Patch 5.3 interview with Ghostcrawler
Mystery of the Unborn Val'kyr
The latest patch 5.3 news
All of the latest Mists of Pandaria newsBreakfast Topic: Reining in the ease of collecting mounts
by Audrey Bell 
May 21st 2010 at 8:00AM
Mounts are everywhere -- rightfully so, as they're an absolute necessity. These furry, feathery, leathery or mechanical steeds practically fall from the sky. You can get them from in-game vendors, out-of-game vendors, random drops, timed heroic runs, fishing, trading cards and even just having a bunch of mounts. With so many ways to get them, it's easy to forget how hard they were to get just a few scant years ago.
My first character at level cap was my much-missed warlock. As if slinging curses, ordering around demons and sipping the tears of my enemies weren't enough, I was treated to one of the best climaxes to a quest chain in game. The sheer wildness of trying to keep everything working while simultaneously fending off droves of enemies, culminating in a fantastic boss fight, is something everyone should experience. True, the quests leading up to the final showdown were annoying and expensive, but they were worth it in the end.
However, Blizzard has gone out of their way to make mounts very easy to get. Paladins and warlocks no longer have to go on an epic adventure for their noble or demonic steeds; they simply have to talk to their trainers. The minimum level to get the first mount has been dropped from 40 to 30 to 20, while epic mounts are now under the rumps of those much lower than level 60. Even flying mounts are now available almost as soon as you step into the Outland.
So I've been pondering: Does the huge variety, abundance and awesomeness of mounts these days make up for the ease of obtaining them? Or do you think it was better when you had to walk for a much longer time and scrounge up much more gold (when gold was hard to get)? Are new players missing out on something special by not having to triumph over waves of demons to get their new demon, or are they simply bypassing an unnecessary annoyance to get to the real meat of the game?
Have you ever wanted to write for WoW.com? Your chance may be right around the corner. Watch for our next call for submissions for articles via Seed, the Aol guest writer program that brings your words to WoW.com. The next byline you see here may be yours!Filed under: Breakfast Topics, Guest Posts
Reader Comments (Page 5 of 5)
blissfire May 21st 2010 11:06AM
I love the fact that not everyone is on the same mounts in Dalaran. Sometimes you can sit in front of the bank, and everyone there will be on a different type of mount. It makes it much more interesting than nightsaber central. (Though I love my sabers, too!) Bring 'em on, I say. If they make it, I'll try to get it. Variety is the spice of something or other. ;)
LynMars May 21st 2010 11:35AM
This can be a case of where the "rose colored glasses" can too easily come into play for some folks; we all struggled to get to 40 for a mount in Classic/early BC, and scrimped and saved to get enough gold to do so. Fewer people had epic mounts, just like fewer people had epic gear.
It was one of those cases, to me, where the long and unnecessarily annoying grind got in the way of actual advancement and fun. I will never take the Human rep bonus for granted again after trying to get a BE exalted with Orgrimmar by 40 to get a normal worg mount, because I refused to ride a fruity pebbles colored chocobo (and wrote into her character story that she was actually allergic to hawkstriders). I didn't get the money, and the rep, until mid-40's, but it was worth it by then, and I did feel accomplished, but also a bit annoyed.
These days, if you want a mount, you can get it, but for something different than faction mounts, you have to have the time, energy, patience, and often gold, to buy the ones you want--or work to get that pretty 100 mount achievement, which can mean farming instances and hoping to get a drop that no one else rolls on. It's still a grind, but it's not nearly as annoying and time consuming in many ways as it used to be. Call it "pandering to the casuals" if you want, but some people play to have fun and de-stress and collect fun things, not have a second job that takes time away from their real lives and families.
Also, even though I could train my paladin's Charger, I went ahead and did the quest chain anyway for the experience, and pretty much at level, though some higher level pals helped me out (as I did for them). I've also done the Benediction quest chain on my priest at 80. The quests are still there, and I'm kind of sad (though understanding of why) Blizz has moved away from doing class-only chains. But they still exist for now, and I highly suggest that folks seek them out and give them a go before Cataclysm might make several or all of them vanish forever. It's one of the only reasons I want to level my hunter and warlock before expansion hits.
