Is There Flying Mounts in Shadowlands? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, there are flying mounts in Shadowlands, but unlocking the ability to use them requires completing specific in-game achievements and campaign progression. Players must advance through their Covenant Campaign and reach a certain level of Renown to take to the skies in the Shadowlands zones. Let’s delve deeper into how to unlock flying and answer common questions about using flying mounts in this expansion.
Unlocking Flying in Shadowlands: A Step-by-Step Guide
Flying in Shadowlands isn’t available from the start. It’s gated behind a few specific achievements and campaign progression milestones. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:
- Covenant Campaign Completion: You need to complete all nine chapters of your chosen Covenant Campaign. This will involve progressing through the storyline specific to your Covenant (Kyrian, Necrolord, Night Fae, or Venthyr).
- Renown Level: You must reach Renown level 44 with your chosen Covenant. Renown is earned by completing various activities, including world quests, dungeon runs, and Covenant-specific tasks.
- Chains of Domination Campaign: Complete the first three chapters of the 9.1 Chains of Domination Campaign, culminating in the quest “The Primus Returns.”
- Memories of the Sunless Skies: Once the above requirements are met, you will automatically unlock an account-wide achievement granting all characters that have reached level 50 and above the ability to fly in all four original zones of the Shadowlands – Bastion, Maldraxxus, Ardenweald, and Revendreth.
- Zereth Mortis Flying: Flying in Zereth Mortis requires no additional achievements or campaign progress, if flying has been unlocked via Memories of the Sunless Skies.
Unlocking flying in Shadowlands is an account-wide unlock, meaning once one character has completed these requirements, all other characters on your account that are at level 50 or above will be able to fly in the Shadowlands zones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Flying in Shadowlands
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you understand the intricacies of flying in Shadowlands:
Q1: What level do I need to be to fly in Shadowlands?
You need to be at least level 50 to fly in the Shadowlands, assuming you have unlocked flying. Level 30 and above unlocks flying in other areas after purchasing Expert Riding.
Q2: Do I need to purchase flying in Shadowlands?
No, you don’t purchase flying in Shadowlands with gold. You unlock it by completing the required campaign progress and Renown level. Expert Riding must still be purchased to enable flying anywhere except Dragon Isles.
Q3: Can I use any flying mount in Shadowlands once flying is unlocked?
Yes, once flying is unlocked, you can use any flying mount you own in the Shadowlands zones.
Q4: How long does it take to unlock flying in Shadowlands?
It can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours to complete the necessary Covenant Campaign chapters and reach the required Renown level, depending on your playstyle and how quickly you complete quests and activities.
Q5: Do I need Shadowlands Pathfinder to fly?
No, Shadowlands does not use a Pathfinder achievement system like previous expansions. You simply need to fulfill the Covenant Campaign and Renown requirements.
Q6: Is flying automatically unlocked in Shadowlands after Dragonflight release?
Yes, Blizzard removed the flying requirements for Shadowlands with the release of Dragonflight, simplifying access to flying in these zones.
Q7: Can I fly in the Maw?
No, flying is not possible in the Maw. This zone is designed for ground-based gameplay, emphasizing danger and exploration.
Q8: How do I train Expert Riding to use flying mounts?
At level 30, you can visit a Riding Trainer in any major city. They will teach you Expert Riding for a fee (currently 250 gold), allowing you to use flying mounts.
Q9: Does Dragonflight affect flying in Shadowlands?
Yes, the release of Dragonflight made flying in Shadowlands easier to unlock. Players no longer need to grind for specific achievements in each zone to be able to fly and it unlocks automatically after you reach level 50 and finish the campaign.
Q10: Can I use Dragonriding mounts in Shadowlands?
No, Dragonriding mounts are exclusive to the Dragon Isles and cannot be used for flying in other zones, including the Shadowlands. Your regular flying mounts will work as normal in Shadowlands, while you have to use Dragonriding mounts in Dragon Isles.
Q11: Where can I find a Riding Trainer?
Riding Trainers are located in major cities of each faction. For example, in Orgrimmar, you can find the Riding Trainer near the zeppelin towers. In Stormwind, the Riding Trainer is located in the eastern part of the city.
Q12: Are there Covenant-themed flying mounts?
Yes, unlocking flying in Shadowlands rewards a Covenant-themed mount for your character. These mounts are earned by reaching certain Renown levels and completing specific Covenant activities.
Q13: What are some of the rarest flying mounts in WoW that I could use in Shadowlands?
Some of the rarest flying mounts include:
- Ashes of Al’ar
- Invincible’s Reins
- Mimiron’s Head
- Onyxian Drake
- Headless Horseman’s Mount
Q14: What is Master Riding and how do I get it?
Master Riding is the highest tier of riding skill, allowing you to ride flying mounts at maximum speed (310%). You can learn it at level 40 from a Riding Trainer for a cost (around 5,000 gold before discounts).
Q15: Do Death Knights get a free flying mount?
Death Knights receive 150 Riding Skill for free and have a quest to acquire their unique ground mount. However, they do not automatically receive a free flying mount. They need to purchase one like other classes, although they do have an exclusive flying mount available.
Dragonflight and Shadowlands Flying: What’s Changed?
With the release of Dragonflight, the approach to flying has undergone significant changes. While Dragonriding is the new dynamic form of flight in the Dragon Isles, traditional flying continues to function as normal in older zones like the Shadowlands. This means that your existing collection of flying mounts remains useful for traversing these areas. Players still need to learn Expert Riding at level 30 for flying outside of Shadowlands and Dragon Isles.
Conclusion: Taking to the Skies in Shadowlands
Unlocking flying in Shadowlands is a rewarding process that enhances your exploration and gameplay experience. While it requires completing specific achievements and campaign progress, the ability to soar above the Shadowlands zones is well worth the effort. The changes introduced with Dragonflight have simplified the process, making it more accessible for all players. Now you can easily explore the ethereal landscapes, complete quests, and farm resources with ease.
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