SoD leveling is completely different to any iteration of WoW. Runes are an exciting new way of playing and as a result, they make old specs or even classes completely viable and different for leveling, combat, and raiding. In this guide, you will learn how to level up in Season of Discovery, including leveling tips and tricks, the best leveling locations, and the fastest leveling ways. Furthermore, we will finally answer the question, which method is better, questing or dungeon leveling?
4.9Season of Discovery was released last year, and old and new players loved the new exciting way of playing the most beloved Classic WoW. With the release of Phase 4, we have found, compiled, and prepared everything that any player may need to level up efficiently in SoD and participate in the new raid Molten Core, which you can learn more about in this guide.
What is The Level Cap in Season of Discovery Phase 4?
July 2024 saw the launch of the Phase 4 of Season of Discovery, with it the level cap was raised to 60. Hence many zones were unlocked for players to explore, new Runes to find and new dungeons and raids to conquer.
How Long is Leveling in Season of Discovery?
Overall the leveling in Season of Discovery follows a more modern pattern in comparison than Сlassic or Season of Mastery. Instead of following a normal level progression, players benefit from a 150% experience increase up to level 50 and a 50% increase up to level 60 in SoD Phase 4!
For an average WoW player, it would take around two to three weeks to reach the new level cap of 60. But with this guide, players will be able to get maximum level 60 in Season of Discovery in the fastest and most efficient way possible.
Therefore we have compiled and now present the best WoW Season of Discovery leveling guide for Phase 4, including WoW SoD leveling areas and dungeons to level.
However, if you don’t want to waste time on leveling up, you can simply buy our Starting Pack and get not only the maximum level 50, but also everything you need to participate in end-game content.
The Fastest Way to Level Up In Season of Discovery
There are 2 current excellent leveling methods in Season of Discovery: questing and dungeon leveling. Each has its pros and cons. Both are fun and unique in their own aspects, but which one is the fastest?
We will consider in detail the options and methods of leveling both by quests and dungeons, as well as talk about the specifics of leveling for the Alliance and the Horde.
Season of Discovery Quests Leveling
Quests — the stories that players can get from completing quests — are the life and essence of World of Warcraft and Season of Discovery. Questing has been the most fundamental mechanic of World of Warcraft since its launch. They are the characteristic that set it apart from other MMOs and made it so successful to this day.
It is good to remember that Сlassic WoW does not have a linear progression zone. Which means that there are many zones where you can complete quests. And then leave for other zones, then come back for more quests.
Quick Tip: It is always better to leave for other zones instead of doing quests that are 5 levels higher than your level.
Season of Discovery Dungeon Leveling
The question of questing versus dungeon and which one is the fastest has been a topic of discussion since the launch of WoW in 2004. Our pro-players worked on running simulations and timed trials to finally put an end to this question and the winner in SoD is dungeon leveling.
Dungeon leveling for many is monotonous and grindy. But for others it’s the efficiency that makes it an attractive choice as an effective leveling method. And if you’re a fan or not, it’s hard to deny that completing dungeons is the fastest way to quickly reach level 60 in Season of Discovery.
Season of Discovery Alliance Dungeon Leveling
The Stockade Dungeon Map
Zul'Farrak Dungeon Map
The Stockade Map Explained
A) Entrance
1) Targorr the Dread (Varies)
2) Kam Deepfury
3) Hamhock
4) Bazil Thredd
5) Dextren Ward
6) Bruegal Ironknuckle (Rare)
Zul'Farrak Map Explained
A) Entrance
1) Antu’sul
2) Theka the Martyr
3) Witch Doctor Zum’rah
4) Nekrum Gutchewer, Shadowpriest Sezz’ziz, Dustwraith (Rare)
5) Sergeant Bly
6) Hydromancer Velratha, Gahz’rilla
7) Chief Ukorz Sandscalp, Ruuzlu
8) Zerillis (Rare, Wanders)
9) Sandarr Dunereaver (Rare)
Alliance side has one of the best and most accessible dungeons in all WoW. Stockade, starting from level 15 to 29 is an excellent dungeon to level up. It is located in the heart of Stormwind.
Zul’Farrak is recommended dungeons for leveling from 43 to 50 but is quite nonlinear. So prioritize eliminating bosses your group requires for loot or quests to optimize XP gains during your runs. Remember that you don’t have to complete Zul’Farrak on your own, because our professional players are ready to take it upon themselves.
