Why Can’t I Queue for Shadowlands Dungeons? A Comprehensive Guide
You’ve ventured into the world of Azeroth, perhaps you’ve conquered the Shadowlands, or you’re eager to explore its mysteries, but you find yourself scratching your head, wondering why you can’t queue for Shadowlands dungeons. The answer, while seemingly simple, involves a few key mechanics within World of Warcraft, particularly with the introduction of the Dragonflight expansion.
The core reason you can’t queue for Shadowlands dungeons, if you own the Dragonflight expansion and are level 60 or higher, is because the Dungeon Finder is now designed to primarily focus on the current expansion’s content. This means if you are level 60 or higher and have Dragonflight, the automated Dungeon Finder will primarily offer you Dragonflight dungeons.
However, there is a workaround and it’s not as restrictive as it sounds. While the automated Dungeon Finder might steer you towards Dragonflight, you are not completely locked out of Shadowlands dungeons. There are two primary ways you can still access them:
- Using the LFG Tool: You can use the Looking For Group (LFG) tool to create or join a group specifically for Shadowlands dungeons. This allows you to bypass the automated queue and form your own party.
- Manual Entrance: You can also travel to the physical entrance of the Shadowlands dungeons and enter them manually. This is especially convenient if you already know the location of the dungeons you wish to explore.
This system is designed to streamline the leveling experience for new and returning players, guiding them through the latest content while still allowing experienced players to revisit older dungeons with a bit of manual effort. So, while the automated queue might be limited, you’re not completely cut off from the Shadowlands dungeon experience.
Level and Expansion Restrictions Explained
Understanding why you’re encountering this limitation requires a deeper look at the level restrictions and how expansions impact dungeon access.
Level 60 and Dragonflight
The pivotal point is reaching level 60 and owning Dragonflight. Once you reach this threshold, the game pushes you towards the latest content for a streamlined progression. This is why the automated queue prioritizes Dragonflight dungeons. This mechanic is in place to ensure that the Dungeon Finder offers the most relevant and populated dungeons for your level and current game focus.
What About Lower Levels?
If you are below level 60, you may still encounter some restrictions on what you can queue for. For example, the game will typically guide you toward the content most relevant for your current level. For characters leveling through Shadowlands content with Chromie Time, your Dungeon Finder experience will be focused on Shadowlands dungeons.
Item Level Considerations
Although it may not impact your ability to queue in the first place, your item level (ilvl) can influence your success within a dungeon. While Shadowlands dungeons can be soloed relatively easily at level 70, with most builds capable of it, lower level characters might find them difficult to conquer without a group. For Mythic+ dungeons, you’ll need to hit at least 398 ilvl for a decent start on lower level keys.
Shadowlands Dungeons: Accessing Them Manually
While the automated Dungeon Finder might not be your first option, accessing Shadowlands dungeons manually is straightforward. It involves:
- Locating the Dungeon: Find the entrance to the Shadowlands dungeon you want to run. Most entrances are located in the Shadowlands zones associated with the specific dungeon.
- Traveling to the Entrance: Physically travel to the dungeon entrance. This may involve flying, ground travel, or using portal networks.
- Entering the Dungeon: Once you reach the entrance, walk into it to enter the dungeon instance. If you are in a party, your party members will be prompted to enter the dungeon too.
This method provides flexibility and gives you control over your dungeon runs, even if the automated system restricts your queue options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding dungeon queues and accessibility, designed to provide clarity and further guidance:
1. What level do I need to be to queue for any dungeon in World of Warcraft?
You unlock the Dungeon Finder at level 15. However, specific dungeons are unlocked at various levels. The first available dungeon is Ragefire Chasm (RFC), a Horde-only instance.
2. Can I still use Chromie Time?
Yes, you can use Chromie Time to experience previous expansions, including Shadowlands, if you are below level 60. This can guide your leveling process and focus your Dungeon Finder to those areas. You will have to speak to Chromie near the Stormwind Embassy or the Orgrimmar Embassy to do so.
3. What level do Shadowlands dungeons unlock at?
You will gain access to Shadowlands dungeons at level 50 while leveling through the Shadowlands campaign for the first time. As you progress towards level 60 and get Dragonflight, this will change as explained above. If you are in Chromie Time, you can run them from level 15 or higher.
4. How do I unlock Dragonflight dungeons?
Dragonflight dungeons unlock as you level through the expansion. You’ll find the first dungeons available at level 61. Normal mode is available for leveling and will scale with your character.
5. How do I access the LFG tool to create groups for Shadowlands dungeons?
The LFG tool can be accessed through the Group Finder button located on the micro menu at the bottom of your user interface. From there, select the “Premade Groups” tab and then select “Start a Group” or browse existing groups.
6. What item level do I need for Mythic dungeons in Dragonflight?
For Mythic dungeons in Dragonflight, a good starting point is around 398 item level (ilvl) for the current season. This will let you get into the lower level keys, and you should always be getting higher gear.
7. Why are my queue times for dungeons so long?
Long queue times can be due to a shortage of specific roles. For example, if there are few players queuing as tanks, players queuing as healers or DPS might wait longer. This can happen at any level bracket but tends to be especially common at max level.
8. Can I solo Shadowlands dungeons at level 70?
Yes, most level 70 characters with appropriate gear can easily solo Shadowlands dungeons. Tank or healer specializations may provide a more foolproof experience.
9. Can I run Shadowlands dungeons before level 60?
Yes, using Chromie time with your character means you can access the Shadowlands dungeons from level 50, or lower if they are below 50 when doing Shadowlands content through Chromie Time.
10. Is questing faster than dungeons for leveling?
Questing is generally faster than dungeons, but a fast group can provide equivalent experience. The fastest method is to do both questing and dungeons, focusing on dungeons while they are available, and then doing other quests as you wait.
11. How do I start the Shadowlands quest in Dragonflight?
You can start the Shadowlands questline in Dragonflight by finding Chromie near the Stormwind or Orgrimmar Embassy. You must be below level 60 to access Chromie Time, after which you can pick “The Realms of Death” timeline.
12. Do I need to complete the Shadowlands campaign to access dungeons?
No, you don’t need to complete the entire Shadowlands campaign to run dungeons. Unlocking dungeons is tied to level, while the campaign provides narrative context and unlocks additional content.
13. Can I repeatedly run the same Normal dungeon?
Yes, Normal dungeons have no lockout and can be run repeatedly.
14. How does the Dungeon Finder queue work?
The Dungeon Finder queues players based on role and dungeon selection. If a dungeon you have selected does not form a full group, you may be placed in a different one.
15. What happens if I’m a high level in Chromie time?
If you level past the level that Chromie time is meant for while using it, the time will kick you out. So, if you level beyond level 60 while in Chromie Time, you’ll be pushed back into the present and lose that option.
Understanding the limitations of the Dungeon Finder and how to work around them allows you to access the content you enjoy. By using the LFG tool, manually entering dungeons, and keeping an eye on your leveling and gear, you can navigate the World of Warcraft successfully and continue to explore the wonders of both the Shadowlands and Dragonflight.