World of Warcraft to Finally Allow Flying in Draenor

After eight long months of debate, Blizzard Entertainment is finally going to let the champions of World of Warcraft fly their mounts in Draenor.

World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor's lead game designer Ion Hazzikostas has revealed that Blizzard plans to finally green light flying mounts in Draenor. Ever since players started hitting level 100 back in November, the masses have been rallying to get flying mounts allowed in the areas of Warcraft's latest expansion. Hazzikostas and the rest of his team remained adamant that Warcraft's new content is best enjoyed from the ground and that taking to the skies diminishes the exploration and wonder of most newer areas in WoW. At the same time, Blizzard recognizes that many fans have already seen all that there is to explore in this new world and would like to see things from a higher perspective. As a result, Blizzard will eventually allow flying mounts in Draenor after a player meets certain requirements.

Here's what Hazzikostas had to say about flying mounts:

We firmly believe that keeping your feet on the ground is a key part of discovery in WoW, we also recognize that breaking free from those restrictions can be fun and rewarding as well, especially for those who’ve already fully experienced the game’s world content. With that in mind, we’re planning some changes in the near future that will allow players to enjoy their hard-earned flying mounts in Draenor—in a way that doesn’t compromise the excitement of ground-based exploration.

In an upcoming Public Test Realm build, we will be introducing a new meta-achievement called Draenor Pathfinder. You’ll earn this achievement in Patch 6.2 by mastering the outdoor environment of Draenor—exploring Draenor’s zones, collecting 100 treasures in Draenor, completing the Draenor Loremaster and Securing Draenor achievements, and raising the three new Tanaan Jungle reputations to Revered. Initially, this achievement will award a rylak mount: the Soaring Skyterror, one of the native beasts that roam Draenor’s skies. Players will remain ground-bound on Draenor until a small follow-up patch (6.2.x), when all players who have earned Draenor Pathfinder on at least one character will unlock the ability to fly in Draenor on all their level 90+ characters.

There you have it, folks. Flying in Draenor will eventually be hitting the Public Test Realm and we'll be taking to the skies above the Iron Horde likely by the end of the year. At the same time, there are plenty of prerequisites to fulfill before being able to fly.

You can start preparing by fulfilling three meta requirements, which includes the Explore Draenor, Loremaster of Draenor and Securing Draenor achievements. Just make sure you start farming those new Tanaan reps once the zone opens.