With Shadowlands comes the eighth expansion for World of Warcraft. The new addon brings significant changes and new features, some of which may particularly interest veterans. MeinMMO introduces you to three of these innovations.
What will I find here? In our articles and specials, we have already presented the greatest features of Shadowlands, such as the core feature: the Covenants and their rewards.
We want to take a closer look at what the upcoming expansion Shadowlands has in store for returning and new players.
In doing so, we not only highlight changes like the returning class abilities but also specifically show which contents are worth it in Shadowlands and for whom.
Torghast – The best thing WoW has ever had
What is Torghast? The Tower of the Damned is the new roguelike endgame activity in Shadowlands. The (almost) endless tower offers various wings where you fight through increasingly difficult layers.
Torghast is designed for players who have completed the story of Shadowlands and are looking for a challenge. However, you also need the tower to obtain materials for the new legendary items that you can craft in Shadowlands.
Additionally, Torghast itself offers a story that you must play through as part of the campaign to progress further.
Why is Torghast worthwhile? Torghast presents one of the biggest challenges in the game and can be completed solo or in a group. The great uniqueness is that you can enhance yourself with various perks, known as Anima powers.
As you fight your way through the layers, you will find such powers that enhance and modify your abilities. This allows for some crazy builds that are not playable anywhere else in WoW – like mages who can create dozens of mirror images of themselves to overwhelm their enemies.
For diligent players, there are rewards beyond the coveted materials. Those who exceed their quota can earn chic cosmetics in Torghast. You can read more about the tower and its contents in our special issue on WoW Shadowlands, coming out on November 24.
Who should check it out? Torghast is an activity for all players. Those who just want to collect their materials can leisurely stroll through the layers and clean up at a level that suits them. Those seeking a challenge can make it increasingly difficult in the “Endless Corridors”.
As the difficulty adjusts to group size, Torghast is suitable for both solo and group players. Players who want to get familiar with a new class or reacquaint themselves with a familiar class will likely spend many hours in the tower.
Torghast also offers a high replay value. Even Cortyn from MeinMMO says: “I was only in Torghast for an hour and became addicted immediately.“
A new leveling system is ideal for newcomers and returning players
What is this new system? Shadowlands revamps the entire leveling system of World of Warcraft. And this doesn’t only refer to new and scaling areas, as was done in Cataclysm. Shadowlands brings:
- Level 60 as the new maximum level – in our table, you can see which levels you will be scaled down to as a returning player
- the “Island of Exiled” as a new starting experience that introduces you to the game
- the “Chromie Time” – you can choose an expansion from the past where you will complete quests until Shadowlands that are dynamically adjusted to your level
Level up alone in WOTLK to the maximum level, for example
The system is designed so you can play as you wish from the start. Only for completely new players is it intended that you start on the island and then play through BfA to understand the story connection to Shadowlands.
What makes it so special? The new system has several advantages for both returnees and new players. As a veteran, you can play through your favorite expansion again and indulge in nostalgia – as many players already do in the pre-event of Shadowlands.
You can relive all quests from your favorite addon and visit areas you haven’t seen in years while also working towards the new content. Or you can purposelyavoid the worst expansions of WoW.
As a newcomer, particularly with the island, you will be better introduced to the game and all the mechanics you need to know. And there are now so many of them, that WoW can actually be too difficult for newcomers. Even the basic functions of your class and combat will be explained to you there.
A story with many familiar faces
This is the story: The Shadowlands, which you travel to with Shadowlands, are the realm of the dead of World of Warcraft. Sylvanas Windrunner has shattered the Helm of Domination, with which the Lich King maintains control over the undead and thereby torn the veil that separates the worlds.
This leads to the situation that now even you as a living person can travel to the realm of the dead. There are issues with the influx of souls and their energy, Anima. However, you only begin to uncover this in the course of the expansion. In our article, you will find a summary of the story of Shadowlands – what is it actually about?
More importantly, many well-known characters from the history of World of Warcraft make an appearance again, especially those who have died. After all, we will visit them in their new “home”.
Whom will we meet again? Over the years, many notable characters have passed away in WoW. From the “Afterlives” cinematics in preparation for Shadowlands and other sources, we already know with certainty who we will see again:
- Uther the Lightbringer – the former mentor of Arthas
- Garrosh Hellscream
- Draka, mother of Thrall
- Lady Vashj and Kael’thas Sunstrider
- the horse Graymane, which especially Alliance players from Westfall should know
- Mankrik’s wife, whom probably every Horde player has searched for
Additionally, the video about the Kyrians and Uther revealed, that Arthas may not have been such a bad guy after all. It’s possible that we might encounter the former Lich King again.
Who is this interesting for? Especially fans of the lore of WoW and players who enjoy indulging in the story will be delighted to meet familiar faces again. This also creates a connection to the game. Those who already know some of the key characters will feel at home right away.
If you want to learn more about the new expansion, you can find all the info on features, zones, and story about Shadowlands in our special on MeinMMO.
