Quest in clusters and follow one main loop per bracket; use the alternative zone to fill gaps. Dungeons are optional. Use one when the group and travel line up.
When to move on: finish quests you can turn in together. Switch hubs when the board is mostly low-value, long errands, elites, or mobs well above your level. Pick up every flight path you pass and bind to the inn for your current cluster.
Redemption in Stormwind at 12, then Loch Modan from Thelsamar.
Main hubs
Stormwind (Cathedral of Light)
Thelsamar
Useful alternatives
Westfall from Sentinel Hill, if you would rather stay near Stormwind
Travel
Take the Deeprun Tram from Stormwind to Ironforge, then the road east through Dun Morogh into Loch Modan.
Grab the Ironforge and Thelsamar flight paths.
Horde
Finish Tirisfal, then Silverpine Forest from the Sepulcher.
Main hubs
Brill
The Sepulcher
Useful alternatives
The Barrens from the Crossroads, by zeppelin to Orgrimmar
Travel
Silverpine is south of Tirisfal along the road.
Starting-race branches
Human
“The Tome of Divinity” sends you around Stormwind and Elwynn. Bring the 10 Linen Cloth.
Dwarf
Your Redemption chain runs in Ironforge and Dun Morogh, and Loch Modan is next door.
Undead
“A Lesson in Divinity” runs around Tirisfal Glades. The Ruins of Lordaeron, above the Undercity, open at 15.
What to do
Do the Redemption quest at 12.
Finish Redoubt at 14 and start Precision at 15.
Upgrade your water at 15. Mana is what slows a Protection leveler down until Shield Specialization at 21.
From 14, start the Cozy Sleeping Bag chain (+3% XP after 3 minutes of sleep). Alliance: the Nailed Plank in Westfall (37, 50). Horde: the Burned-Out Remains in the Barrens (46, 74).
Dungeons Optional
Dungeon
Official range
Where
Why go
Hall of Thanes New
13-18
Dun Morogh. Beneath Ironforge
Beneath Ironforge, on your way to Loch Modan. A first tanking run at 15-16.
Ruins of Lordaeron New
15-20
Tirisfal Glades. The ruined city above the Undercity
Above the Undercity. Easier Horde access. Horde can pick up “Unending Torment” from the Abomination’s Head from level 15.
Questing brackets are suggestions. Dungeon ranges are Blizzard’s official ones; Classic dungeons show none because Forever hasn’t published them. Check the in-game Group Finder.
Westfall from Sentinel Hill, finishing with the Deadmines; start Redridge at 18-19.
Main hubs
Sentinel Hill
Lakeshire
Useful alternatives
Darkshore from Auberdine, by boat from Menethil Harbor
Travel
Westfall is southwest of Elwynn; Redridge is east. Pick up both flight paths.
Horde
Silverpine Forest, then the Barrens or Stonetalon Mountains from 18.
Main hubs
The Sepulcher
The Crossroads
Sun Rock Retreat
Travel
Zeppelin from Tirisfal to Orgrimmar, then south through Durotar to the Barrens.
What to do
Switch to Retribution Aura at 16: it damages everything that hits you, so it is your leveling aura from here.
Train Blessing of Freedom and Seal of Fury rank 2 at 18. Sacred Duty takes your points at 18-19.
Collect every Deadmines quest before you run it. Start taking two mobs at a time.
Dungeons Optional
Dungeon
Official range
Where
Why go
The Deadmines
Not published
Westfall. Moonbrook, Westfall
The end of Westfall. Grab the Whitestone Oak Lumber here if you’ll do Verigan’s Fist. Holds the Whitestone Oak Lumber for Verigan’s Fist.
Hall of Thanes New
13-18
Dun Morogh. Beneath Ironforge
Still in range to 18.
Ruins of Lordaeron New
15-20
Tirisfal Glades. The ruined city above the Undercity
Still in range to 20. Horde can pick up “Unending Torment” from the Abomination’s Head from level 15.
Wailing Caverns
Not published
The Barrens. Southwest of the Crossroads
Easier Horde access.
Questing brackets are suggestions. Dungeon ranges are Blizzard’s official ones; Classic dungeons show none because Forever hasn’t published them. Check the in-game Group Finder.
Redridge Mountains from Lakeshire, then Duskwood from Darkshire.