| Dungeon | Level Range |
|---|---|
| The Stockade | 15-29 |
| Scarlet Monastery Graveyard | 29-32 |
| Scarlet Monastery Library | 32-36 |
| Scarlet Monastery Armory | 36-38 |
| Scarlet Monastery Cathedral | 38-43 |
| Zul’Farrak | 43-52 |
| Blackrock Depths | 52-60 |
Season of Discovery Horde Dungeon Leveling
Ragefire Chasm Dungeon Map
Wailing Caverns Dungeon Map
Shadowfang Keep Dungeon Map
Razorfen Kraul Dungeon Map
Ragefire Chasm Map Explained
A) Entrance
1) Oggleflint
2) Taragaman the Hungerer
3) Jergosh the Invoker
4) Bazzalan
Wailing Caverns Map Explained
A) Entrance
1) Disciple of Naralex
2) Lord Cobrahn
3) Lady Anacondra
4) Kresh
5) Lord Pythas
6) Skum
7) Lord Serpentis (Upper)
8) Verdan the Everliving (Upper)
9) Mutanus the Devourer
10) Deviate Faerie Dragon (Rare)
Shadowfang Keep Map Explained
A) Entrance
1) Rethilgore
2) Deathstalker Vincent
3) Fel Steed and Shadow Charger
4) Razorclaw the Butcher
5) Baron Silverlaine
6) Commander Springvale
7) Sever (Scourge Invasion)
8) Odo the Blindwatcher
9) Deathsworn Captain (Rare)
10) Fenrus the Devourer
11) Wolf Master Nandos
12) Archmage Arugal
Razorfen Kraul Map Explained
A) Entrance
1) Roogug
2) Aggem Thorncurse
3) Death Speaker Jargba
4) Overlord Ramtusk and Razorfen Spearhide (Rare)
5) Agathelos the Raging
6) Blind Hunter (Rare)
7) Charlga Razorflank
8) Heralath Fallowbrook
9) Earthcaller Halmgar (Rare)
For Horde players, there is not an equivalent dungeon to The Stockade. Even though Ragefire Chasm is in Orgrimmar it gives little XP after level 18. Use this recommendation for Horde dungeon leveling in SoD:
| Dungeon | Level Range |
|---|---|
| Ragefire Chasm | 13-18 |
| Wailing Caverns | 17-24 |
| Shadowfang Keep | 22-25 |
| Razorfen Kraul (Boars Farm) | 25-29 |
| Scarlet Monastery Graveyard | 29-32 |
| Scarlet Monastery Library | 32-36 |
| Scarlet Monastery Armory | 36-38 |
| Scarlet Monastery Cathedral | 38-43 |
| Zul’Farrak | 43-52 |
| Blackrock Depths | 52-60 |
To learn more about Scarlet Monastery leveling, read our dedicated guide.
Dungeon Team Composition
For players looking for an effective leveling tactics in dungeon leveling, forming groups is the first and most crucial step of the journey. Here are some examples of team comps that players can use to clear dungeons fast and blast dungeon leveling.
| Composition | Tank | DPS | DPS | DPS | Healer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spell Cleave |  Paladin |  Mage | Mage | Mage |  Priest |
| Melee Cleave | Paladin Shaman |  Warrior |  Rogue Hunter |  Druid | Priest |
| Hevy Spell AoE |  Warlock | Mage | Mage | Mage | Mage |
The Best Leveling Locations in Season of Discovery
In the Alliance and Horde leveling zones, we presented the zones that all players can go to level up their characters. Nonetheless, there are always zones where players should go for a steady leveling and efficient leveling experience.
Season of Discovery Alliance Leveling
Alliance players will find here a list of the best SoD leveling areas to level up. This will help, so you don’t have to waste precious time looking for all of Azeroth for a viable spot for leveling.
For Alliance, Darkshore is an 11-19 level range zone. This is one of the few zones in WoW that you can stay without having to leave for another zone. The amount of quests and the proximity to each other is unparalleled. A must-zone for any Alliance players.
Season of Discovery Horde Leveling
Same as with the Alliance counterpart Horde zones will usually be divided by levels. And it is better to finish appropriate quests for your level and move to another zone before coming back for more quests.
For Horde, similar to Darkshore in the Alliance, Horde also has an amazing zone that players should not skip. The Barrens, a huge 10-33 level range zone. Furthermore, the home of Wailing Caverns, a dungeon where Horde players can gain up to a whole level from its quests. Contrary to the Alliance side, this zone does have a few gaps where it is recommended for players to go to a new zone and come back. The level differences between the north and south Barrens are quite big. We recommend north side till level 18 and south side from level 25.
Leveling Tips and Tricks for Season of Discovery
Players in the WoW community have always excelled at discovering new ways to level up faster. Let’s look at SoD leveling WoW tips and tricks:
- Sleeping Cozy Bag: First and the most important item that any player will need is the Sleeping Cozy Bag, a medium questline that starts from Westfall on Alliance and The Barrens for the Horde, this item will provide a 3% XP buff in all XP gained, including mobs killed and quests.
- Health Potions: They will make a big difference between completing a hard quest or having to die and walk 3 minutes to your corpse just to find that you have to restart your progress, which consumables to have in your inventory will be explained more in-depth in the consumables section.
