How Does Dragonflight Fit into WoW?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Dragonflight represents the ninth major expansion for World of Warcraft, and it’s not just another chapter; it’s a significant shift that re-energizes the game in several key ways. It’s a return to the familiar, yet with a fresh coat of paint. Instead of focusing on cosmic threats and interdimensional travel, Dragonflight brings players back to Azeroth, specifically to the newly discovered Dragon Isles. This expansion is a blend of the old and new, aiming to rekindle what made players fall in love with the game while introducing exciting new systems and content. It fits into the overall WoW narrative by refocusing on Azeroth’s inherent magic and its powerful protectors, the Dragon Aspects. It acts as a deliberate step away from the complex and sometimes convoluted storylines of recent expansions, offering a more grounded and engaging experience that players have longed for.
The expansion brings several key changes that impact how players experience the game. Firstly, it raises the level cap to 70, marking the first such increase since the level squish in the previous Shadowlands expansion. Dragonflight is also not sold with the base game; it must be purchased separately to access its content. The subscription however includes all previous content. A significant UI overhaul and talent tree revamp aims to make the game more intuitive and customizable, providing players with increased agency over their characters’ development. The introduction of a new playable race, the Dracthyr, and a new class, the Evoker, provide fresh gameplay options and stories to explore. Beyond these mechanical changes, Dragonflight presents a narrative that re-engages with the core themes of Azerothian lore, emphasizing the importance of the Dragon Aspects and their role as guardians of the planet. It represents a concerted effort to re-establish the world and its characters, rather than constantly delving into the unknown and potentially overwhelming cosmic aspects.
Key Features of Dragonflight
The Return of the Dragon Aspects
The central narrative of Dragonflight revolves around the return of the Dragon Aspects—Alexstrasza (Red), Ysera (Green), Nozdormu (Bronze), Malygos (Blue) and Neltharion/Deathwing (Black). They make their return to the Dragon Isles to reclaim their roles as protectors of Azeroth. This signifies a return to a more grounded and traditional fantasy narrative compared to the previous expansions. Players are tasked with assisting the Aspects in their struggles and exploring the various mysteries of the isles.
Revamped Talent Trees and User Interface
Dragonflight significantly revamps both the user interface and talent tree systems. The new UI is designed to be more customizable and intuitive, allowing players to arrange their interfaces to their liking. The talent trees have been redesigned with two separate branches allowing for greater player choice and experimentation with their builds, moving away from the more rigid systems of previous expansions. These changes aim to provide a more personalized and engaging gameplay experience.
New Race and Class: Dracthyr and Evoker
This expansion introduces the Dracthyr, a new playable race, capable of shifting between humanoid and dragon forms. This race has a unique playstyle that revolves around the new class Evoker, a mid-range damage dealer and healer. The Evoker’s abilities are based on draconic magic and allow for a versatile playstyle. The combination of these two provides a different angle on both race and class mechanics, offering a fresh way to play the game.
Dragonriding and Exploration
A new form of travel known as Dragonriding is introduced in Dragonflight, allowing players to take to the skies and soar over the Dragon Isles using their own customizable dragons. This system promotes exploration and provides a new level of freedom in how players navigate the game world. Dragonriding allows players to engage with the terrain in a way that the older system couldn’t offer, bringing a new level of verticality to map traversal.
Connecting with Previous Expansions
Dragonflight’s narrative is both a departure from and a continuation of the past expansions. It moves away from the cosmic struggles of Shadowlands, but it still builds upon the established lore of Azeroth. The reappearance of the Dragon Aspects is deeply tied to the events of past expansions and serves as a reminder of the history of the world. Dragonflight does not ignore the events of Shadowlands completely, but instead re-establishes Azeroth as the central focus and the story-telling.
Stepping Away from Shadowlands
One of the main objectives of Dragonflight is to provide an experience different from the divisive and complicated narrative of Shadowlands. Shadowlands was often criticized for its convoluted storytelling and repetitive gameplay loops. The new expansion attempts to alleviate these problems by delivering a more grounded and engaging experience in a more familiar setting. It returns the player to Azeroth and reframes the narrative in a way that feels more connected to the overall world rather than an isolated realm.
