The upcoming expansion of World of Warcraft, Shadowlands, is currently in Alpha. This has started and there are already some screenshots that provide a bit more insight into gameplay and features.
What are these screenshots? Since the Alpha started yesterday, on April 9th, some players have already gained access to the early version of Shadowlands. One of them is WoW expert MMO-Sankar.
He has graciously provided MeinMMO with some screenshots from the Alpha, which we would like to share with you here.
So far, there aren’t too many contents to see in the Alpha. Only one zone is available: Bastion, where the Kyrian covenant resides. Further contents like the zone Revendreth and the endless dungeon Torghast, Tower of the Damned, will come later.
For more details about the contents and information about registration, you can find them in our guide to the Alpha & Beta of Shadowlands.
Screenshots show gameplay from the Alpha
This is what Shadowlands looks like: At first glance, not much has changed. The UI is the same, and the spells are similar. Only the availability of numerous abilities has changed significantly for all classes.
However, the first images show the new models and NPCs that are found in Shadowlands. Only a few of the revived NPCs from the past are yet to show any signs.
The loading screen of Bastion. 
The new dungeons. 
New models. 
A Povost – a servant of the Kyrian.
Interesting new features: Further screenshots reveal details about some new quality-of-life features that will surely make the gameplay a bit easier and more enjoyable. These include:
- special quest markers for campaign quests
- new and much more extensive settings for the camera
- the ability to mark a spot on the map and share the marking
One of the images also shows the new loot system, as with the level squish from 120 to 60, the item level is also decreasing. Rare equipment from Battle for Azeroth goes down to item level 75, new quest rewards come in at level 78.
The new loot. 
New quest markers? Why not! 
Old abilities are making a return. 
New camera settings. 
Easily marks locations on the map.
The insights currently only show Bastion, which means the direct contents of Shadowlands. Unfortunately, there is still nothing about the beginner area “Exile’s Reach”, which introduces the new leveling system.
If you want to get an overview of Shadowlands for yourself or if you are not yet sure what the new addon has in store, then also visit our roundup article on Shadowlands. There you will find all the information about the new expansion, and it will be updated regularly so you won’t miss any news.
