World of Warcraftis entering the era ofDragonflight, meaningShadowlandshas joined the growing list of expansions included in the basic monthly subscription. With the start ofDragonflight,World of Warcraftplayers can now experience all ofShadowlandssimply by subscribing to the game.
Players interested in startingWorld of Warcraftcan access its free trial up to level 20. From there, players can continue to play simply by subscribing. Doing so gives players access toallWorld of Warcraft’sexpansionssave its most recent one–there is no cost to purchase the base game outside the monthly subscription fee.
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TheDragonflightPre-Patch began on October 25, officially bringing an end to theShadowlandsera ofWorld of Warcraft. This meansShadowlandshas been added to the base subscription ofWorld of Warcraft. Players must still upgrade toDragonflightif they wish to reach level 70, explore the Dragon Isles, or play a Dracthyr Evoker once the expansion fully releases.
Though theShadowlandsera is officially over,Dragonflightis not out yet. The first phase of the Pre-Patch adds the new Talent Trees toWorld of Warcraft, as well as its sleek new UI and accessibility options. Players can also make Mage, Rogue, and Priest characters of any playable race. Thesecond phase of theDragonflightPre-Patch, which adds the Dracthyr Evoker, Primal Storms world event, and the new Uldaman: Legacy of Tyr event, begins on November 15, two weeks before the expansion’s full launch on November 28.
There is no better time to get intoWorld of Warcraftthan a Pre-Patch cycle.World of Warcraftplayers can benefit from the Winds of Wisdom buffuntil phase two of theDragonflightPre-Patch, after which experience gains are being permanently changed to make leveling faster. This 50% experience boost will help players quickly prepare forDragonflight. Likewise, the upcoming Primal Storms event has catch-up gear to make sure players have serviceable equipment as they explore the Dragon Isles.
ThoughShadowlandsbrought many valuable things toWorld of Warcraft, it was unpopular among many fans. While it may not go down as theleast-popular expansion for allWorld of Warcraftplayers, few are mourning the new era as much as they did other popular expansions likeWrath of the Lich KingorLegion. With two divisive eras preceding it, it is no exaggeration to say all eyes are onDragonflightas it nears launch. The nextWorld of Warcraftexpansion may be its most important release yet.
World of Warcraftis available now for PC.Dragonflightlaunches on November 28.
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