Starter Guide to Shadowlands 20's!

Obtaining by the hunter is impossible.

You can always trade or get a run in legacy mode.

Whelp.... I'm pretty sure https://www.wowhead.com/item=27936/greaves-of-desolation?bonus=6710 isnt on the list for that boss in the dungeon journal (for normal) but they do in fact drop in normal. Not the same thing, i know, but... hope. ;) (the legs drop from a different boss in heoric)

Finally was able to check in game and the greaves are not listed under Ikiss at all, so at least there's variance to hope on.

edit- there was a bit of debate back a while about the legs, they do in fact drop at 20. Just extra info.
 
Last edited:
This list ain't accurate:

upload_2021-3-10_21-15-23.png



my actual available dungeons list at level 20:
upload_2021-3-10_21-16-6.png



and i really need a drop from mechanar
any idea if it still pops in random queue ?
 
Hello everyone! Digitalchemyst here with another guide! This was largely adapted from my 19's guide, as there were no significant differences in most areas. This guide will inform you of everything you need to know to start & play a level 20 character in Shadowlands (SL), which is the highest level you can play without a subscription (AKA FTP or Vet). IMPORTANT: For the purposes of this guide, a Free to Play (FTP) account is an account that you have NEVER PAID MONEY for, and a Veteran Account (Vet) is an account YOU HAVE PAID MONEY for. Since the PTR is still up as of writing this, some information may change and will be updated as such. Let's jump into it!

Sections:
Quickstart
Dungeons
Class & Specialization Abilities For 20's
PVP Talents
Gear Guide
Enchant Guide
Tier List


QUICKSTART (NEW PLAYERS ONLY)
You've always wanted to play a low-level character that is as strong as possible but didn't know where to start. This guide is here to help you! For the first time in WoW starting with Shadowlands, you can play all classes at level 20! Additionally, Allied Races are available to play and require certain prerequisites to be met before becoming available on your account (LINK to article on how to unlock Allied Races). Once you have chosen Horde or Alliance, then your Race & Class combo, you are ready to dive into choosing a Specialization and leveling to 20! If you wish to remain FTP, skip the next step. If your subscription has expired, skip the next step. If you have an active subscription, once you reach level 20 you will go to this NPC if Horde or this NPC if Alliance, and stop experience gains (XPOFF). IMPORTANT: If you have stopped experience gains, you must turn them back on before your subscription expires, or you will not be able to play Battlegrounds & Arenas with other level 20 players! Once you are XPOFF, FTP, or Vet with an expired subscription, you may proceed to obtain armor & weapons for your character, train & level up professions, and enchant your gear with powerful effects! The rest of this guide, as well as other community members, will help you in creating your character! Good Luck!

DUNGEONS FOR 20's
Of note, selecting the Cataclysm Chromie Timeline will allow you to queue for Vanilla dungeons, but not Cataclysm dungeons.

Vanilla
  • All Dungeons!
The Burning Crusade
  • Auchenai Crypts
  • Hellfire Ramparts
  • Mana-Tombs
  • Old Hillsbrad Foothills
  • Sethekk Halls
  • Shadow Labyrinth
  • The Botanica
  • The Blood Furnace
  • The Mechanar
  • The Shattered Halls
  • The Slave Pens
  • The Steam Vault
  • The Underbog
Wrath of the Lich King
  • Ahn'Kahet: The Old Kingdom
  • Azjol-Nerub
  • Drak'Tharon Keep
  • Gundrak
  • Halls of Lightning
  • Halls of Stone
  • The Nexus
  • The Oculus
  • The Violet Hold
  • Utgarde Keep
  • Utgarde Pinnacle
Cataclysm
  • NONE!
Mists of Pandaria
  • Mogu'shan Palace
  • Shado-Pan Monastery
  • Stormstout Brewery
  • Temple of the Jade Serpent
Warlords of Draenor
  • Auchindoun
  • Bloodmaul Slag Mines
  • Iron Docks
  • Shadowmoon Burial Grounds
Legion
  • Assault on Violet Hold
  • Black Rook Hold
  • Darkheart Thicket
  • Eye of Azshara
  • Halls of Valor
  • Maw of Souls
  • Neltharion's Lair
  • Vault of the Wardens
Battle for Azeroth
  • Atal'Dazar
  • Freehold

