Guide to Monkey Runs: Level 85 to 90 in WoW Mists of Pandaria Classic

Leveling from 85 to 90 in World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria Classic can be an exciting grind with the right approach. Monkey Runs in Stormstout Brewery offer a fast and engaging method, blending dungeon clears with pet battles to deliver 8–10 million XP per hour. While not the absolute fastest compared to questing, it’s ideal for players who enjoy solo challenges or group dynamics. This guide details how to execute Monkey Runs, maximize XP, and handle instance lockouts.

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What Are Monkey Runs?

Monkey Runs involve repeatedly clearing the initial section of Stormstout Brewery in the Valley of the Four Winds up to the first boss, Ook-Ook, then resetting the instance. Popular since Mists of Pandaria launched in 2012, this method remains effective despite nerfs, offering high XP for solo tanks (e.g., Brewmaster Monks with ~399 item level) or 5-man groups looking to speed through.

• Why It Works: High mob density and an optional boss kill provide up to 1 million XP per run, perfect for skipping crowded zones like Jade Forest.
• Who It’s For: Tanks excel at soloing, while groups with a tank, healer, and AoE DPS can clear faster.

How to Execute Monkey Runs: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to optimize your Monkey Runs:

1. Enter Stormstout Brewery

• Location: Valley of the Four Winds. Unlock by completing the introductory questline involving Chen Stormstout.
• Requirements: Level 85+ and an active MoP Classic subscription.

2. Clear the First Five Monkeys

• XP Reward: The first five monkeys at the entrance yield ~53k XP each, totaling over 260k XP.
• Strategy: These mobs hit hard, so split into two pulls (two, then three) if survivability is a concern. Avoid water elementals at the start to prevent XP loss from pre-damaged mobs.
• Tip: Pull quickly to ensure full-health mobs for maximum XP.

3. Clear the Main Area

• Pulling Mobs: Pull monkey groups outside their rooms to avoid barrel explosions, which reduce XP per kill (from 10k to ~7.8k).
• Class Abilities: Brewmaster Monks can use Dizzying Haze to aggro safely. Other tanks should use crowd control (stuns, slows) to manage pulls.
• XP Yield: These pulls add ~400–500k XP per run.

4. Defeat Ook-Ook (Optional)

• XP Reward: Killing Ook-Ook grants 337k XP, boosting a run’s total to 950k–1M XP.
• Tactic: Jump on barrels and ride them into the boss to apply a stacking debuff (10% increased damage per stack) for a quick kill.
• When to Skip: Skip the boss for faster resets, yielding 650–700k XP per run.

5. Optional Mobs

• XP Reward: Four optional mobs grant 10k XP each (40k total).
• Recommendation: Skip them to speed up resets, as they’re time-intensive.

6. Reset and Repeat

• Process: Exit, reset the instance, and repeat until the lockout (~5 runs).
• Efficiency: Runs take ~6 minutes, delivering 8–10M XP per hour. With rested XP or pre-patch quest stacking, level 86 is achievable in just over an hour.

Handling Instance Lockouts with Pet Battles

When locked out (~5 runs), switch to pet battles on the shore behind Stormstout Brewery, rich with critter and aquatic pets.

Pet Battle Strategy

• Pet Selection: Use three flying pets with abilities against aquatics and critters. Recommended:
  • Fledgling Nether Ray: Bite (for critters) and Slicing Wind (for aquatics), with no shared cooldown.
  • Prioritize pets with flying and beast abilities.
• XP Reward: Each battle yields 85–90k XP, taking ~30 seconds, equating to ~5M XP per hour or more.
• Location: The shore behind the dungeon entrance is ideal. Water-walking potions or spells help access more spots, but the front area suffices.
• Tip: If crowded, nearby areas have ample pet respawns.

Tips for Maximum Efficiency

• Avoid Environmental Damage: Pull mobs away from barrels to secure full XP.
• Gear: Item level ~399 or higher ensures smooth solo runs. Focus on survivability and AoE damage.
• Rested XP: Pair with rested XP and pre-patch quest stacking for faster leveling.
• Class Choice: Tanks are ideal for soloing; DPS may struggle. Groups with a tank, healer, and three AoE DPS can clear in 2–3 minutes.
• Monitor Changes: Blizzard may tweak XP rates, so stay updated via community forums.

Why Choose Monkey Runs?

• Engaging Gameplay: Combines dungeon clears and pet battles for variety.
• High XP Rates: 8–10M XP per hour competes with top questing methods.
• Solo-Friendly: Tanks can avoid crowded quest zones.
• Zone Skipping: Reach 86–87 quickly and move to zones like Kun-Lai Summit.

Alternatives to Monkey Runs

• Temple of the Jade Serpent: Similar XP per hour with consistent pulls (no traps), but pet battles are less accessible.
• Questing: Jade Forest offers steady XP but faces competition.
• Group Runs: 5-man groups can cut run times, boosting efficiency.

Conclusion

Monkey Runs in Stormstout Brewery are a fast, fun way to level from 85 to 90 in Mists of Pandaria Classic. Perfect for solo tanks or groups, they offer high XP and flexibility to skip crowded zones. Pair with pet battles during lockouts to keep the XP flowing. Watch Scottejaye’s video (link) for a visual guide. For a no-grind option, let ExpCarry boost your character to 90 with our professional service at ExpCarry WoW MoP Leveling Boost.

Level fast, and enjoy the adventure!