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!
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!
Vanilla
The Burning Crusade
Wrath of the Lich King
Cataclysm
Mists of Pandaria
Warlords of Draenor
Legion
Battle for Azeroth
Death Knight
Demon Hunter
Druid
Hunter
Mage
Monk
Paladin
Priest
Rogue
Shaman
Warlock
Warrior
Death Knight
Demon Hunter
Druid
Hunter
Mage
Monk
Paladin
Priest
Rogue
Shaman
Warlock
Warrior
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!).
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.
Sections:
Quickstart
Dungeons
Class & Specialization Abilities For 20's
PVP Talents
Gear Guide
Enchant Guide
Tier List
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!
- 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
- 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
- All dungeons require level 30 or higher to enter!
- Mogu'shan Palace
- Shado-Pan Monastery
- Stormstout Brewery
- Temple of the Jade Serpent
- Auchindoun
- Bloodmaul Slag Mines
- Iron Docks
- Shadowmoon Burial Grounds
- 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
- 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 Boil
- Heart Strike
- Marrowrend
- Rune Tap
- Frost Strike
- Howling Blast
- Obliterate
- Remorseless Winter
- Apocalypse
- Festering Strike
- Outbreak
- Scourge Strike
All
- Chaos Strike
- Consume Magic
- Demon's Bite
- Fel Rush
- Immolation Aura (Rank 2)
- Throw Glaive (Rank 2)
- Torment
- Blade Dance
- Chaos Nova
- Chaos Strike (Rank 2)
- Eye Beam
- Metamorphosis (Rank 2)
- Vengeful Retreat
- Demon Spikes
- Fel Devastation
- Fiery Brand
- Infernal Strike
- Metamorphosis (Rank 2)
- Shear
- Sigil of Flame
- Soul Cleave (Rank 2)
- Throw Glaive
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
- Remove Corruption
- Starfire
- Starsurge
- Rake
- Remove Corruption
- Thrash
- Tiger's Fury
- Bear Form (Rank 2)
- Maul
- Remove Corruption
- Thrash
- Ironbark
- Nature's Cure
- Rejuvenation
- Swiftmend
All
- Arcane Shot
- Aspect of the Cheetah
- Aspect of the Turtle
- Disengage
- Exhilaration
- Feign Death
- Flare
- Freezing Trap
- Steady Shot
- Barbed Shot
- Bestial Wrath
- Cobra Shot
- Concussive Shot
- Counter Shot
- Kill Command
- Aimed Shot
- Bursting Shot
- Concussive Shot
- Counter Shot
- Rapid Fire
- Harpoon
- Kill Command
- Muzzle
- Raptor Strike
- Serpent Sting
- Wildfire Bomb
- Wing Clip (Rank 2)
All
- Arcane Explosion
- Arcane Intellect
- Blink
- Conjure Refreshment
- Counterspell
- Fire Blast
- Frostbolt
- Frost Nova
- Polymorph
- Slow Fall
- Teleport
- Alter Time
- Arcane Barrage
- Arcane Blast
- Arcane Explosion (Rank 2)
- Arcane Missiles
- Conjure Mana Gem
- Slow
- Fireball
- Fire Blast (Rank 2)
- Flamestrike
- Phoenix Flames
- Pyroblast
- Scorch
- Blizzard
- Cone of Cold
- Flurry
- Ice Lance
- Summon Water Elemental
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
- Shuffle
- Spear Hand Strike
- Stagger
- Enveloping Mist
- Renewing Mist
- Soothing Mist
- Blackout Kick (Rank 2)
- Fists of Fury
- Spear Hand Strike
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
- Beacon of Light
- Cleanse
- Holy Light
- Holy Shock (Rank 2)
- Avenger's Shield
- Cleanse Toxins
- Consecration (Rank 2)
- Crusader Strike (Rank 2)
- Hammer of the Righteous
- Judgment (Rank 3)
- Blade of Justice
- Cleanse Toxins
- Crusader Strike (Rank 2)
- Hand of Hindrance
- Judgment (Rank 3)
- Templar's Verdict
All
- Desperate Prayer
- Fade
- Mind Blast
- Power Word: Fortitude
- Power Word: Shield
- Psychic Scream
- Ressurection
- Shadow Word: Death
- Shadow Word: Pain
- Smite
- Penance
- Purify
- Shadowfiend
- Shadow Mend
- Flash Heal
- Heal
- Holy Fire
- Holy Word: Serenity
- Purify
- Renew
- Smite (Rank 2)
- Devouring Plague
- Dispersion
- Mind Blast (Rank 2)
- Mind Flay
- Purify Disease
- Shadowfiend
- Shadow Form
- Shadow Mend
- Vampiric Touch
All
- Ambush
- Cheap Shot
- Crimson Vial
- Eviscerate
- Instant Poison
- Kick
- Kidney Shot
- Pick Lock
- Sap
- Sinister Strike
- Sprint
- Stealth
- Deadly Poison
- Fan of Knives
- Garrote
- Mutilate
- Rupture
- Shadowstep
- Sinister Strike
- Blade Flurry
- Between the Eyes
- Grappling Hook
- Pistol Shot
- Sinister Strike
- Backstab
- Rupture
- Shadowstep
- Shadowstrike
- Shuriken Storm
- Shuriken Toss
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
- Cleanse Spirit
- Earth Shock
- Lava Burst (Rank 2)
- Cleanse Spirit
- Lava Lash
