Fastest 60-70 Route: TBC Classic Outland Guide
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Why TBC Leveling is Dramatically Faster
Leveling from 60-70 in TBC takes approximately 40% of the time it took to reach 60 in vanilla Classic. Several factors contribute to this acceleration:
Key Speed Improvements
- Higher quest XP rewards: Outland quests give 2-3x more experience than vanilla quests
- Dense quest hubs: Quest givers are concentrated in small areas with overlapping objectives
- Better quest design: Most quests are kill/collect in nearby areas, minimal long-distance travel
- Dungeon efficiency: TBC dungeons are shorter and give excellent XP per hour
- Reduced XP requirements: Levels 60-70 require less total XP than 50-60 did
- Mount from start: You already have 60% speed mount entering Outland
- Rested XP value: Rested bonuses are more impactful in TBC's faster leveling
Speed Comparison: Reaching level 60 in vanilla takes 4-7 days /played. Reaching level 70 from 60 takes only 1.5-2 days /played. TBC's 10 levels are faster than vanilla's any 10-level range.
Quest vs Dungeon Leveling
TBC introduces a viable alternative: pure dungeon grinding. Unlike vanilla where questing is definitively fastest, TBC dungeons offer competitive XP rates:
| Method | XP per Hour | 60-70 Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Questing | 220K-280K | 42-48 hours | Solo players, first character |
| Quest + Dungeons | 250K-300K | 38-44 hours | Balanced approach, best overall |
| Pure Dungeon Spam | 280K-350K | 34-40 hours | Dedicated groups, tanks/healers |
| Hybrid (optimal) | 300K-360K | 36-42 hours | Efficient groups + quest filler |
This guide focuses on the Quest + Dungeons approach, which offers the best balance for most players while remaining efficient for solo play.
Pre-Outland Preparation
Proper preparation before entering the Dark Portal saves hours during your 60-70 journey.
Essential Preparations
💰 Gold & Consumables
Recommended gold on hand: 200-300g minimum
- You'll need 5000g for flying mount at 70 (begins farming now)
- Stock up on food/water (60 stacks) before Outland
- Buy health/mana potions (40+) — Outland mobs hit harder
- Consider buying level 58-60 AH gear if undergeared
Recommended Addons
- RestedXP TBC: Step-by-step Outland guidance (highest recommended)
- Questie: If not using premium guide, essential for quest tracking
- Leatrix Plus: Auto-quest features, significant time saver
- Threat meter: Omen or Details! (TBC mobs more dangerous)
- AtlasLoot: Know dungeon drops for gear upgrades
Class Considerations for TBC
Class speed differences are less dramatic in TBC than vanilla, but still significant:
| Class | 60-70 Speed | Time Estimate | TBC Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter | 🟢 Fastest | 36-40 hours | Still the leveling king |
| Warlock | 🟢 Fastest | 38-42 hours | Felguard makes it even better |
| Mage | 🟢 Fast | 40-44 hours | AoE grinding still viable |
| Druid | 🟡 Fast | 42-46 hours | Flight form at 68 is game-changing |
| Paladin | 🟡 Moderate | 44-48 hours | Much better than vanilla, can AoE grind |
| Shaman | 🟡 Moderate | 42-46 hours | Enhancement buffs make leveling smooth |
| Priest | 🟡 Moderate | 44-48 hours | Shadow still best, less downtime than vanilla |
| Rogue | 🟠 Moderate | 46-50 hours | Improved from vanilla, combat spec efficient |
| Warrior | 🟠 Slowest | 48-54 hours | Still gear-dependent but much improved |
Professions Strategy
Unlike vanilla, professions can actually accelerate TBC leveling:
- Skinning: Excellent gold income in Outland, consider picking up if low gold
- Mining/Herbalism: Sell everything on AH for flying mount fund
- Crafting professions: Generally skip while leveling unless you have mats ready
- First Aid: Max this immediately — Netherweave Bandages save tons of downtime
- Cooking: Outland food buffs are significant, worth maintaining if you have it
Levels 60-62: Hellfire Peninsula
Your first steps into Outland. Hellfire Peninsula is mandatory for all players and offers exceptional quest density for these two levels.
