Thinking of returning for casual gameplay?

[wackaflacka]

Haven't played for whole of BFA (played first months so I have a max level but that's it)

I want to play some casual arenas around 1500-2000mmr and some bgs

How much catch up is required?

Do you recommend it or will I have to farm some stupid essence for the first months?

[Kralljin]

1.You have to farm essences
2.You mostly need to do PvE (such as M+) in order to gear up properly (PvP is no real option)

[Erlking]

You have to do a lot of pve grinding first, just to be able to survive in pvp. Power discrepancy between new and a regular player is insane. My dk is ilvl 423 and even then I have at least 100k less hp than most people. Most people have all essences and best corruption traits, they will do insane amount of damage. PvP has become a side game for pvers.