Main hubs
Lakeshire
Darkshire
Useful alternatives
Ashenvale from Astranaar, if you are chasing the Kor Gem or the Divine Storm cloak
Travel
Duskwood is south of Elwynn. Its Undead are perfect for Exorcism.
Horde
Hillsbrad Foothills from Tarren Mill, or Stonetalon from Sun Rock Retreat; Ashenvale from Splintertree Post at 24.
Main hubs
Tarren Mill
Sun Rock Retreat
Splintertree Post
Starting-race branches
Human and Dwarf
At 20, your trainer offers the Tome of Valor (a shield) and Jordan Stilwell outside Ironforge starts Verigan’s Fist.
The Stockade is in Stormwind itself, a quick run while you are in town.
What to do
At 20: Consecration, Blessing of Kings, Exorcism and Flash of Light. Kings replaces Might as your default Blessing.
Shield Specialization (20-21) makes blocks refund mana. Templar’s Bulwark at 22 is your one big panic button.
Pull four, stand still, Consecration, then Holy Strike and Judgement on cooldown.
Dungeons Optional
Dungeon
Official range
Where
Why go
The Stockade
Not published
Stormwind City. Mage Quarter canals, Stormwind
From about 22, in Stormwind.
Shadowfang Keep
Not published
Silverpine Forest. Above Pyrewood Village, Silverpine Forest
Easier Horde access. Jordan’s Smithing Hammer is in its courtyard. Holds Jordan’s Smithing Hammer for Verigan’s Fist.
Excavation Site New
24-29
Wetlands. Near Thelgen Rock and Dun Algaz
From 24, in the Wetlands.
Wailing Caverns
Not published
The Barrens. Southwest of the Crossroads
Horde, in range in the low 20s.
Questing brackets are suggestions. Dungeon ranges are Blizzard’s official ones; Classic dungeons show none because Forever hasn’t published them. Check the in-game Group Finder.
Finish Duskwood, then the Wetlands from Menethil Harbor.
Main hubs
Darkshire
Menethil Harbor
Useful alternatives
Ashenvale from Astranaar for Blackfathom Deeps
Travel
The Wetlands are north of Loch Modan through Dun Algaz.
Menethil Harbor has boats to Auberdine (Darkshore) and Theramore.
Horde
Ashenvale from Splintertree Post, then Thousand Needles or Hillsbrad.
Main hubs
Splintertree Post
Freewind Post
Tarren Mill
What to do
Swift Judgement at 25: with Seal of Fury it is a second taunt with its own cooldown.
Improved Righteous Fury at 26-28, then the first Anticipation point at 29.
Upgrade your water at 25. A Lesser Arcane Elixir helps once Spell Power drives your damage.
Dungeons Optional
Dungeon
Official range
Where
Why go
Excavation Site New
24-29
Wetlands. Near Thelgen Rock and Dun Algaz
In range to 29, right in the Wetlands.
Blackfathom Deeps
Not published
Ashenvale. Zoram Strand, western Ashenvale
The Kor Gem for Verigan’s Fist is outside it. The Corrupted Kor Gem for Verigan’s Fist drops from the naga around it.
City of Dalaran New
28-33
Alterac Mountains. Alterac Mountains
From 28, with its entry quest from Southshore or Tarren Mill. Entry quest chain. Alliance: “An Alarming Request” from Emissary Jacques in Southshore. Horde: “Key to the City” and “Prison Break-In” from Magus Wordeen Voidglare in Tarren Mill.
Gnomeregan
Not published
Dun Morogh. Western Dun Morogh
Optional at the upper end, from Ironforge.
Questing brackets are suggestions. Dungeon ranges are Blizzard’s official ones; Classic dungeons show none because Forever hasn’t published them. Check the in-game Group Finder.
Arathi Highlands from Refuge Pointe, Hillsbrad from Southshore, then northern Stranglethorn from the Rebel Camp.
Main hubs
Refuge Pointe
Southshore
Rebel Camp
Useful alternatives
Desolace from Nijel’s Point
Travel
Southshore is also where City of Dalaran’s Alliance entry quest starts.
Horde
Thousand Needles from Freewind Post, then Arathi from Hammerfall or northern Stranglethorn from Grom’gol.
Main hubs
Freewind Post
Hammerfall
Grom’gol Base Camp
Useful alternatives
Desolace from Shadowprey Village
What to do
Holy Shield at 30: pre-cast it as you run in. More blocks means more mana, more Holy damage and, from 31, more Reckoning attacks.
