Do I Get Shadowlands if I Buy Dragonflight? 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, buying Dragonflight does not automatically grant you access to Shadowlands. Shadowlands is now part of the base game subscription. When you subscribe to World of Warcraft, you get access to every expansion up to and including Shadowlands, which means you can level characters to 60 without purchasing the expansion separately.
Think of it like this: Dragonflight is the newest chapter in the World of Warcraft saga, and you need the book to read the newest chapter. However, with the subscription, you now have the complete set of previous chapters to get you up to speed.
Understanding World of Warcraft Expansion Ownership
The way World of Warcraft handles expansions can be a bit confusing for new and returning players. Historically, each expansion had to be purchased individually. However, Blizzard has evolved their model over time. Now, the base World of Warcraft subscription includes all expansions up to the most recent one. This means Shadowlands is now integrated into the standard subscription.
This is great news for new players or those returning after a break. You can jump straight into the game, experience all the previous content, and level up to 60 without any additional purchases beyond the subscription fee. To access level 60-70 content you will need to buy Dragonflight or whatever the newest expansion is.
Dragonflight: The Latest Chapter
Dragonflight, like past expansions, must be purchased separately. This purchase grants you access to the new zones, quests, dungeons, raids, and, most importantly, the ability to level your characters from 60 to 70.
So, if you’re aiming to explore the Dragon Isles and experience the newest content, buying Dragonflight is essential. But don’t worry about Shadowlands; your subscription has you covered.
Shadowlands Content After Dragonflight
Even though Shadowlands is now part of the base game, it’s still a significant part of the World of Warcraft experience. You can still access Shadowlands zones, dungeons, and raids, and even pursue achievements and transmogs.
The game provides several ways to travel back to the Shadowlands:
- Portal Rooms: Both Orgrimmar (for Horde) and Stormwind (for Alliance) have portal rooms containing portals to various zones, including Oribos, the main hub in the Shadowlands.
- Mage Portals: Mages can create portals to Oribos for themselves and their party members.
- Manual Travel: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can manually travel through the Maw to reach Oribos, although this is typically less efficient than using a portal.
Leveling in Shadowlands
While you can level up in various zones, many players still choose to level through Shadowlands, especially if they want to experience the story and unlock specific achievements or rewards. The Chromie Time system allows you to select a past expansion to level through from 10-60, and Shadowlands is one of the available options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Dragonflight and Shadowlands:
1. Will Shadowlands legendaries work in Dragonflight?
No, Shadowlands legendaries are only effective within Shadowlands zones. Once you venture into Dragonflight content, their powers will be inactive.
2. Can you level to 60 without Shadowlands?
Yes, you can! You can level using previous expansions via Chromie Time. BfA zones often provide faster leveling compared to older zones.
3. What happens to Shadowlands when Dragonflight comes out?
Shadowlands becomes part of the standard World of Warcraft subscription. You can still access all Shadowlands content, including dungeons, raids, and quests, but it is no longer the “current” content.
4. Can I go to Shadowlands in Dragonflight?
Yes, you can still travel to the Shadowlands. Use the portal rooms in Orgrimmar or Stormwind, or have a mage create a portal to Oribos.
5. Can you do Shadowlands dungeons in Dragonflight?
Yes, you can do Shadowlands dungeons. While the dungeon finder primarily focuses on Dragonflight dungeons for leveled characters, you can still create or join groups for Shadowlands dungeons using the Looking for Group tool or manually travel to the dungeon entrances.
6. Can you do Shadowlands raids in Dragonflight?
Yes, you can still do Shadowlands raids. However, soloing them can be challenging depending on your gear level. You may need to group up with other players to complete the raids effectively.
7. Is it worth buying Dragonflight now?
Yes, many players find Dragonflight to be a worthwhile expansion. It introduces new zones, classes, races and storylines to enjoy!
8. Should I level to 60 before Dragonflight?
Yes. You must be level 60 to begin the Dragonflight intro questline.
9. What happens when you finish the Dragonflight campaign?
Completing the Dragonflight campaign unlocks World Quests and other endgame activities in the Dragon Isles.
10. Can I still use Shadowlands abilities in Dragonflight?
No. Covenant abilities and other Shadowlands-specific powers are only active within Shadowlands zones.
11. Do I get a free month if I buy Dragonflight?
When purchasing the Epic Edition of Dragonflight you receive 30 days of gametime.
12. Is WoW worth getting back into Dragonflight?
Many players and critics have praised Dragonflight for its improvements to gameplay, story, and overall experience, making it a great time to return to World of Warcraft.
13. Will there be another WoW expansion after Dragonflight?
Yes, World of Warcraft will continue to evolve with new expansions. The next expansion will likely be announced sometime after Dragonflight has had a few major content patches.
14. What is getting removed with Dragonflight?
The most significant removal is the Fates of the Shadowlands Raids achievement and its associated rewards.
15. Why can’t I go to Oribos?
If you’re below level 51, you won’t be able to start the questline that leads to Oribos. Level up in other zones until you meet the level requirement.
The Educational Value of World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft, like many games, offers significant educational value. It promotes teamwork, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and even resource management. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explores the intersection of gaming and education, highlighting the potential of games as powerful learning tools.
Final Thoughts
While purchasing Dragonflight won’t give you Shadowlands, the good news is that you likely already have access to Shadowlands through your base subscription. Enjoy exploring Azeroth, the Shadowlands, and the Dragon Isles!