Enter through Dark Portal, immediately establish your faction's base. Quest density is extremely high around both faction hubs.
- Horde: Thrallmar is your main hub, pick up all available quests
- Alliance: Honor Hold provides your quest base
- Complete all kill quests in Expedition Armory area (high efficiency)
- Don't skip collection quests — drop rates are generous in TBC
- Set hearthstone to your faction hub immediately
- Flight points are crucial — discover them early
Expand into Hellfire Citadel exterior quests and Temple of Telhamat (Alliance) or Falcon Watch (Horde).
- Complete Zeppelin Crash (Horde) or Expedition Point (Alliance) quest hubs
- Temple of Telhamat (Alliance) or Falcon Watch (Horde) offers secondary quest hub
- Skip Mag'har Outpost (Horde) or Honor Hold long quest chains until later if time constrained
- Leave Hellfire at 62 — don't try to complete everything
🏰 Hellfire Ramparts (60-62)
Recommendation: Run once at level 60-61 for gear upgrades and quest XP.
Clear time: 20-30 minutes with competent group
XP value: 80-100K experience including quests (equivalent to 1-1.5 levels)
Skip if: You're already 62 or have good gear from vanilla raids
⚡ Speed Tip: Hellfire Efficiency
Hellfire Peninsula is often overcrowded in fresh TBC launches. If quest mobs are heavily camped, consider doing Ramparts twice instead of waiting. Two efficient dungeon runs beat waiting 30+ minutes for quest spawns.
Target Benchmarks
- Time to 62: 6-8 hours /played from 60
- Gold earned: 50-80 gold from quests
- Gear status: Most slots should have level 60+ TBC greens/blues
Levels 62-64: Zangarmarsh
Leave Hellfire at 62 and head directly to Zangarmarsh. This swamp zone offers excellent quest density and minimal competition compared to Hellfire.
Establish your base at Cenarion Refuge (center of zone) or faction-specific outposts.
- Cenarion Refuge (neutral) offers the most efficient quest hub
- Horde: Zabra'jin (east) provides additional faction quests
- Alliance: Orebor Harborage (south) for faction-specific chains
- Complete all mushroom collection and naga kill quests around Cenarion Refuge
- Marshlight Lake quests are highly efficient (tight quest loop)
- Set hearthstone to Cenarion Refuge for easy returns
Finish Sporeggar faction intro quests and any remaining hub quests. Don't grind Sporeggar rep — not worth the time.
- Complete Cenarion Expedition quest chains (required for later Heroic keys)
- Skip Sporeggar reputation grind (time-inefficient for leveling)
- Twin Spire Ruins quests are okay if you need XP for 64
- Leave at 64 — Zangarmarsh completed zones give diminishing returns
🏰 Slave Pens & Underbog (62-64)
Recommendation: Run Slave Pens once, skip Underbog unless need gear.
Slave Pens: 25-35 min, excellent XP/hour, great quest rewards
Underbog: 35-45 min, decent XP but longer — optional
XP value: 70-90K per dungeon including quests
⚠️ Don't Overlevel Zangarmarsh
Zangarmarsh quests become green (reduced XP) at 64-65. If you hit 64 early, move immediately to Terokkar. Finishing gray quests wastes time better spent in higher-level zones.
Target Benchmarks
- Time to 64: 14-18 hours /played total from 60
- Gold earned: 120-180 gold accumulated
- Key items: Should have most Cenarion Expedition quests completed
Levels 64-66: Terokkar Forest
Terokkar offers the most quest-dense leveling experience in TBC. This zone alone can take you from 64-66 with minimal grinding.
Begin at Shattrath City edge, establish bases at faction outposts.
- Alliance: Allerian Stronghold (north) is main quest hub
- Horde: Stonebreaker Hold (south) provides quest base
- Complete all Bonechewer Ruins quests (high density)
- Refugee Caravan quests offer excellent quest chains
- Don't skip Firewing Point quests — they chain efficiently
- Discover Shattrath City and all flight points early
Move into Auchindoun exterior quests and complete remaining hub objectives.
