Ultimate 80–90 Leveling Guide: Mists of Pandaria vs. Cataclysm Zones
Ready to push your World of Warcraft character from level 80 to 90? This detailed guide breaks down the best zones, questlines, fun items, dailies, rare mobs, and bonus tips — so you get the most experience, unique rewards, and lore immersion on your journey to 90!
Why Pick Mists of Pandaria Over Cataclysm?
For most players, Pandaria offers a smoother, more rewarding leveling path than Cataclysm’s scattered zones. Here’s why:
Compact Travel: Pandaria’s zones are all on the same continent — no constant porting back to Stormwind or Orgrimmar.
More Zone Choices: Tired of one story? Just switch to another Pandaria zone.
Rare Spawns & Treasures: Extra XP and fun loot if you know where to look!
Reputation Vendors: Earn unique mounts, toys, and gear while you quest.
Timeless Lore: Pandaria’s storylines are iconic — and packed with Allied Race lore hooks!
Recommended Pandaria Leveling Route
| Zone | Recommended Level |
|---|---|
| Jade Forest | 80–90 |
| Valley of the Four Winds | 81–90 |
| Krasarang Wilds | 81–90 |
| Kun-Lai Summit | 82–90 |
| Townlong Steppes | 83–90 |
| Dread Wastes | 84–90 |
Zone Highlights & Fun Rewards
Jade Forest
Main Story: Follow Anduin Wrynn’s journey, clash at the Temple of the Jade Serpent, and meet Pandaria’s iconic races — Hozen & Jinyu.
Don’t Miss:
Fishy pet (Alliance) for finishing the main questline.
Trial of the Crusader lookalike armor sets from “The Right Tool For The Job” and “Seein' Red.”
Subzones like Tian Monastery & Temple of the Jade Serpent for gorgeous scenery & lore.
Valley of the Four Winds
Main Story: Chen & Li Li Stormstout’s adventures and the Tiller’s Farm system.
Collectibles:
Foxicopter Controller toy from Sally Fizzlefury.
Brown Riding Goat mount from Gina Mudclaw.
Fun trinkets like Watermelon Bomb and Orange Painted Turnip.
World Boss: Galleon, drops Son of Galleon’s Saddle.
Krasarang Wilds
Key Themes: Anglers faction, Temple of the Red Crane, Alliance vs. Horde.
Highlights:
Anglers Fishing Raft & Azure Water Strider from the Anglers rep.
Grand Armored Gryphon or Wyvern from the Landfall storyline.
Turtle Beach’s Sunday event: Wanderers, Dreamers, and You.
Kun-Lai Summit
Must-See: Shado-Pan vs. Zandalari, Lorewalker Cho’s Thunder King lore, Arena of Annihilation for weapon transmogs.
Rewards:
Toys: Hozen Idol, Lao Chin’s Mug, Jin Warmkeg’s Brew.
Grummlepack bag reward.
Sha of Anger boss for Heavenly Onyx Cloud Serpent.
Townlong Steppes
Plot: Shado-Pan fight the Mantid Empire & the Sha.
What to Do:
Unlock the Isle of Thunder portal.
Farm Onyx Cloud Serpent mount, Replica Shado-Pan Helmet, and Secrets of the Shado-Pan illusion.
Bonus: B.F.F Necklace from Huggalon the Heart Watcher!
Dread Wastes
Theme: The Klaxxi vs. corrupt Mantid Queen.
Why It’s Cool: Old God vibes, Elders grant buffs & quests.
Standouts:
Amber Scorpion mount & amber transmog.
Title: <The Wakener> for finishing Shadow of the Empire.
Extra Outdoor Zones at 85+
Vale of Eternal Blossoms: Golden Lotus rep for Azure/Regal/Golden Riding Cranes & Thundering Ruby Cloud Serpent from Alani.
Timeless Isle: Rare spawn farming, toys, mounts, Celestial Tournament pets, Heavenly Golden Cloud Serpent rep grind.
Isle of Thunder: Story-rich, Zandalari trolls, great for lore collectors.
Isle of Giants: Dino bones = Bone-White Primal Raptor, plus primal eggs for 3 color variants!
Bonus Tip: The Lorewalkers
There are various activities scattered around Pandaria that you should keep an eye out for.
While questing through the zones in Pandaria, it is worth visiting the various shrines and monuments you run across, especially if this is your first time questing through the zone. The Lorewalkers rewards players who visit these sites with reputation, and rewards those who visit every single site with a Disc of the Red Flying Cloud.
Alternate Path: Cataclysm Zones
Prefer the Cataclysm storylines? Here’s a quick path:
| Zone | Level Range |
|---|---|
| Mount Hyjal | 80–90 |
| Deepholm | 82–90 |
| Uldum | 83–90 |
| Twilight Highlands | 84–90 |
Highlights: Aeonaxx rare for Phosphorescent Stone Drake, Harrison Jones quests, Neferset & Tol’vir lore.
Avoid: Vashj’ir — gorgeous but confusing underwater zone.
Dungeons for Fast XP
| NUMBER | DUNGEON TITLE | RANDOM QUEUE | LOOT | LOCATION |
| 1 | Blackrock Caverns | 80-90 | 187-450 | Blackrock Mountain, Eastern Kingdoms |
| 2 | Stormstout Brewery | 80-90 | 187-450 | Valley of the Four Winds, Pandaria |
| 3 | Throne of the Tides | 80-90 | 187-450 | Vashj'ir, Eastern Kingdoms |
| 4 | Temple of the Jade Serpent | 80-90 | 187-450 | The Jade Forest, Pandaria |
| 5 | The Stonecore | 81-90 | 279-450 | Deepholm, The Maelstrom |
| 6 | The Vortex Pinnacle | 81-90 | 279-450 | Uldum, Kalimdor |
| 7 | Shado-Pan Monastery | 82-90 | 291-450 | Kun-Lai Summit, Pandaria |
| 8 | Mogu'Shan Palace | 82-90 | 291- 450 | Vale of Eternal Blossom, Pandaria |
| 9 | Gate of the Setting Sun | 83-90 | 305-450 | Vale of Eternal Blossom, Pandaria |
| 10 | Siege of Niuzao Temple | 83-90 | 305-450 | Townlong Steppes, Pandaria |
| 11 | Lost City of the Tol'vir | 84-90 | 333-450 | Uldum, Kalimdor |
| 12 | Halls of Origination | 84-90 | 333-450 | Uldum, Kalimdor |
| 13 | Grim Batol | 84-90 | 333-450 | Twilight Highlands, Eastern Kingdoms |
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