Tanaris

Tanaris is a leveling zone recommended for Horde players after Azshara and the Barrens, valued less for a separately described narrative than for its practical position in a route through the older areas of Azeroth. The guide treats it as an efficient travel space: its flat terrain makes movement by mount comparatively easy, even though its quests can require some back-and-forth travel.

Position in the Horde Route

Tanaris appears within the suggested path for levels 1–60. Horde players are directed to begin from Orgrimmar, continue through Azshara and the Barrens, and then move on to Un'Goro Crater and Tanaris. The sequence gives the zone a transitional role: it follows the initial northern portion of the route and forms part of the later circuit through the southern leveling areas.

Terrain and Movement

The guide describes Tanaris, together with Un'Goro Crater, as relatively flat. That physical quality does not eliminate travel, but it reduces the difficulty of crossing the zone once the character has access to a mount. The text also acknowledges that the route includes back-and-forth movement, creating a contrast between the zone's convenient terrain and the inefficiency that can arise from quest objectives sending the player repeatedly across the same space.

Questing and Leveling Function

Tanaris is recommended because its quest flow is considered decent and fun within the broader Horde progression. The zone is not presented as a destination to be explored independently of the leveling system; instead, it is one component of a route designed to keep questing continuous while limiting unnecessary movement. This reflects the guide's general advice that players should minimize travel, since traveling grants little experience compared with completing quests and killing monsters.

A Managed Space for Efficient Play

The treatment of Tanaris illustrates the guide's larger approach to zone selection. Players are encouraged to choose areas and remain with them until their quests are complete, concentrating activity rather than constantly crossing the world. Tanaris therefore functions as both a place and a planning unit: its flat landscape, mount-friendly traversal, and position after Azshara and the Barrens make it useful within an organized leveling itinerary, even when its quest layout imposes some return trips.