Fastest Leveling Routes from 85–90 in MoP Classic

If you've just hit level 85 in Mists of Pandaria Classic and you're looking to blast your way to level 90 without wasting a second, this guide is for you. I've leveled dozens of characters back in original MoP and again now in Classic, and I can tell you straight up: efficiency is everything. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned grinder, knowing the fastest leveling routes from 85 to 90 will save you hours of slogging through inefficient zones or wiping in random dungeons.

Leveling in MoP Classic is smoother than ever, especially since Blizzard trimmed the XP curve from 85 to 90 by roughly 33% per level. That said, you still need around 52 million XP total. So, if you're trying to level smart and not hard, let me walk you through the tried-and-true strategies: optimized zone questing, dungeon grinding, and a few hidden tricks that only old-school veterans know about.

The Optimal Zone Order: Efficient Questing from 85 to 90

The Jade Forest (Level 85-86)

This zone kicks off your Pandaria adventure and it’s mandatory anyway since it unlocks key questlines for both factions. Focus on:

• Main story quests like The Serpent's Heart and The Temple of the Jade Serpent.

• Avoid chasing side quests unless they’re right next to your objectives.

Tip: Don’t leave Jade Forest until you’re around 25-30% into 86. If you’re using Elixir of Ancient Knowledge, pop it at a quest hub hand-in for a massive XP burst.

Valley of the Four Winds & Krasarang Wilds (Level 86-87)

Both of these zones share the same level range, and the quests connect pretty smoothly.

• Start with Valley for a more relaxed questing flow and then move into Krasarang.

• Focus on the Stormstout Brewery questline and any quests around Halfhill Market.

• Bonus: The dungeon Stormstout Brewery is accessible here. Grab its quests and knock it out for a nice XP boost.

Kun-Lai Summit (Level 87-88)

This zone is where you’ll start seeing bigger XP rewards and tougher mobs.

• Begin at Binan Village and work your way to the Temple of the White Tiger.

• Do the Arena of Annihilation scenario for an easy chunk of XP and decent gear.

Pro Tip: Set your hearthstone here. The long travel between zones can be brutal.

Townlong Steppes (Level 88-89)

A bit more linear than earlier zones, but it’s packed with Shado-Pan storylines that are fun and XP-rich.

• Start at Shado-Pan Garrison and work your way through the forward outposts.

• You’ll naturally chain into dungeon quests and faction content.

Dread Wastes (Level 89-90)

This is the final grind, and yes, it feels like a grind. But it’s loaded with high-yield Klaxxi quests.

• Focus only on the main Paragon storyline.

• Grab and activate Klaxxi buffs like Raining Blood or Fearless Inspiration before grinding tough areas.

Dungeon Grinding: The Classic XP Farm

Dungeon leveling isn't dead—it’s actually very viable in MoP Classic if done right. Here’s how:

Best Dungeons to Farm from 85 to 90

• Temple of the Jade Serpent (85+): 4 bosses, fast clears, short travel.

• Stormstout Brewery (85+): Easy mechanics and tied to key quests.

• Mogu'shan Palace (87+): Slightly more complex but great XP if your team is solid.

• Shado-Pan Monastery (87+): Long but rewarding, especially with quests.

Dungeon Tips:

• Use Dungeon Finder to queue, but build a premade group if you're a tank or healer—it’s way faster.

• Always grab dungeon quests at the entrance or quest hub.

• Chain-run dungeons during peak hours for minimal downtime.

XP Efficiency Tip: Run one dungeon per level for gear upgrades and XP, then hop back to questing. This hybrid method keeps the grind fresh and fast.

Use Your Buffs Wisely: Elixir of Ancient Knowledge

This item is a game-changer. It boosts XP gains by 300% for one hour, but it’s hard to get. Here’s how to use it correctly:

• Don’t waste it in travel-heavy zones.

• Activate it before turning in a full set of completed quests.

• Coordinate with bonus XP events like Pet Battle Week for even more gains.

If you’re leveling multiple alts, consider farming Krol the Blade in Dread Wastes to get the elixir. It’s worth the effort.

Speed-Leveling Tricks Most Players Forget

• Group up: Duo leveling is far faster, especially if you split up objectives.

• Pet Battles: Yup, weirdly, battling pets can give solid XP. Especially during bonus weeks.

• Use Quest Addons: Addons like TomTom, Azeroth Auto Pilot, and RestedXP make a massive difference. You won’t waste time figuring out where to go next.

• Optimize Travel: Always pick flight paths. Set your hearthstone to a hub. Don’t run halfway across the map if you can help it.

Leveling Tips for Different Classes

Not all classes are created equal when it comes to speed leveling. Here’s the rundown:

• Hunters and Warlocks: Pet classes rule. Minimal downtime, great at soloing.

• Death Knights: Strong self-heals and AoE. They can dungeon grind like monsters.

• Monks: If you’re playing one, you get a daily quest that gives a massive XP bonus. Don’t skip it.

• Tanks and Healers: Instant dungeon queues, enough said.

When in Doubt, Buy Time Instead of Grinding

Let’s face it, not everyone has the time to grind 85–90 the old-fashioned way. That’s why some players grab a bit of MoP Classic gold to speed things up—buying crafted gear, flight paths, or potions. A reliable source like MoPClassicGold can save you time and frustration without risking your account.

Final Thoughts: The Grind Is Worth It

Leveling from 85 to 90 in MoP Classic is one of the most memorable parts of the expansion. Between stunning zones, rich lore, and efficient leveling paths, it's easy to get hooked. Just remember to pace yourself, use your tools, and above all else, enjoy the ride.

With a little planning and a lot of XP, you'll hit 90 in no time—and be more than ready for dailies, heroics, raids, and everything Pandaria has to offer.

Happy leveling, hero. See you at the top.