How to Skyrocket Your Renown After a Covenant Switch

So, you’ve made the bold decision to switch Covenants in World of Warcraft: Shadowlands. Maybe you’re chasing a specific ability, transmog, or simply seeking a fresh perspective. Whatever the reason, one hurdle remains: catching up on Renown. Don’t fret! This guide outlines the fastest ways to ascend through the Renown ranks after making the switch.

The absolute quickest path to maximizing your Renown after switching Covenants involves a combination of completing Covenant Campaign quests, participating in activities that offer catch-up mechanics (like dungeons, raids, and world quests), and, crucially, being prepared to invest the time. Focus on activities granting guaranteed Renown rewards until you’re caught up, then prioritize the current week’s Covenant quests. Luck also plays a role, as some activities have a chance to drop Renown even when not explicitly listed as a reward.

Maximizing Renown Gains: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prioritize Covenant Campaign Quests

The backbone of your Renown progression lies in the Covenant Campaign. Upon switching, you’ll typically receive a quest to catch up on the story. These quests are the most consistent source of Renown. Every completed chapter rewards Renown, so make this your absolute top priority. Check your quest log frequently and complete these quests as soon as they become available. Focus relentlessly on the campaign quests since they provide guaranteed progress.

2. The Renown Catch-Up System: Your Best Friend

Blizzard implemented a generous catch-up system to help players like you. This system significantly increases the chance of earning Renown from various activities until you’re closer to the current maximum level. Here’s where you should focus your efforts:

• Dungeons (Normal, Heroic, and Mythic): Each dungeon boss has a chance to drop Renown. While not guaranteed, running a series of dungeons can be quite effective.
• Raids (LFR, Normal, Heroic, and Mythic): Just like dungeons, raid bosses offer a chance to drop Renown. Even older raids can be beneficial.
• World Quests: Regularly check your map for World Quests in the Shadowlands zones. These have a chance to reward Renown. Especially watch for Callings that have bonus rewards.
• Callings: These daily quests are another great source. They offer a chance to reward Renown, often alongside other valuable rewards.
• Torghast, Tower of the Damned: Completing Torghast wings also gives you a chance to acquire Renown.
• PvP: Winning Battlegrounds and Arenas can also offer Renown as a reward.

3. Weekly Renown Quests: Don’t Miss Out!

Each week, your Covenant offers two crucial Renown quests:

• “Replenish the Reservoir”: This quest requires you to collect Anima. It’s relatively straightforward and provides a guaranteed Renown reward.
• “Return Lost Souls”: This quest involves rescuing souls from the Maw and returning them to your Covenant Sanctum. This also provides a guaranteed Renown reward.

Make sure you complete these two quests every week; they are non-negotiable for efficient Renown acquisition.

4. Covenant Sanctum Upgrades: Unlocking Potential

Investing in your Covenant Sanctum upgrades can indirectly speed up your Renown acquisition. Certain upgrades unlock features that provide additional benefits. For example, the Travel Network allows you to move quickly between zones, enabling faster completion of World Quests and Callings.

5. Leveraging Events and Special Activities

Keep an eye on in-game events and special activities. Blizzard occasionally introduces events that offer increased rewards or bonus Renown. Taking advantage of these opportunities can significantly accelerate your progress.

6. Group Up!

Don’t be afraid to group up with other players. Doing dungeons and raids with a group can significantly reduce the time it takes to complete them, maximizing your Renown-earning potential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a cap on how much Renown I can earn per week?

No, there is no hard cap on Renown earned per week through the catch-up system. You can technically earn as much as you are willing to grind, though the odds of earning more Renown decrease as you get closer to the current maximum level.

2. What is the current maximum Renown level?

The current maximum Renown level depends on the current patch. Make sure to research this beforehand.

3. Does difficulty affect the chance of Renown dropping in dungeons and raids?

While there’s no officially confirmed information regarding this mechanic, anecdotal evidence suggests that higher difficulties (Heroic and Mythic) might have a slightly increased chance of Renown dropping, but the difference is likely negligible.

4. If I switch back to my old Covenant, will my Renown be the same?

Yes! Your Renown will revert back to the level it was when you last belonged to that Covenant. Any cosmetic items or Soulbinds you unlocked will also be available again.

5. Are there any specific World Quests that are more likely to reward Renown?

No, there aren’t any World Quests with a definitively higher chance of rewarding Renown. Focus on completing as many as possible in the Shadowlands zones.

6. Does Warmode affect Renown gains from World Quests?

No, activating Warmode does not directly affect the chance of Renown dropping from World Quests. However, the increased rewards from World Quests while Warmode is active, like Anima, will help progress the weekly quest.

7. Can I earn Renown from content outside of the Shadowlands?

No, Renown is primarily earned through activities within the Shadowlands expansion, specifically dungeons, raids, world quests, and covenant callings in the Shadowlands zones.

8. Should I focus on completing all the Callings every day?

Yes, completing Callings is highly recommended. They are a reliable source of various rewards, including a chance to earn Renown. Even if they don’t reward Renown directly, the resources they provide, like Anima, can still contribute to your Covenant progress.

9. Are there any consumables or buffs that increase my chance of getting Renown?

No, there are no consumables or buffs that directly increase the chance of obtaining Renown. The catch-up system is the primary mechanic for accelerating Renown gains.

10. How long does it typically take to catch up on Renown?

The time it takes to catch up on Renown varies depending on your playstyle, time commitment, and the level of the catch-up mechanics. A dedicated player can typically catch up to a reasonable Renown level within a week or two.

11. What is the best Covenant to be in for catch-up Renown?

There is no “best” Covenant for catching up on Renown. All Covenants provide the same opportunities for earning Renown through the catch-up system. Choose the Covenant that aligns with your gameplay preferences and goals.

12. Can I get Renown if I’m significantly behind the current max level?

Yes, the catch-up system is designed specifically for players who are behind on Renown. It provides a significantly increased chance of earning Renown until you’re closer to the current maximum.

13. What should I do if I feel like I’m not getting any Renown from dungeons/raids?

Remember that Renown from dungeons and raids is not guaranteed. If you’re feeling unlucky, focus on completing the weekly Renown quests and Covenant Campaign quests. Ensure that you are actively progressing your Covenant campaign. Additionally, verify that your character’s level and gear are appropriate for the content you are undertaking.

14. Can I get renown through the threads of fate system on alts?

No, the Threads of Fate system only allows for alternate leveling paths and doesn’t grant Renown. To gain renown, characters need to complete Covenant Campaign quests and use catch-up activities.

15. Is it worth doing the “intro” questline for the covenant or should I skip it?

Completing the initial Covenant questline is essential as it introduces the core elements, characters, and story of your chosen Covenant. It unlocks important features like the Covenant Sanctum, Soulbinds, and Conduits, which are critical for character progression, even if you’re focusing on catching up in Renown first. Skipping this questline will restrict access to important Covenant features, slowing down overall progress and limiting character power.