Do I Still Need to Buy Shadowlands if I Buy Dragonflight? Unveiling the WoW Expansion Landscape
No, you do not need to buy Shadowlands if you buy Dragonflight. Once Dragonflight launched, Shadowlands was folded into the base World of Warcraft subscription. This means that with an active WoW subscription, you now have access to all content up to level 60, including the entire Shadowlands expansion. Buying Dragonflight only grants you access to the Dragon Isles, the Dracthyr Evoker race, and the ability to level to 70.
Understanding the World of Warcraft Expansion Model
World of Warcraft has evolved its expansion access model over the years. Instead of requiring players to purchase every single expansion to stay current, Blizzard has transitioned to including older expansions in the base subscription as new ones are released. This makes the game more accessible for new and returning players, allowing them to experience the vast amount of content without a massive upfront cost.
This change significantly impacts the way players engage with the game. Newcomers can jump in and experience the lore and progression of previous expansions, preparing them for the current storyline. Returning players who might have missed an expansion don’t have to worry about purchasing it to catch up; they can simply resubscribe and dive back in.
The Benefits of Including Shadowlands in the Base Subscription
Including Shadowlands in the base subscription offers several key benefits:
- Accessibility: Makes the game more accessible to new and returning players.
- Value: Provides more content for the subscription price.
- Catch-Up: Allows players to experience the Shadowlands story without a separate purchase.
- Preparation: Prepares players for the Dragonflight expansion by providing context and leveling opportunities.
Dragonflight: What You Get with the Latest Expansion
While Shadowlands is included in the base subscription, Dragonflight offers its own unique set of features:
- The Dragon Isles: A brand-new continent to explore, featuring diverse zones and environments.
- Dracthyr Evoker: A new playable race and class combination with unique abilities and lore.
- Level Cap Increase: The ability to level up to 70 and access new talents and abilities.
- Dragonriding: A dynamic flying system that allows you to customize your dragon and perform aerial maneuvers.
- Updated Professions: A revamped crafting system with new recipes and specializations.
Why You Might Consider Buying Dragonflight
If you’re currently enjoying World of Warcraft and want to experience the latest content, buying Dragonflight is essential. It provides access to the endgame content, including dungeons, raids, and the ongoing storyline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shadowlands and Dragonflight
1. Can I play Shadowlands without buying Dragonflight?
Yes, you can play Shadowlands without buying Dragonflight. Shadowlands is now included with an active World of Warcraft subscription. You’ll have access to all content up to level 60, including the Shadowlands zones, dungeons, and raids.
2. Does buying Dragonflight give me access to previous expansions?
Yes, buying Dragonflight and having an active subscription grants you access to all previous expansions, including Shadowlands, Battle for Azeroth, Legion, Warlords of Draenor, Mists of Pandaria, Cataclysm, Wrath of the Lich King, and The Burning Crusade.
3. How do I get to Shadowlands from Dragonflight?
You can travel to Shadowlands using portals located in Orgrimmar (for Horde) and Stormwind (for Alliance). These portals are typically found in the portal rooms of each city. Mages can also create portals to Oribos, the main city in Shadowlands.
4. What level do I need to be to start Shadowlands?
The introductory questline for Shadowlands is intended for characters level 48-60. If you’re below level 48, you’ll need to level up in previous content until you reach the required level.
5. Can I skip the Shadowlands campaign?
Yes, you can skip the main campaign in Shadowlands on subsequent characters. After completing the first three chapters of the campaign on your first character, you can talk to Tal-Inara in Oribos to skip the campaign on your alts.
6. What is Chromie Time, and how does it relate to leveling?
Chromie Time allows you to choose which expansion’s content you want to level through from levels 10-60. This provides a more focused and thematic leveling experience. However, it is not required to level up.
7. Is there a time skip between Shadowlands and Dragonflight?
Yes, there is a time skip of approximately three years between the end of Shadowlands and the start of Dragonflight within the game’s lore.
8. How long does it take to level from 1 to 70 in Dragonflight?
The time it takes to level from 1 to 70 in Dragonflight can vary depending on your playstyle, experience, and chosen leveling method. On average, it can take anywhere from two to fifteen hours of dedicated play time.
9. What do I do in WoW after reaching level 70 in Dragonflight?
After reaching level 70 in Dragonflight, you can engage in various endgame activities, including dungeons, raids, mythic+ dungeons, world quests, and PvP. Gearing up and progressing your character’s power is a primary goal.
10. Can I start Dragonflight at level 58?
Yes, you can start Dragonflight at level 58. This is the minimum level requirement to begin the Dragonflight expansion content.
11. What are the Dragon Isles, and why are they important?
The Dragon Isles are a new continent introduced in Dragonflight, serving as the ancestral homeland of the dragons. They are home to new zones, quests, dungeons, and raids, and are central to the Dragonflight storyline.
12. What is Dragonriding, and how does it work?
Dragonriding is a new flying system introduced in Dragonflight that allows you to customize your dragon and perform aerial maneuvers. It involves utilizing momentum and abilities to traverse the skies in a more dynamic and engaging way.
13. Is Dragonflight worth buying in 2023?
Yes, Dragonflight is widely considered to be a worthwhile expansion, offering a fresh and engaging experience for World of Warcraft players. It introduces new content, gameplay mechanics, and a compelling storyline.
14. How does the World of Warcraft subscription model work?
The World of Warcraft subscription model requires a monthly fee to access the game and its included content, which currently includes all expansions up to Shadowlands. Dragonflight is purchased separately and adds the Dragon Isles content and level 70 cap.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of games like World of Warcraft?
You can explore the educational aspects of games, including World of Warcraft, on the Games Learning Society website. GamesLearningSociety.org offers resources and research on how games can be used for learning and skill development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, purchasing Dragonflight does not require you to also buy Shadowlands. Shadowlands is now part of the standard World of Warcraft subscription. This makes it easier than ever to jump into the game, experience all the content, and prepare for the latest adventures in the Dragon Isles. Enjoy your journey through Azeroth and beyond!