World of Warcraft Shadowlands is the next chapter of Blizzard’s MMORPG. We have all the information about story, zones, features, new elements, and release date.
The next big chapter of World of Warcraft has been revealed, and it’s the expansion “Shadowlands” with the impressive cinematic. It takes place in the eponymous Shadowlands and promises new adventures.
Note: This article is regularly updated and now includes a section “The Most Important Points at a Glance” as well as updates regarding the delays of Shadowlands. Currently, the article is up-to-date as of November 19, 2020.
The most important points about WoW Shadowlands at a glance:
- World of Warcraft Shadowlands will now be released on November 24, 2020 at 12:00 AM midnight.
- The big pre-event featuring many rare mobs and the zombie apocalypse will go until the launch.
- The cheapest game version costs €40. Those who want bonuses such as a character boost and other content will pay €55 or even €75.
- Shadowlands reduces the maximum character level from 120 to 50, after which you level up to 60 in the Shadowlands.
- In Shadowlands, players must choose one of four covenants, a particularly important decision with far-reaching consequences.
- New character customizations are an important aspect of Shadowlands.
Pre-order and Beta of WoW Shadowlands
If you want to pre-order World of Warcraft: Shadowlands, you can do so. There are three versions of Shadowlands available with different prices and contents. This includes the Base Edition, Heroic Edition, and Epic Edition.
What is included in the Base Edition? The Base Edition only includes the expansion “Shadowlands”. Moreover, pre-orderers of this version can create Pandaren Death Knights since the launch of Patch 8.3 in WoW.
The Base Edition costs €39.99.
What is included in the Heroic Edition? The Heroic Edition includes all the features of the Base Edition plus a few additional goodies:
- A character boost to level 120
- New flying mount “Enchanted Eternity Wyrm”
- This mount grants a quest that unlocks a special transmog set
The Heroic Edition costs €54.99.
What is included in the Epic Edition? The Epic Edition includes all features of the Base and Heroic Editions. Additionally, there are further perks:
- 30 days of game time
- New pet “Animawyrmling”
- Hearthstone with the “Eternal Traveler’s Effect”
- Weapon illusion: Ghost Frost
The Epic Edition costs a hefty €74.99. We break down for whom the Epic Edition is worth it here.
Is there a beta? Yes, the beta of Shadowlands has already begun. The test is, however, closed, so only invited players can participate.
If you do not yet have access to the beta but want to participate, you should register now:
Release of WoW: Shadowlands in November
When will WoW: Shadowlands be released? Originally, WoW: Shadowlands was supposed to be released at the end of October. However, the release date has been postponed. The new date is November 24, 2020.
Trailers and Videos about Shadowlands
As usual, Blizzard has introduced the next WoW expansion with spectacular trailers. The centerpiece is the CGI cinematic, in which Sylvanas heads to Icecrown to wage a decisive battle. See for yourself:
Additionally, there was a small “feature trailer” that roughly introduces the first areas and content from WoW: Shadowlands. It is definitely worth it for a first look at the game world:
At gamescom 2020, Blizzard began to release further cinematics. The series “Afterlife” deals with souls that have passed into the Shadowlands. The first one, “Afterlife: Bastion”, focuses on Uther the Lightbringer, who was brought to Bastion after his death in Warcraft III.
A comprehensive analysis of the video has also been prepared by us, where we discuss many details.
The second video focuses on Thrall’s mother, Draka. She finds herself in the Shadowlands, particularly in Maldraxxus, and has made quite a career leap there. How it happened can be seen in Cinematic Afterlife: Maldraxxus. This cinematic was even briefly criticized because Blizzard used old elements from other cinematics. However, this was intended to show a connection in the storyline.
In the third cinematic, the focus is on Ardenweald and the story of the Winter Queen and the groves. Here, the plot is rather sad and speaks of painful decisions. You can watch the cinematic Afterlife: Ardenweald here.
In the fourth and final Cinematic Afterlife: Revendreth , it is about the vampiric Venthyr and their leader, Count Denathrius. He rules over this rather gloomy land and slowly drains the souls assigned to him. It’s a kind of purgatory where souls are supposed to be cleansed.
A week before release, another CGI cinematic was released that shows a brief tour through the Shadowlands. We also get a good look at the Jailer:
Story – This is what Shadowlands is about
The story in Shadowlands mainly continues the narrative triggered by Sylvanas Windrunner. After Sylvanas left the Horde and the Old God N’Zoth was defeated, the Banshee Queen traveled to Icecrown. Here, she faced the current Lich King Bolvar Fordragon and overcame him in battle. She took the Helm of Domination from him but did not crown herself with it. Instead, Sylvanas destroyed the helm, which tore the veil between Azeroth and the Shadowlands.
