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Mists of Pandaria Classic Leveling Guide 1–90
Mists of Pandaria Classic marks the return of one of World of Warcraft’s most atmospheric expansions — lush landscapes, ancient mysteries, and a level cap of 90. But if you’re stepping into Pandaria for the first time in years, you’ll quickly realize that leveling here is not the same as it was in 2012. The XP curve is steeper, travel routes are more critical, and efficient planning can save you hours of grind.
This guide is your complete 1–90 roadmap, covering optimal leveling routes, best classes, fast XP methods, zone recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey smooth and rewarding.
How Leveling in MoP Classic Differs
Even if you’ve leveled through Pandaria before, the Classic version changes the pacing:
- Pre-5.3 XP Tuning: Levels require about 30% more XP than late retail MoP, especially from 85–90.
- Quest Hub Flow: Zones are built with tight quest loops and minimal downtime, rewarding players who clear hubs fully before moving on.
- Balanced Specs: Most specs can level efficiently, including off-meta builds, thanks to solid AoE and self-sustain.
- No Joyous Journeys at Launch: The pre-launch XP buff is gone, so don’t expect an accelerated start unless you finish characters before release.
- Broader XP Sources: Professions, pet battles, and archaeology all give XP, useful for variety or alts.
- Dungeon Scaling: Dungeons are worthwhile with quests, but not overpowered XP farms.
Level Cap in MoP Classic
The cap is 90, up from Cataclysm’s 85. While it’s just five more levels, each one is dense — expect the 85–90 stretch to feel like an entire mini-expansion in itself. You’ll start Pandaria content in Jade Forest at 85.
Best Classes for Fast Leveling
Choosing the right class makes a huge difference in MoP Classic. We rate them based on:
- AoE Damage – Handling multiple mobs at once.
- Mobility – Moving between quests efficiently.
- Downtime – How often you need to stop and recover.
- Survivability – Handling tough mobs or elites solo.
Tier | Classes |
|---|---|
S | Hunter (BM), Druid (Feral/Guardian), Monk (Windwalker) |
A | Paladin (Ret/Prot), Warlock (Affliction), Mage (Frost), DK (Blood) |
B | Rogue (Combat), Shaman (Enhancement), Priest (Shadow), Warrior (Arms) |
C | Ele Shaman, Fire Mage, Disc Priest |
D | Prot Warrior, Holy Paladin, Sub Rogue |
Why Monks Shine in MoP Classic
New to Pandaria, Monks have a daily class quest at the Peak of Serenity granting Enlightenment (+50% XP for 1 hour). This stacks with rested XP and heirlooms, making them unmatched for consistent fast leveling.
Fastest Leveling Methods
From 1–85
- Questing: Still the backbone of leveling, with city board quests directing you to the right zones.
- Dungeon Finder: Strong XP when paired with quests; tanks/healers benefit most.
- Gathering Professions: Passive XP while collecting mats.
- Pet Battles: Niche but viable for variety.
From 85–90 (Pandaria)
- Main Questlines: Follow the zone order to unlock hubs and maximize XP/hour.
- Dungeon Quests: Do each dungeon at least once for bonus XP and gear.
- Rares & Treasures: Kill rares on your route — extra XP and loot.
- Gathering & Archaeology: Good downtime fillers, not main XP sources.
Alliance Leveling Route (1–85)
Level Range | Zone |
|---|---|
1–10 | Elwynn Forest / Dun Morogh |
10–15 | Westfall |
15–20 | Redridge Mountains |
20–25 | Duskwood |
25–30 | Northern Stranglethorn |
30–35 | Cape of Stranglethorn |
35–40 | Western Plaguelands |
40–45 | Eastern Plaguelands |
45–48 | Badlands |
48–51 | Searing Gorge |
49–52 | Burning Steppes |
51–55 | Swamp of Sorrows |
55–60 | Blasted Lands |
60–68 | Outland progression |
68–80 | Northrend progression |
80–85 | Cata zones: Mount Hyjal → Deepholm → Twilight Highlands |
Horde Leveling Route (1–85)
Level Range | Zone |
|---|---|
1–10 | Durotar / Mulgore / Lost Isles |
10–20 | Northern Barrens / Azshara |
20–25 | Ashenvale |
25–30 | Stonetalon Mountains |
30–40 | Southern Barrens / Desolace |
40–45 | Feralas |
45–48 | Thousand Needles |
48–52 | Felwood |
52–55 | Winterspring / Un’Goro |
55–60 | Silithus / Blasted Lands |
60–68 | Outland progression |
68–80 | Northrend progression |
80–85 | Mount Hyjal → Uldum → Twilight Highlands |
Best Pandaria Zones (85–90)
Zone | Level Range | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Jade Forest | 85–86 | Faction intro, Temple of the Jade Serpent |
Valley of the Four Winds | 86–87 | Stormstout Brewery, farm quests |
Krasarang Wilds | 86–87 | PvP hubs, dense questing |
Kun-Lai Summit | 87–88 | Shado-Pan Monastery, Arena of Annihilation |
Townlong Steppes | 88–89 | Shado-Pan storyline, high XP hubs |
Dread Wastes | 89–90 | Klaxxi buffs, preps for endgame |
Leveling Tips & Tricks
- Pre-Stack Quests: Complete 25 quests pre-launch for an instant head start.
- Rested XP: Log out in inns/cities.
- Quest Hub Sweeps: Grab all quests, complete in loops to avoid backtracking.
- Dungeon Timing: Queue while questing to maximize XP overlap.
- Monk Enlightenment: Always grab the daily XP buff.
- Rare Mob Kills: Free XP and gear while traveling.
- Flight Unlocks: Use flying + gathering for bonus XP on alts.
- Consumables: Save Elixir of Ancient Knowledge for planned XP bursts.
Leveling in MoP Classic is slower but richer than many remember. With the right route, class choice, and daily optimizations, you can hit 90 efficiently while still enjoying Pandaria’s rich story and atmosphere. Whether you go solo or with friends, preparation will save you dozens of hours — and leave you better geared for the challenges ahead.
