The Blizzcon 2018 is just around the corner. We will tell you what players of World of Warcraft can expect.
In a week, Blizzard’s in-house fair will take place. At BlizzCon 2018, on November 2nd and 3rd, many news about the MMORPG World of Warcraft will be revealed. We give a first preview of what players can expect – and where they should rather temper their expectations.
No new expansion
For most fans, this should be clear for a long time, as Battle for Azeroth is only a few months old. In any case, players of World of Warcraft should not expect any information about the next expansion.
It is still too early in the lifecycle of Battle for Azeroth to talk about the next addon – after all, we are still at Patch 8.0 in the live version.
Patch 8.2 and Patch 8.3 – the next targets
The biggest revelations for World of Warcraft will concern the upcoming two major patches. With the events in Patch 8.1 Tides of Vengeance, which are currently visible on the PTR, many players already have an idea of which direction the story is heading.
The focus will shift more towards the old gods and Azshara. After all, the storyline of the Stormsong Valley makes it clear that a growing threat is about to strike.
There are already many speculations, and we consider these to be the most likely:
Patch 8.2 – The emergence of Queen Azshara
Patch 8.2 tells the story of Azshara and the Naga. After all, she is the “Queen” of the old god N’Zoth, as we recently learned in the “Warbringer: Azshara” video.
It was also hinted beforehand that Azshara will basically be the “Gul’dan” of Battle for Azeroth. Therefore, she will be a raid boss in Patch 8.2.
A new raid must, however, take place in a new area, and that will probably come with Patch 8.2. Our tip here is the sunken city of Nazjatar, which may be raised from the waves.
This would be the perfect time to give Azshara a bit more lore. As we quest through Nazjatar, we could learn more about Azshara’s motivations and her connection to N’Zoth, before we defeat her in her palace.
Patch 8.3 – The fight against N’Zoth
Since Azshara, even as the queen, is only an ally of N’Zoth, he will probably be the final boss of Battle for Azeroth. It is also possible that there will be a new area, perhaps part of the “Black Empire”, which once nearly covered all of Azeroth.
In the depths of the seas, there are still many ruins of that (which we also saw in the Warbringer video). Several hints suggest that something is happening there.
Since old gods feed on the death and madness of other beings, the Alliance and Horde might contribute the last “spark” to awaken the Black Empire – a great naval battle between the fleets of Kul Tiras and Zandalar comes to mind. Perhaps during this battle, the heroes will be sucked into the depths and land in the influence of the old gods.
What we can really expect in Patch 8.2 and 8.3 will likely be revealed this coming weekend at BlizzCon. Those without a virtual ticket will, of course, be informed by us promptly about the new announcements.
The “small stuff” that comes with it
In addition to the major content patches, there will surely be smaller updates and features that will also expand World of Warcraft.
New allied races
Players are particularly excited about the Vulpera and Sethrak, both of which primarily occur in Vol’dun.
Both races are represented quite extensively in the game files and even have their own sound files for various actions that are usually reserved for players. It seems to be only a matter of time before Sethrak and Vulpera will be playable.
Warfronts – many are still to come
There will probably also be some new warfronts. Currently, there is only the Arathi Highlands and soon the Darkshore, but hints of a battle for Quel’thalas (Silvermoon) have already been found in the game data, and things could get heated in the Barrens as well.
Since warfronts are one of the major features, 2-3 more will surely appear during Battle for Azeroth.
The 8.x.5 patches
Since Legion, Blizzard has been trying to introduce small “interim patches”, such as 8.1.5 or 8.2.5, to add some content and features that do not necessarily belong to the major content updates. These are usually smaller events (like the micro-holidays) or the return of the war guild. At least the latter will certainly be reactivated for Battle for Azeroth and will entice players with new rewards and exciting battles.
Also, one or the other heritage armor could find its way into the 5-patch cycle. The first to do so are the blood elves in Patch 8.1 and dwarves, but other races will surely follow until all have their heritage armor.
World of Warcraft: Classic – A release date?
There will surely be one or another announcement regarding WoW: Classic at BlizzCon. It seems likely that Blizzard will do a “This is where we’re at” panel and explain which details have been agreed upon for the classic version of World of Warcraft.
However, it may still be too early for a definitive release date. If all goes well, we may at least get a “In year X” from Blizzard – but even that is pure speculation.
In the meantime, everyone can make do with the demo – if they have purchased a virtual ticket.
What are your guesses and speculations for BlizzCon regarding World of Warcraft?
