Fossilized Raptor

Fossilized Raptor is a ground mount shaped like a raptor skeleton, obtainable through the Archaeology profession. The mount was added in the Cataclysm expansion and is one of the most recognizable mounts obtained through secondary professions. According to its in-game flavor text, legend says this raptor was cursed for daring to growl at a young Tyrande Whisperwind while she bathed in a forest lake — and now it wanders Azeroth until it begs for forgiveness.

• Unique model — a raptor skeleton with distinctive animation that stands out among most mounts in the game
• One of the few mounts available through the Archaeology profession — a great reason to pick up this secondary profession
• Requires no raids, dungeons, or achievements — only patience and digging
• Collection value — it counts toward your overall mount tally for achievements
• Adapts to your riding skill: +60% or +100% ground movement speed

The Fossilized Raptor is a rare artifact from the "Fossil" category in the Archaeology profession. To obtain it, you need to:

1. Learn the Archaeology profession
2. Excavate at Fossil dig sites
3. Wait until the "Fossilized Raptor" project appears in your Archaeology journal
4. Gather 100 fossil fragments to complete the project

Important Details

• A character at level 10 or higher
• A learned riding skill
• The Archaeology profession — this is a secondary profession that can be learned in addition to your two primary professions

Archaeology is a secondary profession that can be learned from the appropriate trainers in capital cities:

• Alliance: trainers from the Explorers' League — Harrison Jones in Stormwind (at the entrance to the Royal Library)
• Horde: trainers from the Reliquary — Belloc Brightblade in Orgrimmar (on the Path of Wisdom)

Note: since the Midnight expansion, Archaeology has received no new content, but the old artifacts, including the Fossilized Raptor, are still available to assemble through digs in Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms.

Step 1: Learn Archaeology

Visit an Archaeology trainer in any capital city of your faction. The profession is available from level 10.

Step 2: Find Fossil Dig Sites

1. Open the world map (the "M" key)
2. Switch to the Kalimdor or Eastern Kingdoms map
3. Find the dig site icons (a small shovel) — each continent has 4 sites available at once
4. Look for Fossil sites — they are marked in brown when you hover over them

Step 3: Excavate

1. Fly to the dig site
2. Use the Survey ability
3. Follow the telescope's cues: red — far, yellow — closer, green — very close
4. When you find a fragment, pick it up
5. Each site yields 6 fragments, after which it disappears and a new one appears

Step 4: Wait for the "Fossilized Raptor" Project

Projects to assemble appear at random. You cannot choose which fossil artifact you are offered. Keep digging fossil fragments and assembling common (gray) artifacts until the Fossilized Raptor project appears in your journal.

Step 5: Gather 100 Fragments

When the project appears, you will need 100 fossil fragments to complete it. Fossil artifacts have no keystones that could replace some of the fragments, so you must gather all 100 fragments in full.

Step 6: Complete the Project

Open the Archaeology window, select the "Fossilized Raptor" project, and click "Solve." You will receive the Fossilized Raptor item, which adds the mount to your collection when used.

Fossil dig sites most often appear in zones thematically tied to fossils:

Kalimdor (recommended)

Eastern Kingdoms

Site Rotation Strategy

Since only 4 dig sites are available at once on each continent, and you specifically need Fossil ones, use the following strategy:

1. Open the map and check all 4 sites on the continent
2. If there are fossil sites among them, head there first
3. If there are no fossil sites, work any other site so a fossil one has a chance to appear in its place
4. Repeat until you gather the required number of fragments

Which Continent to Farm On

Kalimdor is usually considered the best choice for farming fossils, since this continent historically has more fossil sites compared to the Eastern Kingdoms. However, alternating between continents can also be effective.

Tips to Speed It Up

• Use a character with maximum flight speed — most of your time goes to flying between sites
• The Druid class has an advantage thanks to its instant flight form
• If your Archaeology skill is already 600 or higher, you can buy fossil fragments from Archaeology trainers in Legion Dalaran, Ashran, or the Hall of Knowledge for a Restored Artifact
• Don't spend fossil fragments on common (gray) artifacts unnecessarily — save them for the rare project

How Long It Will Take

Obtaining the Fossilized Raptor is entirely down to luck. The project may appear after a few hours of farming, or it may take dozens of hours of digging. On average, players report spending from 2 to 15+ hours of pure time, depending on luck.

• Don't sell common fossil artifacts. Assemble them as quickly as possible — every completed common project gives a chance for the rare Fossilized Raptor project to appear.
• Maximum fragments in your bag is 200. You can store up to 200 fossil fragments at once, so remember to complete projects in time.
• Archaeology levels up alongside. You don't need to max out the skill first — rare projects can appear as early as skill 75+.
• The GatherMate2 or Archy addon greatly simplifies the digging process — they show possible dig points on the minimap and automate part of the routine.
• Background farming. Archaeology is great for farming in the background: put on a podcast or a show and methodically fly around the sites.
• Beyond the mount — fossil artifacts can also yield the Fossilized Hatchling pet, a nice bonus for your collection.