How to Start Chromie Time at Level 50 in World of Warcraft
The Short Answer: It’s Complicated
The direct answer to “How do you start Chromie Time at level 50?” is: you can’t, normally. By default, Chromie Time automatically ends when you hit level 50, catapulting you back to Stormwind or Orgrimmar, and locking you out of further scaling content. However, there are nuances to this, with specific exceptions and workarounds. This article will delve into the intricacies of Chromie Time, how it interacts with the leveling experience, and how you might squeeze a bit more use out of it after hitting the big 5-0. Let’s explore the details of how you can (and sometimes can’t) leverage Chromie Time at level 50.
Chromie Time: A Quick Overview
For new or returning players, Chromie Time allows characters to level through past expansions instead of the default Battle for Azeroth content. This allows players to experience different stories and environments at their own pace, scaling zones from level 10 to 60. This mechanic ensures a seamless leveling experience, making it a popular method for exploring different content. However, it’s designed to guide your character towards the current expansion’s content by level 60.
The Level 50 Roadblock
As mentioned, Chromie Time is designed to disengage at level 50. The logic behind this is that at level 50, the player has officially passed the point of needing “new” content and has arrived at current expansion entry level. It is no longer intended to be used as a “new character leveling experience”. The game automatically removes you from the chosen expansion time-stream, assuming you’re ready for the next phase, the current expansion’s content. However, this hard stop can be frustrating for players wishing to finish an expansion storyline.
The Party Sync Loophole
There is a way you can still experience Chromie Time after hitting level 50, and it involves Party Sync. If you Party Sync with another player who is below level 50 and still actively using Chromie Time, you can join their timestream and continue quests. The crucial thing here is that the lower-level player must be in charge of the party, and must be within the 10-49 level bracket.
This method allows you to re-enter the scaled content and experience it at level 50. Crucially, it’s important to note that your progress within this is tied to the lower level characters progress. It won’t be yours directly, and is typically used for the purpose of playing with friends and experiencing the same content together.
Post-Level 50 Options
If you find yourself at level 50 and wanting to continue experiencing an expansion story, but party sync is not an option, another solution presents itself starting from November 15, 2022. Characters between levels 50 and 60 can opt to timewalk to any of the expansion timelines. This means you have access to Cataclysm (Classic and Cata), Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King, Pandaria, Warlords of Draenor, and Legion. So, while you cannot scale the content directly from Chromie Time, these expansions will scale up to 60 instead of their original stopping point. This does not remove you from the present day. This system is designed so that players can complete any remaining levels to 60 that they may have missed, and experience it within any expansion time-frame they desire.
Summary of the Post-Level 50 Options
- Party Sync: Team up with a friend below level 50 who is in Chromie Time. This allows you to play together in their scaled content and continue questing.
- Timewalk to a Desired Expansion: As of November 15, 2022, you can use timewalking to experience older expansion zones and storylines all the way to level 60.
- Move On: You can leave Chromie Time and begin questing in the current expansion content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I reach level 50 while in Chromie Time?
When you hit level 50 within Chromie Time, you are automatically removed from that timeline and teleported back to your faction capital, either Stormwind or Orgrimmar. Your Chromie Time choice is disabled.
2. Can I reactivate Chromie Time after hitting level 50?
Normally, no. Chromie Time is designed to end at level 50, you must use one of the above mentioned methods to re-enter it. Once you’ve left Chromie Time due to reaching level 50, it cannot be re-activated on your character, although other new characters can still make a choice at level 10.
3. Does level 50 mark the end of scaling content?
Yes, for the typical Chromie Time experience. However, areas still scale up to level 60 when using timewalking to older content or when using Party Sync.
4. What expansions are available through Chromie Time?
You can choose from various expansions including: Cataclysm (Classic and Cata), Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King, Pandaria, Warlords of Draenor, and Legion.
5. Can a new player use Chromie Time immediately?
No. A brand new player has to go through the tutorial in Exile’s Reach first, then complete the Battle for Azeroth storyline until level 50, before they have the option of Chromie Time.
6. Can I use Party Sync at any level?
No. Party Sync works best when you’re syncing a max-level character with a lower level character. It is primarily a way for high level players to play with low level players in their scaled environments.
7. How do I leave Chromie Time manually?
To leave Chromie Time before reaching level 50, you must visit Chromie in your faction capital and speak with her. She will offer the option to “return to the present”.
8. Can I switch between Chromie Time timelines?
Yes, before hitting level 50, you can change your active Chromie Time timeline by speaking with Chromie. This allows you to switch to a new expansion if you are not enjoying a particular one. You can only chose from her selected expansion choices, not all expansions in general.
9. What happens to quests when I leave Chromie Time?
All unfinished quests will be automatically abandoned when leaving Chromie Time and all quest items will be destroyed. This is usually not an issue as you can pick them up at any point, or start new ones when you choose a new timeline.
10. How does Timewalking work for post-50 leveling?
Timewalking, unlocked after reaching level 50, allows you to experience content from different expansions at scaled level and increased experience gain. The selected content is available in any level bracket from 50-60, until the character hits level 61.
11. Is there a level restriction on Timewalking dungeons?
Yes, Timewalking dungeons are available to players at level 60 and have a hidden requirement of an ilvl of 174+ to access the queue. The level restriction changes, however, and is available at level 45 as of Patch 10.1.7.
12. How do I find Chromie to start a timeline?
Chromie can be found in Stormwind or Orgrimmar near the embassy, typically where you first enter the city on arrival from a previous zone.
13. Can I level without Chromie Time?
Yes, but the zones will not scale to your level, forcing you to move to higher-level zones as you out-level them. This method is considered by some to be faster leveling than Chromie Time, as you are not locked to content.
14. What are the benefits of using Chromie Time?
Chromie Time offers a structured way to level through different expansion content, allowing you to enjoy older storylines and zones. It also keeps you in content relative to your level, ensuring all encounters and quests reward you appropriately.
15. Can I do Timewalking Dungeons as a new player?
Technically, you can, as a new player needs to level a character to 60 before they can start queuing for Timewalking Dungeons via the group finder. However, you do need to go through the appropriate level of content to reach this point.
Conclusion
While Chromie Time does end at level 50, there are ways to revisit past content through Party Sync or timewalking. Understanding these mechanics can help you experience World of Warcraft the way you want, making the leveling journey enjoyable and customized to your preferences. Whether you’re trying to catch up with friends or relive classic expansions, these tools provide the flexibility needed to do so. Keep these points in mind to make the most of your WoW journey.