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Do I Need to Buy WoW Before Dragonflight? A Comprehensive Guide

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The world of Azeroth calls, and the allure of soaring through the Dragon Isles on the back of your own Dragon Isles Drake is strong! But before you dive headfirst into the latest World of Warcraft expansion, Dragonflight, let’s clarify what you need to get started.

The short answer is no, you generally do not need to purchase any previous expansions (like Shadowlands) to play Dragonflight. When a new expansion launches, the previous expansion typically gets rolled into the base game, which is accessible with a subscription or game time purchase. Dragonflight itself needs to be purchased separately.

However, there are a few nuances to consider, so let’s break it down further.

Understanding the WoW Purchase Model

World of Warcraft’s purchase model can be a bit confusing, especially for newcomers or returning players who haven’t played in a while. Here’s a simplified overview:

Base Game (included with subscription/game time): This includes all previous expansions up to a certain point. Usually the expansion immediately prior is folded into this base game. This gives you access to a vast amount of content and allows you to level your characters up to a specific level.
Latest Expansion (Dragonflight): This is the current, separately purchased expansion. It unlocks the newest zones, quests, dungeons, raids, classes (like the Dracthyr Evoker), and raises the level cap.
Subscription/Game Time: This is what allows you to play the game. It’s a recurring monthly fee (subscription) or a one-time purchase of a set amount of game time. This gives you access to the base game content and allows you to progress beyond the level cap of the free trial.

Key Takeaways for Dragonflight

You NEED a subscription or purchased game time to access content beyond level 20. The base game, including all previous expansions that were folded into it, is unlocked once you have a subscription.
You NEED to purchase Dragonflight separately to experience Dragonflight content (zones, quests, level cap, etc.).
The previous expansion (most likely Shadowlands) will likely be incorporated into the base game with the release of Dragonflight. So, if you were waiting to play Shadowlands, it will now be included in your base game.
A free-to-play option exists up to level 20. This allows you to explore a limited portion of the game without any purchase.

Do I Need to Buy Shadowlands?

No, you most likely do not have to purchase Shadowlands to play Dragonflight. With the release of Dragonflight, Shadowlands should now be incorporated into the base game.

Preparing for Dragonflight

So, you’ve decided to return to or begin your journey in Azeroth. Here’s how to prepare for Dragonflight:

Create a Battle.net Account (if you don’t already have one): This is your gateway to all things Blizzard.
Download the Battle.net Desktop App: This is where you’ll manage your World of Warcraft installation.
Install World of Warcraft: The app will guide you through the installation process.
Purchase Game Time or Subscribe: This unlocks the majority of the game’s content.
Purchase Dragonflight: Buy the Dragonflight expansion to access the new content.
Update Your System: Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Dragonflight (see below).

System Requirements for Dragonflight

Make sure your computer is up to the task of exploring the Dragon Isles:

Minimum:
- CPU: 4 Cores, 3.0 GHz processor 4th Generation Intel Core Haswell / AMD Ryzen Zen
- RAM: 8 GB
- Video Card: DirectX 12 capable 3GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 900 series / AMD GCN 4th gen / Intel Iris XeGraphics
- Storage: 128 GB SSD
Recommended:
- CPU: 6 Cores, 3.5 GHz processor 8th Generation Intel Core Coffee Lake / AMD Ryzen Zen 2
- RAM: 16 GB
- Video Card: DirectX 12 capable 8GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX / AMD RDNA 2 / Intel Arc
- Storage: 128 GB SSD

Dragonriding: A New Way to Fly

One of the most exciting features of Dragonflight is Dragonriding. This isn’t your standard, passive flying mount. Dragonriding is an active, skill-based system where you pilot your own Dragon Isles Drake through the skies, utilizing momentum and abilities to soar, dive, and perform aerial maneuvers.

You unlock Dragonriding early in the Dragonflight campaign and can further customize and enhance your Drake throughout your adventures. Learning and mastering Dragonriding is a core part of the Dragonflight experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is World of Warcraft still free to level 20?

Yes, World of Warcraft offers a free trial that allows you to play up to level 20 on modern WoW.

2. Does buying Dragonflight give you game time?

The standard edition of Dragonflight does not come with game time. However, some special editions (like the Epic Edition) might include 30 days of game time. Be sure to check the details of the edition you’re purchasing.

3. Can you play Dragonflight without a subscription?

No. You need an active subscription or game time to play Dragonflight content. The free trial only allows access to content up to level 20.

4. Do you need to be level 60 to play Dragonflight?

Yes, you need to reach level 60 to begin the Dragonflight questline.

5. When should I learn flying in Dragonflight?

You unlock Dragonriding after completing the first two chapters of the campaign in the Waking Shores, around level 61.

6. Do I need to complete the Shadowlands campaign for Dragonflight?

No, you do not need to complete the Shadowlands campaign to play Dragonflight. You can head straight to Stormwind or Orgrimmar to begin the Dragonflight intro questline.

7. Can you play Dracthyr without buying Dragonflight?

No, the Dracthyr Evoker class is exclusive to Dragonflight. You need to purchase the expansion to create and play one.

8. Why can’t I play Dragonflight?

Common reasons include:

You’re trying to access it on a Starter Edition account (you need game time or a subscription).
You haven’t purchased Dragonflight.
Your computer doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements.

9. Is WoW Dragonflight its own game?

No, Dragonflight is an expansion pack for World of Warcraft.

10. How much will World of Warcraft Dragonflight cost?

The cost of WoW: Dragonflight varies depending on the edition you choose. It starts at $49.99 for the standard edition and goes up for the Heroic and Epic editions.

11. What can you do in WoW without a subscription?

Without a subscription, you can play characters up to level 20 in modern WoW.

12. How to get a free WoW subscription?

One way to potentially get a “free” subscription is to purchase the version of Shadowlands that comes with one month of game time, and then use that time to farm gold and purchase WoW Tokens, which can be redeemed for subscription time.

13. Is WoW Dragonflight worth it?

Many players are finding Dragonflight to be a refreshing and enjoyable expansion, with engaging content, a focus on player agency, and a fun new flying mechanic. Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your personal preferences.

14. How do you unlock Dragonriding in Dragonflight?

You unlock Dragonriding by completing a short introductory questline in the Waking Shores early in the Dragonflight campaign.

15. Is there a one-time purchase for WoW?

You can purchase 60 days of game time as a one-time purchase instead of setting up a recurring subscription. You still need to separately purchase Dragonflight.

The Bottom Line

Getting back into World of Warcraft for Dragonflight is an exciting prospect. Understanding the purchase model and ensuring your system is ready will pave the way for a smooth and enjoyable return to Azeroth. So, gear up, grab your Dragon Isles Drake, and prepare for adventure!

For further insights into the educational aspects of gaming and the potential of games for learning, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.