- Auchindoun exterior quest circle is extremely efficient
- Shadow Tomb and Bone Wastes quests worth completing
- Skettis area (southeast) skip unless you enjoy it — not optimal for speed
- Complete Sha'tar faction introduction quests (needed for Heroics later)
- Leave at 66 or when quests turn green
🏰 Auchenai Crypts & Sethekk Halls (64-66)
Recommendation: Run Auchenai Crypts once, Sethekk optional.
Crypts: 30-40 min, very good XP, crucial for Sha'tar rep
Sethekk: 40-50 min, moderate XP, skip unless need gear
Mana-Tombs: Also available but less efficient than Crypts
⚡ Speed Tip: Shattrath is Your Friend
Set your hearthstone to Shattrath City at 64. Central location makes reaching Terokkar, Nagrand, and later zones incredibly fast. Portals to major cities also save time for profession/auction house trips.
Target Benchmarks
- Time to 66: 24-30 hours /played total from 60
- Gold earned: 250-350 gold accumulated
- Gear check: Should have mostly level 64+ blues/greens
Levels 66-68: Nagrand
Nagrand is widely considered the best-designed leveling zone in TBC. Beautiful scenery, excellent quest design, and high efficiency make these levels fly by.
Begin at faction bases (Telaar for Alliance, Garadar for Horde) and work outward.
- Alliance: Telaar (center) is main hub with excellent quest chains
- Horde: Garadar (north) provides extensive quest offerings
- Complete all Ring of Blood arena quests (great XP + rewards)
- Animal kill quests (talbuks, clefthoofs) very efficient
- Throne of Elements (neutral) offers lucrative quest chains
- Collect Oshu'gun Crystal Fragments while questing (vendor gold)
Finish remaining quests and supplement with mob grinding if needed. Nagrand has excellent grinding spots.
- Nesingwary Safari quests if you enjoy them (good but optional)
- Consortium quests around Aeris Landing (decent gold rewards)
- Grind option: Clefthoofs/Talbuk herds for excellent XP/gold
- Complete Kurenai/Mag'har faction intro (needed for rep later)
- Can stay until 68 comfortably — Nagrand has depth
🎯 Ring of Blood Priority
The Ring of Blood quest chain is a 5-stage arena event giving massive XP and an excellent weapon reward. Find a group immediately upon entering Nagrand — this single quest chain is worth 30-45 minutes of regular questing.
⚠️ Elemental Plateau Temptation
The Elemental Plateau (floating islands) looks attractive for mote farming but offers minimal quest content. Skip for pure leveling speed — farm it at 70 if you want gold.
Target Benchmarks
- Time to 68: 32-38 hours /played total from 60
- Gold earned: 400-550 gold accumulated
- Milestone: Over 2/3 of the way to 70!
Levels 68-70: The Final Push
The last two levels offer multiple viable paths. Choose based on server population, playstyle preference, and whether you have groups available.
Option 1: Blade's Edge Mountains (Recommended for Solo)
Rocky mountain zone with vertical design. Quest density is moderate but sufficient for these final levels.
- Alliance: Sylvanaar (west) and Toshley's Station (south) provide quest hubs
- Horde: Thunderlord Stronghold (east) and Mok'Nathal Village (south)
- Ogri'la (flying required at 70) skip while leveling
- Complete all easily accessible quests, skip long travel ones
- Supplement with dungeon runs if groups available
Option 2: Netherstorm (Alternative for Solo)
Tech-themed zone with good quest density. Excellent if Blade's Edge feels too vertical/annoying.
- Area 52 (neutral) offers extensive quest chains
- Ethereum Prison and Manaforge quests very efficient
- Skip Tempest Keep exterior quests unless you need them
- Good grinding spots if supplementing quests
- Decent gold from quest rewards (Netherstorm pays well)
Option 3: Shadowmoon Valley (Group-Friendly)
Endgame zone with challenging elite areas. Best with groups or very strong solo classes.
