Is Changing Factions in WoW Expensive? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, changing factions in World of Warcraft can be considered expensive, especially when compared to other in-game purchases. The cost, as outlined in the provided article, is $21.00 for a single faction change (discounted from $30.00) or $42.00 for a pack of three (discounted from $65.00). This price point is significant considering many other in-game items can be acquired through gameplay or with much smaller real-money purchases. The true cost, however, extends beyond the monetary value, encompassing the potential loss of progress on quests and the temporary limitations placed on your character after the change.
The Price of Allegiance: What You Need to Know About WoW Faction Changes
The decision to switch allegiances in WoW is a significant one, both from a gameplay and a financial perspective. It’s not just about aesthetics or joining friends; it’s about altering your character’s story and potentially disrupting your established routines. Understanding the full implications of a faction change can help you determine if the cost, both in money and time, is truly worth it.
Beyond the Dollar Sign: Unseen Costs
While the monetary cost is the most obvious, several other factors contribute to the overall expense of a faction change:
- Lost Quest Progress: As the article states, all in-progress quests are abandoned, and quest items are destroyed. This means redoing quests, which can be time-consuming, particularly if they are part of a long quest chain crucial for unlocking content or rewards.
- Temporary Restrictions: A 72-hour cooldown period is imposed after a faction change, preventing further faction changes, race changes, and character transfers. This limits your character’s flexibility for a short period.
- Potential Reputation Loss: While not explicitly mentioned, it’s important to consider that your reputation with various factions might not directly translate when changing. You may need to rebuild reputation with certain factions within your new allegiance.
- Adjustment Period: There’s also the time it takes to adjust to a new city, new quest hubs, and a new set of allies. This adjustment period can be frustrating for some players, especially those deeply ingrained in their previous faction’s lore and routines.
Why Players Choose to Change Factions Despite the Cost
Despite the expenses, many players still opt for a faction change. Here are some common reasons:
- Playing with Friends: This is the most common reason. Players want to join their friends on the opposite faction to participate in group content.
- Guild Recruitment: Some guilds might be faction-specific, and a faction change is necessary to join a desirable guild.
- Gameplay Advantages: While rare, certain racial abilities might be perceived as slightly more advantageous for specific classes or content, prompting a change.
- Story and Lore: Players might be drawn to the story and lore of the opposite faction, wanting to experience the game from a different perspective.
- Fresh Start: Sometimes, a faction change is simply a way to revitalize the game experience and feel like you’re playing something new. This aligns with the educational benefits of gaming, explored further at the Games Learning Society. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the positive aspects of gaming.
- Aesthetics and Role-Playing: Players might prefer the aesthetic of the races within the other faction, or they may be engaging in role-playing scenarios that require them to switch sides.
Alternatives to a Faction Change
Before committing to a paid faction change, consider these alternatives:
- Create a New Character: This is the cheapest option. While it requires leveling a new character, it allows you to experience the other faction without abandoning your existing character. This also allows you to have characters on both factions simultaneously.
- Wait for Sales: Blizzard occasionally offers discounts on character services, including faction changes. Patience might save you some money.
- Explore Cross-Faction Play: Modern WoW allows for cross-faction play, enabling you to participate in dungeons, raids, and communities with players from the opposite faction without changing allegiance. This might negate the need for a costly faction change.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Faction Changes
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about faction changes in World of Warcraft to help you make an informed decision:
1. Does a faction change include a race change?
Yes, the article explicitly states: “Changing your faction also includes a free race change for your class.” This ensures you can choose a race appropriate for your class within your new faction.
2. What happens to my quests when I change factions?
All active quests will be abandoned, and all quest items will be destroyed. You’ll need to revisit quest givers to restart quests you wish to complete.
3. Can I change factions back immediately after changing?
No. There is a 72-hour cooldown period after a faction change before you can change factions again.
4. Will I lose my gold when I change factions?
No, the article mentions there is no limit to the amount of gold you can bring with you during a faction change.
5. What happens to my character’s name when I change factions?
Your character’s name is usually retained, unless someone on the destination faction already has that name. In that case, you’ll be prompted to choose a new name.
6. Can I transfer servers immediately after a faction change?
No, character transfers are prevented for 72 hours after a faction change.
7. How long does a faction change take?
The article states a faction change can take around 30 minutes to complete.
8. Do I get a free realm transfer when I change factions?
No, a free realm transfer is a separate service offered under specific circumstances. A faction change does not automatically include a free realm transfer.
9. Can I get a refund for a faction change?
Refunds are typically only issued for “borked character services.” If you simply have buyer’s remorse, a refund is unlikely.
10. How often can I change factions?
You can change factions as long as you meet the requirements (level 10+, no active auctions, mail, or WoW Tokens) and haven’t changed factions in the last 72 hours.
11. What happens to my reputation with factions when I change factions?
While not explicitly stated, your reputation might not directly convert. You’ll likely need to rebuild reputation with factions relevant to your new allegiance.
12. Can I play with friends on the opposite faction without changing?
Yes, cross-faction play allows you to join dungeons, raids, and communities with players from the opposing faction.
13. What if I destroyed or vendored items before the faction change?
You cannot restore items that you destroyed, vendored, or disenchanted before the faction change. So make sure to deposit them on a bank, or void storage!
14. Is it possible to have characters on both factions on the same realm?
Yes, it’s possible to have characters on both factions on the same realm, but previously this was often only allowed on specific realms.
15. Will my guild change factions with me?
No, guilds remain tied to their original faction. You would need to leave your current guild and potentially join or create a new guild on your new faction. Also you would have to get more than 9 members to change factions along with you to keep your guild on the faction change process.
Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the decision to change factions in WoW is a personal one. Consider the monetary cost, the potential loss of progress, and the alternatives available. Weigh these factors against your desire to play with friends, experience a new story, or join a specific guild. By carefully evaluating your options, you can make an informed decision and ensure that the price of allegiance is one you’re willing to pay.