Starter Guide to Shadowlands 20's!

DigitalChemyst

Grandfathered
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).
1. Choose Horde or Alliance
2. Race
3. Class
4. Specialization
5. Level to 20!
6. If you wish to remain FTP, OR your subscription has already expired, skip this next step.
7. 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: Once 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!
8. 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
  • All dungeons require level 30 or higher to enter!
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 very strong, 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:

EXAMPLE Template BiS for 20's
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 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.
 
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The gear guide lists seem incredibly sketchy for example they list the Gorefiend quest chain heads for just about everyone. SMV is to my knowledge not available so far from level 30 it being a max level zone.
 
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The gear guide lists seem incredibly sketchy for example they list the Gorefiend quest chain heads for just about everyone. SMV is to my knowledge not available so far from level 30 it being a max level zone.

I believe through Chromie Time you will be able to access it.
 
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I'm a returning player to WoW, and I'll be honest, I'm completely lost.

I currently don't understand how gearing works. I used to be F2P lvl 20, in a BG bracket with lvl 24's. I'd just get the best gear available to me and get hit capped so you don't miss on the lvl 24's.

But now, every gear is just lots of sockets? I read that there are "stat templates" and then I read that that got removed? Do the stats on your items still work if you're in a BG right now? What's with the sockets? Why?

I hoped this guide would explain that. But if anyone here still wants to try and explain it to, I'd really appreciate it. And I mean, explain how gear works once you're in a BG, why we want sockets, or just high ILvLs etc?

Thank you very much.
 
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I'm a returning player to WoW, and I'll be honest, I'm completely lost.

I currently don't understand how gearing works. I used to be F2P lvl 20, in a BG bracket with lvl 24's. I'd just get the best gear available to me and get hit capped so you don't miss on the lvl 24's.

But now, every gear is just lots of sockets? I read that there are "stat templates" and then I read that that got removed? Do the stats on your items still work if you're in a BG right now? What's with the sockets? Why?

I hoped this guide would explain that. But if anyone here still wants to try and explain it to, I'd really appreciate it. And I mean, explain how gear works once you're in a BG, why we want sockets, or just high ILvLs etc?

Thank you very much.

The gear guide is currently what I am working on updating, as it was not clear what things would make it live. So look forward to that soon!

But to give you some quick help now, essentially gear and stats matter in BGs(stat templates were removed 2 years ago). This pre-patch opens dungeons from every xpac(except cata!) and not all the gear from those dungeons are equal. You will want to hit lvl 20 and start farming Legion dungeons for every slot. This will get you started on the right track.
 
You will want to hit lvl 20 and start farming Legion dungeons for every slot. This will get you started on the right track.

Thank you! I look forward to the updated guide. I'm glad there's people like you or this would have been one steep learning curve.
 
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So I do want to level back up to 20?

I just logged in after a long time and saw I was level 10. I was immediately attacked by "Orgrimmar Thief". Levelled to 11 after killing him and was panicking that I had done something wrong and messed up my chance at staying in the F2P/VET bracket lol. Looks like I am safe then?

Thanks for this guide!
 
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Can I get these on pure f2p without chromie time?

as F2P, You can start legion from the hero's command board, then just do all the quests and pray for epic procs on the relics for whatever weps you wanna use.

The best relics end up being +6 artifact level each if they proc epic, so if you end up with blues its still +5 so not a huge loss.
 
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didn’t know epic went to +6, all of mine have only gone Rare from uncommon :(
 
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didn’t know epic went to +6, all of mine have only gone Rare from uncommon :(

Ends up being 6.5 each if they go epic, but you'd need both to be epic to get any benefit, i had to do every single questline that gave relics and only got two that both went epic. Put the artifact weapon to 33 (from 20, so 13/2 = 6.5 per)
 
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You will want to hit lvl 20 and start farming Legion dungeons for every slot. This will get you started on the right track.

Thanks so much for the guide and the simple advice for those of us who don't live & breath the game, but want to be as well geared as we can sensibly be.

Just with Chromie now - hopefully the whole Artifact Weapon thing will be clearer soon.

(Meanwhile not quite sure what to do with my Epic Sure-Step Boots plus all four Headless Horseman rings which dropped back to back beyond hoping my RNG luck holds.)

Happy sciencing. :)
 
I apologize if it was asked already but why is it important to enable chromie time for legion when doing the artifact weapon? Wasn't able to find info on it
 
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I apologize if it was asked already but why is it important to enable chromie time for legion when doing the artifact weapon? Wasn't able to find info on it

Right now, scaling is still buggy and some NPCs don't appear w/o Chromie time. Perhaps this will get fixed, but for now, enabling Legion Chromie time is the surest way to ensure a smooth questing experience.
 
Right now, scaling is still buggy and some NPCs don't appear w/o Chromie time. Perhaps this will get fixed, but for now, enabling Legion Chromie time is the surest way to ensure a smooth questing experience.
Thank you. Also I think it's worth mentioning that in every class hall the first class hall upgrade increases chance of rare/epic quest reward upgrades (I'm pretty sure it only applies to legion quests), and it takes 2 hours for it to complete upgrading. I didn't know this until I finished 2 zones almost completely unfortunately.

Edit: for image
mHXjnEQ.png
 
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