Bronwyn May 21st 2010 11:43AM
I remember the same grind with my blood elf, only I waited until I could run Alterac Valley and ground out my Org rep that way. It meant I had to ride a Hawkstrider for a little bit, but it was worth it when I finally got my wolf, and then an epic one a few levels later.
jmccance May 21st 2010 11:46AM
I'm not saying getting mounts should be postponed. God, the idea of not getting a mount until 60 is nauseating. As for the questline still existing, I'll bite that I didn't realize that. If it was in previous comments, I'll own the fact that I only read the first page of comments and there was nothing about that when I read them.
My point, which I admit wasn't as clear as it should have been, is that grinding gold to pay for mounts sucks compared to doing a (fun) questline. So at 20, 40, and 60 I'd like to see the option of doing a moderate-length, soloable chain of quests instead of forking over large amounts of gold. That way people just leveling alts can buy it outright using hand-me-down gold, but new players (or players new to that faction or server) have a fun and flavorful alternative.
Angrycelt May 21st 2010 11:55AM
I'd like a happy medium - I enjoy the mounts at 20/40/60, but in my opinion, special mounts *should* be hard to get. If a paladin hits level 40, he can train the advanced riding, but he doesn't get the charger unless he does the quest chain at 60. Buy a normal horse, cat, goat, whatever to get your speed buff. But if you want the armored glowing soul-of-a-redeemed-horse mount, you have to do the quest for it.
On that note, how badass would it be if *every* class had the option to quest for one big ultra-awesome mount? Paladins, Warlocks, and technically Druids all have their special traveling ability. (and can I get a paladin-specific flying mount?) Give warriors a quest for some huge armored destrier that makes even the charger look like a My Little Pony. Rogues could get some huge pitch-black cat that looks stealthed (similar to the spectral, but dark and shadowy and without armor).
I'd love to see class-specific awesomeness that you have to earn to really show your pride. Heck, how about iconic Faction mounts. The Gryphon/Wyvern is a good example, but expand it. Let me show my faction pride with a mount draped in red and black or blue and gold.
Meccaryn May 21st 2010 12:04PM
my biggest problem, is how the mount situation gets wrangled around blizzard's decision - which contradicts one another
on one hand, 'collectors' are rewarded for their hardwork and dedication towards their chosen goal - much like harcore raiders/avid arena-goers are rewarded for their effort as well
on the OTHER hand - we have some DISTINCT COLLECTIBLE mounts that are either:
1, unachievable by regular means (not everyone gets to be top dogs in the grueling arena matchups)
2, removed permanently, disallowing new comers/avid collectors who passed the 'due date' to ever have a chance in obtaining them. (classic 60 armor-less mounts, naxx mounts, and soon-to-be ulduar, i'm looking at ya)
i get the idea that 'bragging rights' should exist - but again, serious raiders/arena junkies had plenty of stuff to brag about, particularly their raid/arena sets.
mounts can definitely serve way better purpose/goal than being limited as 'bragging rights' that cease to exist past the intended season/patch version - at worse, new players/old timer which return has something to work for instead being left in the gutter
and about the 'overgearing content, making challenge trivial' argument - lets face it, the great gear explosion was as much blizzard's fault as to our own self. a 'trivial' challenge, which is only be made so by highly overgearing, is still a fair decent challenge for average players who are still on heroics; thus no such issue on 'easy loot'.
and 'free 310 mount' - seriously, thats the weakest argument. anyone who puts their effort to get a raid going and completed, deserves their fair share of reward - doesnt matter if they have a 45 minute perfect run, or 3 hours of grueling pain and wipes.
and since EVERYONE is getting 310 mount speed by next expansion - the argument even cease to exist
dear blizzard - i understand that you guys prefer the idea of 'lets keep looking ahead, forget the past'
then again, old gems that could still serve a nice bonus/reward should have their fair place to stay
bring back the classic mounts, naxx drakes, or even amani bear - keep the ulduar and icecrown mounts around
we can even bring back the older arena mounts - jack up the honor cost for them. plenty of average players have mountains of points sitting idle, and alot more soon with the focus on rated BG/World PvP hits form the new expansion. This would be a extremely well honor sink - much like riding cost for gold sink.
and just a personal request - please remove the wolf/goat off the AV meta. i like the mounts, but tie-in with the meta is overkilling. i need my comrades to stand in and fight - NOT sitting at the back and stockpiling point for a damn 'bling'
unpoloart May 21st 2010 12:22PM
I don't think is wrong to have a lot of mounts around, but having the Quest no longer requiered to get the Warlock and Pally Mount is not cool, the quests are awsome and need participation of others, and it is true that is not that hard to do them anymore, but still, they are quest lines that should be done.