CLASS & SPECIALIZATION ABILITIES FOR 20's

Death Knight
All
  • Anti-Magic Shell
  • Chains of Ice
  • Dark Command
  • Death and Decay
  • Death Coil
  • Death Grip
  • Death Strike
  • Mind Freeze
  • Raise Dead
  • Rune Forging
  • Rune Strike
Blood
  • Blood Boil
  • Heart Strike
  • Marrowrend
  • Rune Tap
Frost
  • Frost Strike
  • Howling Blast
  • Obliterate
  • Remorseless Winter
Unholy
  • Apocalypse
  • Festering Strike
  • Outbreak
  • Scourge Strike
Demon Hunter
All
  • Chaos Strike
  • Consume Magic
  • Demon's Bite
  • Fel Rush
  • Immolation Aura (Rank 2)
  • Throw Glaive (Rank 2)
  • Torment
Havoc
  • Blade Dance
  • Chaos Nova
  • Chaos Strike (Rank 2)
  • Eye Beam
  • Metamorphosis (Rank 2)
  • Vengeful Retreat
Vengeance
  • Demon Spikes
  • Fel Devastation
  • Fiery Brand
  • Infernal Strike
  • Metamorphosis (Rank 2)
  • Shear
  • Sigil of Flame
  • Soul Cleave (Rank 2)
  • Throw Glaive
Druid
All
  • Aquatic Form
  • Bear Form
  • Cat Form
  • Dash
  • Entangling Roots
  • Ferocious Bite
  • Growl
  • Ironfur
  • Mangle
  • Moonfire
  • Prowl
  • Regrowth
  • Revive
  • Shred
  • Travel Form (Rank 2)
  • Wrath
Balance
  • Remove Corruption
  • Starfire
  • Starsurge
Feral
  • Rake
  • Remove Corruption
  • Thrash
  • Tiger's Fury
Guardian
  • Bear Form (Rank 2)
  • Maul
  • Remove Corruption
  • Thrash
Restoration
  • Ironbark
  • Nature's Cure
  • Rejuvenation
  • Swiftmend
Hunter
All
  • Arcane Shot
  • Aspect of the Cheetah
  • Aspect of the Turtle
  • Disengage
  • Exhilaration
  • Feign Death
  • Flare
  • Freezing Trap
  • Steady Shot
Beast Mastery
  • Barbed Shot
  • Bestial Wrath
  • Cobra Shot
  • Concussive Shot
  • Counter Shot
  • Kill Command
Marksmanship
  • Aimed Shot
  • Bursting Shot
  • Concussive Shot
  • Counter Shot
  • Rapid Fire
Survival
  • Harpoon
  • Kill Command
  • Muzzle
  • Raptor Strike
  • Serpent Sting
  • Wildfire Bomb
  • Wing Clip (Rank 2)
Mage
All
  • Arcane Explosion
  • Arcane Intellect
  • Blink
  • Conjure Refreshment
  • Counterspell
  • Fire Blast
  • Frostbolt
  • Frost Nova
  • Polymorph
  • Slow Fall
  • Teleport
Arcane
  • Alter Time
  • Arcane Barrage
  • Arcane Blast
  • Arcane Explosion (Rank 2)
  • Arcane Missiles
  • Conjure Mana Gem
  • Slow
Fire
  • Fireball
  • Fire Blast (Rank 2)
  • Flamestrike
  • Phoenix Flames
  • Pyroblast
  • Scorch
Frost
  • Blizzard
  • Cone of Cold
  • Flurry
  • Ice Lance
  • Summon Water Elemental
Monk
All
  • Blackout Kick
  • Crackling Jade Lightning
  • Expel Harm
  • Leg Sweep
  • Provoke
  • Resuscitate
  • Roll (Rank 2)
  • Spinning Crane Kick
  • Tiger Palm
  • Touch of Death
  • Vivify
  • Zen Pilgrimage
Brewmaster
  • Shuffle
  • Spear Hand Strike
  • Stagger
Mistweaver
  • Enveloping Mist
  • Renewing Mist
  • Soothing Mist
Windwalker
  • Blackout Kick (Rank 2)
  • Fists of Fury
  • Spear Hand Strike
Paladin
All
  • Consecration
  • Crusader Strike
  • Divine Shield
  • Divine Steed
  • Flash of Light