The Shadowlands are basically the afterlife of Azeroth, where souls are sent once they have lost their connection to Azeroth – or other worlds.
Destruction of the helm not only leads to a connection between Azeroth and the Shadowlands but also causes the Scourge to overrun Azeroth – this will be the opening event of the expansion.
In the Shadowlands, we will learn about the problems that exist in this realm. Souls are typically brought before the soul judge and then distributed among the Shadowlands based on their behavior in life. The souls bring a certain amount of anima with them, which is quite literally the life blood of the Shadowlands, and the different realms need anima, thus requiring souls. However, for some time now, all souls have been sent to a dark region known as “the Maw”, where the dark Jailer lurks. This figure has granted Sylvanas so much power.
The story now revolves around how the balance of souls and anima in the Shadowlands can be restored and why so many souls end up in the Maw.
At the beginning, there is a major scenario – in which 4 leaders from the Alliance and Horde are abducted.
Since the Shadowlands are the realm of the dead, it is conceivable that some characters who have been dead for a long time may return – such as these 8 here.
This is also hinted at in models found in the game files, as six famous dead NPCs will get a new look in Shadowlands.
However, Shadowlands also has plenty of humor. In one quest line, the developers poke fun at themselves.
Finally, there is a well-founded theory that Shadowlands builds one of the biggest WoW conspiracies of all time – which has to do with the Nathrezim.
Game World – the new areas of Shadowlands
Shadowlands will initially include five new areas. Four of them are intended for the leveling phase, the last one is exclusively for players at the maximum level, after the other zones have been completed. Initially, the following areas will be available:
Maldraxxus: A land of undead armies. This is home to the Necrolords. While they are undead and similar to the Scourge, the Necrolords aren’t inherently evil. They are restless souls who constantly crave strength and wish to improve themselves. The Necrolords of Maldraxxus form the army that is supposed to protect the Shadowlands from threats.
Aesthetically, Maldraxxus is reminiscent of the Plaguelands or areas from Wrath of the Lich King.
Ardenweald: Ardenweald is the “dark counterpart” to the Emerald Dream. Where the Dream represents the spring and summer of life, Ardenweald represents autumn and winter. In this area, the souls of nature gods rest after their deaths. Their souls experience a phase of rest and prepare for rebirth, supported by the Night Fae, the guardians of these nature spirits who take care of all matters concerning the nature gods. There you will also encounter a certain dragon who has recently died.
Aesthetically, Ardenweald is reminiscent of a somewhat more melancholic mix of Val’sharah and Shadowmoon Valley.
Find out why we consider Ardenweald to be the most beautiful area so far here.
Bastion: Bastion is a clean and orderly land. This is where the Kyrian reside, blue humanoids who may seem familiar to players. The Kyrian undergo a very long training process to eventually earn their wings. They then fulfill important roles, such as spirit healers. The Kyrian guide souls to the soul judge and ensure that “new souls” are safely led into the Shadowlands.
Aesthetically, Bastion resembles Mac’Aree on Argus.
Those who think Bastion is boring are mistaken – we also misjudged it.
Revendreth: Revendreth is a gloomy zone that is always shrouded in darkness and filled with gothic architecture. Here, the Venthyr live, who are very reminiscent of vampires. Revendreth is a place of atonement – particularly evil souls, who still have a chance for redemption end up here and must spend their existence here until they can move on to one of the more pleasant areas of the Shadowlands.
Aesthetically, Revendreth resembles Gilneas.
The Maw: Less a solid area than a great whirlpool of dark energy – this is the Maw. Here, all souls that are so evil and malicious that they have no chance of redemption end up. It is the realm of the mysterious Jailer, who keeps his prisoners and strongest subjects here. The area is extremely hostile and is expected to kill players quickly, which is why only short stays are planned. At the center of the Maw stands the great tower, Torghast.
We have conducted an interview with the developers about the Maw. You can only stay in the Maw for a limited time, as the Jailer becomes more aggressive and eventually overwhelms you.
The major features of Shadowlands
Instead of bringing many small features, as in Battle for Azeroth, the developers focus on a small number of features that are better woven into the game. The features already announced include:
The covenants – the agony of choice
The first major feature is the choice of a covenant. Characters at max level can make this choice. By joining a covenant in Shadowlands, you commit to one of the four factions that rule the major areas of the Shadowlands. These are:
- Necrolords in the Maldraxxus area
- Night Fae in the Ardenweald area
- Kyrian in the Bastion area
- Venthyr in the Revendreth area
The choice comes into play only after completing the main questline of all areas so that you already know all factions. It is essential that each character can commit to only one covenant.
