With the coming of Patch 5.2, something special about mounts was introduced in this new patch of World of Warcraft. Big, small, mechanical, animal, ground, or flying, players go literally gaga over mounts no matter the type. Much like pets, mounts are collected, treasured, and depending on the mount, can even become a status symbol for those who ride them.

The newest World of Warcraft expansion: Mists of Pandaria, has offered players up a platter full of brand new mount-tastic deliciousness. While all these mounts are well worth the effort to collect, there are a few that stand out well above and beyond the rest. Check out the top 5 mounts from Mists of Pandaria below:

Cloud Serpents

Cloud Serpents are flying mounts. They are brightly colored creatures raised and trained by the Pandaren. Sinuous and beautiful, Cloud Serpent are a must have for any Mists of Pandaria mount collector. Flying around on your very own Cloud Serpent will be sure to turn heads. Want a Cloud Serpent of your very own? Cloud Serpent mounts require the player to farm reputation with the Order of the Cloud Serpent.

Once Exalted status has been reached the player will be able to learn Cloud Serpent Riding and begin a series of daily quests based around training your Cloud Serpent. Once these quests are complete, the player will be able to purchase this mount for their very own. For the astute collector, earn Exalted status with both the Order of the Cloud Serpents as well as the August Celestials to unlock two additional Cloud Serpent color options.

Panthers

Have you ever thought that a panther mount would be really cool, especially if it was made not of flesh, but of various types of stones and gems? Apparently Blizzard had the same idea and brought it to life as a real mount in Mists of Pandaria. Visually, these mounts are almost one of a kind and in my opinion, not even a real panther mount can compare. These stone panthers can only be crafted by skill level 600 Jewelcrafters who have managed to earn at least Honored reputation with the Order of the Cloud Serpent faction.

Dragon Turtles

The Riding Turtle available from the World of Warcraft Trading Card Game has always been loved by many players. Sure it was a bit slow on land, but even if you are not a fan of the card game and with no similar mount in game, it seemed that this little guy would elude your grasp forever. Fast forward to Mists of Pandaria. In come the Dragon Turtles as racial mounts for the Pandaren. These babies are definitely the cooler older brother of the Riding Turtle and a definite must have on your list. Races other than the Pandaren will need to earn Exalted status with this faction to gain the ability to buy a Dragon Turtle of their very own.

Yaks

While riding a Yak may not seem particularly appealing? when you first think about it, taking a gander at the Yak mounts available in Mists of Pandaria will surely change your mind. Rugged and sturdy these mounts are a favorite of the slightly annoying, yet loveable, Grummies. Yaks could be compared to the Mammoth mounts of the past, however, are much smaller which is a nice and welcome change. Not to mention the fact that the Yak seems to have a slight issue with the length of its legs, so when they jump they look ridiculously adorable. Own a Yak of your very own all you need to do is seek out Uncle Bigpocket in the Grummie Bazaar, dish out 3,000 gold for the Yak of your choice, no reputation grind needed.

Water Striders

Let's face it. Bug mounts are awesome and there simply aren't enough of them in World of Warcraft. So when one comes along, you should snatch it up. The fact that the Water Strider is exceptionally cool is just icing on the cake. Cool visual? Check. Has another cool ability like say....walking on water? Check! To earn a Water Strider of your very own and to finally give your other less aqautic mounts a break from treading water, you must earn Exalted status with the Anglers faction and dish out 5,000 gold. A small price to pay for a mount this awesome.