Alchemistmerlin May 21st 2010 1:32PM
Let me sum up what every response to this article is essentially going to be:
1) ZOMG Casuals!!!! *shake fist*
2) When I was your age we had to walk 15 miles up hill both ways etc.
3) Eh, I just like having fun.
Personally I believe in choice number 3, but I'm sure there are others who feel that they can't fun if other people are.
Sword May 21st 2010 1:55PM
What you call "fun" I call taking away from my enjoyment of the game.
Alchemistmerlin May 21st 2010 2:00PM
Counter argument: How is things being easier for me taking away from the enjoyment of the game for you?
You are free to make things harder for yourself. Only collect mounts from raids. Play the game without ever using a weapon.
Play without pants (Either in the real world or in game).
Those are all choices you can make.
In the end it all boils down to the "ZOMG CAZUALZ" people desperately wanting to feel special, and trying to use bragging rights over pixels in a video game to do it.
Paulio May 21st 2010 2:19PM
I can't really add anything that I haven't already seen stated perfectly... kudos Kylenne, and Grovin... but I'll add something anyway ;) which is just to say that the system seems perfect as is, because it offers something for everone. For new players or alts, they get their mounts quickly and get to level faster and with less frustration. BG players can use honor to get mounts. Rep grinders can get their netherwing drakes and talbuks and red drake. Novice dungeon runners can get the bronze drake with just a few runs. Raiders get access to various others. Hardmode types get their protos. Uber types have Mimiron's Head. Gamblers and RNG masochists can try to get Rivendare's mount or Anzu's mount. People with extra cashish can fork out for a star pony. The very lucky might stumble on the TLPD, or win a roll for Ashes.
And then there are people like me who don't raid at all but still want to see if they can get "Mountain of Mounts". After nearly 2 years of playing, I finally got it. Yes, I had to buy every saleable mount including the overpriced TTM. Yes, it took RNG love from Rivendare. Yes, I had to get every BG mount with marks instead of honor. Just makes the achievement feel all the better. No one made me do it and I don't get any special advantage for doing it and no one really covets my blue dragonhawk... it was just something to do. Thanks, Blizz, for putting that mountain there!
Matthew May 21st 2010 3:21PM
Way back in BC when druids got their flight form at 68 and everyone got it at 70 I was a happy druid.
I never did understand, though, why?
Why did bliz make once class get a flight form at 68 not 70? (I'm not asking about the price discrepancy, since that was sort-of precidented in warlock/pally quests)
Thanks for answering this, if you know it!
PocketFox May 21st 2010 3:30PM
As someone who now has five 80's, as well as a plethora of alts in all level ranges, AND someone who has been playing for 5 years (so yes, I was around 'in the old days') all I can say is I'm thrilled with the changes they've made to mounts. The sheer number and variety of course appeals to the collector in me, but it's more than that.
Way back when, mounts were considered luxury items and status symbols. Hell, you could practically see them as the GearScore of their day: that guy has his epic mount, his e-peen must be huge! And I'm not just talking about the warlock and paladin mounts either. 900g for epic riding? That's a pretty steep price tag even in the age of dailies and the LFD tool.
Really, I can draw a lot of parallels between the complaints of the hardcore raiders and the complaints of the old timers re: mounts and riding -- that is, all of a sudden something that -was- exclusive and special and whatnot is now available to everybody without nearly so much effort, and indeed, might even be considered an essential. And while part of me does understand their frustrations (I wasn't a raider pre-BC, but I did have an epic nightsaber, and you can bet I was damn proud of it), the majority of me is just glad I never have to make the run from Southshore to Scarlet Monastery on foot ever again.
