The Shadowlands expansion introduced players to a realm of afterlife domains, with Oribos serving as the central hub. Accessing this content remains relevant even in later expansions like The War Within, allowing players to farm mounts, transmog, or explore lore. This guide details every step to initiate the storyline, arrive in Oribos, unlock zones, and set up fast travel options.
Why Visit Shadowlands Today?
Shadowlands offers unique rewards such as covenant-specific mounts, legendary armor appearances, and pet battles unavailable elsewhere. For alts or returning players, unlocking Oribos provides quick access without repeating full campaigns. Characters at level 70+ can dive straight into endgame farming once portals are active.
Character Requirements and Preparation
Begin with a level 10+ character, though level 50+ is ideal for efficiency. No specific gear is needed; quests scale automatically. If you’ve completed the intro on any character, skips apply account-wide via NPC interactions in capital cities.
- Level cap note: Below level 60, use Chromie Time for faster progression.
- Expansion prereq: Finish any current intro (e.g., Dragonflight) if not at max level.
- Account-wide skips: Prior progress lets you bypass the Maw intro entirely.
Launching the Shadowlands Intro for Alliance
Alliance players start in Stormwind. Two primary methods exist, prioritizing the quickest path.
Method 1: Direct Quest Pickup
Head to the steps of Stormwind Keep. Look for Shadowlands: A Chilling Summons (! icon). Even with trivial quests hidden, it appears here. Accept to summon a spectral portal.
Method 2: Chromie Time (Levels 10-59)
Locate Chromie outside the Stormwind Embassy. Select ‘The Realms of Death’ timeline to queue the same quest. This frames Shadowlands as your active expansion.
Upon acceptance, a cutscene transports you to the Frozen Throne in Icecrown. Follow objectives: speak with Highlord Bolvar Fordragon, then enter the Maw via shattered sky.
Launching the Shadowlands Intro for Horde
Horde begins in Orgrimmar, mirroring Alliance simplicity.
Method 1: Direct Quest Pickup
Position yourself outside Grommash Hold. Pick up Shadowlands: A Chilling Summons. It triggers regardless of quest filters.
Method 2: Chromie Time (Levels 10-59)
Chromie waits near the Orgrimmar Embassy. Choose ‘The Realms of Death’ to start.
The journey leads to Icecrown’s Frozen Throne, aligning Horde leaders like Thrall for the Maw descent.
Navigating the Maw: Core Quest Chain
The intro spans 15-20 minutes, focusing on rescues and escape. It’s linear; follow markers without side paths. Key phases include:
| Phase | Key Quests | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival & Rescues | Through the Shattered Sky, Field Seance | Save Jaina/Thrall, Anduin, Baine; confront the Jailer. |
| Escape | Speaking to the Dead, Soul in Hand, The Lion’s Cage | Harvest souls, unlock chains, secure waystone. |
| Trials | The Afflictor’s Key, From the Mouths of Madness | Battle afflictors, navigate rivers of torment. |
| Climax | Draw Out the Darkness, The Path to Salvation | Confront darkness, unite for extraction. |
Completion activates a waystone, beaming you to Oribos. Achievement: Into the Maw (Part 1 only).
Account-Wide Skips: Jump to Oribos
Prior completion unlocks shortcuts. In Stormwind, speak to High Inquisitor Whitemane; in Orgrimmar, General Nazgrim. They grant Stranger in an Even Stranger Land, placing you directly in Oribos. No Maw revisit required.
First Steps in Oribos: The Eternal City
Oribos buzzes with Attendants and Brokers. Your mortal arrival disrupts the anima flow, halting the Arbiter. Quests introduce lore:
- Shield of the Arbiter: Inspect the dormant mechanism.
- Blessed Be Her Voice: Commune with echoes.
- Choosing Your Purpose: Align with a Covenant (Kyrian, Venthyr, Night Fae, Necrolords). This unlocks zone access and flight masters.
Post-choice, flight paths illuminate. Explore via spellbook (Flight Master’s License).
Establishing Permanent Portals
Intro completion unlocks capital portals:
- Alliance: Stormwind Portal Room (near Mage Tower).
- Horde: Orgrimmar Portal Room (Valley of Spirits).
- Mages: Teleport: Oribos (personal), Portal: Oribos (group).
These persist forever, enabling instant travel.
Unlocking All Shadowlands Zones
After covenant selection, zones open: Bastion, Maldraxxus, Revendreth, Ardenweald. Complete zone campaigns for full flight mastery. Use war mode off for safety during farms.
- Return to Oribos post-intro.
- Pick campaign quests from Attendants.
- Progress linearly; alts skip via prior account progress.
Advanced Tips for Efficiency
Maximize rewards while unlocking:
- Alt armies: One main run unlocks skips for all.
- Flight paths: Prioritize Ring of Transference in Oribos.
- Mount farming: Head to Ardenweald first for easy spawns.
- Transmog: Revendreth castles yield rare sets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I skip the Maw on every character?
Yes, account-wide after one completion. Use capital NPCs.
What level is required for Shadowlands?
Level 10 minimum; scales to 70.
How do I unlock Oribos flight path?
Complete ‘Choosing Your Purpose’ quest.
Are portals permanent?
Yes, once unlocked via intro.
Does this work in The War Within?
Fully compatible; quests remain available.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Quest not appearing? Check filters (show low-level). Stuck in Maw? Abandon and restart from capital. No covenant prompt? Ensure intro completion.
References
- How to Get to the Shadowlands – World of Warcraft — Warcraft Tavern. 2023-10-01. https://www.warcrafttavern.com/wow/guides/how-to-get-to-the-shadowlands/
- How to unlock the oribos flightpath in shadowlands content — YouTube (Skulliewullie-WoW). 2023-05-15.
- Shadowlands Introductory Quests in the Maw — Wowhead. 2024-11-20. https://www.wowhead.com/guide/introduction-story-shadowlands-lore
- War within – How to unlock Shadowlands zones and flightmaster — Blizzard Forums. 2024-08-10. https://eu.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/war-within-how-to-unlock-shadowlands-zones-and-flightmaster/536988
- How to Unlock Shadowlands Zones (Bastion, Ardenweald, etc.) — YouTube. 2023-09-05.