Reaching level 20 in WoW Forever marks the beginning of a more flexible and rewarding leveling experience. Between levels 20 and 40, players gain access to new questing zones, additional dungeons, important class upgrades, and the Legacy progression system. This stage also introduces one of the biggest milestones in the game: obtaining your first mount at level 40.
Whether you’re playing Alliance or Horde, preparing properly during these 20 levels can save time, reduce unnecessary gold expenses, and make your journey toward level 60 much smoother. Here’s everything you should prioritize before reaching level 40 in WoW Forever.
Best Leveling Zones for Levels 20 to 30
Once you reach level 20, several new questing areas become available. Choosing the right zones based on your faction and current location can make a significant difference in leveling efficiency.
Alliance players should consider Duskwood and Wetlands. Duskwood offers plenty of quests around Darkshire, while Wetlands provides convenient access to one of WoW Forever’s new dungeons. Players coming from Redridge Mountains can also finish nearby quests before moving into these areas. Ashenvale is another good option for characters already exploring Kalimdor.
Horde players have several useful destinations, including Stonetalon Mountains, Ashenvale, Hillsbrad Foothills, and the remaining Barrens quests. Hillsbrad is a particularly natural transition for players coming from Silverpine Forest.
You don’t need to complete every quest in a zone. If enemies are several levels above you or quest objectives are too far apart, moving to another area can be more efficient. Group nearby quests together, minimize unnecessary travel, and take advantage of the additional quests introduced throughout WoW Forever’s version of Azeroth.
Start Saving Gold for Your Level 40 Mount
One of the most important goals between levels 20 and 40 is preparing enough gold for your first mount.
At level 40, the standard mount provides a 60% movement speed increase, making it much easier to travel between quest hubs, dungeons, and major cities. However, WoW Forever handles riding expenses differently from original Vanilla WoW. The major cost comes from learning the riding skill rather than purchasing the mount itself.
Players should plan for approximately 100 gold for initial riding training, with some additional savings for unexpected expenses.
The easiest way to build your gold reserve is to earn money while leveling. Skinning allows you to collect leather from beasts you’re already killing, while Mining and Herbalism provide opportunities to gather valuable resources along your normal routes.
Cloth, ore, herbs, leather, and other crafting materials can also generate income through the Auction House. Check market prices and listing deposits before selling, since not every material is equally valuable.
Avoid spending too much gold on temporary equipment. A weapon purchased at level 27 might quickly become outdated when a better quest reward becomes available.
Unlock and Understand the WoW Forever Legacy System
The Legacy system is another major feature players should explore during this leveling bracket.
Most players earn their first Legacy point at level 25, although certain achievements can unlock progress earlier. These include reaching skill level 150 in a non-gathering crafting profession, exploring the entire world map, and completing early-level dungeons.
You can access the Legacy interface by pressing Y or clicking the shield icon on your menu bar. It contains three perk categories:
- Professions: Benefits related to crafting and gathering progression.
- Adventure: Perks that support questing, exploration, and other activities.
- Resourcefulness: Improvements designed to make everyday gameplay more convenient.
Legacy is primarily a horizontal progression system. Instead of simply increasing your damage, it provides additional benefits that let you customize your overall gameplay experience.
Legacy points are shared across non-Hardcore characters on your Battle.net account, although each character can spend them independently. At launch, each character can spend up to 16 points, but these must be earned through separate challenges involving character levels, professions, dungeons, PvP, and other accomplishments.
When you unlock Legacy, take some time to examine the available perks. Choose upgrades that support your preferred activities rather than spending points without considering your long-term progression.
New WoW Forever Dungeons to Experience Before Level 40
WoW Forever introduces additional dungeons that expand the original leveling experience. Three new instances are particularly worth considering between levels 20 and 40.
Excavation Site (Levels 24–29)
Located above Whelgar’s Excavation in Wetlands, near Thelgen Rock and Dun Algaz, Excavation Site is an excellent dungeon for players in their mid-20s.
The instance explores a mysterious excavation where ancient Titan constructs have awakened. Alliance players questing through Wetlands have a convenient opportunity to organize a group and experience this new content.
Before entering, collect any available dungeon quests and arrange a suitable group. You can continue questing while waiting instead of wasting valuable leveling time in a capital city.
