Today marks the beginning of WoW: Shadowlands. Are you a newcomer or returning player? Then we have all the information you need to get started!
Today is the big day for WoW players, as Shadowlands launches a new expansion. However, for newcomers or returning players, a new expansion can be overwhelming. Where does it all start? What are the requirements? What should you definitely do and what should you avoid?
The most important points at a glance:
- Shadowlands costs €40 plus €13 for the monthly subscription
- The quest for Shadowlands starts at midnight, at 12:00 AM on November 24
- You must be at least level 48 to accept the quest
- The quest line begins in Stormwind (Alliance) or Orgrimmar (Horde)
- In the Shadowlands, you level up to level 60
- You must complete the story at least once
- At the end, you will choose one of 4 Covenants at level 60 – the choice is significant, but can be changed later
- Alt characters can skip the story quests and directly choose a Covenant
Before the Game – Everything You Need to Know
What do you need to play WoW: Shadowlands? Basically, it’s just a few things: the game, a subscription, and of course, a PC with internet.
What are the system requirements? World of Warcraft has always aimed to have minimal system requirements, and this is the case with Shadowlands as well. However, requirements have increased slightly over the years. To play WoW in its current version, you will need the following requirements:
| Operating System | Windows 7 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-3450 AMD FX 8300 |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 or AMD Radeon RX 560 or Intel UHD 630 (45W) |
| Memory (RAM) | 4GB RAM (8GB for integrated graphics) |
| Storage Space | Hard drive with 100 GB free space (SSD recommended) |
| Internet | Broadband internet |
| Input Device | Keyboard and mouse |
| Resolution | at least 1024×768 screen resolution |
It works! What else do I need? If you want to play World of Warcraft: Shadowlands, you only need to buy the latest expansion (i.e. Shadowlands) and have an active subscription.
- The cheapest Shadowlands version costs €40
- A subscription costs €13 per month – but becomes cheaper if you choose multiple months
Keep in mind that the base edition priced at €40 is the cheapest and grants full access to the game. However, there are also the more expensive “Heroic” and “Epic” editions, which have additional bonuses like a character boost to level 50 and cosmetic items. You can find a list of all differences between the WoW versions here.
The choice of the server: WoW has moved away from different servers (realms) for some time now. There is no longer a distinction between PvP and PvE realms.
PvP has not disappeared, but is now a conscious decision players can make in the capital cities. In Orgrimmar and Stormwind, you can enroll in “war mode” – this is available from level 20. Then you will be in a version of the game world where only other PvP enthusiasts are present. With war mode disabled (which is the default), players from the Horde and Alliance normally cannot attack each other.
The only decision left is whether you want to start on a roleplaying realm (RP). However, you should also enjoy extensive roleplaying and readily embrace your avatar’s role. If that’s not for you, it’s better to stick to a “normal” realm to save yourself and your fellow players a lot of frustration.
If you have friends who also play WoW, you should make sure to find out which realm they are playing on. After all, you can join a guild together and engage in more activities together. Many contents now also work cross-server.
Which class is good for newcomers and returners in WoW?
In general, no class is so complex that it should overwhelm newcomers. While some classes have more abilities than others, usually only 10-12 of those are actually used in combat. The rest are very situational and used only in exceptions.
Thus, ask yourself what you would like to experience and do in WoW. For beginners, we recommend these classes, depending on play style.
Easiest class for beginners: If you want action-packed fights with cool features like gliding and a manageable number of abilities, then choose the Demon Hunter. This class can be played both as damage dealer and tank. In both cases, it has a lot of self-healing and is hard to kill.
Best class for the indecisive: If you enjoy switching roles and playing as a tank, healer, or damage dealer, then a Paladin might be suitable. This class has three specializations, each fulfilling one of the roles. This way, you can find a place in every group.
Best classes for solo players: Solo players may enjoy Hunters or Warlocks. Both classes come with companions that draw the enemies’ attention while you attack them from a distance with arrows or spells. However, these classes are also welcome damage dealers in groups – so you don’t have to commit to a solo playstyle.
Ultimately, all of these are just recommendations. All classes have at least one damage specialization and can thus also be played solo well.
Finally Playing – What Should You Pay Attention To?
