At gamescom 2025, Blizzard showcased the new expansion for World of Warcraft. The cinematic dramatically reveals how the story continues.
Even though the final raid of The War Within has only been open for a few days, Blizzard is already thinking ahead to the next expansion Midnight. During Opening Night Live, the opening cinematic of the new addon was unveiled for the first time – seamlessly continuing the story of K’aresh. But see for yourself:
What can be seen in the cinematic? The video shows the attack of the Void on Quel’danas. This is an island north of the city of Silvermoon. Quel’danas is best known for being home to the Sunwell. This is not only the source of power for the Blood Elves but also one of the last great magical wells of Azeroth, created from a vial of the Well of Eternity.
The well was corrupted in Warcraft 3 by Arthas and the Scourge, but was purified and filled with light during “The Burning Crusade.” Now it is once again the sanctuary of the Blood Elves and holds great significance for the light-worshipping Paladins (the former Blood Knights).
Lor’themar and Liadrin are attacked by Xal’atath
In the video, we see the Blood Elf troops – especially the notorious Spellbreakers, as well as Lor’themar and Lady Liadrin – trying to defend the well, but they are increasingly pushed back by various Void creatures.
Xal’atath appears and addresses Lor’themar and Liadrin directly to intimidate them and urge them to flee. It seems she is successful – as Lady Liadrin indeed flees.
Lor’themar is taunted by Xal’atath and witnesses other Blood Elves being driven to madness and succumbing to the power of the Void. He collapses and appears to succumb to Xal’atath.
However, Lady Liadrin merely runs to the Sunwell to ask for strength – and for forgiveness. After all, the Blood Knights once enslaved a Naaru and violently forced the light upon themselves. Therefore, she still feels “unworthy” to be supported by the light. She appeals, however, that her people are worth saving, even if she herself is not.
The response comes in the form of a supportive hand resting on her shoulders. Shortly thereafter, Liadrin appears with an army emerging from the Sunwell, allowing the Blood Elves together with this army to resume the fight against Xal’atath and the Void.
What kind of army is this? This is not fully clear from the trailer. It could be the Army of Light. The outlines of the soldiers and their weapons suggest that Draenei are among them. This could also mean that we will reconnect with Yrel from the expansion “Warlords of Draenor,” who turned her people into fanatical light followers, even enslaving orcs and forcing them to convert to the light against their will.
We will surely get more precise answers regarding the mystery of this army in the next hours and days as more is published about Midnight and its contents.
What did you think of the new cinematic? Are you excited for Midnight? Or are you going to play Legion Remix for some housing items first?
