🐼 Pandaria Classic 85–90 Leveling Guide

No fluff. Just the fastest route, expert tips, and key mistakes to avoid.

✅ Before You Begin

• ❌ No flying until level 90.

• 📍 Zones unlock only via quest progression.

• 🧭 Linear path — skipping zones breaks phasing.

• 🛡️ Mobs hit harder than in modern versions — stay geared.

🗺️ Best Questing Route

1. Jade Forest (85–86)

• Mandatory starting zone.

• Complete main questline to unlock Pandaria progression.

2. Valley of the Four Winds (86–87)

• Fast quest density, compact design.

• Flows naturally into Krasarang.

3. Krasarang Wilds (87–88)

• Only follow main story chain.

• Set Hearthstone in central hub to avoid travel time.

4. Kun-Lai Summit (88–89)

• Best XP/time ratio.

5. Townlong Steppes (89–89.5)

• Efficient XP from core quest hubs only.

6. Dread Wastes (89.5–90)

• Final grind zone.

• Strong mobs — enter with Rested XP or in a group.

⚔️ Dungeon Use

• Do each dungeon once with quests = bonus XP.

• Only worthwhile as Tank or Healer (fast queue).

• Avoid grinding dungeons — questing is faster.

🔧 Leveling Boosts & Tools

• Professions: Herbalism & Mining = bonus XP.

• Rested XP: Save it for Dread Wastes or instanced content.

• Add-ons: Use any for tracking quests.

• Set Hearthstone to active quest hub.

• Eat food/use buffs regularly.

❌ Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping Jade Forest = blocked progress.

• Ignoring dungeon questgivers = missed XP.

• Over-questing in low-density areas.

• Leveling with outdated gear.

• Not respeccing to optimal solo spec.

🕒 Average Time

• 12–18 hours (solo questing with basic buffs).

• Faster with rested XP, dungeon runs (as tank/healer), or optimized routing.

“Stick to the main storylines. Don’t waste time in out-of-the-way hubs. Pandaria is designed to funnel you forward — trust the flow.”
— Басурай, WoW Classic veteran and guide creator.