Do I Lose My Renown If I Switch Covenants in World of Warcraft?
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Let’s cut straight to the chase: No, you do not lose your earned Renown if you switch Covenants in World of Warcraft: Shadowlands. Think of it like changing your clothes; your progress isn’t erased, it’s simply tucked away until you decide to wear that outfit (Covenant) again. However, it’s absolutely crucial to understand the nuances involved so you can make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary headaches. Let’s dive into the specifics.
When you switch Covenants, the Renown you earned with your previous Covenant remains intact. If you decide to return to that Covenant later, you’ll find your Renown level exactly where you left it. The challenge lies in the fact that you begin at Renown 1 with your new Covenant. This means embarking on a new journey to catch up and unlock all the associated rewards, abilities, and cosmetic items.
While you don’t lose Renown, it’s fair to say you’re starting over in terms of active progress. You’ll need to engage with the new Covenant’s content, complete weekly quests, and participate in relevant activities to increase your Renown and reap the benefits. This is where catch-up mechanics and strategic planning become your best friends. The good news is, Blizzard implemented several systems designed to accelerate the Renown-earning process, especially for players switching Covenants or leveling alts.
Understanding these systems is key to a smooth transition. For example, items like the Broker Mark of Distinction provide an immediate boost to Renown 40, significantly reducing the time investment required to become competitive. Additionally, once you’ve reached Renown 80 on any character, catch-up mechanics become account-wide, making it even easier for subsequent characters to level up their Renown.
Effectively, you’re maintaining a “portfolio” of Renown levels across all Covenants. You simply need to manage each one independently. Strategic use of catch-up items, efficient gameplay, and a clear understanding of how Renown is earned are vital for optimizing your Covenant-switching experience. Embrace the change, plan your approach, and enjoy the flexibility offered by the Covenant system!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Renown and Covenant Switching
How do I catch up on Renown after switching Covenants?
Several methods are available to accelerate your Renown gain with a new Covenant. The most direct approach is purchasing a Renown catch-up item, such as the Broker Mark of Distinction, which immediately boosts your Renown to a specific level (usually Renown 40). Beyond this initial boost, you can earn Renown through:
- Weekly Quests: Each Covenant offers two weekly quests (typically “Replenish the Reservoir” and “Shaping Fate”) that reward substantial Renown.
- Campaign Quests: Progressing through the Covenant campaign chapters grants Renown at various stages.
- End-Game Activities: Participating in activities like dungeons, raids, Torghast, and world quests offers a chance to earn Renown, especially when behind.
Prioritize these activities to efficiently increase your Renown level.
Do I lose my Conduits when I switch Covenants?
No, you do not lose your Conduits when switching Covenants. You retain all the Conduits you’ve collected and upgraded. However, Conduits are associated with your Soulbinds. When you switch, you’ll need to assign your Conduits to your new Covenant’s Soulbinds. It is advisable to have several different conduits to fill the slots.
What is the penalty for switching Covenants in WoW?
The “penalty” is primarily the time investment required to catch up on Renown and re-establish your Covenant progress. There is no other explicit punishment. You’ll need to complete the new Covenant’s campaign, unlock its features, and earn its unique rewards. However, if you have reached Renown 80 and completed the storyline once, you can skip the introduction to the soulbinds in said covenant with a new character. This saves time and allows you to progress faster.
How do I skip the Covenant campaign after switching Covenants?
You cannot skip the entire Covenant campaign. However, if at least one character on your account has completed chapters one and two of their relevant covenant’s questline, it is possible to skip only those two chapters on an alternative character. This provides a small time-saving advantage for subsequent characters.
What happens to Anima when I switch Covenants?
Anima remains within the Covenant you earned it with. Switching Covenants does not transfer Anima. Therefore, you’ll need to start collecting Anima for your new Covenant to upgrade its Sanctum and unlock associated features. Be prepared to grind for Anima in your new Covenant.
Do I keep Renown if I return to a previous Covenant?
Yes! This is a critical point. When you return to a Covenant you were previously a member of, your Renown level will be exactly as you left it. You don’t have to start from scratch. This allows you to freely switch between Covenants without losing your progress.
What happens to Renown after 80?
Reaching Renown 80 on a character unlocks account-wide catch-up mechanics. This makes it significantly easier for alts or characters switching Covenants to quickly gain Renown. The Covenant-specific features, such as sanctum upgrades and cosmetic rewards, still need to be earned within each respective Covenant, even after achieving Renown 80.
How do I increase my Renown to 40 quickly?
The fastest way to reach Renown 40 is by purchasing the Broker Mark of Distinction from a vendor in Oribos. This item instantly boosts your Renown to 40, allowing you to quickly access key Covenant features and rewards. It’s especially valuable for Covenant swapping and leveling alts.
What is the maximum Renown I can earn each week?
The maximum possible Renown increases incrementally each week until you are at 80 Renown. Renown can be earned through the two weekly quests, Replenish the Reservoir and Shaping Fate, as well as with certain Campaign quests. Prioritize these weekly activities to maximize your Renown gains.
Can I buy Renown in WoW?
While you cannot directly purchase Renown from Blizzard, you can purchase services like WoW Renown boosts from third-party providers. These services involve other players completing Renown-earning activities on your behalf. However, always exercise caution when using such services to avoid violating the game’s terms of service.
Why am I not getting Renown after completing activities?
Sometimes, there may be a slight delay in Renown being applied to your account after completing a Renown-granting activity. Wait for 10-15 minutes. If your Renown balance remains unchanged, restart the game. If the problem persists, contact Blizzard support for assistance.
What are the four Covenants in Shadowlands?
The four Covenants in World of Warcraft: Shadowlands are:
- Kyrian Covenant
- Necrolord Covenant
- Night Fae Covenant
- Venthyr Covenant
Each Covenant offers unique abilities, rewards, and cosmetic items.
How much Renown do I get per win in specific activities?
Renown gains vary depending on the activity. Completing weekly quests and campaign chapters provides significant Renown rewards. The exact amount earned from other activities, such as dungeons and raids, can fluctuate based on catch-up mechanics.
Does Renown transfer to alts?
While Renown itself doesn’t directly transfer to alts, reaching certain Renown levels unlocks account-wide benefits that aid in alt leveling. For example, after reaching a certain Renown level, you receive experience points and increased gains when using the same faction on alts. This makes it faster to level up your alts.
Does switching Covenants reset my campaign progress?
Your campaign progress is not reset within your previous Covenant. It remains as you left it. However, you will need to start the campaign for your new Covenant. Always remember to buy the renown boost from the guy next to the flight NPC in Oribos before doing the new campaign.
Understanding the nuances of Renown and Covenant switching is crucial for maximizing your enjoyment and progress in World of Warcraft: Shadowlands. By strategically managing your Renown, leveraging catch-up mechanics, and planning your Covenant transitions, you can navigate the system with ease and reap the rewards of each unique Covenant experience. Keep gaming and may the odds be ever in your favor.
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