- World Buffs: They are important for increasing your leveling speed and reducing travel time:
| World Buff | Source | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Boon of Blackfathom | Blackfathom Deeps | Hit chance increased on hits and spells. 20% movement speed increased. |
| Spark of Inspiration | Gnomeregan | Increases critical strike chance for spells. Increases spell damage. Attack speed increased for melee/range. |
| Fervor of the Temple Explorer | Sunken Temple | Increases critical strike chance by 5%. Spell damage increased by 65. All stats increased by 8%. |
| Might of Stormwind | Quest: End of the Dark Horde | Increases hitpoints by 300, grants 15% haste to melee attacks, and provides 10 mana regeneration every 5 seconds. |
- Logout Skips: This is a simple and weird method of leveling in SoD. Several spots on each map allow to skip entire zones just by logging out in specific places and reloggin back. Your character will appear in a new zone or city in seconds as if you just used a hearthstone. To have a reliable skip it is better to use LogoutSkips addon so you will know exactly where to log out and where you will end up.
- Blackfathom Deeps Clear: Lastly, if you are at least 25, consider running a clear of Blackfathom Deeps, the first raid of Season of Discovery. At level 25 it gives almost a whole level for the completion of the raid. You can also trust our boosters to complete the Blackfathom Deeps raid.
Following this tips and tricks guide, new and old players will have a better and faster leveling journey, efficient questing, and even a reduction of time to deliver completed quests.
What is The Best Class for Leveling in Season of Discovery?
In World of Warcraft Season of Discovery, every class is unique and fun. But there will always be one class that performs better than the rest at certain aspects of the game. For quick leveling in this case the best class is the Mage.
Excellent AoE damage potential and combat capabilities, and having amazing damage to enemies makes the Mage the best leveling class in Season of Discovery. Moreover, with their whole kit, AoE farming speed can surpass any efficient leveling strategy or efficient leveling routes that other classes may take, making it a formidable class to level up.
In order to use the Mage to its full potential Arcane Explosion learned at level 14 is required and the following Runes are needed:
- Hot Streak
- Burnout
- Frostfire Bolt
- Icy Veins
- Spell Power
- Balefire Bolt
- Living Bomb
- Fire Specialization
- Frost Specialization
- Overheat
To quickly get these or any other SoD Runes, use the help of Overgear.
For SoD fast leveling progress use this AoE rotation: Precast Regeneration for 1 second, cast Living Bomb on 4-5+ targets, cast Living Flame in the middle of the pack, and spam Arcane Explosion until all enemies are dead. Going into the Arcane tree and getting 5 points into Arcane Concentration will allow the Mage to pull without worrying about their mana during leveling.
Best Leveling Consumables in Season of Discovery
Many players are accustomed to saving consumables or even selling them instead of using them. But consumables are a part of an efficient leveling strategy. Here are the most essential consumables for increasing Season of Discovery leveling speed and strategic questing:
- Swiftness Potion: Increases run speed by 50% for 15 seconds. Excellent for those moments when you are in a difficult spot and need a burst of movement speed to run from enemies. Or simply to make reductions every few minutes in terms of time spent traveling from zone to zone or from quest to quest.
- Elixir of Defense: Increases armor by 150 for 1 hour. Simple consumable that makes you harder to kill, particularly good when dealing with elite enemies.
- Healing Potion: Most used consumable in the game by far. It restores 280 to 360 health, the item that makes swift leveling possible.
- Student Fodder: Reward from the previously mentioned questline to acquire the Sleeping Cozy Bag, a consumable that gives a chunk of rested XP with a cooldown of 30 minutes. The most optimal use of this consumable is at level 38 making it to get level 50 in Season of Discovery in a shorter time.
- Food and Drink: Special foods and drinks in WoW give temporary buffs, such as an increase in stamina or attack power increase, really helpful for every class.
Addons for Season of Discovery Leveling
Addons are tools that make the game more interesting, engaging, and easier. Here are the best addons for leveling:
- Questie: The addon that allows you to read quest objectives without opening the Quest Log. Also, mark the map with objectives to complete in each zone. An important and necessary add-on for leveling efficiency.
- Rested XP: Similar to Questie, the biggest difference is that this add-on gives step-by-step instructions for each quest and zone.
- Leatrix Plus: A good example of interface-enhancing addons. This addon allows you to change options that are not available on the normal configuration of WoW such as weather density and max camera distance.
- Leatrix Maps: Simple SoD leveling addon that changes the appearance and allows you to change the size of the global map.
- TomTom: Gives coordinates to the map, minimap, and allows players to set destinations or markers on the map.
- What’s Training?: Good quality of life addon that shows which spells can be trained on your class trainer.
- Bagnon: One of the best inventory management add-ons available. Convene all bags in one bag and have a search bar to search faster items in your bags.
4.9We hope that this guide will help you reach max level 60 as fast as you can and enjoy the leveling process of it. This guide will be updated with more efficient ways to level up when discovered and for future phases as well.