Disclaimer: I am not, of course, assuming everyone who might dislike the changes is a cane-waving, porch-sitting, get-off-my-lawn old geezer. :)
Quartza May 21st 2010 3:48PM
Functionality trumps originality, IMO.
Sure it's less bragging rights, but lvl caps are rising, so you don't wanna drown. Get a mount.
tubby May 21st 2010 4:22PM
It's hilarious that people are saying it's so easy to get mounts NOW when BC practically threw them at you. You got a new race with its own compliment of mounts, seven flying mounts with no faction requirements, ten talbuks, five nether rays, six nether drakes, a hippogryph and two helicopters. There was also the new PVP gladiator mounts, the RAF zebra and three new rare drops. Fifty mounts before LK hit was easysauce provided you had jumped through all the required hoops. Unless you played a Tauren. Then you were screwed.
By comparison LK seems to be making you work harder for fewer. There are a ton of drakes, proto-drakes, and mammoths but they all come from different sources. No more one faction gets you six more for your collection.
Scooter May 21st 2010 6:06PM
I think we can sum this up. We have mounts that can be obtained in mass through every avenue this game offers except one... being a hero.
We play hero's by completing quests. Some large, some small, some epic to all, some epic to one. Through it all we persevere and what do we get? ...a random green 95% of us are going to vendor right back to them. Vanity items in general should come more from the quest lines and not the achievement for killing your one thousandth squirrel.
This game has thousands of quests with incredible events and only a select few leave you with more than a memory. Think about it. Wouldn't it be great if events like Darrowshire left you with a ghostly horse or weapon or shield? What about Hearthglen where you try to rescue Tirion's son? Keeping the Scarlet Crusader disguise would have been awesome if it unlocked some secrets in Northrend.
The non-raiding quests have gotten more epic. The rewards...well they've gotten worse
Lemons May 21st 2010 7:52PM
I was lucky enough to experience the pally mount quest before it went the way of the dodo, and it felt epic. Of course it was difficult and getting the gold wasn't easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is! That's what makes it so epic once you do it.
kmurph07 May 21st 2010 10:00PM
I like the fact that Bliz made it easier to get mounts, now if they would make a change to getting epic flight. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has multiple 80's, and getting 5k gold for each gets a bit monotonous. Especially when you have a real life and can't dedicate hours upon hours running 10 and 25 man raids hoping for epic BoE drops. Or even 5-mans hoping for drops. I know that there are ways to do it by manipulating the AH, but supply and demand on the AH is generally broken. So idk. I just think that if one player has epic flight they should be able to buy a book sort of like how CW flight works.
Galaharenn May 24th 2010 10:18AM
There's two different issues here...
1) The ability to have mounts earlier and cheaper than before
2) How easy it is to acquire 'vanity' mounts
1 is a vast improvement on vanilla. Mounts are affordable and make levelling much easier.
2 I think has gone too far the other way. Non-faction standard mounts SHOULD cost a lot of effort, whether that's raid achievements, pvp grinding, rep/gold grinding, instance grinding, rare spawn hunting, profession rewards or epic questlines.
In theory it should be possible for even the most casual player to obtain a vanity mount, but their choices will be limited. However most vanity mounts that should be difficult to obtain because that's part of their value. I'm a dedicated mount collector but even after years, I'm still trying to defeat the RNG monster on certain mounts.
It has to be said though that even after all this time my Mountain 'o Mounts lock still usually rides her dreadsteed on the ground, because I was so proud of getting it and it announces 'Warlock!' so well. For a warlock, obtaining your dreadsteed was a rite of passage. I felt like I was a 'real' lock when I finally did that quest. I suspect paladins felt the same about their class mount.
There was no good reason to make this a trainable mount. It's not like locks can't ride a 'normal' epic mount and it denigrated the effort lots of people put into getting their dreadsteed. Right up until the change I was still running junior locks through that quest with my mats and they all loved it. I spent ages riding a standard horse till I had saved up for all the quest mats and persuaded a group to run through DM. Why can't warlocks do the same now? Instead they took an achivement and made it something you barely notice while you level. Poor decision, guys. Really poor decision.