Levelling 1–60 in WoW: Forever takes you through the Classic zones you know, plus more than a thousand new quests, new zones like the Riverglades and Shen'dralas, and nine new dungeons. Since 8 November 2026 the fastest route mixes questing with dungeon runs, because mobs inside instances now give 50% more experience. Every zone and its level range is in the zone database.
What is different while levelling
- More damage, tougher mobs: just before launch, Blizzard buffed damage for every class and gave higher-level enemies more health. Fights end quicker, but the later zones are no easier for it.
- Dungeons pay more: the hotfix on 8 November 2026 gave enemies killed in dungeons 50% more experience.
- Fast respawns in the starting zones: at launch, quest mobs there come back faster so nobody has to queue for a tag. Blizzard plans to slow this down again once the crowds have spread out.
- Talents: first point at level 10, 51 in total. Dual spec unlocks at 40 for 50 gold. Plan both builds in the talent calculator.
- Trainer costs: about 206 gold for every class ability up to 60, a little less for warlocks. One gathering profession on the side pays for that easily.
- Quest gold from level 48: since 10 November, most quests from level 48 up pay extra gold, including many that paid nothing before. Turn them in as soon as they're done: Forever doesn't convert quest experience into gold at level 60, so hoarding them gets you nothing.
Zones by level
| Level | Eastern Kingdoms | Kalimdor |
|---|---|---|
| 1–10 | Elwynn Forest, Dun Morogh, Tirisfal Glades | Durotar, Mulgore, Teldrassil; Skyborne: Zephras Isle (1–12) |
| 10–20 | Westfall, Loch Modan, Silverpine Forest | Darkshore, The Barrens |
| 20–30 | Redridge Mountains, Duskwood, Wetlands, Hillsbrad Foothills | Stonetalon Mountains, Ashenvale |
| 30–40 | Alterac Mountains, Arathi Highlands, Stranglethorn Vale | Thousand Needles, Desolace |
| 35–45 | Riverglades (new), Badlands, Swamp of Sorrows | Dustwallow Marsh |
| 40–50 | The Hinterlands, Searing Gorge | Feralas, Tanaris |
| 45–55 | Blasted Lands | Azshara, Felwood, Un'Goro Crater |
| 50–60 | Burning Steppes, Plaguelands | Silithus, Moonglade, Winterspring |
| 60 | – | Mount Hyjal (new, via Winterspring) |
The Riverglades are the biggest new levelling zone: a stretch of coast between Redridge, the Badlands and Swamp of Sorrows, with camps for both Alliance and Horde and a goblin port that runs a boat to Tanaris. Krol'dok Stronghold, the level 40–45 dungeon, is there too. Shen'dralas is a contested zone in central Kalimdor, bordered by Desolace, Feralas and Mulgore. It's currently listed for level 30–50, but that range isn't confirmed. Skyborne leave Zephras Isle at 12 by airship: Alliance to Dalaran in the Alterac Mountains, Horde to Mulgore.
Dungeons as a shortcut
If you can get a group together regularly, build dungeons into your route. On top of the XP you pick up instance quests and gear that carries you through the next few zones.
| Level | New dungeons | Classic dungeons |
|---|---|---|
| 13–22 | Hall of Thanes, Ruins of Lordaeron | Ragefire Chasm, The Deadmines |
| 19–33 | Excavation Site: Wetlands, City of Dalaran | Wailing Caverns, Shadowfang Keep, Blackfathom Deeps, Stockade |
| 30–45 | The Drowned City, Krol'dok Stronghold | Gnomeregan, Razorfen Kraul and Downs, Scarlet Monastery |
| 44–54 | Alcaz Prison | Uldaman, Zul'Farrak, Maraudon |
| 52–60 | Blackmaw Hold, Shaper's Terrace | Sunken Temple, Blackrock Depths, Blackrock Spire, Dire Maul |
The Hall of Thanes in Ironforge (from 13) and the Ruins of Lordaeron beneath Undercity (from 15) give both factions an early dungeon right in a capital. Bosses and exact levels are in the instance database, and the new instances get more detail in the dungeons and raids guide. For groups, use the raid planner or find a guild in the guild finder.
Rested experience, food and camps
Forever rewards breaks more than Classic did. Sit at a campfire and you become rested and start banking rested XP. The leatherworkers' Camp Tent tops that up to as much as 5% of a level. Most cooked food also gives bonus experience per kill, even the low-level stuff. So level Cooking from day one: the bonus counts on every mob.
Camp TentA small camp helps in fights as well. The anglers' Fish Bowl gives 8% to all stats, standing in for Blessing of Kings, which paladins only learn late. The skinners' Camp Chair adds 2% crit at any level. The camping guide covers how to set one up.
Fish Bowl
Camp ChairLegacy nodes for alts
Legacy unlocks at level 25, but the points are account-wide, so your second and third characters get the benefit. These Adventure tree nodes are the ones to take:
- Well Rested: rested XP builds up to 20% faster and the cap rises by up to 20% (five ranks of 4%).
- Talented: talent points from level 5 instead of 10. It needs Well Rested at rank 5, so max that first.
- Thrill of Adventure: every killing blow gives back up to 5% health and mana over 10 seconds. Fewer drink breaks in the open world; it does nothing in dungeons, raids or battlegrounds.
- Frequent Flier: flight paths cost half and you fly 20% faster.
Blizzard hasn't confirmed whether a fresh character can use the trees before level 25. Plan your points in the Legacy planner.
Professions for the road
Two gathering professions are the easiest gold while levelling and fill crates for Merchant's Favor on the side; see the gathering professions guide. First Aid matters more than in Classic, because it now makes the regular healing potions as well as bandages. Cooking gives you XP food and the campfire. On every main and alt: Cooking and First Aid, always, plus one or two gathering professions.
From level 48: get ready for Onyxia
Nobody gets into Onyxia's Lair without the Drakefire Amulet, and the quest chain for it starts well before 60. Alliance players can pick up "Dragonkin Menace" in the Burning Steppes from level 48; their chain is 16 quests long. Horde need level 55 for "Warlord's Command", and theirs runs to 14 quests. Both end with General Drakkisath in Upper Blackrock Spire. Knock out the early steps while you level and you'll have the amulet when the raid opens on 9 December 2026. The full route is in the Onyxia's Lair raid guide.
Drakefire AmuletFrequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to level in WoW: Forever?
Mix quests and dungeons. Since 8 November 2026, mobs killed in dungeons give 50% more experience. Stack rested XP, food with an XP bonus and a camp with a Fish Bowl (8% to all stats) and a Camp Chair on top.
Are there new levelling zones?
Yes: the Riverglades in the south-east of the Eastern Kingdoms (level 35–45), Shen'dralas in central Kalimdor and, for the Skyborne, Zephras Isle (1–12). Mount Hyjal is the new zone at level 60.
When do I get talent points?
From level 10, 51 in total by level 60. The Legacy node Talented at full rank moves the first point to level 5. Dual spec is available from level 40 for 50 gold.
How much gold do I need for trainers?
All class abilities from level 1 to 60 cost about 206 gold in total, a little less for warlocks.