Can You Use Covenant Abilities Outside of Shadowlands? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is no. Once you venture outside the Shadowlands zones, including when you step into Dragonflight, your Covenant Abilities and Legendaries crafted during the Shadowlands expansion are disabled. This was a deliberate design choice by Blizzard to prevent the stacking of power from previous expansions and to allow for fresh gameplay and balance within new content. Think of it as packing away your old toys to make room for the shiny new ones! Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case and answer some frequently asked questions.
The End of Borrowed Power: Why Covenants Were Sunsetted
The Covenant system – comprised of choosing a Covenant (Kyrian, Necrolord, Night Fae, or Venthyr), acquiring Covenant Abilities, forging Soulbinds, and empowering yourself with Conduits – was a central mechanic in the Shadowlands expansion. This system was designed as “borrowed power”, meaning it was specific to that expansion and not intended to carry over indefinitely.
Blizzard has repeatedly stated their commitment to avoiding endless power creep. Each expansion brings its own unique systems. Keeping old systems active alongside new ones would eventually lead to characters becoming overwhelmingly powerful, making content trivial and undermining the design of new class talents and abilities. The disabling of Covenant abilities outside of Shadowlands content is a core example of how Blizzard balances the game’s progression.
The decision to disable Covenant abilities and legendaries was implemented with the Dragonflight pre-patch. This meant that even before stepping foot on the Dragon Isles, players noticed their Covenant powers fading as soon as they left Shadowlands zones. This clear separation allowed for a smoother transition into the new expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 common questions and answers regarding Covenant abilities and their functionality outside of the Shadowlands:
Will Covenant Abilities Work in Dragonflight?
No, Covenant Abilities will not work in Dragonflight outside of Shadowlands content. This is a key part of the expansion’s design.
Will Covenant Abilities Work in Dragonflight PvP?
No, and they shouldn’t! Covenant abilities will be disabled in all Dragonflight PvP content. The removal of these abilities helps maintain a balanced and fair competitive environment.
How Do I Access My Covenant Abilities Within Shadowlands?
To preview your Covenant Abilities, you can talk to each Covenant Ambassador during the quest “Choosing Your Purpose”. You can temporarily regain access to your Covenant abilities to test them out.
Are Covenant Abilities Completely Removed From the Game?
No, Covenant Abilities are not completely removed, but they are restricted to Shadowlands zones. You can still access them while playing through Shadowlands content or returning to those zones for specific activities.
How Do I Change My Covenant Ability?
Changing Covenants is as simple as talking to an NPC. There are no quests to complete, and the change is instantaneous. Simply go to Oribos and consult the leader of the Covenant you want to join.
Can You Use Shadowlands Covenant Abilities in Dragonflight Zones?
Absolutely not. As stated before, Covenant Abilities and Legendaries WILL NOT WORK outside of Shadowlands content, meaning as soon as you cross into the Dragon Isles, these powers are disabled.
Can You Use Shadowlands Covenants at All in Dragonflight?
Yes, you can technically still join and interact with the Covenants. However, their powers and bonuses are strictly limited to Shadowlands content only. Think of it as reliving old content for nostalgic reasons, not for power gains in Dragonflight.
Will Covenants Be Removed in Dragonflight?
No, Covenants are not removed from the game. You can still join them, earn renown, and gain Covenant-specific cosmetic rewards, but their gameplay effects are disabled outside of Shadowlands zones.
Will Covenant Abilities Work in the Dragonflight Pre-Patch?
Covenants, Soulbinds, and Conduits will function, but only in Shadowlands zones and content. Even the Evokers, the new class in Dragonflight, had Covenant-like abilities added specifically for the pre-patch.
What Are the 4 Covenants in Shadowlands?
The four Covenants in Shadowlands are:
- Kyrian Covenant
- Necrolord Covenant
- Night Fae Covenant
- Venthyr Covenant
What Happens to Covenant Abilities in Dragonflight Pre-Patch?
Covenant Abilities will be disabled outside Shadowlands content in the pre-patch. This means you can only use them in Shadowlands zones. If you have both a talent and a Covenant Ability that are the same, the Covenant Ability will take precedence within Shadowlands.
How Do I Get My Covenant Abilities Back?
To preview your Covenant Abilities, talk to each Covenant Ambassador during the quest “Choosing Your Purpose”. Select the option to test the Covenant abilities again to temporarily regain them.
Can I Upgrade My Covenant Legendary?
The Legendary belt’s item level is final and cannot be upgraded past item level 265. It’s designed as a stepping stone, not a permanent endgame item.
Can I Join All Covenants?
You can only be actively aligned with one Covenant at a time. However, once you achieve Renown 80 with a Covenant, you can freely switch back to it without losing progress.
Why Does Dragonflight Require Shadowlands?
Typically, new expansions require ownership of the previous expansion. As time passes, Blizzard often bundles previous expansions into the base game.
Continued Covenant Engagement: Cosmetics and Lore
While Covenant powers are gone in Dragonflight, players can still engage with the Covenant system for cosmetic rewards. Armor sets, mounts, and other cosmetic items associated with each Covenant can still be earned by players who wish to return to the Shadowlands and complete content.
The lore surrounding the Covenants also remains an integral part of the game’s history. Players who enjoyed the story and characters of the Shadowlands can revisit the zones and quests to continue experiencing that narrative.
Shifting Focus: Dragonflight’s New Systems
With the departure of Covenant abilities, Dragonflight introduces a new suite of systems designed to empower player characters. The revamped talent trees allow for greater customization and build diversity. The Dragonriding mechanic adds a new layer of exploration and gameplay, while the profession system has been significantly overhauled.
These new systems ensure that players have plenty of options for character progression and customization in Dragonflight, without relying on the borrowed power of previous expansions.
Borrowed Power and the Future of WoW
The decision to sunset Covenant abilities highlights Blizzard’s approach to handling power progression in World of Warcraft. By focusing on expansion-specific systems, they aim to keep the game fresh, balanced, and engaging for all players. While some players may miss their Covenant abilities, the overall health of the game benefits from this cyclical approach to power. The Games Learning Society emphasizes the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking within gaming environments.
Conclusion
While the era of wielding Covenant Abilities outside of the Shadowlands is over, the memories and rewards of the Shadowlands expansion live on. The focus now shifts to embracing the new opportunities and challenges presented by Dragonflight, with its revamped systems and exciting content. So, pack away your Covenant powers, spread your wings, and soar into the Dragon Isles! The future of Azeroth awaits.
Learn more about gaming and learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.