Reckoning takes your points at 31-35. Divine Intervention and Seal of Light at 30, Divine Shield at 34.
Prot is a complete tank from here: say yes to dungeon groups that match your quests.
Dungeons Optional
Dungeon
Official range
Where
Why go
City of Dalaran New
28-33
Alterac Mountains. Alterac Mountains
In range to 33. Entry quest chain. Alliance: “An Alarming Request” from Emissary Jacques in Southshore. Horde: “Key to the City” and “Prison Break-In” from Magus Wordeen Voidglare in Tarren Mill.
Scarlet Monastery
Not published
Tirisfal Glades. Northeastern Tirisfal Glades
Graveyard and Library suit the low 30s; the Undead make it great for Exorcism. Four wings. The Graveyard and Cathedral are full of Undead and Humanoids: Exorcism and Consecration country.
The Drowned City New
35-40
Stranglethorn Vale. Off the coast, west of Grom’gol
From 35, off Stranglethorn’s west coast.
Questing brackets are suggestions. Dungeon ranges are Blizzard’s official ones; Classic dungeons show none because Forever hasn’t published them. Check the in-game Group Finder.
Stranglethorn Vale. Off the coast, west of Grom’gol
In range to 40.
Scarlet Monastery
Not published
Tirisfal Glades. Northeastern Tirisfal Glades
Armory and Cathedral for the late 30s. Four wings. The Graveyard and Cathedral are full of Undead and Humanoids: Exorcism and Consecration country.
Krol’dok Stronghold New
40-45
Riverglades. Hills northeast of Twilight’s Shroud (37.5, 37.5)
From 40, in Riverglades.
Questing brackets are suggestions. Dungeon ranges are Blizzard’s official ones; Classic dungeons show none because Forever hasn’t published them. Check the in-game Group Finder.
Finish Riverglades, then sail from Powderfuse Port to Steamwheedle Port for Tanaris.
Main hubs
Farholde Keep
Powderfuse Port
Useful alternatives
Stay east: the Badlands, Swamp of Sorrows or the Hinterlands
Travel
Steamwheedle Port is east of Gadgetzan.
Horde
Finish Riverglades, then sail from Powderfuse Port to Steamwheedle Port for Tanaris.
Main hubs
Rog’mar
Powderfuse Port
Useful alternatives
Stay east: the Badlands, Swamp of Sorrows or the Hinterlands
Travel
Steamwheedle Port is east of Gadgetzan.
What to do
Deflection takes your points at 41-45. Cleanse at 42, Hammer of Wrath at 44.
Gather a group before the Blood Master’s Ring arena chain (65.6, 21.4). It has a small entry fee.
Dungeons Optional
Dungeon
Official range
Where
Why go
Krol’dok Stronghold New
40-45
Riverglades. Hills northeast of Twilight’s Shroud (37.5, 37.5)
Tank it with Shieldsworn up.
Questing brackets are suggestions. Dungeon ranges are Blizzard’s official ones; Classic dungeons show none because Forever hasn’t published them. Check the in-game Group Finder.
Tanaris from Gadgetzan, then Feralas from Feathermoon Stronghold.
Main hubs
Gadgetzan
Feathermoon Stronghold
Useful alternatives
Staying east: Hinterlands (Aerie Peak) or Searing Gorge (Thorium Point)
Horde
Tanaris from Gadgetzan, then Feralas from Camp Mojache.
Main hubs
Gadgetzan
Camp Mojache
Useful alternatives
Staying east: Hinterlands (Revantusk Village) or Searing Gorge (Thorium Point)
What to do
Improved Judgement at 46-47 and Conviction from 48.
Start building a tank set: Stamina, Defense and plate. Keep Spell Power pieces too, since they drive your threat.
Dungeons Optional
Dungeon
Official range
Where
Why go
Zul’Farrak
Not published
Tanaris. Northwest Tanaris
Quest-stacked from Gadgetzan.
Alcaz Prison New
48-53
Dustwallow Marsh. Alcaz Island
From 48, in Dustwallow Marsh.
Questing brackets are suggestions. Dungeon ranges are Blizzard’s official ones; Classic dungeons show none because Forever hasn’t published them. Check the in-game Group Finder.
Western Plaguelands from Chillwind Camp, or Un’Goro from Marshal’s Refuge then Felwood.
