The sentient Wyverns of Kalimdor were eager to ally themselves with the ShamanisticHorde. Impressed by the Orcs' commitment to honor and victory, the Wyverns allowed the Orcs to ride them into combat against those who would disturb the tranquility of Kalimdor and its denizens. The Wyverns, who share a common ancestry with both Dragons and Gryphons, use their powerful talons and razor-like fangs against both airborne attackers and ground troops.
Wind Riders are popular among Orc players because they possess high all-around damage which is particularly effective against ground units. This comes into play when under the effects of Bloodlust and Envenomed Spears researched, as not only the rider attacks significantly faster, the poison from their attacks also weakens the enemy over time which deals significant damage if no healers are present.
In Reign of Chaos, they're called "Wyvern Riders" instead.
Counters
As medium air units with a somewhat slow attack if not under the effects of Bloodlust, Gargoyles, Hippogryphs, Flying Machines are the best counters against them by overwhelming them with numbers. Troll Batriders may also be used.
Spells and abilities[]
Research Envenomed Spears (Passive)
Adds an additional poison effect to the Wind Rider's Attack. A unit poisoned by the Envenomed Spear takes an additional 4 damage per second over 25 seconds.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requirements
Upgrade Time
100 150
Beastiary
Fortress
40 sec.
Duration (Hero)
Allowed Targets
Effect
25 (1) sec.
Air, Ground, Organic
4 damage/sec
Upgrades[]
Steel Ranged Weapons
Increases the ranged attack damage of Troll Headhunters, Troll Berserkers, Wind Riders, Troll Batriders and Demolishers.
Research Cost
Researched At
Upgrade Time
Effect
100 100
War Mill
60 sec.
Normal attack: 37-49 (43 avg)
Thorium Ranged Weapons
Further increases the ranged attack damage of Troll Headhunters, Troll Berserkers, Wind Riders, Troll Batriders and Demolishers.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requirements
Upgrade Time
Effect
150 175
War Mill
Stronghold
75 sec.
Normal attack: 38-54 (46 avg)
Arcanite Ranged Weapons
Further increases the ranged attack damage of Troll Headhunters, Troll Berserkers, Wind Riders, Troll Batriders and Demolishers.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requirements
Upgrade Time
Effect
200 250
War Mill
Fortress
90 sec.
Normal attack: 39-59 (49 avg)
Steel Unit Armor
Increases the armor of Grunts, Raiders, Troll Batriders, Tauren, Troll Headhunters, Troll Berserkers, Wind Riders and Demolishers.
Research Cost
Researched At
Upgrade Time
Effect
150 75
War Mill
60 sec.
Armor: 2
Thorium Unit Armor
Further increases the armor of Grunts, Raiders, Troll Batriders, Tauren, Troll Headhunters, Troll Berserkers, Wind Riders and Demolishers.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requirements
Upgrade Time
Effect
225 200
War Mill
Stronghold
75 sec.
Armor: 4
Arcanite Unit Armor
Further increases the armor of Grunts, Raiders, Troll Batriders, Tauren, Troll Headhunters, Troll Berserkers, Wind Riders and Demolishers.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requirements
Upgrade Time
Effect
300 325
War Mill
Fortress
90 sec.
Armor: 6
World Editor description[]
Highly mobile flying creature. Excellent at scouting. Can learn Envenomed Spears.