Everything fits, and the launch is approaching. But when exactly? Where do you need to go? Do you need to have achieved something?
How does it start with Shadowlands?
To start the new WoW expansion, you must have purchased it.
The quest should automatically appear promptly when you own the expansion and have reached at least level 48. You need to go for a clarifying conversation in Orgrimmar (Horde’s capital) or Stormwind (Alliance’s capital). From there, the quest flows seamlessly into Icecrown and ultimately to the new areas of Shadowlands.
It is virtually impossible to get lost if you simply follow the quest marker. By the way, you don’t have to rush, take your time leveling.
Should you boost directly to level 50?
If you have purchased Shadowlands and own at least the Heroic or Epic version of the game, you have received a character boost to level 50. This allows a character to be immediately set to level 50, ready to dive into the new areas of Shadowlands. You can find the boost as a prominent symbol in the character selection.
Whether you should use the boost as a newcomer is up to each person to decide for themselves. It definitely has the advantage that you can rush into the new areas together with everyone else, thus experiencing the “launch madness”. You are there live when all players get to know the contents of Shadowlands for the first time.
On the other hand, the boost robs you of the leveling phase of about 6-10 hours. This time helps many players to get to know their class and unlock new abilities gradually. If you are already at level 50, most of your abilities will already be available, and it can feel overwhelming to dig into all of it. However, if you don’t mind this effort, you can also choose the boost.
What’s the deal with Covenants?
While leveling in Shadowlands, you will learn about the four different Covenants. These are basically the rulers of the individual realms of the Shadowlands. There are:
- Kyrians (in Bastion)
- Nekrolords (in Maldraxxus)
- Night Fae (in Ardenweald)
- Venthyr (in Revendreth)
The Covenants are your quest givers and accompany you permanently in the Shadowlands.
In the end (at level 60), you choose one of the Covenants and commit to it. You will then receive a special campaign, abilities, and further functionalities of the chosen Covenant. Much of this can already be experienced during the leveling phase in the respective quest areas.
The choice of a Covenant is important but can be corrected and changed later. As a newcomer, you should simply choose what you like and what seems fun. If in doubt, a change afterwards is still possible.
If you are still undecided, it is worth taking a look at our comprehensive Covenant overview.
At level 60, WoW really begins
If you have worked your way through the Shadowlands, you should reach level 60 in no time. However, that is by no means the end in World of Warcraft. As is common with many MMORPGs, the game in WoW truly begins at maximum level. A large part of the activities only starts when you are at level 60. Here, the most challenging tasks await players.
Here’s a brief preview of what awaits you at level 60:
- Dungeons: Instances for 5 players. Some of these you have already encountered during leveling. At level 60, they are also available in heroic and mythic difficulties, as well as the endless “Mythic+” variant. The harder the dungeon, the better the loot.
- Raids: Large instances for 10 to 30 players. They also have different difficulties, from the comfortable “LFR” to normal, heroic, and mythic variants. Here, the best loot and the toughest bosses await.
- Covenant Campaign: Your chosen Covenant has a long, extensive campaign. The story continues here, so there’s something new to see and play every week.
- World Quests: Every day there are missions all over the Shadowlands that offer small rewards. Completing these daily quests is worth it.
- PvP: Who wants to measure themselves against others should take a look at PvP. Either in the open world (with war mode activated) or in battlegrounds or arenas. Good loot also awaits here.
What else is there to do?
If you can’t find anything enjoyable about the pure endgame activities or simply want some variety, you can do many other things in WoW:
- Play a new character to choose a different Covenant and experience another story campaign.
- Engage in side activities like pet battles, fishing contests, or special seasonal events.
- Improve your professions to become the best craftsman
- Collect achievement points
- Create a character on an RP realm and see if you enjoy roleplaying.
More tips and tricks
To ensure a smooth start, we’ve published various articles and guides in recent days and weeks that should secure a seamless transition into Shadowlands. Here, you will find even more detailed information:
- These interface addons should be used by every WoW player in Shadowlands
- 5 tips and tricks before the launch of Shadowlands
- The story too convoluted? Our big story article reveals what is happening in the game world right now
Finally, feel free to ask questions in the comments. Other players usually help you out. Perhaps you also have a special tip that we should definitely include in this article?
Discuss and help each other actively in the comments!
