How Long Does Leveling Take in Shadowlands? A Comprehensive Guide
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.
The answer to how long leveling takes in Shadowlands is multi-faceted, depending on whether you’re talking about the specific levels 50-60 (the Shadowlands content itself) or the broader 1-60 experience. To level specifically from 50 to 60 in Shadowlands, with optimized play using Threads of Fate, you could potentially do it in as little as 2-3 hours. However, for a more casual player, or one who isn’t maximizing efficiency, expect it to take closer to 10-12 hours. Leveling from 1-60 can vary dramatically, from potentially 35 hours for a new player up to significantly longer for a casual playthrough, and is largely influenced by the chosen leveling path and player experience.
Understanding the Variables
Several factors significantly influence leveling speed in Shadowlands and World of Warcraft in general:
-
Player Experience: Seasoned players familiar with quest locations, class mechanics, and efficient leveling routes will always level faster.
-
Leveling Method: Questing, dungeon spamming, or a combination of both offer different speeds. Some even prefer exploration and bonus objectives.
-
Class Choice: Certain classes excel at solo play and can handle multiple enemies, leading to faster clear times. As the article above notes, hunters are typically cited as fast levelers.
-
Playstyle: A focused, efficient playstyle minimizes downtime and maximizes experience gain per hour.
-
Gear: While gear scaling makes it less impactful than in the past, having appropriate gear still contributes to faster kills and overall leveling speed.
-
Boosted Experience: Some events and account perks provide experience boosts, accelerating the leveling process.
Efficient Leveling Strategies
To optimize your leveling speed, consider these strategies:
-
Chromie Time: For levels 10-50, Chromie Time allows you to level through any expansion. Battle for Azeroth, Legion, and Warlords of Draenor are often cited as efficient choices.
-
Threads of Fate (for alts): Once you’ve leveled a character through the Shadowlands campaign, Threads of Fate allows subsequent characters to choose their Covenant early and level through world quests and bonus objectives.
-
Dungeon Leveling: Queueing for dungeons, especially with a coordinated group, can be incredibly fast, offering a constant stream of experience and gear.
-
Quest Optimization: Focus on quests that are close together and offer the most experience. Use online resources to plan your route.
-
Stay Rested: Log out in an inn or capital city to gain rested experience, which increases experience gains for a period of time.
Leveling in Dragonflight
With the release of Dragonflight, the leveling landscape has shifted. Players who haven’t purchased Dragonflight will still need to level to 60 before being able to purchase Dragonflight and begin their journey to 70. You can go to Dragon Isles at level 58 if you have purchased the new expansion, and owning the Dragonflight expansion is necessary for reaching 70. Dragonflight requires level 58 to begin, and you cannot level past level 50 without owning Shadowlands.
Understanding Threads of Fate
Threads of Fate is a system introduced in Shadowlands intended to be an alternative leveling path for alts after leveling through the main campaign once. Instead of replaying the storyline, players can choose their Covenant at level 50 and immediately start participating in world quests, bonus objectives, and other activities within the four Shadowlands zones to gain experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Leveling in Shadowlands
1. How long does it take to level from 50 to 60 in Shadowlands with the main campaign?
Expect it to take roughly 10-12 hours if you’re following the main storyline and aren’t actively trying to optimize your leveling speed.
2. Is dungeon leveling faster than questing in Shadowlands?
Generally, questing is slightly faster than dungeon leveling for pure experience gain. However, dungeons can provide valuable gear and a break from questing, so a mix of both is often optimal.
3. Can I skip the Shadowlands leveling campaign?
Yes, you can level to 60 before entering Shadowlands using Chromie Time. This allows you to bypass the Shadowlands storyline entirely.
4. What is the fastest Chromie Time option for leveling from 10 to 50?
Warlords of Draenor and Legion are often considered the fastest Chromie Time options due to their efficient quest density and streamlined leveling experience.
5. What is the fastest leveling class in World of Warcraft?
The Hunter class is frequently cited as one of the fastest leveling classes due to its strong solo capabilities and pet tanking.
6. Do I need the Shadowlands expansion to level past 50?
Yes, you need to own the Shadowlands expansion to level your character beyond level 50.
7. What is the best starting zone for new players?
Exile’s Reach is the designated starting zone for new players and is the fastest way to reach level 10.
8. Can I go to the Dragon Isles at level 50?
No, you need to be at least level 58 to travel to the Dragon Isles and you need to have purchased the Dragonflight expansion.
9. How long does it take to level from 60 to 70 in Dragonflight?
Leveling from 60 to 70 in Dragonflight typically takes around 25 to 40 hours for a casual player. It may take less time for experienced and efficient players.
10. What is Threads of Fate, and how does it affect leveling speed?
Threads of Fate is an alternative leveling system for alts that allows you to choose your Covenant early and level through world quests and bonus objectives, potentially speeding up the 50-60 leveling process.
11. Is the Shadowlands campaign worth playing?
The value of the Shadowlands campaign depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy the story, lore, and endgame content, it’s worth playing. If you prioritize leveling speed, you can skip it. However, to unlock flying in the four Shadowlands covenant zones (Ardenweald, Bastion, Maldraxxus, and Revendreth) you’ll need to do three things: Earn 44 Renown with your Covenant, and complete all 9 chapters of the Covenant Campaign.
12. What level should I be to start the Shadowlands intro questline?
The Shadowlands intro questline is designed for characters between levels 48 and 50.
13. Is it possible to level from 1-60 in just a few hours?
While some sources claim extremely fast leveling times, these are typically achieved by highly experienced players using optimized strategies. For most players, 35 hours is a more realistic estimate for 1-60.
14. Can a level 60 boost skip the Shadowlands campaign?
Boosting a new character will skip the story. Boosted characters will be put in a position to start endgame content.
15. What is the easiest class to play in Shadowlands?
Druid, Monk, or Paladin are often recommended as beginner-friendly classes because they can fulfill multiple roles (tank, healer, and damage dealer), offering flexibility and a good understanding of different game mechanics.
The Future of Leveling
With each expansion, Blizzard refines the leveling experience to be more engaging and streamlined. While the specific methods and strategies may change, the fundamental principles of efficient questing, dungeon participation, and strategic play remain crucial for maximizing leveling speed.
Remember to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on the educational and social impacts of gaming.
By understanding the factors that influence leveling speed and employing efficient strategies, you can make your journey to level 60 in World of Warcraft a faster and more enjoyable experience.