How to Head Back to the Shadowlands in World of Warcraft

So, you’re looking to revisit the Shadowlands, eh? Perhaps you’ve got unfinished business, a yearning for a specific transmog, or simply want to experience the content again. Don’t worry, seasoned adventurer, getting back to the realm of the dead is relatively straightforward, even with the Dragon Isles now calling. The primary method involves utilizing portals located in your faction’s capital city. Head to the portal rooms in Orgrimmar (for Horde players) or Stormwind (for Alliance). Inside, you’ll find a portal directly to Oribos, the central hub of the Shadowlands. This is the quickest and easiest way to return.

Methods for Reaching the Shadowlands

Aside from the capital city portals, there are a few other ways to access the Shadowlands, depending on your character’s progress and class:

• Capital City Portals: As mentioned, the portal rooms in Orgrimmar and Stormwind are the most reliable method. These portals are usually active regardless of your current quest progression, assuming you’ve completed at least the initial Shadowlands introduction.

• Mage Portals: Mages possess the ability to create portals to Oribos using the Portal: Oribos spell. If you have a mage friend, or find one willing to help, this can be a convenient option. Mages also have the ability to teleport themselves to Oribos using the Teleport: Oribos spell.

• The Death Gate: If you have a Death Knight character who started their journey in the Maw, you can use the Death Gate ability to return to Acherus: The Ebon Hold. From there, you can take a portal to your faction’s capital and then to Oribos.

• Shadowlands Zone Portals: Within the Shadowlands zones themselves (Bastion, Maldraxxus, Ardenweald, Revendreth), there are portals that lead back to Oribos. These are useful if you are already in the Shadowlands and need to return to the hub.

Level Requirements and Progression

Keep in mind that certain aspects of Shadowlands content have level requirements. While you can physically enter the Shadowlands at level 48, some quests and activities require higher levels, such as the starting quest for Bastion, “Seek the Ascended,” which has a level 51 requirement. Also, World Quests requires level 60 with one character and a Covenant joined. It is possible to level to 60 without even entering the Shadowlands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions players have about returning to the Shadowlands, along with detailed answers to help you navigate the afterlife:

1. What level do I need to be to enter the Shadowlands?

You can enter the Shadowlands as early as level 48. However, accessing certain quests and features, like starting the Bastion storyline, might require you to be a higher level.

2. Do I need to own Shadowlands to go there now?

No! With the launch of Dragonflight, the Shadowlands expansion is now included in the base World of Warcraft subscription. You no longer need to purchase it separately.

3. I’m in Stormwind/Orgrimmar. Where exactly is the portal to Oribos?

The portal is located in the portal room of your respective capital city. In Stormwind, it’s in the Wizard’s Sanctum (mage tower). In Orgrimmar, it’s in the Pathfinder’s Den. Look for the portal labeled “Oribos.”

4. I’m a mage. How do I learn the portal to Oribos?

You can learn Portal: Oribos from any Portal Trainer once you reach level 58. Look for a Translocation Agent near the Stormwind Portal in Oribos. Or, teleport to any city and there should be a Portal Trainer nearby when you arrive that will teach you this spell.

5. Can I skip the Shadowlands intro questline?

It depends. If you have leveled another character through Shadowlands, you can skip the Maw intro on subsequent characters and begin the expansion content.

6. I’m stuck in the Maw. How do I get out?

If you started the Shadowlands intro but didn’t finish it, you can go back to Stormwind Keep where the Death Knights gave you the initial quest. There should be a Death Gate there to take you back to the Maw.

7. What are Covenants, and how do I join one?

Covenants are factions within the Shadowlands. They are Kyrian (Bastion), Necrolord (Maldraxxus), Night Fae (Ardenweald) and Venthyr (Revendreth). You will be introduced to them during the Shadowlands campaign, and you can choose to pledge your allegiance to one at level 60. Once you have the achievement Renowned, your previous covenant will accept you immediately. If you don’t, you will be asked to complete a series of quests.

8. Can I change Covenants?

Yes, but it comes with some restrictions. You can freely change covenants once, but switching back to a covenant you previously left requires you to complete a couple of quests.

9. What are Shadowlands World Quests, and how do I unlock them?

Shadowlands World Quests are dynamic, repeatable quests that offer rewards and contribute to your character’s progression. You must reach level 60 with one character and join a Covenant to unlock them.

10. Can I level to 60 just by questing in Shadowlands?

Yes, you can absolutely level from 48 to 60 (or level 50 to 60) solely by questing in the Shadowlands zones. It’s a viable and engaging leveling path.

11. Where are the portals to the Shadowlands zones located?

The main portals to Bastion, Maldraxxus, Ardenweald, and Revendreth are located in Oribos, around the outer rim of the city. Also as usual you can find the main ones in your faction capital’s portal room.

12. Is there a portal to Ironforge from Oribos?

There isn’t a direct portal from Oribos to Ironforge. You’ll need to use the Stormwind portal, then take the Boralus portal, and find the portal to Ironforge in the Boralus portal room.

13. Can I do Shadowlands content at level 70?

Yes, you can. While the Shadowlands are no longer the primary leveling zone, you can still experience the story, collect transmogs, and complete achievements at level 70.

14. What is the point of going back to Shadowlands after Dragonflight?

Many players return to the Shadowlands to collect transmog gear, complete achievements, finish storylines they may have missed, or experience the zones at a higher level for easier completion of content.

15. I keep seeing references to the “First Ones.” Who are they?

The First Ones are a mysterious race of beings who created the Shadowlands and the Arbiter. Their origins and purposes are a significant part of the Shadowlands narrative. Understanding their role can enrich your experience of the expansion’s lore. You might learn about their learning methods if you consult the Games Learning Society.

Final Thoughts

Returning to the Shadowlands is easy and worthwhile whether it’s for the story, the scenery, or simply to chase down those final achievements. Follow these tips, and you’ll be back in the afterlife in no time! Remember to enjoy the journey, even if it is a trip to the realm of the dead.