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Can You Skip Into the Maw? A Comprehensive Guide

The Maw, a nightmarish zone in World of Warcraft’s Shadowlands expansion, has been a point of contention for many players. Its oppressive atmosphere, challenging mobs, and the constant sense of being hunted made it a memorable, though not always pleasant, experience. The question many players ask, especially those with multiple characters, is: Can you skip into the Maw? The short answer is yes, but with caveats. This article will delve deep into the specifics of skipping the Maw intro, what it means, and answer all your burning questions.

Skipping the Maw Intro: The Basics

The initial introduction to the Shadowlands requires every character to travel through the Maw, a perilous realm ruled by the Jailer. However, Blizzard implemented a way to bypass this grueling sequence for subsequent characters. Here’s a breakdown:

First Character Rule: Your first character venturing into the Shadowlands must complete the full Maw introduction. There is no way around this. This serves as a vital introduction to the expansion’s story and mechanics.
Skip Option for Alts: Once you have completed the Maw intro on your first character, all other characters (your alts) can skip the initial Maw questline.
How to Skip: To skip the Maw intro on an alt, you’ll typically find a dialog option with the quest giver. For Horde players, this will be Nazgrim in Orgrimmar. For players already in the Maw who wish to skip it, they can talk to Jaina inside the initial cave, who will offer a skip option.
What Happens When You Skip: Instead of escaping the Maw, your character will be transported directly outside of Oribos, the main hub city of the Shadowlands. From there, you can begin the standard covenant leveling experience and make your covenant choice.
Level Requirement: It’s crucial to note that the skip is typically available for characters at level 50 or higher. Even though you receive the initial quest at level 48, you cannot skip the intro until level 50.

What You Miss When Skipping the Maw Intro

Skipping the intro does mean missing out on some minor experience points and a portion of the storyline. However:

No major rewards are lost. The gear from the initial intro isn’t crucial for progression, making this skip relatively painless.
You do not miss out on any necessary progression or story-related quests. Skipping simply fast-tracks you to the covenant zones.
The time saved is usually more beneficial for alts than the minimal rewards gained.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further clarify and address common concerns, here are 15 frequently asked questions about skipping the Maw intro:

1. Can I Skip Major Cutscenes?

No, you cannot skip major cutscenes in World of Warcraft. The game only allows you to skip cutscenes you have viewed previously. The initial Maw intro cutscenes are considered “major” and therefore unskippable for your first character.

2. What if I Skip the Maw Intro on an Alt Already in The Maw?

If your alt is already in the Maw, simply look for **Jaina inside the initial cave.** She will have a dialog option to skip the intro and send you to Oribos.

3. How do I Re-Enter the Maw After Skipping The Intro?

 The **Knights of the Ebon Blade** now maintain **death gates to the Maw** in each faction's main city, **Orgrimmar** for Horde, and **Stormwind** for Alliance.

4. Why is The Maw So Difficult?

The Maw is intentionally designed to be a difficult zone with **high mob density**, the **Jailer's influence**, **tough mobs**, and **no mount access** within the main zone. This contributes to its oppressive and challenging atmosphere.

5. How Long is the Initial Maw Introduction?

The initial Maw introduction typically takes around **30 minutes to an hour** to complete. This timeframe can vary based on individual playstyle and level of familiarity with the game.

6. At what Level Can You Skip the Maw Intro?

You can skip the Maw intro for your alt characters starting at level 50. Even though the intro quest is available at 48, you can’t use the skip option until level 50.

7. Can I Skip the Entire Shadowlands Campaign and Go Directly to Korthia?

 Yes. You must complete the **first three quests for Venari**, return to **Bolvar**, then to your **covenant sanctum** to unlock soulbinds. After you talk with Bolvar again, **he will allow you to skip directly to Korthia.**

8. How Often Do Covenant Assaults Happen in The Maw?

Each covenant assault lasts for half a week in a specific zone in the Maw. The rotation is completed every two weeks.

9. What Quests Unlock The Maw?

The Maw is initially unlocked by completing the Shadowlands introductory questline in Oribos. Further quests within the Maw are available as part of the Shadowlands campaign.

10. How often does Wrath of the Jailer Event Happen?

The Wrath of the Jailer event alternates every hour with the Tormentors event. This provides a regular chance to engage in these specific events within the Maw.

11. How Often Do Hunts Happen in The Maw?

Beastwarrens Hunts occur on a bi-weekly lockout. There are 4 types of Hunts, each one appearing once every 2 weeks.

12. Can I Avoid Being Hunted in the Maw?

Once you are **hunted in the Maw**, your progress for that day is basically over. You must **leave for the day** and return the next day. The hunt will reset the following day.

13. What Are Lost Souls in the Maw, and Where Can I Find Them?

The quest for lost souls can be completed very quickly if you stand at 38, 40 in The Maw, near the furnace. DPS the soul rocks that spawn, and the souls will appear nearby.

14. Why Can’t I Skip the Maw on a Level 48 Character?

While the introductory quest is given at level 48, you must reach level 50 to activate the skip dialog option. This is a deliberate design decision.

15. Does Skipping the Maw Affect My Renown?

Skipping the Maw introduction on alts does not affect your renown level. You start with zero renown regardless, and gain it from completing subsequent quests in the Covenant zones.

Conclusion

The ability to skip the Maw intro is a significant quality-of-life improvement for World of Warcraft players. It allows them to jump straight into the core content of the Shadowlands expansion on their alternate characters, saving time and frustration. While the initial journey through the Maw is a necessary part of the game for the first character, the flexibility for alts is a welcome addition that streamlines the leveling process and ensures players can spend more time enjoying the content they prefer. So, the next time you’re thinking of leveling an alt, remember that skipping the Maw is a convenient option available to you.

Can you skip into the maw?