It may seem odd that the eighth expansion for an MMO that’s been around since 2004 is the perfect starting place for beginners, but that’s the case with World of Warcraft: Shadowlands. The new expansion brings about a new starting zone, called Exile’s Reach, which is ideal for newcomers. In fact, it might just be the best starting zone that World of Warcraft has ever had.

The release date for World of Warcraft: Shadowlands is only a little less than a month away, but the pre-patch and several other features are already in the game. While veterans may be working their way through leveling zones or playing World of Warcraft Classic, Exile’s Reach offers a tutorial area for beginners. It’s just one of the many ways World of Warcraft is being streamlined in Shadowlands.

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After a short tutorial aboard a ship, players and their allies are shipwrecked in a new starting zone called Exile’s Reach. Unlike previous World of Warcraft starting zones, Exile’s Reach was made for streamlining almost two decades’ worth of mechanics into a fairly short introduction. It’s a great way for beginners to learn all the essential elements of the game, and it works incredibly well. For anyone looking to try out World of Warcraft before the pre-launch event for Shadowlands starts, now is the perfect time.

How Exile’s Reach Works In World of Warcraft: Shadowlands

Exile’s Reach guides players up to level 10 before allowing them to level to 50 in any of the other World of Warcraft expansions. Along the way, players will battle a variety of enemies before everything culminates inside of a dungeon. This three-person dungeon is called Darkmaul Citadel. Longtime World of Warcraft players will find it overly easy, but it’s great for newcomers who are just learning the ropes. The team build of a tank, DPS, and support class are introduced at this time as well.

Another aspect that helps this World of Warcraft: Shadowlands starting zone is the level squish. While some fans have complained about the level squish, it makes leveling up to 50 significantly faster. The new World of Warcraft level squish means leveling to 10 in Exile’s Reach is fairly quick, and players won’t have to grind. Everything about Exile’s Reach is designed to get new players through the content while introducing mechanics and features that won’t overwhelm them.

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Exile’s Reach might just be the best starting zone WoW has ever had. It’s a smooth and well-designed area that’s ideal for newcomers. Anyone who hasn’t played World of Warcraft before, but is interested in trying out World of Warcraft: Shadowlands, should find Exile’s Reach to be just about perfect before the full expansion releases on November 23rd.

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Austin King
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Austin King is a Game Features Editor at Screen Rant. He’s the author of several books and hosts the Dragon Quest FM and JRPGs & Me podcasts. You can find him on Twitter @DragonQuaustin.

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