A Return to Azeroth
Dragonflight can be seen as a return to form, taking a step back from the cosmic threats of recent expansions to focus more on the inherent magic and history of Azeroth. This return is intended to be a refreshing change of pace that can recapture the initial spark of wonder for veteran and new players alike. The Dragon Isles are a new territory filled with history and mystery, which helps re-engage the player with a sense of discovery.
Addressing Player Feedback
Blizzard has made a concerted effort to listen to player feedback from previous expansions. The emphasis on player agency, through the talent tree system, along with a more customizable user interface is a testament to the attempt to create a better player experience. Dragonriding represents an attempt to introduce engaging exploration mechanics, addressing the criticisms of previous forms of travel.
The Future of WoW Post-Dragonflight
With Dragonflight setting a new tone for WoW, the future expansions of the game will likely build upon the foundations laid in this release. The renewed focus on Azeroth and its core characters, coupled with more engaging player mechanics, suggests a move towards more traditional World of Warcraft story-telling and gameplay. With a potential new expansion coming soon, the seeds of the story are being planted by the game’s updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does Dragonflight add to WoW?
Dragonflight adds a new level cap of 70, a new playable race (the Dracthyr) and class (the Evoker), a revamped user interface, a redesigned talent tree system, the Dragon Isles to explore, and the return of the Dragon Aspects. It also includes new dungeons, raids, and the new Dragonriding system.
2. Can I still play WoW without Dragonflight?
Yes, you can play World of Warcraft up to level 60 with a subscription or game time. However, you will not have access to the content in the Dragon Isles or be able to reach level 70 without purchasing the Dragonflight expansion. All previous expansions are included with the subscription except for the most recent.
3. Is Dragonflight separate from WoW?
Yes, Dragonflight is sold separately from the base game. A subscription includes all previous expansions, but Dragonflight must be purchased to access its specific content. The expansion is the most recent entry to the game, and as such it is a separate purchase.
4. What is the gap between Shadowlands and Dragonflight?
There was roughly a two-year gap between the release of Shadowlands and Dragonflight, consistent with the typical development cycle for expansions.
5. Do I need to level to 60 before Dragonflight?
Yes, your character must be at least level 60 to begin the Dragonflight intro questline. The quest is short, and takes place in Stormwind and Orgrimmar.
6. How many years between classic and Dragonflight?
There is a roughly 5 year gap between the release of Shadowlands and Dragonflight, and a considerably bigger gap between Vanilla WoW and the current expansion.
7. Do I get all expansions if I buy Dragonflight?
No, purchasing Dragonflight only gives you access to the content within that expansion. The base game subscription gives you access to all previous expansions and content up to level 60.
8. Is WoW worth it without Dragonflight?
You can still play a lot of content without Dragonflight, leveling up to 60 and experiencing all the content from previous expansions. However, if you want to explore the new zones, new class, new race, and level to 70, you will need Dragonflight.
9. Why are people not playing Dragonflight?
Some players felt burnt out by the previous expansion, Shadowlands, and decided to take a break. Also the amount of content in Dragonflight was less than other previous expansions at launch.
10. Does a WoW subscription include Dragonflight?
No, the base subscription does not include the Dragonflight expansion, you have to buy that separately.
11. Will there be Legendaries in Dragonflight?
Yes, the Guardians of the Dream patch (10.2) will introduce a new Legendary weapon that players can obtain.
12. How much of WoW is free?
Modern World of Warcraft is free to play up to level 20. You need a subscription or game time to play past that level.
13. What will go away with Dragonflight?
The Fates of the Shadowlands Raids achievement, along with its associated rewards, such as the Jigglesworth Sr. mount, the Hero of Fate title, and Shadowlands Raid Teleports, were removed when Dragonflight launched.
14. Does buying Dragonflight give you game time?
The Epic Edition of Dragonflight includes 30 days of game time, but the purchase of the base expansion does not. This game time cannot be paused or stopped.
15. How long does it take to level from 1 to 70 in Dragonflight?
It can take anywhere from 2 to 15 hours to reach level 70 in Dragonflight, depending on your playstyle and experience. The leveling experience is smoother and faster than previous expansions.