Can I Skip the Shadowlands Campaign? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, you absolutely can skip parts, or even the entirety, of the Shadowlands campaign under certain circumstances. The methods for skipping vary depending on whether it’s your first character going through the expansion or an alt, and also depend on how far into the campaign you’ve already progressed. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of how to skip the Shadowlands campaign, the benefits of doing so, and the associated caveats.
Understanding the Shadowlands Campaign
Before diving into the skip mechanics, it’s essential to understand what the Shadowlands campaign entails. This campaign is the main storyline of the Shadowlands expansion, taking players through the four Covenant zones: Bastion, Maldraxxus, Ardenweald, and Revendreth. Players normally level from 50 to 60 by progressing through this storyline. Once you reach level 60, you are then able to choose one of the Covenants which dictates where you will spend the end-game.
Why Skip the Campaign?
There are several compelling reasons why players might choose to skip the Shadowlands campaign:
- Alt Leveling Efficiency: Veteran players leveling alts often find repeating the entire storyline tedious and time-consuming. Skipping allows for faster leveling through alternative methods.
- Avoiding Redundancy: After experiencing the story on a main character, some players prefer to jump straight into endgame content on their alts.
- Focusing on Specific Content: Players might want to prioritize certain activities like PvP, dungeons, or raiding, rather than being tied to the campaign progression.
Methods for Skipping the Shadowlands Campaign
The method available depends on several factors.
Leveling to 60 Before Shadowlands
If you level to level 60 before ever entering the Shadowlands, you bypass the leveling campaign entirely. This can be achieved by leveling in other expansions using Chromie Time.
Skipping the Intro Questline
When you initially receive the quest “Shadowlands: A Chilling Summons” in your capital city (Orgrimmar or Stormwind), you have the option to skip the intro questline. Speak to Nazgrim (Horde) or High Inquisitor Whitemane (Alliance) and choose the option indicating you wish to skip the intro.
Alt Skips After Initial Campaign Progress
For alt characters, after completing the first three chapters of the Shadowlands campaign on your main character, you can access a skip feature. In Oribos, talk to Tal-Inara near the Enclave. This allows you to bypass the remaining campaign quests and jump directly into endgame activities.
Zereth Mortis Skip (Patch 9.2)
If you’ve completed the first three chapters of the Zereth Mortis storyline on your main, you can talk to Tal-Inara in Oribos on your alts to skip directly to Chapter 4. This unlockes Pocopoc.
Caveats and Considerations
While skipping the Shadowlands campaign can be efficient, there are a few caveats to consider:
- Endgame Unlocks: Completing the campaign is essential for unlocking all endgame features, especially on your first character. Skipping on your first character will hinder your access to important features, so it is not advised.
- Covenant Selection: You still need to choose a covenant at level 60.
- Story Understanding: Skipping will result in missing out on the story. If you care about lore, it might be better to only skip on alts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of skipping the Shadowlands campaign:
1. Do I have to complete the Shadowlands campaign?
No, you don’t have to complete the Shadowlands campaign, especially on alt characters. However, completing it on at least one character unlocks important endgame features and provides a deeper understanding of the storyline.
2. Do I have to finish the Shadowlands campaign to play Dragonflight?
No. Dragonflight is it’s own expansion.
3. Can you skip the Covenant campaign in Shadowlands?
While you can skip the initial leveling campaign, you cannot skip entire Covenant campaigns. However, you can skip the first two chapters of the Covenant campaign on alts if you’ve completed them on your main.
4. How long is the Shadowlands Covenant campaign?
Each Covenant campaign is structured into eight chapters, with each chapter being unlocked by reaching specific Renown levels. Each chapter can be completed in roughly 30-40 minutes depending on class, gear, and gameplay style.
5. What level should I start the Shadowlands campaign?
The Shadowlands campaign is designed to be started at level 50. However, you can level past 50, even to 60, before starting the campaign.
6. How do you skip the Shadowlands campaign if you’ve already started it?
If you’ve already started the campaign, complete the first three chapters. Then, speak to Tal-Inara in Oribos to access the skip option for your alts.
7. Is there a time skip between Shadowlands and Dragonflight?
Yes, there’s a significant time skip. Shadowlands started in year 35, lasted two years, and then there was a three-year gap before Dragonflight in year 40.
8. Do I have to complete the Dragonflight campaign?
No, the Dragonflight campaign is not mandatory. However, completing it unlocks World Quests and adventure mode, making alt leveling and gearing easier. You can learn more about education in gaming and how these systems are designed at the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
9. Is there a way to skip the Covenant campaign completely?
No, there is no way to skip the Covenant campaign entirely. However, you can skip certain parts on alts after completing them on your main character.
10. What happens after the Covenant campaign?
Once you complete the Covenant campaign, the main storyline for that Covenant concludes. Additional quests and activities may become available, but the campaign tracker may temporarily disappear.
11. Does Covenant choice matter in Shadowlands?
Yes, your Covenant choice significantly impacts your gameplay and performance, as it provides unique abilities and soulbinds.
12. What level can you skip the Shadowlands campaign?
You can skip the Shadowlands campaign if you’ve leveled to 60 before entering the Shadowlands or have completed the necessary chapters on a main character to unlock the alt skip.
13. What is the last campaign in Shadowlands?
The last major campaign in Shadowlands is the Zereth Mortis campaign (Patch 9.2), which concludes the expansion’s main storyline by focusing on Zovaal the Jailer.
14. How fast can you complete the Covenant campaign?
You can complete each of the eight chapters in roughly 30-40 minutes. This brings the campaign completion time to roughly 4-5 hours.
15. Can you solo Shadowlands raids in Dragonflight?
While possible, soloing Shadowlands raids entirely in Dragonflight can be challenging, especially the later raids like the Sepulcher of the First Ones. The difficulty will vary based on your class, gear, and skill level.
Skipping the Shadowlands campaign offers a streamlined approach for alt leveling and focusing on specific content. Consider your priorities and game goals before making a decision.