s no level scaling or catch-up.
Should I run dungeons while leveling?
Yes. They’re great experience, great stories and some of the best early gear. Our dungeons guide lists them by level.
What is rested experience?
Time logged out in an inn or city builds a bonus that doubles the experience you earn from monsters until it runs out. Ending sessions in town is a free speed-up.
