WORLD of Warcraft has a brand new expansion on the way: Dragonflight.
The iconic game has been around for nearly two decades, and its next big chapter is just around the corner.
New WoW expansion – what you need to know
World of Warcraft launched back in 2004, and was an instant hit.
The legendary MMORPG remains one of the biggest games in the world.
Part of that success is due to expansion packs dropping roughly every two years.
Read more on Warcraft
We’ve had eight so far, and a ninth is due out at some point in 2022.
This new Dragonflight expansion will mark World of Warcraft’s 10.0 update, and will likely conclude 20 years after the original game’s launch – so expectations are high.
How to watch World of Warcraft new expansion reveal
The new World of Warcraft expansion was revealed via a YouTube livestream.
Fans tuned in on Tuesday, April 19 to catch the news.
You can re-watch it on official World of Warcraft YouTube channel here.
WoW Dragonflight: What to expect from new World of Warcraft expansion
The big addition coming to World of Warcraft with the Dragonflight expansion is a new zone.
It’s aptly called the Dragon Isles, and features four new zones: the Waking Shores, the Ohn’ahran Plains, the Azure Span, and Thaldraszus.
You’ll journey to the new land by boat, and there’s even a faction-based PVP element on the ride there.
In the final zone is a main city hub called Valdrakken, which features an auction house, libraries and gardens.
“We enter this time of renewal – the life energies of Azeroth are surging once more,” said Steve Danseur, Lead Narrative Designer on Dragonflight.
“The Dragon Isles land has been dormant, and now it’s awakening again.
“It’s called the dragons home, but it’s also calling old adversaries.”
He added: “In terms of land mass, it’s definitely one of the larger expansions.
“There’s a bigger amount of space than in the Shadowlands.”
For the first time in WoW history, there’s a new race-and-class in one – the Dracthyr Evoker.
Dracthyr can only play as Evokers, and Evokers can only play as Dracthyrs.
It’s a hero class that begins at level 58 (with its own starting zone) – and can be either Alliance or Horde.
You’ll be able to play as a damage dealer (Devastation) or healer (Preservation).
And there’s a new type of spell called Empower that works by holding down a button to power it up – resulting in greater potency.
“In combat you’re primarily in Dracthyr form,” said Brian Holinka, Lead Combat Designer on Dragonflight.
“Visage form is for like ‘hey, I’m a dragon and I’ve put myself in a more familiar state that’s not so scary to people’.
“And maybe I go into visage form and maybe mobs are less likely to attack me – but we’re still experimenting with that.
“Right now, the thing that’s important is delivering on that dragon fantasy: flying around, breathing fire, knocking people with your tail, blowing back people with your wings.
“When in social situations, you can decide which form you’re in.”
There’s a new flying-like skill called Dragonriding.
It’s a bit like regular flying but it’s a skill that you level up over time – allowing you to soar higher and explore the Dragon Isles.
You’ll be able to customise your drake mount with items, including special armour.
Long-time players will be overjoyed to hear that the UI and HUD are getting a major overhaul.
It’s remained largely unchanged over the years, but will now look significantly more modern.
Talents are getting a rework to bring back some of the points-based allocation that went away with Mists of Pandora.
You’ll now have a class tree and a spec tree to spend points in.
“There’s more opportunity to customise and mix-and-match,” said Brian, speaking to HOAR.
“We made a goal to create a diverse set of choices, and to balance them well.
“To let players feel like they can make the choices they want – and that they’re not holding their group back.”
Professions are also being updated to make them feel more rewarding.
This includes the addition of Crafting Orders that let you request crafted goods from other players.
And items will now have quality, which will affect its ilvl.
Crafters will be getting new and specific gear for their professions too, that you swap into while crafting.
This gear will provide special stats for your profession, and won’t take up any valuable bag space.
In terms of storyline, the key enemies of the expansion remain mysterious – but we’re getting some clues.
“The Djaradin – they’re these half-elemental half-giants infused withe the power of flame, who shape magma into armour and weapons,” Steve told HOAR.
“They’re ancient enemies of the dragons, hunted dragons, and particularly hated the Black Dragonflight.
“So the Djaradin have reawaken as well and will be challenging the dragons for some of their land.”
Read More on HOAR
Players can expect to interact with classic Warcraft characters including Alexstrasza, Wrathion and Kalygos.
We’re expecting to hear more about the Dragonflight expansion in the coming months, including a release date.
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