Can You Go to Shadowlands in Dragonflight? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can go to the Shadowlands in World of Warcraft: Dragonflight. While the focus of the game has shifted to the Dragon Isles, the gateway to the afterlife remains accessible for players who wish to revisit, complete content, or simply explore. This article will guide you on how to return to the Shadowlands, what you can expect there, and answer common questions you might have.
How to Return to the Shadowlands in Dragonflight
There are primarily two methods for heading back to the Shadowlands:
Portal Room Access
The quickest and easiest method for returning to Oribos is through the portal rooms located in Orgrimmar (for Horde players) and Stormwind (for Alliance players). These portals will directly transport you to Oribos, the central hub of the Shadowlands. If you have previously started the Shadowlands campaign and gained access to Oribos, this will be your most efficient method of travel.
Mage Portals
If you have a mage character in your party, they can create a Portal: Oribos, which will then allow all party members to quickly teleport to Oribos. This is an especially helpful method for groups of friends or guildmates who want to travel together.
What to Expect in the Shadowlands Post-Dragonflight
While Dragonflight is the current focus, the Shadowlands remains largely the same. You can still:
- Complete unfinished quests: All quests and storylines from the Shadowlands expansion remain available, including covenant campaigns and side quests.
- Access dungeons and raids: Shadowlands dungeons and raids are still accessible. You can use the group finder to search for groups or manually enter them through their respective portals.
- Engage with Covenants: You can still join and progress through the various covenants, earning renown, unlocking powers, and gaining access to soulbinds and conduits. However, it’s important to remember these benefits are mostly limited to Shadowlands content.
- Collect transmogs, mounts, and pets: The cosmetic rewards, mounts, and pets from Shadowlands content are still obtainable.
Flying in the Shadowlands
You can fly in the Shadowlands zones (Bastion, Maldraxxus, Ardenweald, Revendreth) and Zereth Mortis. To unlock flying, you need to complete the following:
- Reach 44 Renown with your chosen covenant.
- Complete all 9 chapters of the Covenant Campaign.
Once these steps are completed, you will be able to take to the skies of the Shadowlands.
Shadowlands Legendaries and Powers
It’s essential to note how the changes in Dragonflight affect Shadowlands Legendaries. Legendary powers will only function within the Shadowlands zones and content. They will not provide bonuses in legacy content outside of Shadowlands, or in new Dragonflight content. However, they will still work in returning Season 4 Mythic+ dungeons like Iron Docks and Grimrail Depot.
The Time Skip
The narrative between Shadowlands and Dragonflight includes a significant time skip of approximately 3 years. This time gap explains the changes in Azeroth and sets the stage for the events unfolding in the Dragon Isles. Keep this in mind when experiencing both expansions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need Shadowlands to play Dragonflight?
No, you do not need Shadowlands to play Dragonflight. The base game now includes all previous expansions, up to level 60. Dragonflight is sold as a separate purchase.
2. What level should my character be to go to the Shadowlands?
While you can enter The Maw at level 48+, you need to be level 51 to pick up the Bastion starting quest “Seek the Ascended” and progress through the Shadowlands storylines. For the Dragonflight intro questline you need to be level 60.
3. Can I solo Shadowlands dungeons and raids?
Yes, it is definitely possible to solo Shadowlands dungeons and raids, especially at higher item levels achieved in Dragonflight. However, some encounters might require a specific strategy or a burst damage approach to avoid resets.
4. Are the Fated Raids still available?
No, the Fated Raids from Shadowlands and their associated rewards are no longer available. This content was removed with the launch of Dragonflight.
5. Are Shadowlands Covenants removed?
No, Shadowlands covenants are still accessible. You can still join, gain renown, and access covenant-specific abilities, soulbinds, and conduits; but these only apply to Shadowlands content.
6. Can I level to 60 in Shadowlands if I only have the base game?
Yes, you can level to 60 in Shadowlands, even without purchasing Dragonflight. Alternatively, you can level in other zones like Battle for Azeroth through Chromie Time or by heading there directly.
7. Can I use the LFG tool for Shadowlands dungeons?
For Dragonflight players level 60 and higher, the LFG tool will primarily queue you for Dragonflight content. However, you can still use the tool to create a custom group for Shadowlands dungeons or manually enter them.
8. Why can’t I go to Oribos?
If you haven’t completed the Maw introductory sequence to unlock Oribos or are below level 51, you will not be able to access Oribos or the Bastion starting quest “Seek the Ascended”. Progress in your levelling and you will be able to go to the Shadowlands.
9. What happens if I finish the Dragonflight campaign?
Completing the Dragonflight campaign unlocks various rewards, including gold, experience, renown, loot, and access to certain recipes and consumables. It also sets the stage for future content and challenges in the Dragon Isles.
10. What are the benefits of returning to the Shadowlands?
Returning to the Shadowlands allows you to complete unfinished content, acquire transmog, mounts, pets, and experience the narrative that preceded Dragonflight. It also allows access to old raids and dungeons to unlock specific achievements.
11. Can I still earn Renown in the Shadowlands?
Yes, you can still earn Renown with your chosen Covenant. This will unlock cosmetic items and access to Covenant-specific abilities and items.
12. Does Dragonflight include all the previous expansions?
Yes, when you purchase a subscription or game time, you get access to the base World of Warcraft game, which includes all previous expansions up to level 60, but not Dragonflight itself.
13. How long after Shadowlands does Dragonflight take place?
The events of Dragonflight occur roughly three years after the events of the Shadowlands expansion.
14. What are some daily activities I can do after finishing the Dragonflight story?
Some daily activities include: Fighting for Honor, Collecting Mounts & Pets, Expanding Your Wardrobe, Achievement Hunting, Earning Renown, Working on Your Professions, Gearing Up, and Completing the Campaign.
15. Can I fly in all zones of the Shadowlands?
Yes, you can fly in all four covenant zones, once you have earned 44 renown and completed all 9 chapters of your covenant campaign.
Conclusion
Returning to the Shadowlands in Dragonflight is a relatively simple process, and the content remains largely unchanged, allowing you to experience it at your leisure. Whether you’re looking to complete unfinished quests, farm transmog, or simply revisit the zones, the Shadowlands are still accessible and ready for exploration. By understanding the mechanics of returning, flying, and the functionality of Shadowlands-specific powers and systems, you can seamlessly transition between the Dragon Isles and the realms of the afterlife.