Can World of Warcraft captivate again with Shadowlands? We took a look at the new addon and explain why the MMORPG is worth a glance again.
World of Warcraft is dead! For the first time in the history of the game, this is true – at least in a metaphorical sense. With the now 8th expansion, we are no longer on Azeroth or Draenor. Instead, Shadowlands takes us to the realms of the dead and explains what happens to the souls of the mortals when they wander into the Shadowlands.
Why World of Warcraft: Shadowlands is suitable for both newcomers and veterans, making it a hot candidate for “Find Your Next Game”, we reveal here.
What is the story? The story takes place immediately after the intro cinematic. The banshee Sylvanas Windrunner has destroyed the barrier between the world of the living and the Shadowlands, and we heroes travel to the Shadowlands to learn more about Sylvanas’ plans.
However, things have gone awry in the Shadowlands. Normally, souls are divided among the different realms of the Shadowlands by the Soul Judge. Souls carry Anima within them, which the realms need to thrive and fulfill their tasks. But for a while now, all souls have been devoured directly by the “Maw” – which is also a realm of the Shadowlands, but intended only for the darkest souls.
During the journey from level 50 to 60, we explore four different realms of the Shadowlands and learn more about what Anima is, why it is suddenly running out, and how we can help. Along the way, we meet numerous new races that exist largely independent of the previous game world. This promises new, interesting stories.
What makes WoW: Shadowlands special?
With the latest expansion, World of Warcraft wants to forge new paths. For the first time in a long time, the Horde and Alliance are no longer in open war. Thus, all players experience the same story during the leveling phase, regardless of their factions. At level 60, however, one must specialize. Players must choose a Covenant, which brings many consequences.
4 Covenants with big decisions: Each of the new areas is led by a faction. At level 60, one must join one of these factions. This not only brings a variety of cosmetic rewards and a unique story campaign surrounding the history of this covenant, but also gameplay innovations. Each covenant grants players two new abilities. One of them is for all players and is usually a more “useful” skill, like faster movement or potions.
The second ability, however, is really strong and unique to each class. For example, a Mage from the Kyrian Covenant gets a completely different ability than a Death Knight.
It is possible to change the Covenant later, but wild “back and forth” will not be allowed. This should be difficult, which is why the choice is generally considered a permanent decision.
Torghast as a “rogue-like” endgame: The tower Torghast is an endgame feature that players cannot bypass. Only here can they obtain the necessary materials to craft powerful legendary items. The tower adapts flexibly to the group size. You can venture in alone or in groups of two to five players. There is no time pressure here, only the number of your deaths is limited before the journey ends.
Torghast has a number of special features. It consists of different layers each time and hosts various enemies that get stronger with each level reached. However, the character also gets stronger, as Anima Powers are rewarded during each visit, which means extreme improvements.
Players who can’t get enough of Torghast can even explore an “endless mode”. However, there are no important materials here, only prestige rewards, such as cosmetic items, titles, or pets.
This means, conversely, that those who are not interested in Torghast will only do the mandatory part for the legendary components and then turn their backs on the tower forever.
No new class: However, Shadowlands also breaks an unwritten rule. Normally, World of Warcraft releases a new playable class every two expansions. This has been omitted in Shadowlands – so the existing 12 classes remain. However, since all classes receive new abilities and revisions, this is probably bearable.
Who is WoW: Shadowlands worth it for?
Everything gives the impression that Blizzard wants to make amends with Shadowlands for what failed in Battle for Azeroth. Therefore, it is worth at least a look for players who were rather disappointed by the last expansion.
Those who love the story around Warcraft will not be able to avoid Shadowlands anyway. The world is expanded with many new areas and thus also stories and exciting story mechanics. After all, death is a constant in Warcraft, which is now finally being illuminated.
Finally, Shadowlands is also interesting for fans of high fantasy. There are fewer spaceships and siege machines in focus (as in Battle for Azeroth or Legion), but enchanted forests (Ardenweald), gloomy cities (Revendreth), or beautiful, harmonious landscapes (Bastion). Additionally, questions about the “classic” Warcraft themes, such as druidism or the origin of the Scourge, are answered.
Shadowlands is a fantasy expansion – and you can feel that at every turn.
Newcomers have it easier: For complete newcomers, Shadowlands offers several improvements. The maximum level has been reduced from 120 to 60, shrinking all numbers down to a comprehensible level. At the same time, the entire leveling phase has been revamped and structured. Annoying errors and chaotic confusion caused by various timelines are no longer present.
Newcomers level for the first time in the (still current) expansion “Battle for Azeroth”. For additional characters, players can choose their favorite addon (such as “The Burning Crusade” or “Legion”) and play only the storyline present there.
All this provides clarity and reduces the abundance of quests and possibilities. But don’t worry: the choice of leveling expansion can be changed at any time.
Projection: Top if Blizzard maintains the course
In the World of Warcraft community, there has long been the “rule” that Blizzard always releases a good expansion and then a rather bad one in turn. This seems to be true for Shadowlands according to the current state, as everything looks quite good so far and has already convinced in the early stages of alpha testing.
Numerous improved character customizations and the cool new areas ensure that WoW still looks really good despite its outdated comic graphics. Fewer random elements (like the unpopular Titanforging) provide players with clear goals and tasks that are much more motivating than they currently are in the game.
However, some players may also be disappointed: There is no new class in Shadowlands, world quests and “Mythic+” dungeons are still a significant part of endgame, and the really big innovations seem to be absent. Anyone hoping that WoW would develop more towards “Classic” in terms of leveling times or difficulty of fights (in the open world) will also be disappointed. That simply does not fit with modern WoW.
So far, however, these concerns pale in comparison to the multitude of improvements that World of Warcraft wants to make it a rounded game with thoughtful mechanics again. Our projection is therefore clear: If Blizzard maintains the current course, Shadowlands may win over some grumpy WoW veterans again.
Blizzard is doing everything right so far
With the 8th expansion, World of Warcraft does not reinvent itself but does not have to. Instead, it is fine-tuning systems and giving players many things they have demanded for years. A progression with less randomness, many cosmetic customizations, and decisions that actually have an impact. In addition, a fresh world with new stories and interesting races that at least make the questing exciting.
Sure – some things are still uncertain, and a few months will pass before the release. But I am optimistic that Blizzard is on a good path and that Shadowlands will be one of the expansions that players will look back on fondly in a few years.
Cortyn Nightshade
WoW Demon from MeinMMO