- Wildhammer Stronghold (Alliance) or Shadowmoon Village (Horde)
- Many elite quests require groups — skip these if solo
- Netherwing Ledge accessible but reputation grind not worth it yet
- Good intro to endgame content and Scryer/Aldor faction choice
- Consider if you want a challenge and have decent gear
Option 4: Dungeon Grinding to 70 (Group Play)
🏰 Level 68-70 Dungeon Strategy
If you have a consistent group with fast clear times, spam dungeons from 68-70:
Best dungeons for 68-70 XP:
- Slave Pens: Still excellent XP at 68, fast clears
- Botanica: 40-50 min, good XP, prepares for Heroics
- Mechanar: 45-55 min, solid XP, gear upgrades
- Shadow Labyrinth: 50-60 min, best XP/hour but longer
XP rate: 300-350K XP/hour with efficient groups (faster than questing)
Bonus: You'll be geared for Heroics immediately at 70
The Final Stretch Strategy: Mix questing with 2-3 dungeon runs. Start with whatever zone appeals to you most (all three work), run dungeons when groups form, and supplement with grinding if you get bored. These last two levels go quickly with multiple viable paths.
Target Benchmarks
- Time to 70: 40-48 hours /played total from 60
- Gold earned: 600-800 gold total (good start on flying fund)
- Achievement: You've reached max level in Outland!
Complete Dungeon Leveling Guide
For players who prefer dungeon grinding or have dedicated groups, here's the optimal dungeon route from 60-70.
Dungeon Tier List (XP Efficiency)
| Dungeon | Level Range | Clear Time | XP Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hellfire Ramparts | 60-62 | 20-30 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent) |
| Blood Furnace | 61-63 | 30-40 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Good) |
| Slave Pens | 62-65 | 25-35 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent) |
| Underbog | 63-65 | 35-45 min | ⭐⭐⭐ (Average) |
| Mana-Tombs | 64-66 | 35-45 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Good) |
| Auchenai Crypts | 65-67 | 30-40 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent) |
| Sethekk Halls | 66-68 | 40-50 min | ⭐⭐⭐ (Average) |
| Shadow Labyrinth | 68-70 | 50-60 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent) |
| Shattered Halls | 68-70 | 45-60 min | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Good) |
Pure Dungeon Spam Route
For dedicated groups doing pure dungeon leveling:
- 60-62: Hellfire Ramparts (5-7 runs)
- 62-64: Slave Pens (6-8 runs)
- 64-66: Mana-Tombs or Auchenai Crypts (5-7 runs each)
- 66-68: Sethekk Halls or continue Crypts (6-8 runs)
- 68-70: Shadow Labyrinth or Shattered Halls (6-8 runs)
Total time: 34-40 hours with efficient groups (faster than questing!)
Bonus benefit: You'll be fully geared for Heroic dungeons and raids immediately at 70
⚠️ Dungeon Spam Burnout Warning
Running the same dungeon 7-8 times in a row gets extremely repetitive. Most players find a hybrid approach (50% quest, 50% dungeon) more enjoyable. Pure dungeon spam is faster but mentally exhausting.
Advanced TBC Speed Tips
Flying Mount Planning
Flying mount at 70 costs 5000g (including epic flying 5000g more). Start planning early:
- Vendor all grays and unnecessary items — bag space is gold
- Sell all greens on AH unless you need them
- Pick up gathering profession if below 2000g by level 68
- Daily quests unlock at 70 — 100-150g per day available
- Netherstorm quests pay especially well (100-150g from quest rewards alone)
Downtime Minimization (TBC Edition)
- Bandage between pulls: Netherweave bandages heal 2800+ HP instantly
- Mana management: TBC food/water restores faster — use liberally
- Potions save time: Super Healing/Mana potions worth using while leveling
- Flight path time: Perfect for planning next objectives, bio breaks, checking AH
Quest Efficiency Tips
🎯 TBC Quest Priority
Always complete:
- Group quests with LFG in zone (fast XP, good rewards)
- Quest chains with item upgrades as final reward
- Kill quests in your current grinding area (zero extra time)
- Dungeon quests if you're running that dungeon anyway
Consider skipping:
- Quests requiring 10+ minutes of flying/travel
- Collection quests with <20% drop rates (unless convenient)
- Breadcrumb quests (quest that sends you somewhere with no reward)
- Faction reputation grinds (do these at 70)
Class-Specific TBC Tips
Druids: Flight form at 68 is incredible. Prioritize hitting 68 to get it immediately. Speeds up final two levels dramatically.
Paladins: TBC made Prot Paladin AoE grinding viable. Consider tanking dungeons for instant queues, or AoE farming Underbog/Slave Pens.
