Can I Get to Level 70 Without Buying Dragonflight?
The short, direct answer is: no, you cannot reach level 70 in World of Warcraft without purchasing the Dragonflight expansion. While you can play World of Warcraft with a subscription alone, the level cap without Dragonflight is level 60. The Dragonflight expansion is required to access the content that allows you to advance beyond level 60 and reach the current maximum level of 70. This limitation is not just a matter of content; the game’s mechanics are intentionally set up so experience gain stops at level 60 without the expansion. This means that, despite your efforts, you will not be able to progress further.
The Level Cap: Understanding the Limitations
The level cap in World of Warcraft has changed with various expansions. Previously, the Shadowlands expansion lowered the level cap to 60. Dragonflight raised the cap again to 70. The game is designed so that experience earned beyond level 60 is only applied if you have the Dragonflight expansion registered to your account. Without it, you are effectively stuck at the previous maximum level of 60. This is because leveling content, quests, and world interactions are gated behind the latest expansion. The game will clearly communicate this through the user interface by showing that you are at the experience cap.
What Happens When You Reach Level 60 Without Dragonflight
If you reach level 60 and do not have the Dragonflight expansion, you will stop gaining experience. The experience bar will no longer fill up as you complete quests or defeat enemies. You will be able to continue playing with your level 60 character, but you won’t be able to access Dragonflight zones, quests, or content. This includes features like World Quests, Renown systems, and Adventure Mode for alts that are crucial to enjoying the full end-game experience of Dragonflight.
The Dragonflight Experience: Essential Content
Furthermore, accessing the Dragon Isles and the Dragonflight storyline requires purchasing the expansion. The entire Dragonflight campaign is built for levels 60 to 70. Completing this campaign is crucial for unlocking access to essential parts of the game at level 70, including:
- World Quests: These are a core component of end-game content, providing rewards and gear.
- Renown: This system allows you to earn reputation with Dragonflight factions, unlocking more rewards and cosmetic items.
- Adventure Mode for Alts: This allows alternate characters to progress faster through the Dragon Isles.
Without purchasing Dragonflight, you will miss out on all this content, hindering your overall game progress and enjoyment.
Why Buying Dragonflight is Necessary
Essentially, the Dragonflight expansion isn’t just a collection of new areas and quests. It’s the next chapter in the game’s ongoing story and the gateway to the current maximum level and end-game content. Level 70 content and the associated progression are exclusively within the Dragonflight content. Without it, you are limited to the previous expansion’s content and level cap. It’s a deliberate design choice by Blizzard to encourage players to continue investing in the game and ensuring a consistent and cohesive game experience for the player base.
Is Dragonflight Worth the Investment?
Whether or not Dragonflight is “worth it” is subjective. However, for players seeking to fully participate in the latest World of Warcraft end-game content, Dragonflight is absolutely necessary. It provides new zones to explore, new stories to experience, and new challenges to conquer, making it a crucial purchase for anyone dedicated to the current state of World of Warcraft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the current level cap in World of Warcraft?
The current level cap in World of Warcraft is level 70. This level cap was implemented with the release of the Dragonflight expansion.
2. Can I play the Dracthyr Evoker without Dragonflight?
You can play a Dracthyr Evoker during a trial period, but to continue playing this race and class beyond the trial, you must purchase the Dragonflight expansion.
3. Do I need a subscription to play World of Warcraft?
Yes, a subscription or game time is required to play World of Warcraft, in addition to owning the latest expansion for the newest content.
4. Can I play Dragonflight content without buying it?
No, if you wish to access the Dragonflight content, including leveling to 70 and exploring the Dragon Isles, you must purchase the Dragonflight expansion.
5. What happens if I reach level 60 and don’t have Dragonflight?
If you reach level 60 without Dragonflight, you will stop gaining experience. You will remain at level 60 and not be able to access any Dragonflight content.
6. Do I need to purchase previous expansions to play Dragonflight?
No, you do not need to purchase previous expansions. Dragonflight is sold as a stand-alone expansion. It includes all previous expansions but the content and max level available without Dragonflight will remain at that content’s cap of level 60.
7. Can I level past 60 without Dragonflight?
No, you cannot level past 60 without upgrading your account to the Dragonflight expansion. The game is designed this way to ensure you have access to the most recent content.
8. Is World of Warcraft a free-to-play game?
No, World of Warcraft is not a free-to-play game. It requires a subscription and the latest expansion to fully access its content.
9. Do I need to buy “World of Warcraft” before Dragonflight?
No, you don’t need to buy “World of Warcraft” separately. The game is included with all previous expansion content. You only need to purchase the latest expansion (Dragonflight) to access new content.
10. Does buying Dragonflight give you game time?
Some editions of Dragonflight, like the Epic Edition, include 30 days of game time upon purchase. However, this game time is added immediately and cannot be paused or stopped.
11. What are the benefits of reaching Level 70 in Dragonflight?
Reaching level 70 unlocks access to end-game content, including heroic dungeons, raids, World Quests, Renown systems, and Adventure Mode for your alts.
12. How long does it take to level from 60 to 70?
Leveling from 60 to 70 in Dragonflight typically takes around 4 hours if you follow an efficient leveling path. However, this can vary based on play style and time spent in dungeons.
13. Is it safe to buy WoW gold?
Buying WoW gold from third parties is not officially endorsed by Blizzard and can lead to account penalties. However, some services claim to be safe by utilizing hand-farmed gold. It’s important to exercise caution if considering purchasing gold.
14. What was the max level before Dragonflight?
Before the Dragonflight expansion, the max level was 60, set by the Shadowlands expansion, after they lowered it from 120 to 50.
15. What is the fastest way to level in Dragonflight?
Dungeon runs are typically the fastest and most efficient way to level up in World of Warcraft Dragonflight. A stable and reliable group will ensure efficiency.