Main hubs
Chillwind Camp (Western Plaguelands)
Marshal’s Refuge
Talonbranch Glade (Felwood)
Travel
Chillwind Camp is north of Hillsbrad’s Alterac foothills. Grab its flight path.
Horde
Western Plaguelands from the Bulwark, or Un’Goro from Marshal’s Refuge then Felwood.
Main hubs
The Bulwark (Western Plaguelands)
Marshal’s Refuge
Bloodvenom Post (Felwood)
Travel
The Bulwark is on the eastern edge of Tirisfal Glades.
What to do
Holy Wrath at 50, plus new ranks of Consecration, Seal of Fury, Holy Shield and Lay on Hands.
The Plaguelands are full of Undead: Exorcism and Holy Wrath make them the fastest Paladin zones in the game.
Pursuit of Justice at 51-52 stacks with your Warhorse. Greater Blessing of Might at 52 and of Wisdom at 54 are for groups.
Dungeons Optional
Dungeon
Official range
Where
Why go
Blackrock Depths
Not published
Blackrock Mountain. Between Searing Gorge and Burning Steppes
If you are near Blackrock Mountain with quests ready.
Alcaz Prison New
48-53
Dustwallow Marsh. Alcaz Island
In range to 53.
Questing brackets are suggestions. Dungeon ranges are Blizzard’s official ones; Classic dungeons show none because Forever hasn’t published them. Check the in-game Group Finder.
Eastern Plaguelands from Light’s Hope Chapel, or Winterspring from Everlook after Felwood.
Main hubs
Light’s Hope Chapel
Everlook
Useful alternatives
Mount Hyjal through Darkwhisper Gorge when the approach is comfortable
Horde
Eastern Plaguelands from Light’s Hope Chapel, or Winterspring from Everlook after Felwood.
Main hubs
Light’s Hope Chapel
Everlook
Useful alternatives
Mount Hyjal through Darkwhisper Gorge when the approach is comfortable
What to do
Anticipation to 5/5 by 55 for Defense, then Toughness at 56-58.
Mount Hyjal is a 55-60 zone. Darkwhisper Gorge on the way in is a level 60 area, so travel carefully.
Start keeping crafted or dungeon tank pieces for 60 instead of vendoring them.
Mount Hyjal: 55-60 (live Group Finder).
Dungeons Optional
Dungeon
Official range
Where
Why go
Blackmaw Hold New
55-60
Azshara. Azshara
Azshara, from 55.
Stratholme
Not published
Eastern Plaguelands. Northern Eastern Plaguelands
At the top of Eastern Plaguelands. Undead everywhere. Undead from wall to wall. Holy Wrath and Exorcism make it the best Paladin tank practice at 58-60.
Questing brackets are suggestions. Dungeon ranges are Blizzard’s official ones; Classic dungeons show none because Forever hasn’t published them. Check the in-game Group Finder.
Finish in Eastern Plaguelands, Winterspring or Mount Hyjal. Pick the closest zone with quest clusters left.
Main hubs
Light’s Hope Chapel
Everlook
Useful alternatives
Silithus (Cenarion Hold) if you have a convenient flight path
Horde
Finish in Eastern Plaguelands, Winterspring or Mount Hyjal. Pick the closest zone with quest clusters left.
Main hubs
Light’s Hope Chapel
Everlook
Useful alternatives
Silithus (Cenarion Hold) if you have a convenient flight path
What to do
Guardian’s Favor at 59-60 finishes the build at 0 / 39 / 12.
At 60, train Greater Blessing of Kings and the final Holy Shield and Consecration ranks.
Start your faction’s Onyxia chain and the Charger quest if you plan to raid.
Dungeons Optional
Dungeon
Official range
Where
Why go
Shaper’s Terrace New
58-60
Un’Goro Crater. Northern hills of Un’Goro Crater
The last new five-player leveling option.
Blackmaw Hold New
55-60
Azshara. Azshara
In range to 60.
Stratholme
Not published
Eastern Plaguelands. Northern Eastern Plaguelands
Also part of the Charger chain (Stratholme Holy Water). Undead from wall to wall. Holy Wrath and Exorcism make it the best Paladin tank practice at 58-60.
Questing brackets are suggestions. Dungeon ranges are Blizzard’s official ones; Classic dungeons show none because Forever hasn’t published them. Check the in-game Group Finder.