Warlocks: Felguard (Demonology) is now viable for leveling. Tanky pet + good DPS makes it competitive with Affliction.
Warriors: Arms with Sweeping Strikes still best for leveling. Don't tank dungeons unless you enjoy it — DPS leveling is faster.
Hunters: You're still the king. Use your speed advantage to help guildmates with group quests for social points.
Death Prevention (TBC Mobs Hit Harder)
- TBC mobs deal more damage than vanilla — respect them
- Always keep health above 50% before pulling next mob
- Elite quests actually require groups — don't solo attempt unless overgeared
- PvP deaths in contested zones waste time — pick battles wisely
- Repair when yellow durability — red means expensive repairs
The 90/10 Rule for TBC: 90% of your speed comes from consistent, focused play. Just showing up and following any reasonable route will get you to 70 quickly. The final 10% optimization (perfect quest order, min-maxed dungeons) only saves 3-5 hours over 40+ hour journey.
🚀 Level Even Faster with RestedXP TBC Guide
This guide provides the framework, but RestedXP's TBC addon gives you step-by-step directions, automatic waypoints, and class-optimized routes that save 5-8 hours over self-guided leveling.
Get RestedXP TBC Discount →Frequently Asked Questions
Should I finish zones completely or leave early?
Leave when quests turn green (reduced XP). Completing full zones is inefficient. Move to the next zone when you hit the recommended level.
Is dungeon grinding faster than questing in TBC?
With a fast, dedicated group, yes. Pure dungeon grinding can be 10-20% faster. However, most players find mixed approach (questing + occasional dungeons) more enjoyable and nearly as fast.
When should I choose Aldor vs Scryer?
Don't stress this choice while leveling. Pick based on your class's preferred endgame enchants (research at 70). Either choice works fine for leveling.
Can I level in Blade's Edge and Netherstorm at the same time?
Yes. Both zones are 67-70 content. Feel free to split time between them based on which quests are available and what you find more enjoyable.
Should I grind reputation while leveling?
No. Hit Honored naturally through questing (required for Heroic keys), but don't grind to Revered/Exalted until 70. Daily quests at 70 make reputation grinding much faster.
What's the world record for 60-70?
Elite speedrunners reach 70 in approximately 24-28 hours /played with perfect routes, dedicated dungeon groups, and optimal class choice (Hunter). For normal players, 40-48 hours is excellent performance.
Should I use my level 58 boost for TBC?
If you're boosting for TBC launch, yes. The 58 boost puts you 2 levels from Outland, saving 50-60 hours of vanilla leveling. Completely worth it if your goal is endgame TBC content.
Can I level faster by skipping Hellfire Peninsula?
No. Hellfire Peninsula is mandatory and extremely efficient. You must go through the Dark Portal. There's no faster alternative for 60-62.
Is flying mount worth buying at 70?
Absolutely yes. Flying transforms Outland travel, makes daily quests effortless, and is required for many endgame activities. Save for flying before any other purchases at 70.
Should I level as DPS or tank/healer spec?
DPS specs are generally faster for pure leveling speed. However, tanks and healers get instant dungeon groups. If you plan to dungeon grind 50%+ of your leveling, tank/heal specs can be equally fast due to zero queue time.
Final Thoughts
Leveling 60-70 in TBC is one of the most enjoyable experiences in WoW's history. The zones are well-designed, quest density is excellent, and you have multiple viable paths to choose from.
Unlike vanilla's grueling 1-60 journey, reaching 70 in TBC feels achievable and rewarding. With the route provided in this guide, most players will reach 70 in 40-48 hours /played — less time than it took to go from 50-60 in vanilla.
Remember that speed isn't everything. TBC zones are beautiful and contain great storylines. If you find yourself burning out, slow down and enjoy Nagrand's scenery or Zangarmarsh's unique atmosphere. The goal is reaching 70 efficiently while still having fun.
Most Important Advice: Use a leveling addon (RestedXP highly recommended). The time and mental energy saved by having step-by-step guidance is worth far more than the small cost. Focus on playing the game, not planning your route.
Good luck in Outland! May your groups be efficient, your deaths be few, and your flying mount fund healthy. See you at 70!