Reaching the level cap back in vanilla was an immense accomplishment. Now, everyone can experience the legendary vanilla leveling experience firsthand on the Classic servers. That’s why we’re glad to present this first part of our WoW Classic Horde leveling guide!

But before you start taking notes, remember that this is only part one of a two-part blog and in this installment, we’re exclusively focusing on leveling from 1 to 30 in the most optimal way. We’ve gathered the most optimal zones for the 1-30 level bracket in both Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms. It’s also worth mentioning that this is more like a general guide for reaching level 30 and it’s simply meant to give you the fastest, easiest leveling route.

What are the recommended zones?

The following recommended leveling zones are based on logic, availability, continuity, and faction control (e.g. Horde, Alliance or Contested).

Levels 1 – 10

You don’t have many options when it comes to the first few levels as each race has its own starting zone meant for 1-5 leveling. Still, Orc and Troll players might use the zeppelin to get to Deathknell (Tirisfal Glades), while Undead players might use the same transport to reach Durotar.

Tirisfal Glades (Undead)

• Stay in Deathknell until you reach level 5
• Then transition to Brill and keep questing until you hit level 10
• Main quest hubs – Brill and Deathknell

Durotar (Orcs & Trolls)

• Remain at the Valley of Trials (Orc) or Echo Isles (Troll) until you hit level 5
• Head over to Razor Hill and stay in Durotar until level 10
• Main quest hubs – Razor Hill, the Valley of Trials, Orgrimmar, and Sen’jin Village

Mulgore (Tauren)

• Quest at Red Cloud Mesa until level 5
• Go to Bloodhoof Village and keep leveling until you reach level 10
• Main quest hubs – Bloodhoof Village, Camp Narache, and Thunder Bluff

Levels 10 – 20

This level range gives you much more freedom as you can choose between several different zones. Regardless, The Barrens will always remain the most popular choice for 10-20 in just about every Horde leveling guide.

The Barrens (Horde Territory)

• Zone level – 10-33
• Main quest hubs – The Crossroads, Ratchet, Camp Taurajo, Far Watch Post
• Start questing at The Crossroads
• Continue questing and head to Ratchet to pick up even more quests
• Remember that the lower portion of The Barrens is more suitable for level 20 characters or above

Silverpine Forest (Horde Territory)

• Zone level – 10-20
• Main quest hubs – The Sepulcher
• Head to The Sepulcher and start leveling

Stonetalon Mountains (Contested Territory)

• Zone level – 15-25
• Main quest hubs – Sun Rock Retreat, Malaka’jin
• When you enter this zone go to Malaka’jin to your left and start questing
• Then go to Sun Rock Retreat and continue leveling
• Be cautious when heading north as the Alliance camp is at the northernmost point of Stonetalon Mountains

Levels 20 – 30

Although brand new zones become available at this point, your best bet might still be The Barrens since it’s safe and loaded with quests.

The Barrens (Horde Territory)

• Zone level – 10-33
• Main quest hubs – The Crossroads, Ratchet, Camp Taurajo
• Keep questing in The Crossroads and Ratchet areas
• When quests start drying out focus on Camp Taurajo
• Go to the Wailing Caverns dungeon (18+) if needed

Hillsbrad Foothills (Contested Territory)

• Zone level – 20-30
• Main quest hubs – Tarren Mill
• Be careful when questing in areas close to Southshore (the Alliance town)

Ashenvale (Contested Territory)

• Zone level – 19-30
• Main quest hubs – Splintertree Post, Zoram’gar Outpost
• World PvP and Ashenvale go hand-in-hand so always be on guard
• Zoram’gar Outpost is located on the far-eastern part of Ashenvale
• Try the Blackfathom Deeps dungeon (24+) if you want an extra challenge

Stonetalon Mountains (Contested Territory)

• Zone level – 15-25
• Main quest hubs – Sun Rock Retreat
• Your best bet would be to quest in the Charred Vale zone, just below Sun Rock Retreat

Thousand Needles (Contested Territory)

• Zone level – 25-35
• Main quest hubs – Freewind Post, Mirage Raceway
• Start by doing the quests in Freewind Post
• There are dozens of quests in the Shimmering Flats area and more specifically Mirage Raceway once you level up a bit

Check out Part 2 of our WoW Classic Horde Leveling Guide!

FAQ – What else is there to know about Horde leveling?

Now, we’re going to tackle some of the more frequently asked questions regarding our Horde leveling guide for WoW Classic.

Conclusion

This is just the first of our two-part ultimate WoW Classic Horde leveling guide so make sure to check part 2 to find out how to level from 31 to 60 in the fastest and most efficient way possible! Hopefully, leveling up will be a breeze for you now. So don’t forget to let us know how your questing endeavors went. Did you skip any zones and which? Drop your answer below!