How Much Do Mounts Cost in Cataclysm WoW?
In the expansive world of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (Cata WoW), mounts are more than just a means of transportation—they’re a symbol of achievement, status, and style. Whether you’re exploring the shattered landscapes or racing through Azeroth’s revamped zones, having the right mount can enhance your gameplay experience significantly. But one common question among players is: how much do mounts actually cost in Cataclysm?
Mounts in Cataclysm come in a variety of types, from the basic ground mounts to the more coveted flying steeds, each with its own price tag and requirements. The cost can depend on several factors including faction reputation, in-game currency, and sometimes rare drops or achievements. Understanding these costs is essential for players who want to efficiently plan their in-game resources and progression.
As we delve deeper into the topic, we’ll explore the different categories of mounts available in Cataclysm, the currencies involved, and what players can expect to invest to add these prized companions to their collection. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated collector, knowing the cost of mounts will help you navigate the game’s economy and enhance your Azeroth adventures.
Mount Prices in Cataclysm
In *World of Warcraft: Cataclysm*, mount prices vary depending on the type of mount, reputation requirements, and faction alignment. Mounts can be purchased using in-game gold, reputation tokens, or sometimes through special vendors that require unique currencies. Understanding these costs is essential for planning your in-game economy and progression.
The most common mounts available for purchase include:
- Basic Riding Mounts: These are typically the first mounts players can buy after reaching level 20 and gaining Apprentice Riding skill.
- Epic Riding Mounts: Available at level 40 with Expert Riding skill, these mounts offer faster movement speed.
- Reputation Mounts: These mounts require players to achieve a certain reputation level with a faction before purchase.
- Specialty Mounts: These include unique or rare mounts acquired via special currencies or achievements.
Below is a breakdown of typical mount costs during the Cataclysm expansion:
| Mount Type | Required Riding Skill | Cost (Gold) | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Mount (Swift Brown Wolf, Swift Gray Wolf, etc.) | Apprentice Riding (Level 20) | 4 Gold | None |
| Epic Mount (Swift Razzashi Raptor, Swift White Steed, etc.) | Expert Riding (Level 40) | 50 Gold | None |
| Reputation Mount (e.g., Twilight Drake) | Expert Riding | Varies (often 500-1000 Gold) | Reputation at Revered or Exalted |
| Specialty Mount (e.g., Black War Bear) | Expert Riding | 25-50 Gold + Tokens | Faction Tokens or Special Currency |
Reputation Mount Pricing Details
Reputation mounts often represent some of the more expensive options in Cataclysm due to their dual cost of gold and reputation tokens. These mounts are tied to specific factions introduced or revamped in the expansion and require players to invest time in reputation grinding. The cost in gold often reflects the mount’s rarity and the difficulty of reaching the required reputation level.
For example, the Twilight Drake from the Twilight’s Hammer faction demands:
- Reputation: Exalted with Twilight’s Hammer
- Cost: Approximately 1000 gold
- Additional: Sometimes requires tokens dropped from faction-related quests or dungeons
Other reputation mounts such as those from the Ramkahen or Dragonmaw Clan factions have similar structures but may vary slightly in gold cost or token requirements.
Factors Affecting Mount Costs
Several factors influence the cost of mounts during Cataclysm, including:
- Faction Reputation: Higher reputation tiers reduce or unlock access to certain mounts.
- Riding Skill Level: Some mounts require advanced riding skills, which themselves can be costly to acquire.
- Server Economy: Prices can fluctuate based on server gold value and player demand.
- Quest or Token Requirements: Some mounts require tokens earned from dungeons, raids, or daily quests, adding an indirect cost in time and effort.
Comparative Cost Summary
To help visualize the differences in mount pricing and requirements, here’s a concise comparison table:
| Mount Category | Gold Cost | Reputation Requirement | Additional Currency/Token |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 4 Gold | None | None |
| Epic | 50 Gold | None | None |
| Reputation | 500 – 1000 Gold | Revered to Exalted | Sometimes faction tokens |
| Specialty | 25 – 50 Gold | Varies | Faction-specific tokens or rare drops |
Understanding these distinctions enables players to better plan their mount acquisition strategies in Cataclysm, balancing gold expenditure with reputation farming and time investment.
Mount Costs in Cataclysm WoW
In *World of Warcraft: Cataclysm*, mounts come at various costs depending on the type of mount, the source, and the faction. Understanding these costs is essential for players aiming to expand their mount collection efficiently.
Mounts in Cataclysm can generally be categorized into the following groups:
- Basic Ground Mounts – Available early, typically purchased from vendors.
- Epic Ground Mounts – Require a higher riding skill and are more expensive.
- Flying Mounts – Unlocked after reaching level 77 and purchasing the Expert Riding skill.
- Faction-Specific and Reputation Mounts – Purchased with reputation currencies.
- Rare and Special Mounts – Obtained through achievements, drops, or special events.
Riding Skill and Mount Prices
In Cataclysm, riding skills and mount prices are closely linked:
| Riding Skill | Required Level | Mount Type | Mount Cost (Gold) | Training Cost (Gold) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Riding | 20 | Basic Ground Mount | 4 gold | 20 gold |
| Journeyman Riding | 40 | Epic Ground Mount | 90 gold | 50 gold |
| Expert Riding | 60 | Basic Flying Mount | 100 gold | 250 gold |
| Artisan Riding | 70 | Epic Flying Mount | 500 gold | 500 gold |
Note: Prices may vary slightly based on faction and vendor, but these values represent standard costs in Cataclysm.
Faction and Reputation Mount Costs
Many mounts in Cataclysm are tied to faction reputations, requiring players to grind reputation levels before purchase. These mounts often have specific costs payable in gold or reputation tokens. Below are some notable examples:
| Faction | Reputation Level | Mount Name | Cost | Currency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramkahen | Exalted | Golden King Ram | 1,000 gold | Gold |
| Therazane | Exalted | Rocktusk Battleboar | 1,000 gold | Gold |
| Dragonmaw Clan | Exalted | Red Drake | 1,000 gold + 250 Dragonmaw Clan Marks | Gold + Reputation Tokens |
| Guardians of Hyjal | Revered | Flametalon of Al’ar | 1,000 gold + 250 Guardians of Hyjal Marks | Gold + Reputation Tokens |
Special Mounts and Their Costs
Some mounts are not purchased directly through vendors but rather through achievements, drops, or event participation. While these mounts do not have a fixed gold cost, the investment in time or resources can be significant.
- Drop Mounts: Certain rare mounts drop from raid bosses or rare mobs. For example, the Ashes of Al’ar drops from Kael’thas Sunstrider in Tempest Keep. These mounts have no direct gold cost but require raid participation and luck.
- Achievement Mounts: Obtained by completing specific achievement criteria. For instance, the Reins of the Drake of the West Wind is awarded for completing the Glory of the Cataclysm Hero achievement.
- Event Mounts: Available during seasonal events like the Midsummer Fire Festival or Brewfest. These mounts often require event tokens or reputation rather than gold.
Summary of Typical Mount Pricing
| Mount Category | Typical Cost Range | Additional Requirements |
|---|
