What Happens When You Switch Covenants in Shadowlands?
Switching Covenants in World of Warcraft: Shadowlands is a significant decision with various consequences, but thankfully, it’s a reversible one, especially after you’ve reached Renown 80 on at least one character on your account. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when you jump ship from one Covenant to another:
- Loss of Covenant-Specific Benefits: Immediately upon switching, you lose access to all the unique abilities, cosmetic rewards, and other perks associated with your previous Covenant. This includes the Covenant-specific ability, the Soulbinds you had active, and access to the Covenant Sanctum features like the transportation network, mission table, and unique activities.
- No Conversion of Unlocks: Any progress you’ve made within your previous Covenant, such as cosmetic collections, achievements, or Sanctum upgrades, does not automatically transfer to your new Covenant. You’ll essentially be starting from scratch regarding progression within the new Covenant’s system.
- Keeping What Matters: The good news is that certain character-bound elements remain intact. You keep any conduits you’ve collected (though you’ll need to slot them into your new Soulbinds), and you keep any Renown level you’ve earned with a covenant.
- Campaign Reset (Sort Of): Your Covenant campaign progress will not be reset, but you will have to begin the new Covenant’s campaign. This means experiencing the story unique to your new allegiance.
- Renown Catch-Up Mechanisms: Thankfully, Blizzard implemented robust Renown catch-up systems. Completing activities like dungeons, raids, world quests, and Torghast runs will award Renown until you’ve reached a reasonable level, making it easier to get back into the flow. Moreover, if you have a character that has reach level 80 renown, any character of yours can use an item that instantly grants them Renown 60, giving you a massive head start.
- Free Switching After Renown 80: The biggest change introduced later in Shadowlands was the ability to switch Covenants freely once you’ve reached Renown 80 on any character on your account. This unlocks the “Renowned” achievement and removes the weekly lockout associated with switching. This means you can swap between Covenants as often as you like, even rejoining ones you’ve previously left, without any waiting period or penalty.
- Anima Remains: Your accumulated Anima remains tied to the Covenant where you earned it. It does not transfer between Covenants.
In essence, switching Covenants is like moving to a new city. You bring your personal belongings (like conduits), but you have to build a new life (progress through the campaign and unlock features) in your new environment. Understanding these nuances will help you make informed decisions about your Covenant allegiance in Shadowlands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Covenant Switching
Do I lose all my Renown if I switch Covenants?
No, you do not lose any Renown levels you’ve already earned. Your Renown level stays with the Covenant where you earned it. When you switch to a new Covenant, you start at Renown 1 (unless you use a catch-up mechanic), but your previous Renown progress is saved if you decide to switch back.
Can I switch back to a Covenant I was previously in?
Yes! After you obtain the “Renowned” achievement on your account, you can switch back and forth between Covenants as many times as you want, without any restrictions.
What happens to my Soulbinds when I change Covenants?
Your active Soulbinds become inactive. You’ll need to unlock and configure new Soulbinds within your new Covenant. However, you keep any conduits you’ve collected.
Do I lose my Covenant-specific transmogs when I switch?
Yes, you temporarily lose access to Covenant-specific transmogrification items when you’re not a member of that Covenant. They become available again if you rejoin that Covenant.
Is there a cost associated with switching Covenants?
There is no gold cost associated with switching Covenants. After reaching Renown 80 on any character, switching becomes free in all senses. Before then there is a cost involving quests and waiting.
Can I skip the Covenant campaign on alts after switching?
If you have completed chapters one and two of their relevant covenant’s questline, it is possible to skip only those two chapters on an alternative character. It is not possible to skip entire covenant campaigns.
Do I lose my Covenant-specific mounts when I switch?
Yes, you lose the ability to use Covenant-specific mounts when you’re not a member of that Covenant. They become available again once you rejoin.
What if I have unfinished quests in my old Covenant when I switch?
Unfinished Covenant-specific quests will be abandoned when you switch.
Does switching Covenants affect my character’s power?
Yes, it can significantly affect your character’s power. Different Covenants offer different abilities and Soulbinds that can impact your character’s performance in various content.
What should I do before switching Covenants?
Before switching, consider the following:
- Ensure you’ve collected any essential transmogs or achievements you want from your current Covenant.
- Be prepared to start the new Covenant’s campaign.
- Consider using a Renown catch-up item if available to speed up your progress.
- Unequip any conduits you want to move to your new covenant.
Can I have two Covenants at the same time?
No, you can only be a member of one Covenant at a time. Joining a new Covenant automatically overwrites your previous allegiance.
Are Covenants still important in Shadowlands?
Even with the free switching option, Covenants still matter in Shadowlands, especially for players who optimize their character’s performance for specific content. The Covenant abilities and Soulbinds can provide significant advantages in different situations.
Which Covenant is the best for my class?
The “best” Covenant depends on your class, specialization, and playstyle, and the type of content you plan to engage in. Researching class guides and simulations can help you make an informed decision.
Do I lose my progress in Torghast when I switch Covenants?
Your overall progress in Torghast is not affected by switching Covenants. However, some Covenant-specific abilities might make certain wings or layers easier or harder.
How do I join a new Covenant?
To join a new Covenant, travel to Oribos and speak with the emissary of the Covenant you wish to join. They will offer you a questline that leads you to the Covenant’s Sanctum and initiates the joining process. Remember to make a clean break from your old covenant.
Ultimately, the flexibility afforded by the post-Renown 80 system allows players to explore different playstyles and Covenant-specific content without long-term commitment. It’s all about finding what works best for you and your character!
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