Do Covenants Exist in Dragonflight? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is: Yes, covenants still exist in Dragonflight, but their functionality is drastically different. They are no longer a core part of the leveling experience or end-game progression in the Dragon Isles. Instead, they remain as a legacy system within Shadowlands content. This means you can still engage with covenants, earn renown, unlock abilities, soulbinds, and transmogs, but these features are exclusively available in Shadowlands zones. Let’s delve deeper into the details.
Covenants in Dragonflight: The Basics
While the Dragonflight expansion introduces a new main storyline, the covenants established in the Shadowlands expansion remain active. However, their role is now confined to the Shadowlands zones. This means:
- You can still join a covenant if you haven’t already.
- You can continue to earn renown with your chosen covenant.
- You can access your covenant abilities, soulbinds, and conduits, but only within the Shadowlands content.
- You can change covenants, provided you meet certain requirements.
- You can earn covenant transmogs, mounts, and other cosmetic rewards.
Essentially, the covenant system is treated as a historical feature in Dragonflight, providing a means for players to finish any unfinished business they might have in the Shadowlands, but it does not impact gameplay in the Dragon Isles or any Dragonflight content. This separation is a key distinction to understand.
Why Covenants Aren’t Relevant in Dragonflight’s Content
With the arrival of Dragonflight, the focus has shifted to the Dragon Isles and the new talent systems. This has resulted in some key changes.
- Covenant Abilities Disabled: Your Covenant abilities will be disabled when you’re outside of Shadowlands content, effectively removing them from your gameplay in Dragonflight.
- Legendary Items Disabled: Along with covenant abilities, Shadowlands legendary items are disabled in Dragonflight. The power fantasy of these systems is not part of Dragonflight’s gameplay.
- Talent System Replaces Covenant Power: Instead of covenant-granted powers, the Dragonflight talent system gives you a brand new avenue for character customization and power progression.
These changes are meant to give players a clean slate, and ensure that no matter how much or little you engaged with the covenants, you’ll be equally powered up in the Dragon Isles.
Covenant Systems: Legacy Features
Although they’re not integrated into the Dragon Isles experience, covenants provide continued cosmetic and completionist value for players. You can still:
- Earn transmog sets: Each covenant has its unique armor sets, which can be unlocked by achieving Renown 80 with the corresponding covenant. This set must be the preferred armor type for the character that obtained it.
- Unlock mounts and pets: Completing covenant objectives still allows you to obtain cosmetic rewards, providing an alternative avenue for collectors.
- Finish story content: If you missed the Shadowlands story, you can still go back and experience it at your own pace, including the covenant campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Covenants in Dragonflight
Here are 15 FAQs to help clarify the situation further:
1. Can I Join Covenants in Dragonflight?
Yes, you can still join covenants if you haven’t already. You’ll still start in Bastion, and progress through Maldraxxus, Ardenweald, and Revendreth before being able to pick one of the four covenants.
2. How Do I Change Covenants in Dragonflight?
Changing covenants is possible by speaking to the covenant emissary in Oribos. This process has not changed. However, it is important to know that you can instantly change back if you have reached Renowned status by hitting Renown 80 with at least one of the four covenants on your account.
3. What Happens to My Covenant Abilities in Dragonflight Pre-Patch?
Your covenant abilities will override talents if both have the same spell, however, covenant abilities are disabled outside of Shadowlands content. You won’t be able to use covenant abilities on the Dragon Isles or in any other areas outside of the Shadowlands.
4. Will My Legendaries Still Work in Dragonflight?
No, legendary items from Shadowlands are disabled in Dragonflight. This power is replaced by the new talent system. The set bonuses on class armor from Shadowlands still show as active, but the increased item level from new gear will soon make them obsolete.
5. Are Covenants Worth Switching In Dragonflight Pre-Expansion Patch?
It depends on what you’re after. If you want to unlock transmogs, mounts, or story progression for other covenants, it’s absolutely worth it. If you only want to maximize your power in the Dragon Isles, switching is not necessary.
6. Why Can’t I Use My Covenant Abilities Outside Shadowlands Content?
Covenant abilities are disabled outside of Shadowlands content as part of the transition to Dragonflight. This was done to ensure a clear separation between the two expansions and to make the Dragonflight talent system the primary source of player power.
7. Do I Lose Renown If I Switch Covenants?
Yes, you do not keep Renown progress when switching covenants. Anything you have unlocked on the previous Covenant will not convert to the new one. This includes Renown, covenant abilities, appearances, soulbinds, mounts, titles, and sanctum upgrades.
8. Can I Get Other Covenant Armor Sets in Dragonflight?
Yes, you can. The covenant armor set must be the preferred armor type for the character that obtained it, and you must have Renown 80 on that specific covenant with the same character that obtained it.
9. What Are the 4 Covenants in Shadowlands?
The four covenants are:
- Kyrian Covenant
- Necrolord Covenant
- Night Fae Covenant
- Venthyr Covenant
10. Can I Still Get Covenant Transmogs in Dragonflight?
Yes, you can. You just need to have Renown 80 on each covenant you want to use stuff from.
11. Which Covenant Is Best for Evoker?
For Preservation Evoker in Mythic+, the Night Fae Covenant is generally considered the best. However, with covenant abilities disabled in Dragonflight content, this no longer matters on the Dragon Isles.
- Night Fae Covenant Ability: Boon of the Covenants – Provides a nice health pot + versatility increase.
- Signature Ability: Soulshape – Great for mobility.
- Best Preservation Evoker Mythic+ Soulbind: Dreamweaver.
12. Will Shadowlands Be Free After Dragonflight?
Yes, with the release of the Dragonflight pre-patch, Shadowlands is now included as part of the base subscription. There is no need to purchase it separately.
13. How Do I Unlock Covenants?
You’ll start in Bastion, and progress through Maldraxxus, Ardenweald, and finally Revendreth. Once you complete this story arc and reach level 60, you’ll be able to align with one of the four Covenants.
14. Do I Still Need to Buy Shadowlands if I Buy Dragonflight?
No, you no longer need to purchase Shadowlands separately. It’s bundled with the base game and included in your subscription.
15. Can I level past 60 without Dragonflight?
No, you cannot level past 60 without owning the Dragonflight expansion.
Conclusion
In summary, covenants are still accessible in Dragonflight, but their impact is limited to the Shadowlands zones. They no longer play a role in the gameplay of the Dragon Isles. This change allows you to focus on the new talent system and Dragonflight content without feeling obligated to engage with the older system. You can still collect transmogs and experience the stories, but your power will be centered on the new Dragon Isles content. Happy adventuring!