Did Threads of Fate Go Away? The Shadowlands Leveling System Explained
Yes, the Threads of Fate leveling system from the Shadowlands expansion of World of Warcraft is no longer available for new characters. Introduced as an alternative leveling path for alts, it allowed players to skip the main campaign storyline and level through world quests, dungeons, and other activities. With the launch of Dragonflight, Blizzard moved the Shadowlands quest experience into Chromie Time, rendering Threads of Fate obsolete for new characters. Characters who had already initiated Threads of Fate prior to Dragonflight were able to complete it.
What Happened to Threads of Fate?
The decision to remove Threads of Fate stemmed from the expansion of Chromie Time to include Shadowlands. Chromie Time allows players between levels 10 and 60 to level through any expansion’s content, effectively choosing their leveling experience. By including Shadowlands in Chromie Time, the necessity for a separate alternative leveling path like Threads of Fate diminished.
Essentially, players can now choose to level through the standard Shadowlands campaign via Chromie Time, making the “skip the story” functionality of Threads of Fate redundant. The entire Shadowlands questing experience is now integrated into the broader leveling journey. This shift allows for a more streamlined and consistent experience for new and returning players.
Why Was Threads of Fate Removed?
The primary reason for the removal was to consolidate the leveling experience and provide a more cohesive journey for players using Chromie Time. Previously, players had two options for Shadowlands leveling: the main campaign or Threads of Fate. Including Shadowlands in Chromie Time eliminates the confusion of choosing between two systems, ensuring a uniform leveling process for all.
Furthermore, this change simplifies the development process for Blizzard, allowing them to focus resources on maintaining and improving Chromie Time rather than supporting two separate leveling systems within the same expansion’s content.
What Are the Alternatives for Leveling Now?
With the removal of Threads of Fate, players have several options for leveling characters:
- Chromie Time: Leveling through any expansion’s content from levels 10 to 60. Choose your favorite expansion or the one that interests you the most.
- The Current Expansion: Directly leveling in the current expansion’s zones, starting with the new introductory quests and following the main storyline.
- Leveling Boosts: Using a character boost to instantly reach a higher level, typically a level close to the expansion’s cap.
- Recruit-A-Friend: Utilizing the Recruit-A-Friend bonus, which provides increased experience gains when leveling with a linked account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Threads of Fate and Shadowlands Leveling
Here are 15 frequently asked questions addressing common concerns and misconceptions about Threads of Fate and the current Shadowlands leveling situation:
1. Can I Still Access Threads of Fate on My Existing Characters?
If you had already started Threads of Fate on a character before the release of Dragonflight, you could continue and complete that playthrough. However, new characters no longer have the option to initiate Threads of Fate.
2. How Do I Level Through Shadowlands Now?
You can level through Shadowlands using Chromie Time. Talk to Chromie in Orgrimmar or Stormwind (depending on your faction) and select the Shadowlands timeline. This will scale the Shadowlands zones to your level, allowing you to complete the main campaign storyline.
3. Is There a Way to Skip the Shadowlands Campaign Now?
Yes, you can effectively skip the entire Shadowlands leveling campaign by leveling to 60 before ever entering the Shadowlands. Level through other expansions via Chromie Time, then jump straight into the current expansion’s content.
4. What Happens if I Enter Shadowlands Without Chromie Time?
If you’re above level 60 and enter Shadowlands without using Chromie Time, the content will not scale, and you won’t gain meaningful experience. It’s designed for players leveling between 10 and 60.
5. Can I Switch Back and Forth Between Chromie Time Timelines?
Yes, you can talk to Chromie again to choose a different timeline or opt out of Chromie Time entirely. However, be aware that any progress you made in one timeline might not carry over to another.
6. Is Leveling in Shadowlands Faster Now Than Before?
The speed of leveling in Shadowlands depends on your chosen method. The main campaign storyline is generally faster than the original Threads of Fate, especially for first-time players. Chromie Time offers more flexibility but might not be the fastest path for experienced levelers.
7. What Are the Benefits of Leveling Through Shadowlands?
Leveling through Shadowlands can be beneficial for several reasons:
- Story Completion: Experiencing the Shadowlands narrative and lore.
- Achievement Hunting: Completing achievements tied to Shadowlands zones and content.
- Cosmetic Rewards: Earning transmog sets, mounts, and other cosmetic items exclusive to Shadowlands.
8. Does the Leveling Experience in Dragonflight Affect Shadowlands Leveling?
No, the Dragonflight expansion does not directly affect the leveling experience within Shadowlands (when accessed through Chromie Time). However, any account-wide benefits or bonuses earned in Dragonflight will apply to all characters, including those leveling in Shadowlands.
9. How Do I Unlock Threads of Fate on New Game Plus (NG+)?
The Threads of Fate in-game feature being referenced is not related to the World of Warcraft Shadowlands’ Threads of Fate. The game, that is being referenced is not clear from the article provided.
10. What Was the Original Purpose of Threads of Fate?
Threads of Fate was introduced to provide an alternative leveling path for players who had already leveled one or more characters to max level in Shadowlands. It allowed them to skip the linear storyline and level through world quests, dungeons, and other activities, focusing on different aspects of the expansion.
11. Are There Any Class-Specific Benefits to Leveling in Shadowlands?
No, there are no specific class benefits tied directly to the Shadowlands leveling process. However, some classes may find certain zones or storylines more appealing based on their thematic or gameplay preferences.
12. Where Do I Go After Leveling Through Shadowlands?
After reaching level 60 through Chromie Time, you’ll be directed to the current expansion’s content, such as Dragonflight. You’ll receive a quest to begin the introductory quests and storyline for that expansion.
13. Did Dragonflight Remove Gendered Language in Character Creation?
Yes, in Dragonflight, Blizzard updated the character creation screen to use non-gendered language. Instead of selecting “male” or “female,” players now choose between “Body 1” and “Body 2,” promoting greater inclusivity and representation.
14. What Will Be Removed When Dragonflight Launches?
Specific seasonal rewards and achievements from the previous expansion (Shadowlands Season 4) were removed with the launch of Dragonflight. This includes the Slime Cat mount, the Heroic Jailer mount, and potentially the Veilstrider title and Feat of Strength.
15. Are the Primalists the Main Villains in Dragonflight?
Yes, the Primalists are the primary antagonists in the Dragonflight expansion. They are a faction of rogue proto-dragons and their mortal followers who reject the Titans’ influence and embrace the raw power of the elements.
Conclusion: The End of Threads of Fate, But Not the End of Choice
While the Threads of Fate system is no longer available for new characters, the core principle of player choice remains a central aspect of World of Warcraft’s leveling experience. With the expansion of Chromie Time, players have more freedom than ever to choose their leveling path and explore the vast world of Azeroth and beyond. Blizzard has made a conscious effort to enhance inclusivity and streamline the game experience, catering to both new and returning players. By making these changes, the game continues to evolve and be more welcoming to all players.
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