Skipping the Shadowlands Campaign: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve dipped your toes into the Shadowlands and are now wondering if there’s a way to fast-track your journey, especially on alt characters? The good news is, there are several ways to skip parts of the Shadowlands campaign after you’ve started it, depending on your progress and which character you are playing. Unfortunately, you can’t completely obliterate the entire campaign. However, with clever use of game mechanics, you can drastically shorten your leveling experience and alt characters’ journeys. Let’s dive in!

The most straightforward way to skip significant chunks is by leveraging the Threads of Fate system. However, this option is only available once you have completed the Shadowlands leveling campaign on at least one character. This is a crucial requirement.

Once met, on subsequent characters, after completing the initial intro questline up to Oribos, you can speak to Fatescribe Roh-Tahl in Oribos to choose Threads of Fate. Instead of following the linear storyline, you will be able to select any of the four leveling zones – Bastion, Maldraxxus, Ardenweald, and Revendreth – and participate in world quests, side quests, and bonus objectives to gain experience. You also choose a Covenant from the beginning. This is ideal for alts as they can start contributing to their chosen Covenant right away.

Here is a detailed breakdown of how to navigate the various skips available and what requirements you need to meet to activate them.

Understanding the Shadowlands Skip Options

The Threads of Fate System

This system offers a non-linear alternative leveling experience.

• Requirements: You must have completed the full Shadowlands leveling campaign (all zones and main quests) on at least one character.
• How it Works: After arriving in Oribos on an alt, speak to Fatescribe Roh-Tahl to choose Threads of Fate. You can then freely choose which of the four Shadowlands zones to level in, engaging in world quests, side quests, and dungeons.
• Benefits: Faster leveling, choice of Covenant from the start, and immediate access to world quests for gear and reputation.

Skipping the Maw Introduction (Post-9.1.5)

This skip is extremely helpful for alts who have already experienced the Maw intro.

• Requirements: Have completed the Maw intro on at least one character.
• How it Works: If you want to skip the intro questline on a character that’s already in the Maw, you must talk to Jaina inside the cave. She will have a dialogue option that lets you skip the intro.
• Benefits: Avoid repeating the tedious Maw intro sequence and get straight to Oribos.

Skipping Covenant Campaign Chapters 1 and 2 on Alts

If you want to get right to the Covenant Soulbinds, this is a great option.

• Requirements: You must have completed chapters one and two of your relevant covenant’s questline on at least one character.
• How it Works: Once you finish the questline that binds you to the first Soulbind, the other two Soulbinds will immediately appear by the Forge of Bonds with their respective binding quests.

Korthia Intro Skip

• Requirements: You must have gone to Korthia once on a character.
• How it Works: Alts can skip the intro and go straight to Korthia.

Additional Tips for Faster Leveling

• Warmode: Enable Warmode for a 10% experience boost (at the risk of PvP combat).
• Heirlooms: While not as powerful as they once were, heirlooms can still provide a slight experience bonus and convenience.
• Experience Potions: Use potions like the Excess Potion of Accelerated Learning to boost experience gains for a limited time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I skip the Shadowlands campaign entirely on my first character?

No, you cannot skip the entire Shadowlands leveling campaign on your very first character. You must complete the main storyline at least once to unlock the Threads of Fate option for alts.

2. What level should I be to start the Shadowlands campaign?

The intro questline is designed for characters level 48-50. If you are above that level, ensure “Trivial Quests” are enabled on your minimap tracking options to see the available quests.

3. Do I need the Shadowlands expansion to reach level 60?

Yes. While the level squish reduces all characters to level 50, you need the Shadowlands expansion to progress beyond level 50 and reach level 60.

4. Can I skip the Covenant campaign after starting it?

No, you cannot skip the entire Covenant campaign. However, after completing the first two chapters on one character, alts can skip those initial chapters.

5. Do I have to finish the entire Shadowlands campaign before starting Dragonflight?

No, you do not need to complete the entire Shadowlands campaign before starting Dragonflight. Dragonflight is a separate expansion with its own leveling path. It’s worth noting that the end of Shadowlands lore leads into the Dragonflight expansion.

6. How long does it take to complete the Covenant campaign?

Each part of the campaign consists of 9 specific parts, and you can complete every in 30-40 minutes, depending on your class and gameplay style.

7. What happens if I change Covenants? Do I lose progress?

Your Covenant progression is independent of your faction or realm. Changing factions or transferring realms will not impact your Covenant progress.

8. What is the “Threads of Fate” option, and how do I unlock it?

Threads of Fate is an alternative leveling system for alts. It allows you to choose your Covenant early and level through world quests and other activities in any of the four Shadowlands zones. It unlocks after completing the full Shadowlands campaign on at least one character.

9. Is there a time skip between Shadowlands and Dragonflight?

Yes, there’s a three-year time skip between the end of Shadowlands and the beginning of Dragonflight, bringing the new expansion to year 40.

10. At what level can I start my Covenant Campaign?

You cannot start your Covenant Campaign until you reach level 60.

11. Do I need to complete the Shadowlands campaign to choose a Covenant?

Yes. To join a Covenant, you must have completed the Shadowlands campaign.

12. Can I level to 60 without going through Shadowlands?

No, you cannot level to 60 without going through the Shadowlands at least once to unlock the alternative leveling paths for subsequent alts.

13. Can I go to Shadowlands without the expansion?

No, you cannot go to Shadowlands without the expansion.

14. Where do I go to start the Threads of Fate?

Talk to Fatescribe Roh-Tahl in Oribos to begin Threads of Fate.

15. How long does it take to complete your covenant campaign?

The covenant campaign consists of 9 parts, and you can complete every part in about 30-40 minutes, depending on your class and gameplay style.

Skipping or streamlining the Shadowlands campaign is achievable through various methods. Understanding the requirements and benefits of each approach allows you to level your alts efficiently and enjoy the endgame content sooner. Now, get out there and adventure! Don’t forget that games can provide value to education too; you can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.