  • Hammer of Justice
  • Hand of Reckoning
  • Judgment
  • Lay on Hands
  • Redemption
  • Shield of the Righteous
  • Word of Glory
Holy
  • Beacon of Light
  • Cleanse
  • Holy Light
  • Holy Shock (Rank 2)
Protection
  • Avenger's Shield
  • Cleanse Toxins
  • Consecration (Rank 2)
  • Crusader Strike (Rank 2)
  • Hammer of the Righteous
  • Judgment (Rank 3)
Retribution
  • Blade of Justice
  • Cleanse Toxins
  • Crusader Strike (Rank 2)
  • Hand of Hindrance
  • Judgment (Rank 3)
  • Templar's Verdict
Priest
All
  • Desperate Prayer
  • Fade
  • Mind Blast
  • Power Word: Fortitude
  • Power Word: Shield
  • Psychic Scream
  • Ressurection
  • Shadow Word: Death
  • Shadow Word: Pain
  • Smite
Discipline
  • Penance
  • Purify
  • Shadowfiend
  • Shadow Mend
Holy
  • Flash Heal
  • Heal
  • Holy Fire
  • Holy Word: Serenity
  • Purify
  • Renew
  • Smite (Rank 2)
Shadow
  • Devouring Plague
  • Dispersion
  • Mind Blast (Rank 2)
  • Mind Flay
  • Purify Disease
  • Shadowfiend
  • Shadow Form
  • Shadow Mend
  • Vampiric Touch
Rogue
All
  • Ambush
  • Cheap Shot
  • Crimson Vial
  • Eviscerate
  • Instant Poison
  • Kick
  • Kidney Shot
  • Pick Lock
  • Sap
  • Sinister Strike
  • Sprint
  • Stealth
Assassination
  • Deadly Poison
  • Fan of Knives
  • Garrote
  • Mutilate
  • Rupture
  • Shadowstep
  • Sinister Strike
Outlaw
  • Blade Flurry
  • Between the Eyes
  • Grappling Hook
  • Pistol Shot
  • Sinister Strike
Subtlety
  • Backstab
  • Rupture
  • Shadowstep
  • Shadowstrike
  • Shuriken Storm
  • Shuriken Toss
Shaman
All
  • Ancestral Spirit
  • Earthbind Totem
  • Far Sight
  • Flame Shock
  • Flametongue Weapon
  • Frost Shock
  • Ghost Wolf
  • Healing Surge
  • Lightning Bolt
  • Lightning Shield
  • Primal Strike
  • Reincarnation
  • Wind Shear
Elemental
  • Cleanse Spirit
  • Earth Shock
  • Lava Burst (Rank 2)
Enhancement
  • Cleanse Spirit
  • Lava Lash
  • Stormstrike
  • Windfury Weapon
Restoration
  • Ancestral Vision
  • Lava Burst (Rank 2)
  • Purify Spirit
  • Riptide
Warlock
All
  • Corruption
  • Create Healthstone
  • Curse of Exhaustion
  • Curse of Weakness
  • Drain Life
  • Eye of Kilrogg
  • Fear
  • Health Funnel
  • Shadow Bolt
  • Summon Imp
  • Summon Succubus
  • Summon Voidwalker
  • Unending Breath
  • Unending Resolve
Affliction
  • Agony
  • Corruption (Rank 2)
  • Malefic Rapture
  • Unstable Affliction
Demonology
  • Call Dreadstalkers
  • Demonbolt
  • Hand of Gul'dan
  • Summon Felguard
Destruction
  • Conflagrate
  • Chaos Bolt
  • Immolate
  • Incinerate
Warrior
All
  • Charge
  • Execute (Rank 3)
  • Hamstring
  • Ignore Pain
  • Pummel
  • Shield Block
  • Shield Slam
  • Slam
  • Taunt
  • Victory Rush (Rank 2)
  • Whirlwind
Arms
  • Colossus Smash
  • Mortal Strike
  • Overpower
  • Slam (Rank 2)
Fury
  • Bloodthirst
  • Rampage
  • Raging Blow
  • Single-Minded Fury OR Titan's Grip
Protection
  • Devastate
  • Revenge
  • Shield Slam (Rank 2)
  • Thunder Clap

