TBC Pre-Patch Overview
Below, we have some information you can use to your advantage to help make the process of leveling easier and to accomplish it in time before the launch of TBC Classic.
General Quest Leveling Guide and Tips
As soon as you create and log into your new Blood Elf Paladin, you'll spawn into Sunstrider Isle. From there, you'll advance to Eversong Woods before continuing on into your journey. Here is a suggested route for where to go as you level:
Level BracketHorde Leveling Zones
1 - 10Sunstrider Isle, Eversong Woods
10 - 20Ghostlands, Silverpine Forest
10 - 30The Barrens
20 - 30Stonetalon Mountains
25 - 30Ashenvale, Hillsbrad Foothills
30 - 35Stranglethorn Vale (North), Thousand Needles
35 - 40Arathi Highlands, Desolace
40 - 45Badlands, Dustwallow Marsh, Stranglethorn Vale (South)
45 - 50Feralas, Searing Gorge, Tanaris, The Hinterlands
50 - 55Azshara, Blasted Lands, Felwood, Un’Goro Crater
55 - 60Burning Steppes, Eastern Plaguelands, Western Plaguelands, Winterspring
In addition to this route, Reddit user u/ezekielgraves has provided another resource that could also assist with your leveling journey.
Not only that, but WoW Classic content creator GuideMMO made a video that is another great resource as you aim to hit 60 before TBC launch.
Finally, for even more efficiency, check out the guide below for items you can purchase right now from the Auction House for fast quest turn-ins and experience.
Auction House Items To Purchase For Easy Leveling
Dungeon Leveling Route
Whether you want to supplement your questing with dungeons, or have a dedicated group to level with in dungeons, here are the level ranges for some Classic dungeons you'll do along the way:
Dungeon
Minimum Level
Maximum Level
Ragefire Chasm
13
18
Wailing Caverns
15
25
Shadowfang Keep
22
30
Razorfen Kraul
30
40
Scarlet Monastery
26
45
Razorfen Downs
40
50
Zul'Farrak
44
54
Maraudon
46
55
Blackrock Depths
52
60
Scholomance
55
60
Stratholme
55
60
Classic Dungeons Overview
Suggested Leveling Specialization
During the pre-patch, if you plan on questing alone, the best specialization for that is Retribution. That said, with Dual Spec available at Level 40, it's not a bad idea to collect some Tank and/or Healing gear along the way, pick up another specialization, and if you're interested in doing dungeons, but unable to get a spot as a Retribution Paladin, perhaps Tanking or Healing could get you into that group.
Retribution Paladin 1-70 Guide
As a Retribution Paladin, we recommend this talent build:
As for the talents to hit first, Blessing of Kings is a high priority if you plan on doing group content. Otherwise, go down the Retribution tree and get all three points into Pursuit of Justice as soon as possible, as this increases movement speed.
Recommended Retribution Weapons & Armor
Before pre-patch launches, you can start preparing some weapons and armor for your new Paladin by acquiring BoEs through the Auction House, farming them, or having them crafted.
Reddit user u/ezekielgraves provided a spreadsheet listing some items they've acquired that could also be of benefit to you.
Retibution Weapons
As you collect gear for your Retribution Paladin, keep this list of stat priorities in mind. Note: Hit rating will be massively beneficial early on.
Expertise Rating
Hit Rating
Strength
Attack Power
Critical Strike Chance
Agility
Retribution Paladin Stat Priority
Below are weapons you can aim to acquire now and while leveling that could massively help your journey. As you'll see, many of these weapons include some of the stats listed above.
Level
Item
Location
15
Prospector Axe
World Drop
18
Taskmaster Axe
Sneed in The Deadmines
28
Burning War Axe
World Drop
35
Fiery War Axe
World Drop
37
Ravager
Herod in Scarlet Monastery
43
Executioner's Cleaver
World Drop
44
Kang the Decapitator
World Drop
51
Lord Alexander's Battle Axe
World Drop
Retribution Armor
Next up, you'll need some armor to go with those weapons. A lot of this gear is reasonably priced at the Auction House, and you can get it even before pre-patch launches. Note: Paladins can wear Plate Armor at Level 40, which will help with survivability when questing or in dungeons.
LevelArmorType
18
Defender Gauntlets
Hands
19
Outrunner's Chestguard
Chest
20
Deep Fathom Ring
Finger
27
Wicked Chain Shoulder Pads
Shoulder
27
Frostreaver Crown
Head
29
Phalanx Leggings
Legs
31
Sparkleshell Belt
Waist
41
Gothic Plate Helmet
Head
50
Stockade Pauldrons
Shoulder
53
Lightforge Belt
Waist
Will you be leveling a Retribution Paladin during the TBC pre-patch? Let us know your plans in the comments below!
