Why Can’t I Queue Up for Timewalking? A Comprehensive Guide
Timewalking dungeons in World of Warcraft offer a fantastic way to revisit classic content, earn unique rewards, and experience older expansions with a leveled playing field. However, players frequently encounter frustrating situations where they’re unable to queue for these nostalgic adventures. The primary reason you might be unable to queue for Timewalking boils down to a few key requirements: character level, item level, recent character boosts, and sometimes, even your character race. Let’s delve into each of these aspects to clarify why you might be locked out of Timewalking dungeons and how to resolve the issue.
Core Requirements for Timewalking
Level and Item Level Thresholds
The most basic requirement for Timewalking is having a character that is at level 60 or above. This means that if your character is below level 60, the Timewalking queue will not be available. Once you hit level 60, you’re not immediately good to go; you also need to meet a specific item level requirement. The current item level (ilvl) requirement is 180. If your character is level 60 or higher but has an ilvl below 180, the Timewalking queue will remain unavailable in the Dungeon Finder. You will need to acquire better gear, either through quests, world content, or the Auction House, to meet this ilvl threshold.
Boosted Characters and Dracthyr Restrictions
Another hurdle players encounter is the restriction placed on recently boosted characters and Dracthyr. Characters that have recently received a level boost, regardless of whether it’s from a purchase or a game event, are subject to a 24 to 48 hour lockout from older expansion content. This means you cannot queue for Timewalking, or most other dungeons and raids from expansions other than the most recent one, Dragonflight.
Additionally, Dracthyr characters, the new race introduced in Dragonflight, have a similar limitation. These characters must complete their introductory quests before being eligible to queue for dungeons and raids from previous expansions, including Timewalking. This waiting period is designed to encourage players to fully engage with the latest expansion content before exploring older areas.
The Hidden Item Level Requirement
Adding to the confusion, many players have found that an additional, hidden item level requirement of 174 exists, even though the tooltips and in-game information might indicate otherwise. This can be frustrating since you might meet the “officially” stated item level but still cannot queue. Ensure your item level is at least 174 as well as 180 to bypass this hurdle.
Other Potential Issues
Time-Gated Locks on Older Content
Sometimes, the restrictions are not about your character specifically, but due to a system-level time-gate. After using a character boost, the system might take up to 48 hours to clear the locks on older content. If you recently boosted a character and are encountering this issue, it might be a case of simply waiting for the system to update and remove these restrictions.
Chromie Time Confusion
While Chromie Time is a fantastic way to level through older content, it’s not directly related to Timewalking dungeons. Chromie Time is a leveling system, and although you can engage with older dungeons while leveling this way, it does not allow access to the Timewalking dungeon queue. Timewalking dungeons are a specific rotating event that requires level 60 or above to participate in. Players sometimes confuse this distinction and believe being in Chromie Time is enough. It’s not; you need to be level 60 with the appropriate gear.
Technical Glitches
Finally, although less common, there may be technical glitches that prevent the Timewalking queue from showing up. If you have confirmed all the above, you may want to restart the game and check again. In rare cases, corrupted game files or UI issues can cause such problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is Timewalking in World of Warcraft?
Timewalking is a recurring event that allows players to revisit dungeons from past expansions at a scaled-down level. This means even high-level players can run through classic dungeons with a challenge and acquire unique rewards such as Timewarped Badges. These badges can be used to purchase catch-up gear, reputation with old factions, Heirloom upgrades, and other collectibles.
2. How do I queue for a Timewalking dungeon?
To queue, open the Group Finder tool (default key: “I”), select the “Dungeon” tab, and select the Timewalking option from the dropdown. If it’s not available, refer to the reasons we’ve covered above.
3. Does Timewalking now require level 60 in Dragonflight?
Yes, Timewalking now requires level 60 in Dragonflight. Previously, lower levels could participate, but this is no longer the case.
4. Is there a hidden item level requirement for Timewalking?
Yes, there is a hidden item level requirement of 174, along with the displayed requirement of 180. This can be misleading as most sources only show the ilvl 180 requirement.
5. Can I solo Timewalking dungeons?
While it’s possible to solo some Timewalking dungeons with optimized gear and playstyles, it’s designed as a 5-player group activity. Soloing isn’t a standard expectation, and it’s usually more efficient and fun to do with a group.
6. How often does the Timewalking event occur?
A Timewalking Dungeon Event typically occurs once every three weeks and lasts for 7 days.
7. Why is Chromie Time different from Timewalking?
Chromie Time is a leveling tool, allowing characters to level through past expansions. Timewalking is a specific event that scales you down to run older dungeons at level 60+. They serve different purposes, despite both being related to content from older expansions.
8. Can I do Timewalking raids?
Yes, Timewalking raids are available during specific Timewalking events. These raids are scaled-down versions of classic raids, offering unique challenges and rewards. You must assemble a group of 10-30 players, travel to Shattrath City, and talk to Vormu to queue for the raid.
9. Can new players do Timewalking in World of Warcraft?
New players must first level a character through Battle for Azeroth and reach level 60. Only after that, will Timewalking become an option. They are first required to complete the main introductory quest lines for the current expansion.
10. How do I unlock Chromie Time?
You must have at least one character on your account that has reached level 60 to unlock Chromie Time for other characters. To activate Chromie Time, you must speak to Chromie in Stormwind or Orgrimmar.
11. What happens if I’m leveling in Chromie Time and am unable to queue for a dungeon?
If you are in Chromie Time, you’re leveling, and it has no effect on the Timewalking dungeon queue. The level requirements for the regular dungeons, not timewalking, are reduced for players in Chromie time. If the requirements for normal dungeons are not met, then you’d need to leave Chromie Time.
12. Can I switch Chromie Time expansions?
Yes, you can switch expansions at any time by going back to Chromie and asking for a different expansion.
13. Is there an easy way to know if Chromie Time is active?
Yes. Mobs in the zone should be scaled to your level. If you see level-appropriate mobs, you are in Chromie Time. Otherwise, they’ll typically be maxed out at a particular range, indicating no active Chromie Time.
14. Why can’t I queue for Dragonflight Dungeons?
Level 60 characters who own Dragonflight cannot queue for the normal Dragonflight dungeons. You can only start queuing for Dragonflight dungeons at level 61.
15. Can you leave a Timewalking campaign?
Yes. You can talk to Chromie and leave Timewalking campaigns by asking to return to the present.
Conclusion
Navigating the requirements for Timewalking can be confusing. By understanding the restrictions related to character level, item level, boost restrictions, and Dracthyr limitations, you can better prepare your characters for this enjoyable event. Always keep your gear up to par, be aware of lockout periods, and make sure you are ready to experience the dungeons of yesteryear. By following this guide and the FAQs, you should be ready to enjoy everything Timewalking has to offer!