Cataclysm: Rush to Level 85 in No Time!

Our fast leveling guide for WoW Cataclysm is perfect for players who want to reach level 85 as quickly as possible. This guide highlights the best quest lines, the most efficient instances, and the optimal zones to tackle first.

Preparation Before Leveling

Before diving into leveling, it's crucial to prepare thoroughly. Start by clearing out your inventory. Store unnecessary items like PvP gear, fun items, and fishing gear in the bank to maximize your free space. The more inventory slots you have available, the better.

Next, stock your inventory with useful items such as flasks, potions, food, and water. Around 20 flasks should suffice to get you to level 85, and if you're an alchemist, you'll need even fewer. Additionally, ensure your talent build is optimized for leveling rather than PvP or PvE. Set your hearthstone in either Orgrimmar or Stormwind, as you'll frequently return to these capitals and use the city portals to get back to quest zones quickly.

Choosing Between Hyjal and Vashj'ir

Once you're prepared, you can choose between two new zones: Hyjal and Vashj'ir. Each has its own unique environment and quest lines.

Hyjal is generally recommended for beginners and players without prior beta experience. The quests in Hyjal are linear and straightforward, making it easier to progress without much confusion. The terrain is easy to navigate, and you'll find it simple to follow the quest chains. However, because many players choose Hyjal, you might encounter more PvP activity and longer respawn times for quest mobs.

Vashj'ir, on the other hand, offers a unique underwater experience. While movement is slightly different, you'll receive a seahorse mount early on to help with travel. The quests are spread across various vertical levels, requiring you to swim up and down, which can be challenging but also rewarding. If you prefer a less crowded environment and enjoy underwater exploration, Vashj'ir might be the better choice.

Questing in Hyjal and Vashj'ir

Regardless of your choice, focus on completing quests efficiently. Both zones are designed to provide a smooth leveling experience. Aim to reach level 81.7 through questing alone, avoiding unnecessary PvP encounters to save time.

First Instance: Blackrock Caverns

At level 81.7, head to Blackrock Caverns. This instance is an excellent place to reach level 82 quickly, as it offers five quests within the dungeon. Ensure you have a competent group to make the run efficient. Completing Blackrock Caverns can be faster than questing for the remaining experience to level 82.

Welcome to Deepholm

Upon reaching level 82, it's time to move on to Deepholm. Travel to your capital city and pick up the breadcrumb quest to Deepholm. Start with the quest line for the crashed Horde airship, focusing on this series of quests to progress through the zone.

In Deepholm, your main goal is to recover the middle fragment of the World Pillar. The quest line is linear and straightforward, guiding you through the zone without much backtracking. As you progress, you'll align with Therazane’s faction, which offers valuable shoulder enchants. Additionally, you'll receive a quest for the Stonecore instance. If you have a good group, running Stonecore can be an efficient way to gain experience.

On to Uldum

After completing Deepholm, head back to your capital city to learn new skills if needed, and then travel to Uldum. Start your journey in Tanaris, where a caravan will take you to Uldum. You'll be captured and need to fight your way out of the Lost City of Tol'vir, setting the stage for your adventures in Uldum.

In Uldum, there are two primary quest lines: one focusing on the Neferset and another involving the archaeologist Harrison Jones. The Neferset quest line takes you through the central region, culminating in an assault on their city. The Harrison Jones quest line, filled with humor and adventure, will have you exploring ancient temples and searching for treasures. Completing these quests should bring you close to level 84.

Instance Run: Vortex Pinnacle, Lost City of Tol'vir, Halls of Origination

At level 84, you face the decision of whether to run instances or continue questing. Uldum has three significant instances: Vortex Pinnacle, Lost City of Tol'vir, and Halls of Origination. Each of these instances offers quests that you can complete within the dungeon. With a good group, these instances can provide a significant experience boost and valuable gear upgrades.

Final Push to 85

By now, you should be nearing level 85. Head to Orgrimmar or Stormwind to accept the pre-quest for Twilight Highlands. Upon arriving in Twilight Highlands, make your way to the central area to start the arena quest line, which offers substantial experience. If you still need more experience, continue questing in Grim Batol or other areas of Twilight Highlands.

With these steps, you'll reach level 85 quickly and efficiently, ready to tackle the new heroic instances and high-level content in World of Warcraft: Cataclysm.