Do New Players Have to Do BFA WoW?

As a new player, you do not necessarily have to play through the entirety of Battle for Azeroth (BFA) to access the latest content in World of Warcraft, but you will need to purchase the Shadowlands expansion and have an active subscription to play, with BFA being included in the subscription once Shadowlands is officially active. The leveling storyline and zones for BFA are solid, and with the new expansion, you can skip directly into Shadowlands without fully completing BFA, making it easier for new players to jump into the game.

Introduction to BFA and Shadowlands

To understand whether new players must engage with BFA content, it’s essential to grasp the current state of World of Warcraft (WoW) and its expansions. WoW has a vast and rich history, with numerous expansions adding to its lore and gameplay. Battle for Azeroth (BFA) is one of these expansions, preceding Shadowlands, the current expansion.

Understanding the Expansion Process

When a new expansion is released, Blizzard often makes previous expansions part of the base game or includes them in the subscription, allowing new players to access a vast amount of content without purchasing each expansion individually. This approach makes the game more accessible to new players, who might otherwise be deterred by the cost of multiple expansions.

FAQs About BFA and Starting WoW

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about BFA and starting World of Warcraft, aimed at providing clarity and guidance for new players:

1. Do I Have to Play Battle for Azeroth?

• As of the latest updates, new players must start with BFA if they are completely new, as it is the expansion right before Shadowlands. However, once Shadowlands is active, players can purchase it and access BFA content as part of their subscription.

1. Can I Play Shadowlands Without Buying BFA?

• Yes, once Shadowlands launches, you only need to purchase Shadowlands and have an active subscription to play, as BFA will be included in the subscription.

1. How Do I Start the BFA Questline?

• To begin the BFA quest chain, find the guard next to the “Hero’s Call Board” in the Trade District of Stormwind, who will offer you a quest to start the BFA storyline.

1. Is BFA a Good Expansion?

• BFA received praise for its diverse zones and the introduction of Allied Races, which added richness to the game’s lore and gameplay.

1. What is the Difference Between a BFA and a BA/BS Degree in the Context of WoW?

• In the context of WoW, the discussion about BFA (Battle for Azeroth) versus BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BS (Bachelor of Science) is not directly relevant, as these abbreviations refer to different topics. However, it’s worth noting that in educational contexts, a BFA is often considered prestigious for those interested in the fine arts.

1. How Do I Skip the BFA Intro Horde?

• After listening to Sylvanas, go to meet your team at the inn, then speak to Nathanos, who should have an option to skip the intro.

1. How Do I Start BFA at Max Level?

• If your character is level 61 or above, go to any Kul Tiras or Zandalar zone, where the Battle for Azeroth banner and instructions for where to go next will appear in your quest log.

1. What Expansion Should I Start With in WoW?

• Technically, the order is Classic, BC, WotLK, Vanilla/Cata retail, MoP, WoD, Legion, BFA, Shadowlands, Dragonflight. However, new players can start with Shadowlands and access previous content.

1. Can I Play WoW Without Dragonflight?

• Yes, World of Warcraft is not sold separately; only the latest expansion (currently Dragonflight) is sold separately. With a subscription or game time, you have access to all previous expansions up to level 60.

1. Why Can I Only Access Battle for Azeroth Dungeons?

   • If you are level 60 and do not own Dragonflight, you can only access BFA dungeons. Leveling to 61 or owning Dragonflight gives you access to more content.

2. How Much Does Battle for Azeroth Cost?

   • The cost of BFA is incorporated into the subscription once Shadowlands is active. Initially, BFA was sold for $49.99 for the Standard Edition.

3. Why Did People Not Like Battle for Azeroth?

   • BFA received criticism for various reasons, including class design issues, neglected professions, and concerns over loot and player time respect.

4. Can You Skip the Battle for Azeroth Intro Quest?

   • Yes, once you complete the BFA intro quests once, you can skip them on alt characters.

5. Can BFA Raids Be Soloed?

   • Most BFA raid bosses are soloable on normal difficulty, with a few exceptions due to specific mechanics.

6. How Do I Get My Heart of Azeroth?

   • To obtain the Heart of Azeroth, complete the quest “A Dying World” once your character reaches level 50, which can be initiated by visiting your capital city, Boralus or Dazar’alor.

In conclusion, while new players do not necessarily have to fully complete BFA to access Shadowlands, understanding the context and content of BFA can enhance their World of Warcraft experience. The ability to access previous expansions with a subscription makes WoW more accessible and engaging for new players.