PVP TALENTS FOR 20's
This section will list the PVP Talents for 20's, which is the largest difference between 19's and 20's. Here is a LINK to the Wowhead talent calculator for you to play around with as well.

Death Knight
Blood
  • Blood for Blood
  • Dark Simulacrum
  • Death Chain
  • Murderous Intent
  • Rot and Wither
  • Walking Dead
Frost
  • Cadaverous Pallor
  • Dark Simulacrum
  • Dead of Winter
  • Deathchill
  • Delerium
  • Transfusion
Unholy
  • Cadaverous Pallor
  • Dark Simulacrum
  • Life and Death
  • Reanimation
  • Transfusion
Demon Hunter
Havoc
  • Cleansed by Flame
  • Demonic Origins
  • Eye of Leotheras
  • Mana Break
  • Mana Rift
  • Mortal Rush
  • Unending Hatred
Vengeance
  • Cleansed by Flame
  • Demonic Trample
  • Everlasting Hunt
  • Illidan's Grasp
  • Jagged Spikes
  • Sigil Mastery
  • Tormentor
  • Unending Hatred
Druid
Balance
  • Celestial Guardian
  • Crescent Burn
  • Deep Roots
  • Faerie Swarm
  • Prickling Thorns
  • Protector of the Grove
Feral
  • Ferocious Wound
  • Fresh Wound
  • Malorne's Swiftness
  • Strength of the Wild
Guardian
  • Demoralizing Roar
  • Entangling Claws
  • Malorne's Swiftness
  • Overrun
  • Sharpened Claws
  • Toughness
Restoration
  • Deep Roots
  • Reactive Resin
Hunter
Beast Mastery
  • Dire Beast: Basilisk
  • Dire Beast: Hawk
  • Dragonscale Armor
  • Hi-Explosive Trap
  • Hunting Pack
  • Scorpid Sting
  • Spider Sting
  • The Beast Within
  • Viper Sting
  • Wild Protector
Marksmanship
  • Dragonscale Armor
  • Hi-Explosive Trap
  • Hunting Pack
  • Ranger's Finesse
  • Scatter Shot
  • Scorpid Sting
  • Spider Sting
  • Viper Sting
Survival
  • Dragonscale Armor
  • Hi-Explosive Trap
  • Hunting Pack
  • Mending Bandage
  • Scorpid Sting
  • Spider Sting
  • Viper Sting
Mage
Arcane
  • Arcane Empowerment
  • Dampened Magic
  • Mass Invisibility
  • Netherwind Armor
  • Prismatic Cloak
  • Torment the Weak
Fire
  • Controlled Burn
  • Dampened Magic
  • Netherwind Armor
  • Prismatic Cloak
  • Tinder
  • World in Flames
Frost
  • Burst of Cold
  • Chilled to the Bone
  • Dampened Magic
  • Frostbite
  • Netherwind Armor
  • Prismatic Cloak
Monk
Brewmaster
  • Admonishment
  • Advert Harm
  • Craft: Nimble Brew
  • Eerie Fermentation
  • Mighty Ox Kick
Mistweaver
  • Dome of Mist
  • Refreshing Breeze
  • Surging Mist
  • Zen Focus Tea
Windwalker
  • Alpha Tiger
  • Reverse Harm
  • Turbo Fists
  • Wind Waker
Paladin
Holy
  • Avenging Light
  • Darkest before the Dawn
  • Divine Favor
  • Hallowed Ground
  • Light's Grace
Protection
  • Cleansing Light
  • Guarded by the Light
  • Hallowed Ground
  • Inquisition
  • Judgments of the Pure
  • Shield of Virtue
  • Steed of Glory
  • Word of Light
Retribution
  • Blessing of Sanctuary
  • Cleansing Light
  • Divine Punisher
  • Jurisdiction
  • Lawbringer
  • Ultimate Retribution
Priest
Discipline
  • Archangel
  • Dark Archangel
  • Purification
  • Purified Resolve
  • Searing Light
  • Strength of Soul
  • Trinity
Holy
  • Greater Heal
  • Holy Ward
  • Holy Word: Concentration
  • Miracle Worker
  • Ray of Hope
Shadow
  • Mind Trauma
  • Psyfiend
  • Void Shield
  • Void Shift
Rogue
Assassination
  • Death from Above
  • Maneuverability
  • Mind-Numbing Poison
  • Neurotoxin
Outlaw
  • Boarding Party
  • Cheap Tricks
  • Death from Above
  • Dismantle
  • Drink Up Me Hearties
  • Maneuverability
  • Plunder Armor
  • Turn the Tables
Subtlety
  • Dagger in the Dark
  • Death from Above
  • Maneuverability
  • Silhouette
  • Viel of Midnight
Shaman
Elemental
  • Control of Lava
  • Counterstrike Totem
  • Elemental Attunement
  • Purifying Waters
  • Spectral Recovery
  • Swelling Waves
Enhancement
  • Counterstrike Totem
  • Purifying Waters
  • Ride the Lightning
  • Spectral Recovery
  • Swelling Waves
  • Thundercharge
Restoration
  • Counterstrike Totem
  • Spectral Recovery
  • Swelling Waves
Warlock
Affliction
  • Amplify Curse
  • Bane of Fragility
  • Bane of Shadows
  • Essence Drain
  • Gateway Mastery
  • Nether Ward
  • Rot and Decay
Demonology
  • Amplify Curse
  • Bane of Fragility
  • Call Fel Lord
  • Call Felhunter
  • Call Observer
  • Essence Drain
  • Gateway Mastery
  • Nether Ward
  • Pleasure through Pain
Destruction
  • Amplify Curse
  • Bane of Fragility
  • Essence Drain
  • Fel Fissure
  • Gateway Mastery
  • Nether Ward
Warrior
Arms
  • Death Sentance
  • Disarm
  • Shadow of the Colossus
  • Sharpen Blade
  • War Banner
Fury
  • Battle Trance
  • Bloodrage
  • Death Sentance
  • Death Wish
  • Disarm
  • Enduring Rage
  • Slaughterhouse
Protection
  • Bodyguard
  • Disarm
  • Dragon Charge
  • Oppressor
  • Shield Bash
  • Sword and Board
  • Thunderstruck

