Soaring Through the Shadowlands: A Comprehensive Guide to Unlocking Flight

Unlocking the ability to fly in the Shadowlands is a game-changer, allowing you to traverse the breathtaking, yet often treacherous, landscapes of Ardenweald, Bastion, Maldraxxus, and Revendreth with unparalleled ease. Forget hoofing it across zones teeming with hostile creatures; with flight unlocked, you can zip between quest objectives, explore hidden corners, and enjoy the stunning vistas from above. So, how do you unlock this invaluable ability?

The key to unlocking flying in the Shadowlands revolves around completing specific milestones within the Shadowlands expansion content. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements:

1. Reach Renown 44 with your chosen Covenant: Renown is a progression system tied to your Covenant. You earn Renown by completing various activities such as completing weekly quests, progressing through the Covenant Campaign, and participating in endgame activities like Mythic+ dungeons and raids.

2. Complete all 9 chapters of your Covenant Campaign: Each Covenant (Kyrian, Venthyr, Necrolord, and Night Fae) has its own unique storyline that unfolds over nine chapters. You need to complete all nine chapters to progress towards unlocking flying.

3. Complete up to Chapter 3 of the 9.1 “Chains of Domination” Campaign (ending with “The Primus Returns”): Patch 9.1, “Chains of Domination,” introduced a new campaign that continues the Shadowlands story. You need to progress through this campaign until you complete the third chapter, which culminates with the quest “The Primus Returns.”

Once you’ve fulfilled these three requirements, you will receive the Memories of Sunless Skies item. Using this item unlocks flying account-wide in the four primary Shadowlands zones for all characters level 50 and above.

Diving Deeper: Understanding the Requirements

Let’s break down each requirement in more detail to ensure you understand exactly what needs to be done.

Renown: Your Covenant Standing

Renown represents your standing and influence within your chosen Covenant. As you gain Renown, you unlock various rewards, including cosmetic items, access to Covenant features, and, crucially, the ability to fly. Focus on completing weekly quests, progressing through your Covenant Campaign, and participating in activities that reward Renown, such as World Quests, Callings, and certain dungeon quests.

Covenant Campaign: Your Covenant’s Story

The Covenant Campaign is a series of quests that tell the story of your chosen Covenant and its role in the Shadowlands. Each Covenant has a distinct storyline that unfolds over nine chapters. Completing these chapters is not only essential for unlocking flying but also provides valuable insights into the lore and characters of the Shadowlands. Progressing through the Covenant Campaign will also contribute to your Renown level.

Chains of Domination: Confronting the Jailer

The “Chains of Domination” campaign continues the Shadowlands storyline in Patch 9.1. You need to progress through this campaign until you reach Chapter 3, ending with the quest “The Primus Returns”. This involves completing quests in the Maw and Korthia, the City of Secrets, and working with the allied factions to thwart the Jailer’s plans. Successfully completing this chapter will unlock the final piece of the puzzle needed to unlock flying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shadowlands Flying

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify any confusion about unlocking flying in the Shadowlands:

1. What level do I need to be to unlock flying in Shadowlands?

You can unlock flying in the Shadowlands once you meet the requirements described above, and flying becomes available for characters level 50 and above.

2. Is Shadowlands flying account-wide?

Yes, once you unlock flying in the Shadowlands by using the Memories of Sunless Skies item, it is account-wide. This means that all characters level 50 and above on your account can fly in Ardenweald, Bastion, Maldraxxus, and Revendreth.

3. Do I need to be level 60 to start unlocking flying?

No, you don’t need to be level 60 to begin working towards unlocking flying. You can start progressing through the Covenant Campaign and earning Renown as soon as you reach level 50 and choose a Covenant.

4. How long does it take to unlock flying in Shadowlands?

The time it takes to unlock flying depends on your playstyle and how efficiently you progress through the required content. It can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours to complete all the necessary steps. Focusing on Renown-granting activities and efficiently completing campaign quests will speed up the process.

5. Can I skip the Covenant Campaign?

No, you cannot skip the Covenant Campaign. Completing all nine chapters is a mandatory requirement for unlocking flying.

6. What if I switch Covenants? Do I lose my progress?

Switching Covenants will require you to restart the Covenant Campaign for the new Covenant. However, once you unlock flying with one Covenant, it remains unlocked account-wide, even if you switch Covenants later. You will still have to catch up on the Covenant’s campaign if you switch back.

7. Do I need to complete any achievements to unlock flying?

While there isn’t a specific achievement directly tied to unlocking flying, you indirectly complete achievements related to Renown and campaign progression as you work towards unlocking flying.

8. Can I buy flying in Shadowlands?

No, you cannot directly buy flying in the Shadowlands. You must complete the required steps to unlock it. There are no in-game purchases or boosts that will grant you flying without completing the necessary content.

9. What are the best ways to earn Renown quickly?

The most efficient ways to earn Renown include completing weekly quests, progressing through the Covenant Campaign, completing Callings, and participating in activities that reward Renown, such as Mythic+ dungeons and raids. Prioritize these activities to maximize your Renown gains.

10. Do I need to unlock flying on each character?

No, you only need to unlock flying once on your account. Once unlocked, all characters level 50 and above can fly in the four main Shadowlands zones.

11. Can I fly in the Maw before unlocking flying in the Shadowlands?

No, you cannot fly in the Maw, even after unlocking Shadowlands flying. The Maw remains a ground-only zone.

12. What about flying in Zereth Mortis? How do I unlock that?

Flying in Zereth Mortis, introduced in Patch 9.2, is unlocked separately. You need to complete the “Unlocking the Secrets” achievement by exploring the zone, finding treasures and rares, and completing specific quests.

13. Does unlocking flying in Shadowlands unlock flying in previous expansions?

No, unlocking flying in the Shadowlands only unlocks flying in the four main Shadowlands zones: Ardenweald, Bastion, Maldraxxus, and Revendreth. You still need to unlock flying in previous expansions by completing the relevant Pathfinder achievements or purchasing flying licenses.

14. If I have a friend who already unlocked flying, can they carry me around?

Yes, once you are level 50, a friend who has unlocked flying can transport you around the four Shadowlands zones, even if you haven’t unlocked it yourself. This can be helpful for completing quests or exploring the zones.

15. What if I’m having trouble with a particular quest in the Covenant Campaign?

If you’re struggling with a specific quest, consult online guides, ask for help from other players in-game, or seek assistance from your Covenant members. Many resources are available to help you overcome challenging quests.

Beyond the Shadowlands: A World of Learning and Games

Unlocking flying in World of Warcraft is just one example of how games can provide engaging and rewarding experiences. The Games Learning Society, accessible at GamesLearningSociety.org, explores the intersection of games and learning, highlighting how games can be used to teach valuable skills and concepts. Games, like WoW, offer opportunities for problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking, making them powerful tools for education and personal development. Check out the Games Learning Society and discover more about the educational potential of gaming!

Conclusion: Take to the Skies!

Unlocking flying in the Shadowlands requires dedication and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. By completing the Covenant Campaign, earning Renown, and progressing through the “Chains of Domination” campaign, you’ll be able to soar through the skies of the Shadowlands and experience these breathtaking zones in a whole new way. So, gear up, complete your quests, and prepare to take flight!