Is Nazjatar Part of the War Campaign in World of Warcraft?
The short answer is yes, Nazjatar is undeniably a significant part of the Battle for Azeroth (BfA) War Campaign. While it’s not a singular, self-contained campaign, it serves as a pivotal chapter within the broader narrative of the Alliance and Horde conflict. It’s not just a zone to explore; it’s a crucial turning point in the war, where both factions must confront the formidable Queen Azshara and her naga forces. To truly understand Nazjatar’s role, one needs to look at its place within the wider context of the BfA storyline.
The Place of Nazjatar in the War
The War Campaign in Battle for Azeroth is essentially a side storyline that progresses alongside the main expansion quests, much like the Order Hall storylines in Legion. It focused on the escalating tensions and direct conflicts between the Alliance and Horde across the new continents of Kul Tiras and Zandalar. Nazjatar enters the picture as a direct result of these conflicts and the machinations of other major players.
While the initial stages of the War Campaign centered around establishing footholds in enemy territory and securing vital resources, the introduction of Nazjatar in Patch 8.2 (“Rise of Azshara”) marked a shift toward a more unified struggle against a common enemy. After the initial struggles between the Alliance and Horde, they find themselves battling the naga threat of Azshara. The events in Nazjatar directly tie into both faction’s War Campaign storylines, highlighting the need to set aside, at least temporarily, their own conflicts to combat Azshara’s forces.
The Significance of the Nazjatar Campaign
- Uniting Factions (Temporarily): While the war between the Alliance and Horde is a central theme of BfA, Nazjatar forces both factions to work towards a common goal – stopping Azshara’s plans. This temporary alliance is a key characteristic of the campaign in Nazjatar.
- Introduction of Azshara as a Major Antagonist: While hinted at before, Nazjatar puts Azshara directly in the spotlight as a major antagonist. Her role as a long-term threat is established, setting the stage for future conflicts.
- Progression of the Heart of Azeroth: The events within Nazjatar are directly linked to the advancement of the Heart of Azeroth, an essential system introduced in BfA. This means that the zone is not just for story; it also provides crucial character progression.
- Unlocking of Mechagon: Completing Nazjatar’s introductory questline is essential for unlocking Mechagon, another important zone in BfA. This demonstrates how the game ties different storylines and content together.
- Progression towards 8.3 Content: The quests in Nazjatar are crucial for unlocking the next chapter of the expansion. If you want to unlock the 8.3 questline and associated content, including the ability to upgrade your Heart of Azeroth to level 50, then unlocking and participating in Nazjatar is an absolute requirement.
Not Just a Zone, But a Part of the War
In essence, Nazjatar isn’t just a standalone location. It’s an integral part of the narrative tapestry of Battle for Azeroth and the War Campaign. It’s where the story of the conflict between Alliance and Horde intersects with the rising threat of Queen Azshara. The quests you undertake, the characters you interact with, and the challenges you overcome all form a critical part of the overarching War Campaign experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nazjatar and the War Campaign
1. How do I unlock the Nazjatar zone in World of Warcraft?
You unlock Nazjatar by speaking to Nathanos Blightcaller (Horde) or Genn Greymane (Alliance) and accepting the quest “Send the Fleet”. This requires your character to be at least level 50 and to have completed the quests “A Nation Divided” (Alliance) or “Welcome to Zuldazar” (Horde).
2. Can I skip the Nazjatar questline?
No, you cannot directly skip the Nazjatar questline. It is a prerequisite for progressing to later BfA content. This is largely due to the need to unlock the 8.3 questline, and boost your Heart of Azeroth to level 50.
3. How do I get to Nazjatar once I have unlocked it?
After completing the initial questline to reach Nazjatar, you will unlock a portal to the zone. If you lose the portal, you can return by using the large gold arrow icon on the map of Dazar’alor (Horde) or Boralus (Alliance).
4. How do I unlock Nazjatar world quests?
You unlock Nazjatar World Quests by progressing through the main storyline in the zone. Once you complete the “Welcome to Nazjatar” storyline, you start the “Secrets of the Sea” storyline, which unlocks the world quests.
5. What is the difference between a “Battle” and a “Campaign” in the context of WoW?
A Battle is a single armed engagement between two or more parties aimed at achieving specific objectives. A Campaign, on the other hand, is a planned and executed series of battles and operations over a more extended period, aimed at achieving broader goals. The Nazjatar campaign includes many smaller engagements, but is itself part of a larger series of conflicts within the War Campaign.
6. Is there a raid in Nazjatar?
Yes, the raid in Nazjatar is called The Eternal Palace, with Queen Azshara herself as the final boss.
7. Do I need to complete the Nazjatar questline to unlock Mechagon?
Yes, you must complete the introductory questline for Nazjatar before you can unlock Mechagon Island.
8. Can you level in Nazjatar?
Nazjatar was originally a max-level zone for BfA. While you could level there after the level squish, it’s not ideal due to the low amount of experience awarded. It was designed for level 50 players when introduced.
9. Who is Queen Azshara and how old is she?
Queen Azshara is a powerful and ancient antagonist in World of Warcraft. She was once the beloved queen of the Night Elves 10,000 years ago, and one of the main reasons the War of the Ancients occurred.
10. What is the “War Campaign” in WoW?
The War Campaign is the side storyline in Battle for Azeroth that focuses on the conflict between the Alliance and Horde, taking players through key events and battles across Kul Tiras and Zandalar. It serves as a parallel to the main expansion questline.
11. Can I skip the Shadowlands or Dragonflight campaigns?
While you can level in different ways, skipping the Shadowlands campaign can prevent access to world quests, adventure mode, and some endgame content. The Dragonflight campaign is also important for unlocking world quests and other features, therefore it’s generally not recommended to skip them on your main character. While you may not have to do them on alts, if you want to level your alts in the most efficient way, then you will need the advantages and speed conferred by unlocking the end-game mode.
12. What is considered the best World of Warcraft expansion?
Wrath of the Lich King is often regarded as the highest-rated expansion in World of Warcraft, known as the “golden age” of the game.
13. How long does a War Campaign usually last?
War Campaigns can vary, but they typically last several months, sometimes even a year. A campaign includes numerous battles and operations within a specific theater.
14. What is the fastest way to get back to Nazjatar after leaving?
If you did not unlock the portal in the zone before leaving, open the map for Dazar’alor (Horde) or Boralus (Alliance), and follow the large gold arrow icon indicating where to go to get back.
15. What expansion is Nazjatar from?
Nazjatar was introduced in Patch 8.2, “Rise of Azshara,” of the Battle for Azeroth expansion. It’s a level 120 zone designed for end-game play.
By addressing these questions, you should now have a good understanding of Nazjatar’s place within the greater narrative of the War Campaign and how to approach the content within this zone. Happy gaming!