Is Timewalking the Best Way to Level in World of Warcraft?

The short answer? It depends. Timewalking can be a very efficient and enjoyable way to level, especially if you enjoy dungeons and want a break from the open world. However, declaring it definitively “the best” depends on your playstyle, current level, and what you value most in the leveling process. This article will explore the pros and cons of leveling through Timewalking events in World of Warcraft, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Understanding Timewalking

What is Timewalking?

Timewalking is a recurring event in World of Warcraft that allows players to revisit scaled-down versions of classic dungeons from previous expansions. During a Timewalking event, your character’s level and gear are temporarily adjusted to match the content, creating a challenging and nostalgic experience. You queue through the Dungeon Finder, just like you would for normal dungeons.

The Perks of Timewalking

There are several reasons why players might choose Timewalking as their primary leveling method:

• Experience Bonus: As the initial excerpt noted, Timewalking dungeons typically offer a higher experience reward than normal dungeons. The quest reward at the end of dungeons typically gives more experience.
• Fast Queue Times: During Timewalking events, the queue times for dungeons tend to be shorter due to increased player participation, with many people farming mounts or transmog.
• Variety: If you find the standard leveling zones repetitive, Timewalking provides a refreshing change of scenery and combat scenarios.
• Timewalking Specific Gear: The loot that drops during these events can be scaled to be relevant to the player’s level.
• Reputation Boost: During the event there is a faction boost that the player can use to get reputations for certain factions up to 50%.
• Distilled Knowledge of Timeways: Players get this buff when completing a Timewalking Dungeon during the Turbulent Timeways. It gives them a 5% experience buff for two hours. The effect can stack.

The Drawbacks of Timewalking

Despite its advantages, Timewalking isn’t a perfect leveling solution for everyone:

• Level Restrictions: Timewalking events have level restrictions. As the original excerpt states, you can start doing some Timewalking at level 30 and all Timewalking events by level 45.
• Gear Dependency: While Timewalking scales your gear down, having a decent set of gear to start with can make the experience smoother.
• Repetitiveness (eventually): While it’s more varied than traditional leveling, running the same few dungeons repeatedly can still become monotonous.
• Party Dependency: You’re reliant on the performance of your group. A poorly performing group can significantly slow down your leveling speed.
• Timewalking Scales your gear Down: Timewalking scales the characters power and gear relative to the dungeon. This makes the gear not as useful and is only really being done for the experience of timewalking.

Comparing Timewalking to Other Leveling Methods

Questing

Questing in the open world offers a steady stream of experience and allows you to explore the game world at your own pace. It’s also a great way to learn the lore and story of different zones. However, questing can be slower than Timewalking if you’re solely focused on leveling speed.

Normal Dungeons

Normal dungeons can be a decent leveling option, especially if you have a group of friends to run with. However, the experience rewards are generally lower than Timewalking, and queue times can be longer, especially for DPS players.

Chromie Time

Chromie Time allows players to level from 10 to 60 in any expansion they choose, scaling the zones to their level. This offers a more tailored leveling experience compared to the default leveling path. However, the experience rewards might not be as high as Timewalking during the events.

Optimizing Your Timewalking Leveling Experience

Gear Up (Slightly)

While your gear will be scaled down, having a baseline level of gear can improve your survivability and damage output. Consider equipping gear with sockets and enchants for an extra edge.

Focus on Efficiency

• Complete Dungeon Quests: Always pick up the dungeon quests available before entering a Timewalking dungeon. These quests offer a significant experience reward upon completion.
• Learn the Dungeons: Familiarize yourself with the dungeons’ layouts and boss mechanics to minimize downtime and maximize your efficiency.
• Communicate with Your Group: Coordinate with your group to pull efficiently and avoid unnecessary wipes.

The Social Aspect

Timewalking can be a great way to connect with other players. Don’t be afraid to chat with your group members, offer advice, and even make new friends.

Who Benefits Most from Timewalking Leveling?

• Players seeking a change of pace: If you’re tired of traditional questing or normal dungeons, Timewalking offers a refreshing alternative.
• Alt-aholics: Timewalking is an excellent way to quickly level multiple alt characters.
• Players who enjoy dungeons: If you prefer group content and enjoy the challenge of dungeons, Timewalking is a great option.
• Players who want Timewalking exclusive items: Many players play timewalking to get specific rare items.

Conclusion: Is Timewalking “The Best”?

Ultimately, the “best” leveling method is subjective and depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Timewalking offers a fast, fun, and varied leveling experience, especially during Timewalking events. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. Consider your playstyle, desired leveling speed, and tolerance for repetition when making your decision.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Timewalking Leveling

1. What level do I need to be to participate in Timewalking?

Players can start participating in some Timewalking events by level 30, and all of them by level 45.

2. Does Timewalking scale gear up or down?

Timewalking scales your gear down to the appropriate level for the dungeon. However, loot obtained during the dungeon will scale up to an item level appropriate for your current level.

3. Can I do Timewalking at max level?

Yes, max-level characters can participate in Timewalking dungeons.

4. Can I solo Timewalking dungeons?

While possible with exceptional gear and skill, Timewalking dungeons are designed for groups of 5 players.

5. What is the drop rate of the Timewalking mount?

The drop rate of the Timewalking mount is notoriously low, estimated to be around 0.025% (1 in 4000).

6. What gear drops from Timewalking?

Timewalking Dungeon bosses drop Item Level 385 loot, and Timewalking Raids drop Item Level 415 Champion Gear that is upgradable to Item Level 437.

7. How do I get the Timewalking experience buff?

When players complete a Timewalking dungeon during the Turbulent Timeways, they are given a Distilled Knowledge of Timeways potion, which grants a 5% experience buff.

8. What is the Timewalking reputation bonus?

During Timewalking events, you gain a 50% bonus to reputations earned from quests and creature kills for all reputations associated with the corresponding expansion.

9. How long do Timewalking dungeons last?

A typical Timewalking dungeon run lasts between 15-30 minutes, depending on the group’s efficiency.

10. How long does a Timewalking event last?

A Timewalking Dungeon Event typically occurs once every three weeks and lasts for 7 days.

11. Why can’t I queue for Timewalking dungeons?

Make sure you are at least level 60 (or the minimum level for the specific expansion’s Timewalking event) and have an item level of 180 or higher.

12. What are the benefits of Chromie Time compared to Timewalking?

Chromie Time allows you to level through an entire expansion’s storyline at your own pace, while Timewalking focuses on specific dungeons and offers a potentially faster leveling experience.

13. Is it faster to level through Timewalking or questing?

Timewalking is generally faster than questing if you efficiently run dungeons and take advantage of the experience bonus.

14. Can I do Timewalking raids?

Yes, you can participate in Timewalking raids when they are available. You’ll need to form a group of 10-30 players.

15. What happens to my level when the Timewalking event ends?

When the Timewalking event ends, your level returns to normal, and you can no longer access the scaled-down dungeons until the next event.