Can I Get Shadowlands Free? Your Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can potentially get Shadowlands for free, but it depends on the timing and circumstances. Here’s the lowdown: Shadowlands has been given away for free in the past as a promotion and will also be included in the base subscription when the next expansion, Dragonflight, is released. However, these promotional opportunities have expiration dates. The simplest answer is that Shadowlands becomes part of the base game once the next expansion comes out, meaning you only need a subscription to access it.
Let’s dive deeper into the specifics, eligibility, and other ways to access this content. The information will equip you with everything you need to know about accessing Shadowlands without paying extra, along with related details about World of Warcraft’s subscription model.
Understanding Shadowlands Free Access
The key takeaway is that the availability of Shadowlands for free hinges on two primary factors:
- Promotional Periods: Blizzard Entertainment occasionally offers past expansions for free to entice new or returning players. These promotions are time-limited, so it’s essential to stay informed about current offers. In the past, they’ve done so by granting a free copy of the Shadowlands Base Edition and a Level 50 Character Boost.
- Inclusion in Base Game: Once a new expansion launches (currently Dragonflight), the previous expansion (Shadowlands) is typically integrated into the base World of Warcraft subscription. This means that to play Shadowlands, you won’t need to purchase it separately – just maintain an active subscription.
How to Check for Free Shadowlands Access
- Battle.net Account: Log in to your Battle.net account on the website or through the Battle.net Desktop App.
- Check Account Status: Navigate to your game accounts and look for World of Warcraft. See if Shadowlands is already listed as part of your account entitlements.
- Look for Promotions: Keep an eye on the official World of Warcraft website, Battle.net news, and gaming news outlets for announcements about free expansion giveaways.
- Expansion Availability: Keep an eye on when Dragonflight is released, as this may make Shadowlands free as part of the base subscription.
Eligibility for Past Free Promotions
In past promotions, certain eligibility criteria had to be met:
- Previous Expansion License: Typically, you needed to have had any previous World of Warcraft expansion license attached to your account to qualify for a free copy of Shadowlands.
- Exclusion of Existing Owners: Players who already owned Shadowlands were not eligible for a free copy to gift to others.
Leveling and Shadowlands Content
- Level Squish: After the Shadowlands pre-patch, character levels were “squished,” making the maximum level 50. Shadowlands raised the level cap to 60.
- Leveling Without Shadowlands: You can level characters up to level 50 without owning the Shadowlands expansion.
- Shadowlands Content: To access Shadowlands zones, quests, and level 50-60 content, you needed to own the expansion or have an active subscription when Shadowlands was part of the base game.
Maximizing Your WoW Experience
Whether you obtain Shadowlands for free through promotions or via a subscription, be sure to make the most of your World of Warcraft journey. Take advantage of in-game events, explore the rich lore, and connect with other players. Remember that World of Warcraft is an ever-evolving game with regular content updates. Understanding how it all fits together can lead to a far more engaging play experience.
Games Learning Society fosters research into games and learning, so if you are looking to understand more about the educational aspects of games, check out GamesLearningSociety.org for some additional resources.
Shadowlands Free: FAQs
1. What happens if I don’t buy Shadowlands or get it free?
If you don’t buy Shadowlands or acquire it through a promotion, you can still access all content up to level 50. However, you won’t be able to progress beyond level 50 or explore Shadowlands zones. You may, however, be able to access Shadowlands if it is made part of the base subscription.
2. When will Shadowlands be added to the base World of Warcraft subscription?
Shadowlands is typically added to the base subscription when the next expansion, Dragonflight, is released. This means that you’ll be able to access the Shadowlands content as part of your regular subscription without needing to buy the expansion separately.
3. Can I reach level 60 without Shadowlands?
No, without Shadowlands, the level cap is 50. The Shadowlands expansion is required to progress to level 60. However, with the release of Dragonflight and Shadowlands’ integration into the base game, leveling to 60 should become possible for subscribers.
4. How can I play World of Warcraft for free?
You can play the modern World of Warcraft for free up to level 20. This allows you to experience the game, explore starter zones, and try out different classes. However, to progress beyond level 20 and access later content, you’ll need a subscription or game time.
5. I had a WoW subscription in the past. Am I eligible for a free copy of Shadowlands?
Eligibility for past free promotions depended on specific criteria, usually including having an expansion license on your account previously. Check your Battle.net account to see if Shadowlands has been added.
6. Where do I go to start the Shadowlands quests?
If you’re a Horde player, head to Orgrimmar. Alliance players should go to Stormwind. The quest, “Shadowlands: A Chilling Summons,” should appear as you approach Darion Mograine at Grommash Hold or Stormwind Keep, respectively. You’ll need to have completed the Battle for Azeroth introduction and earned the “Welcome to Zandalar” (Horde) / “Come Sail Away” (Alliance) achievement. Also, make sure you are at least level 10.
7. What is the maximum level in World of Warcraft now?
The maximum level in World of Warcraft is currently 70, with the release of Dragonflight.
8. What happens to my character if I don’t buy the latest expansion?
If you don’t buy the latest expansion (Dragonflight), your character will be limited to the maximum level of the previous expansion (60 if you own Shadowlands, or 50 if you don’t). You won’t be able to access the new zones, quests, or content introduced in the latest expansion.
9. How do I get to Oribos without doing the initial quests?
Mages can create portals to Oribos. Alternatively, there is a portal in the Stormwind Portal Room. Note that you typically need to be level 51 to start the main quests in Bastion.
10. Why is World of Warcraft still a subscription-based game?
World of Warcraft remains subscription-based to support ongoing content updates, server maintenance, and game development. Despite offering in-game purchases, the subscription model ensures a steady revenue stream for continuous improvement.
11. Can I buy game time without a recurring subscription?
Yes, you can purchase 60 days of game time from the Battle.net Shop without setting up a recurring subscription. You can use Battle.net Balance to pay.
12. What is the difference between game time and a subscription?
Game time provides a fixed amount of playtime (e.g., 60 days) without automatically renewing. A subscription is a recurring payment that automatically renews your game time each month (or other chosen interval). Subscriptions may offer exclusive rewards, like mounts.
13. Is World of Warcraft ever likely to become free-to-play?
While the game is free to play up to level 20, a complete shift to a free-to-play model is unlikely due to the ongoing development costs and the subscription model’s stability. Blizzard continually provides new content so they are likely to keep using the subscription model.
14. What are WoW Tokens, and how do they affect the game’s economy?
WoW Tokens are in-game items that can be purchased with real money or in-game gold. They can be redeemed for Battle.net Balance or 30 days of game time. WoW Token prices fluctuate based on factors such as gold supply, demand for Blizzard products, and major game releases.
15. Can I gift Shadowlands to a friend?
In the past, if you already owned Shadowlands, you could not obtain a free copy to gift to a friend. If it is part of the base game, then they will be able to play it through their normal subscription.