World of Warcraft: Shadowlands — Gameplay and everything you need to know
The next big expansion for World of Warcraft takes us back into the grip of the undead, following the revival of the Lich King.
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At the end of the World of Warcraft expansion Wrath of the Lich King, Alliance soldier Bolvar Fordragon replaced Arthas Menethil as the avatar of the Lich King, ruler of the undead Scourge on Azeroth. Pledging to keep the ravenous dead at bay, Bolvar was sealed into the Frozen Throne, entombed in the haunted armor of the Lich King. Now that sacrifice has been undone, setting up the events of the next expansion: World of Warcraft: Shadowlands.
What is World of Warcraft: Shadowlands?
The Shadowlands has long been referenced in World of Warcraft lore, spoken of by characters like the Loa of Death Bwonsamdi, ex-Forsaken Queen Sylvanas Windrunner, and corrupted titan watcher Helya. But this is the first time that players will be able to see the realm of the dead and learn about how it works.
In the opening cinematic, Sylvanas shatters the Helm of Dominion, breaching the veil between the mortal realm and the Shadowlands. Sylvanas' actions have upset the natural balance between life and death, and it’s up to players to enter the Shadowlands itself and repair the cycle before it is too late.
What new features will World of Warcraft: Shadowlands add?
Some of the features unveiled for World of Warcraft: Shadowlands are as follows:
Source: Blizzard Entertainment
What new dungeons and zones are in World of Warcraft: Shadowlands?
Source: Blizzard Entertainment
Naturally, Shadowlands will have a heap of new areas to explore, including five new zones, a new central player hub, and several new dungeons and raids.
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Here are some of the new dungeons we know about so far.
What are Covenants in World of Warcraft: Shadowlands?
Source: Blizzard Entertainment
Covenantsare this expansion’s headline feature, and function similarly to the class campaigns from Legion.
Covenants represent the major powers within the Shadowlands, and each of the four sports a different aesthetic and goal. Throughout the leveling experience from 50 to 60, you will aid each Covenant and get an idea of their motivations and benefits. At level 60, you will select one to join. While you’ll be able to switch, it won’t be easy.
Covenants grant two additional gameplay abilities, one class-specific and the other given to all members. They also allow you to purchase themed cosmetic items like pets and transmogs, unlock fast travel within the Covenant’s zone, and provide recipes that can be used in Torghast. Each Covenant has a unique campaign similar to those found in Battle for Azeroth and Legion.
There are four to choose from, each representing different aspects of the cycle of death and rebirth within the Shadowlands.
When will World of Warcraft: Shadowlands launch?
Shadowlands will release sometime in fall 2020, though the exact date hasn’t been announced yet. You can pre-purchase it now viaBlizzard right here.
Still the best MMO out there
Despite loot RNG, under-tuned skills, and a broken leveling experience, Battle for Azeroth’s end-game raids and dungeons remain a ton of fun to experience with friends, especially if you’re not new to the game.
Jez Corden is the Executive Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow onTwitter (X)andThreads, and listen to hisXB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!
