WoW WotLK Classic: Borean Tundra and Howling Fjord in Preview
In WoW: Wrath of the Lich King there are many lessons that the Blizzard developers had to learn the hard way in the course of Burning Crusade. For example, one key takeaway was that it’s not a very good idea to smuggle the entire community through just one launch zone during launch days. Blizzard’s approach to the second WoW expansion: the Borean Tundra and the Howling Fjord! On the official WoW website An article has now gone online that introduces you to the two starting zones of Northrend in detail.
Borean Tundra Preview (Level 68 to 72)
Located at the southwestern end of Northrend, the Borean Tundra is essentially a large, flat glacial zone devoid of vegetation, broken only by small patches of frost-covered clumps of grass and rocks. To the north of this vast expanse is Kaltarra, a formidable fortress of ice and stone protected on all sides by rugged arctic cliffs.
Source: Blizzard
Both Horde and Alliance have strongholds in this zone and can use zeppelins and ships to get to their destination.
How to reach the fortresses:
- Outside the main gate of Orgrimmar, players can board the zeppelin to Warsong Hold.
- From Stormwind, players can board the ship to Valiance Keep at the port.
Horde Warsong Hold
The focus is on an impregnable fortress that testifies to the tenacity of the Horde. Heroes of the Horde who come from far away begin their journey through Northrend from this stronghold after dealing with the nerubian plague there.
Source: Blizzard
The Alliance’s Valiance Keeps
This Alliance stronghold is constantly contested, being besieged by the Lich King’s army. It is in this stronghold that the Alliance heroes face their first challenge upon landing in Northrend – defending against the nerubian menace.
Source: Blizzard
The inhabitants of the Borean tundra
The tuskarr have a presence throughout Northrend. Their capital, Kaskala, is located in the eastern reaches of the Borean Tundra. Kaskala is open to both Horde and Alliance players where they the tuskarr of the Kalu’ak have to help. As you adventure and explore, you will meet even more friends and enemies. These include the blue dragonflight, the Drakkari tribe of ice trolls, the undead Scourge, and the taunka, ancient relatives of the tauren.
Source: Blizzard
Howling Fjord Preview (Level 68 to 72)
Howling Fjord is located in the southeastern part of Northrend and is home to the vrykul of Utgarde Keep. The coast features treacherous cliffs, dark forests, vast plains and tree-covered promontories. The zone will be fiercely contested and players will have to help their residents.
Source: Blizzard
How to reach the zone:
- Heroes of the Horde can take the Zeppelin to Vengeance Harbor in Tirisfal Glades, just outside of the Undercity.
- In the port of Menethil on the west coast of the Wetlands, heroes of the Alliance can board the ship to Valgarde.
New Agamand
Sylvanas and the Forsaken are working on a new plague and are ready to attack the Lich King. Your campaign begins in New Agamand. The heroes of the Horde who have landed here begin their journey through Northrend from here. You must join the effort to develop the plague that will spell the end of the Lich King.
Source: Blizzard
Castle Valgarde
Despite the attacks vrykul launch from land and sky, Castle Valgarde provides a strong starting point for the Alliance. Brave heroes of the Alliance must find out more about the aggressive vrykul and why, after their long slumber, they are now emerging have returned.
Source: Blizzard
The inhabitants of Howling Fjord
An ancient race of half-giants, the vrykul are the primary inhabitants of the Howling Fjord. Their architecture can be admired throughout the area and is a testament to their civilisation. On your journey you will have to face these once forgotten people, as well as other inhabitants of this region.
Source: Blizzard
This is how you travel within the zones
There are many flight routes, but who cares about flying when you can ride on the shell of a giant, carrot-loving turtle? These massive sea turtles transport travelers from Unu’pe in the Borean Tundra to Port Moa’ki in the Dragonblight and back. In Moa’ki Port, players can take the Connection Turtle to Kamagua in Howling Fjord. However, you should also use the flight routes whenever possible, because the journey by turtle takes time.
Everything you need – or almost
In every larger center you will find everything you need. So you don’t have to travel back and forth between the capitals all the time. Most of what you need can be found in Borean Tundra and Howling Fjord:
- Quartermaster of the expedition
- flight routes
- innkeeper
- Letter box
- reagents and supplies
- stablemaster
- Craft Goods
- teacher
If you want to go to an auction house or a bank, you can travel back to your capital by ship or zeppelin. Don’t forget to speak to an innkeeper and bind your Hearthstone before you leave!
Where do you start in Northrend?
If it’s after a Survey from April 2011 The case is clear: the Howling Fjord (3rd place in the most beautiful zones in Northend) looks a lot better than the Borean Tundra (only 8th place). But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the fjord is automatically the more fun zone. So: Where do you start your Northrend adventure?
Reference-www.buffed.de