- Stormstrike
- Windfury Weapon
- Ancestral Vision
- Lava Burst (Rank 2)
- Purify Spirit
- Riptide
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
- Agony
- Corruption (Rank 2)
- Malefic Rapture
- Unstable Affliction
- Call Dreadstalkers
- Demonbolt
- Hand of Gul'dan
- Summon Felguard
- Conflagrate
- Chaos Bolt
- Immolate
- Incinerate
All
- Charge
- Execute (Rank 3)
- Hamstring
- Ignore Pain
- Pummel
- Shield Block
- Shield Slam
- Slam
- Taunt
- Victory Rush (Rank 2)
- Whirlwind
- Colossus Smash
- Mortal Strike
- Overpower
- Slam (Rank 2)
- Bloodthirst
- Rampage
- Raging Blow
- Single-Minded Fury OR Titan's Grip
- 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
- Cadaverous Pallor
- Dark Simulacrum
- Dead of Winter
- Deathchill
- Delerium
- Transfusion
- Cadaverous Pallor
- Dark Simulacrum
- Life and Death
- Reanimation
- Transfusion
Havoc
- Cleansed by Flame
- Demonic Origins
- Eye of Leotheras
- Mana Break
- Mana Rift
- Mortal Rush
- Unending Hatred
- Cleansed by Flame
- Demonic Trample
- Everlasting Hunt
- Illidan's Grasp
- Jagged Spikes
- Sigil Mastery
- Tormentor
- Unending Hatred
Balance
- Celestial Guardian
- Crescent Burn
- Deep Roots
- Faerie Swarm
- Prickling Thorns
- Protector of the Grove
- Ferocious Wound
- Fresh Wound
- Malorne's Swiftness
- Strength of the Wild
- Demoralizing Roar
- Entangling Claws
- Malorne's Swiftness
- Overrun
- Sharpened Claws
- Toughness
- Deep Roots
- Reactive Resin
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
- Dragonscale Armor
- Hi-Explosive Trap
- Hunting Pack
- Ranger's Finesse
- Scatter Shot
- Scorpid Sting
- Spider Sting
- Viper Sting
- Dragonscale Armor
- Hi-Explosive Trap
- Hunting Pack
- Mending Bandage
- Scorpid Sting
- Spider Sting
- Viper Sting
Arcane
- Arcane Empowerment
- Dampened Magic
- Mass Invisibility
- Netherwind Armor
- Prismatic Cloak
- Torment the Weak
- Controlled Burn
- Dampened Magic
- Netherwind Armor
- Prismatic Cloak
- Tinder
- World in Flames
- Burst of Cold
- Chilled to the Bone
- Dampened Magic
- Frostbite
- Netherwind Armor
- Prismatic Cloak
Brewmaster
- Admonishment
- Advert Harm
- Craft: Nimble Brew
- Eerie Fermentation
- Mighty Ox Kick
- Dome of Mist
- Refreshing Breeze
- Surging Mist
- Zen Focus Tea
- Alpha Tiger
- Reverse Harm
- Turbo Fists
- Wind Waker
Holy
- Avenging Light
- Darkest before the Dawn
- Divine Favor
- Hallowed Ground
- Light's Grace
- Cleansing Light
- Guarded by the Light
- Hallowed Ground
- Inquisition
- Judgments of the Pure
- Shield of Virtue
- Steed of Glory
- Word of Light
- Blessing of Sanctuary
- Cleansing Light
- Divine Punisher
- Jurisdiction
- Lawbringer
- Ultimate Retribution
Discipline
- Archangel
- Dark Archangel
- Purification
- Purified Resolve
- Searing Light
- Strength of Soul
- Trinity
- Greater Heal
- Holy Ward
- Holy Word: Concentration
- Miracle Worker
- Ray of Hope
- Mind Trauma
- Psyfiend
- Void Shield
- Void Shift
Assassination
- Death from Above
- Maneuverability
- Mind-Numbing Poison
- Neurotoxin
- Boarding Party
- Cheap Tricks
- Death from Above
- Dismantle
- Drink Up Me Hearties
- Maneuverability
- Plunder Armor
- Turn the Tables
- Dagger in the Dark
- Death from Above
- Maneuverability
- Silhouette
- Viel of Midnight
Elemental
- Control of Lava
- Counterstrike Totem
- Elemental Attunement
- Purifying Waters
- Spectral Recovery
- Swelling Waves
- Counterstrike Totem
- Purifying Waters
- Ride the Lightning
- Spectral Recovery
- Swelling Waves
- Thundercharge
- Counterstrike Totem
- Spectral Recovery
- Swelling Waves
Affliction
- Amplify Curse
- Bane of Fragility
- Bane of Shadows
- Essence Drain
- Gateway Mastery
- Nether Ward
- Rot and Decay
- Amplify Curse
- Bane of Fragility
- Call Fel Lord
- Call Felhunter
- Call Observer
- Essence Drain
- Gateway Mastery
- Nether Ward
- Pleasure through Pain
- Amplify Curse
- Bane of Fragility
- Essence Drain
- Fel Fissure
- Gateway Mastery
- Nether Ward
Arms
- Death Sentance
- Disarm
- Shadow of the Colossus
- Sharpen Blade
- War Banner
- Battle Trance
- Bloodrage
- Death Sentance
- Death Wish
- Disarm
- Enduring Rage
- Slaughterhouse
- Bodyguard
- Disarm
- Dragon Charge
- Oppressor
- Shield Bash
- Sword and Board
- Thunderstruck
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!).
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.(Work in Progress)
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