GEAR GUIDE
(LINK,
Work in Progress)​
The Gear Guide was largely taken from work done by @villiansv, but I am adapting it for 19's & 20's. Of note for gearing, mastery now works at lvl 10, and for some classes, it will be a strong stat, if not the best stat. The gear appears to be the same for 19's & 20's. Please consult the spreadsheet for more detailed gear builds, this is just an EXAMPLE to help people get started:

Helm: 3 gem slots from TBC dungeons
Neck: ilvl 28 BOE world drop with 1 gem slot
Shoulders: 2 gem slots from TBC dungeons
Chest: 3 gem slots from TBC dungeons
Cloak: ilvl 28 BOE world drop with 1 gem slot
Bracers: ilvl 28 BOE world drop with 1 gem slot
Gloves: 2 gem slots from TBC dungeons
Belt: 2 gem slots from TBC dungeons
Legs: 3 gem slots from TBC dungeons
Feet: If available, 3 gem slots from TBC/WOTLK dungeons. Otherwise ilvl 28 BOE world drop with 1 gem slot
Ring 1: ilvl 28 BOE world drop with 1 gem slot
Ring 2: ilvl 28 BOE world drop with 1 gem slot
Trinket 1: Heirloom Trinket that removes CC
Trinket 2: Ghost Iron Dragonling crafted to ilvl 19
Weapon: Artifact weapon with 2 +7 ilvl relics

I suggest filling your gem slots with either Steady Talasite or Shifting Dreadstone/Timeless Dreadstone/Sovereign Dreadstone if you don't know exactly how you want to gem because the extra stamina will give you added survivability (surviving is a DPS increase!).

ENCHANT GUIDE
(LINK)
Shoutout to @Swoops for continuing his great enchanting guide! This guide is updated for Shadowlands, and will help you in finding all the right enchants for your gear.

TIER LIST
(Work in Progress)​
I'm going to hold off on making the tier list for now due to issues with what gearing currently looks like. I will say that just about every class looks viable, minus tank specs. Once I can see what gear makes it to live after SL launch and doesn't get nerfed after a month or so, I will make this.
I can't find any info in the forums about this but I'm brand new to twinking and my sub runs out soon. Can I unlock exp even if my sub runs out or do I unlock it just before it runs out? I want to stay at 17 for a while before hitting 20 thanks
 
We should just have Xpoff.com load up the very in your face yet somehow criminally neglected "read before posting" thread by default that would be epic
 
Interesting necro posting but not sure when it changed but BFA has set pieces that now work with two pieces on a F2P 20, not the greatest BUT can proc a tertiary stat and socket but one-time drop.

One can at least get two of the pieces for the set proc, but most of the set are in 35+ areas. But seems armor class based for the proc

Example -- Mail - The proc rate for Static Bolt seems to be quite long but does scale.

(2) Set : Your damaging spells and abilities have a chance to shock your target, dealing 58 Nature damage.

Jolting Leap Legguards
https://www.wowhead.com/item=161033/jolting-leap-legguards?bonus=6691
Thundercrash Footguards
https://www.wowhead.com/item=161035/thundercrash-footguards?bonus=6691

I did not see the Leather pieces proc or its hidden in the combat log as nature damage instead of special naming.
 
Interesting necro posting but not sure when it changed but BFA has set pieces that now work with two pieces on a F2P 20, not the greatest BUT can proc a tertiary stat and socket but one-time drop.

One can at least get two of the pieces for the set proc, but most of the set are in 35+ areas. But seems armor class based for the proc

Example -- Mail - The proc rate for Static Bolt seems to be quite long but does scale.

(2) Set : Your damaging spells and abilities have a chance to shock your target, dealing 58 Nature damage.

Jolting Leap Legguards
https://www.wowhead.com/item=161033/jolting-leap-legguards?bonus=6691
Thundercrash Footguards
https://www.wowhead.com/item=161035/thundercrash-footguards?bonus=6691

I did not see the Leather pieces proc or its hidden in the combat log as nature damage instead of special naming.

I believe the 2 sets always worked for these items.
 

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