Understanding the Time Skip Between Shadowlands and Dragonflight
The transition from the ethereal realms of Shadowlands to the vibrant landscapes of Dragonflight in World of Warcraft involves a significant passage of time. The official word from Blizzard is that there is a five-year gap between the beginning of the Shadowlands expansion and the beginning of Dragonflight. However, the specific time skip between the end of the Shadowlands narrative and the start of Dragonflight is three years. This distinction is important because time flowed differently within the Shadowlands, a fact that complicates the overall timeline. This discrepancy and the resulting time skip have led to much discussion and speculation within the World of Warcraft community.
The Five-Year Discrepancy
The initial confirmation of a five-year gap encompasses the entirety of the Shadowlands narrative and the period leading into Dragonflight. It is important to understand that, while the events of Shadowlands felt like a long adventure for players, time in Azeroth continued to pass. This passage of time is evident in changes to the world and the development of characters.
The discrepancy arises from the fact that the time we spent in the Shadowlands was not a linear experience. Jaina Proudmoore’s comments about trying to escape thousands of times, while within the Shadowlands, highlights this. The Shadowlands operated under different rules of temporal flow, making a direct comparison to time on Azeroth complex.
The Three-Year Post-Shadowlands Time Jump
Despite the total five-year gap, a more refined timeframe was later clarified. Steve Danuser, a prominent figure within the World of Warcraft development team, confirmed a three-year time skip between the conclusion of the Shadowlands storyline and the beginning of the Dragonflight narrative. This three-year jump represents the time that passed on Azeroth after we left the Shadowlands and before the awakening of the Dragon Isles. This period allowed for rebuilding, reflection, and a shift in the political landscape, providing a strong rationale for various changes seen in the world of Azeroth.
Why is Understanding the Time Skip Important?
Understanding the time skip is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps players reconcile character development and world changes between the two expansions. For instance, characters might be older, relationships may have evolved, and significant events could have occurred in the background. Second, the time skip affects the overall narrative continuity of World of Warcraft, setting the stage for new conflicts and alliances within Dragonflight. Lastly, understanding the timeline helps explain the level of technological advancement that has been incorporated in the world of Azeroth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Shadowlands to Dragonflight Time Skip
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the complexities of the time skip and its implications:
How Long Did the Events of Shadowlands Take, Specifically?
The core events of the Shadowlands campaign transpired over an estimated two-year period within the game’s lore. This means that the remaining three years of the five-year gap were outside of the game.
How Many Years Have Passed in Total Since Vanilla WoW?
World of Warcraft began in year 25 of the game’s timeline, and Dragonflight is set in year 40. Therefore, a total of 15 years have passed between Vanilla World of Warcraft and the start of the Dragonflight expansion.
What is the Exact Year That Dragonflight Begins In?
Dragonflight begins in year 40 of the World of Warcraft timeline, as previously mentioned. The year count begins from the opening of the Dark Portal in the lore.
Does the Time Skip Affect Character Levels?
The time skip itself does not directly affect character levels. However, reaching max level, which is level 70 in Dragonflight, is required to experience all the new content fully.
Do I Need to Finish the Shadowlands Campaign Before Dragonflight?
No, completing the Shadowlands campaign is not mandatory to start the Dragonflight campaign. However, not completing it will prevent you from accessing World Quests and Adventure Mode which will make gearing up alt characters far less efficient.
Did the Time Skip Affect Anduin Wrynn?
Yes, Anduin Wrynn’s story was significantly affected. He was corrupted by the Jailer during Shadowlands but is now 25 years old in Dragonflight, reflecting the passage of time. He is an additional 7 years older than the character was at the beginning of the battle for Azeroth.
Is There a Level Cap in Dragonflight?
Yes, the level cap in Dragonflight is level 70. You cannot level past level 60 without purchasing the Dragonflight expansion.
What are the Key Changes in Dragonflight due to the Time Skip?
The time skip has allowed for rebuilding and changes in the world. It has also provided context for new conflicts and narratives that arise in Dragonflight, setting the stage for new exploration and adventures.
How Does Time Flow Differently in the Shadowlands?
Time in the Shadowlands is not linear, and it’s not comparable to time on Azeroth. For example, Jaina Proudmoore’s mention of attempting to escape thousands of times highlights the non-linear passage of time in the realm.
What Was the Purpose of the Time Skip?
The time skip helped Blizzard move past some of the more controversial aspects of the Shadowlands narrative. It allowed them to usher in a more grounded, Azeroth-focused expansion with Dragonflight.
Is the Time Skip a Retcon?
No, the time skip is not a retcon. It’s a planned development within the timeline of World of Warcraft, explaining shifts in the world and character development. It explains why the world has changed to reflect more advancement and the changes to various character ages and development.
How Long Does it Take to Reach Level 70 in Dragonflight?
Leveling from 60 to 70 in Dragonflight can take anywhere from 4 to 15 hours, depending on the player’s methods. Dungeons are typically the fastest way to level up with a stable group.
Did Dragonflight Sell More or Less Than Shadowlands?
Dragonflight sold less at launch than Shadowlands. However, it’s important to note that it is outperforming Shadowlands in other key metrics, indicating continued player engagement.
Is the Black Dragonflight Evil in Dragonflight?
The Black Dragonflight is a race of mostly villainous dragons corrupted by the Old Gods. While they are not the primary antagonists of this expansion, their goals remain a threat and their history in the lore is very important to keep in mind.
Are the Old Expansions Free Now?
Yes, with the launch of Dragonflight, previous expansions like Shadowlands are now included in the basic monthly subscription. This allows new or returning players to experience all content without needing to purchase older expansions.
Understanding the time skip between Shadowlands and Dragonflight is key to appreciating the narrative flow and world changes within World of Warcraft. The five-year gap from the start of Shadowlands to the start of Dragonflight and the specific three-year time jump after the events of the Shadowlands campaign provide a unique context that shapes the current state of the game and its continuing story.