City of Dalaran (Levels 28–33)
City of Dalaran is another important addition, located in the Alterac Mountains. Unlike some other instances, entering this dungeon requires completing an attunement questline.
Alliance players begin with An Alarming Request from Emissary Jax in Southshore. Horde players need to complete Key to the City and Prison Break-In, involving Mages Wardine Voidglare in Tarren Mill.
The dungeon takes players through the city’s sewers and into Dalaran itself, where magical experiments have created dangerous encounters. Make sure your access quests are completed before your group arrives.
The Drowned City (Levels 35–40)
The Drowned City is designed for players approaching level 40 and is located off the coast of Stranglethorn, west of Grom’gol.
This instance explores ancient troll ruins that have risen from beneath the ocean. Players encounter trolls, naga, and other enemies, with an underwater entrance leading into the dungeon.
One particularly interesting feature is its changing weather. Conditions begin relatively calmly before developing into a storm as players approach the final encounter.
Existing Classic dungeons, including Scarlet Monastery and other level-appropriate instances, remain useful alternatives. You don’t need to run every dungeon repeatedly, but experiencing the new content is highly recommended.
Class Talents and Professions: What to Upgrade Around Level 30
Level 30 is a good time to review your character’s development. The talents and abilities available at this stage can significantly influence how your class performs.
Check your talent tree and consider whether your current build provides enough damage, survivability, and combat efficiency. A talent unlocked recently might improve your rotation or make difficult encounters easier.
Visit your class trainer to learn relevant abilities and spell ranks. Melee characters should pay attention to weapon upgrades, while casters should make sure their important spells and equipment support their chosen playstyle.
Professions also deserve attention. Make sure you’ve learned the appropriate training ranks to progress beyond earlier skill caps. Higher-level zones contain materials that require greater gathering skills, and neglecting profession progression can cause you to miss valuable resources.
WoW Forever also expands the profession experience with additional recipes and profession-related rewards. As your professions develop, remember to explore campsite features that provide useful buffs and conveniences.
Leveling Zones for Levels 30 to 40
As you enter your 30s, several familiar zones become important again.
Stranglethorn Vale offers extensive questing opportunities for both factions and can support a large portion of your leveling journey. However, players on PvP servers should prepare for frequent faction encounters.
Other useful destinations include Arathi Highlands, Desolace, and Thousand Needles. Horde players may find Thousand Needles a natural continuation of their earlier Kalimdor progression, while Alliance characters can move through Arathi Highlands and Stranglethorn Vale.
Avoid overcrowded quest hubs when possible. If too many players are competing for the same enemies, switching to another area may provide faster experience gains.
Players should also start considering Riverglades, one of WoW Forever’s major new zones. Located in the Eastern Kingdoms, this region introduces more than 150 new quests and offers substantial content for the mid-30s and beyond.
Both factions can explore Riverglades, which also connects through Powderfuse Port to the Steamweed Cartel Sea Route in Tanaris. The zone features another new instance, Crawock Stronghold, designed for levels 40–45.
Your WoW Forever Level 40 Preparation Checklist
Reaching level 40 is a major achievement, but preparing properly makes the next stage much easier.
Before moving toward level 60, make sure you’ve accomplished the following:
- Save enough gold for riding training: Aim for approximately 100 gold and keep some extra money available.
- Unlock the Legacy system: Start earning points and choose perks that match your preferred playstyle.
- Develop your professions: Keep gathering and crafting skills progressing alongside your character.
- Review your class build: Upgrade talents, learn new abilities, and improve your equipment where necessary.
- Experience new dungeons: Prioritize Excavation Site, City of Dalaran, and The Drowned City when your level allows.
- Explore new content: Consider visiting Riverglades as you approach the upper 30s.
Final Thoughts
Levels 20 through 40 are about more than gaining experience. This is when WoW Forever introduces several systems that shape your character’s long-term progression, from Legacy perks and expanded professions to new dungeons and questing zones.
By managing your WoW Forever gold, improving your class build, and choosing efficient leveling routes, you’ll reach level 40 in a much stronger position. Getting your first mount, keeping your professions updated, and exploring the new content will also make the journey toward level 60 considerably more enjoyable.