What does a covenant entail? The covenant significantly determines how a character’s endgame looks like, as each covenant offers:
- Special abilities – a general ability and one specific to the class
- Comprehensive campaigns at max level
- Soul binds as endgame progression
- Many cosmetic rewards (like wings or halos)
- A ruined Sanctum that serves as a base and needs to be restored
- Special perks and benefits in certain areas
- Some rewards for the Kyrian covenant have already been officially shown
- Exclusive endgame activities, such as planning a crazy vampire party
- Covenants also determine how you die in the Shadowlands
Once you have chosen a covenant, you can switch it if necessary, but this should only be possible with costs or certain limitations. Choosing a covenant is intended to be an important decision that cannot be taken lightly. A permanent “back and forth” of covenants is not possible.
In order for your covenant to like you more, you need to complete tasks regularly. This works similarly to reputation but is called Esteem and brings numerous new rewards and unlocks.
All currently known information about the covenants and covenant abilities has been summarized in a separate article for you.
However, covenants have also been a point of discussion in recent months. Many players are concerned that the covenants are too important and that they will be switched more frequently to always have the best ability for each type of game content. Under the hashtag #PullTheRipcord, there has been considerable criticism and improvement suggestions from players. Blizzard ultimately decided against this and wants to implement the covenants as they are.
Torghast, the Tower of the Damned
The second major feature is Torghast, the Tower of the Damned. Here, players can experience an almost endless dungeon that changes with each visit and brings new challenges each time. The tower is accessible to both solo players and groups. It scales with a group size of between 1 and 5 players, allowing everyone to freely decide how many friends to bring along.
The goal in this dungeon is to climb the tower as high as possible and take anima from the enemies along the way. This allows the character to gain new buffs and useful effects that make the visit to the tower easier. Many passive bonuses can be selected that increase hit points or other attributes. There are also effects that make certain enemies suffer significantly more damage, hit less frequently, or clearly show how much anima an enemy carries.
Rewards for this will come in the form of runes used to craft legendary items. It is also possible that there will be different loot in Torghast, such as mounts and pets.
Torghast is also the power seat of the “Jailer”, the mysterious villain of the expansion.
Cortyn from MeinMMO has been in Torghast and was almost instantly hooked.
Other features and innovations
In addition to the major features mentioned above, there are also many smaller innovations and improvements that will be introduced in World of Warcraft with Shadowlands. We have compiled the 5 most important innovations here, and you will read more details in the upcoming lines.
New character customization
The “old” races in World of Warcraft will receive a lot of new character customizations. Trolls and Dwarves can look forward to new skin colors and patterns, while Draenei can choose longer tails and Undead can cover their “bony” areas with skin and flesh. For fans of humans, there are particularly nice customizations: In the future, humans can also have a more Asian or African American look. This way, players can create a character they can identify with more strongly, if they wish.
Blood Elves and Void Elves can choose blue eyes – and thus, effectively be High Elves. Furthermore, there are even varying ear lengths.
However, the biggest innovation is that at the barber, you can also change your character’s gender in the future.
These adjustments will also be retrospectively applied to numerous NPCs, making the game world more diverse.
Level Squish – New max level will be 60
There have been rumors about this for a long time, but with Shadowlands, it will finally be implemented. With Patch 9.0, the maximum level in World of Warcraft will be reduced to 60. Players who currently have level 120 will find themselves at level 50. Throughout Shadowlands, they will then level from 50 to 60.
This new level phase will also lead to constraints on Heirlooms. The popular XP bonus from heirlooms will be removed. However, Blizzard has already announced new innovations and introduces some interesting set bonuses on the heirlooms.
Mounts and pets from Shadowlands
As with every expansion, new mounts and pets are a must. Shadowlands will offer plenty of them again. Especially a first glimpse of the diverse mounts gives us hope for the best.
New leveling phase with more freedom
Together with the level squish, the leveling experience for new players and veterans will be overhauled. There will be a completely new starting area for levels 1-10, which all players can alternatively choose if they do not want to start in their racial starting area. In the levels 10 to 50, players can then select a single expansion and quest through it from start to finish – this should be enough to reach level 50. In general, the leveling speed will be accelerated by 60% to 70% – a player will reach level 50 in just 4 hours.
For brand new players, however, this doesn’t apply. Those who start with WoW must necessarily begin their first playthrough in the starting area “Exile’s Reach” and then quest in “Battle for Azeroth”.
All others can choose freely or mix expansions if they prefer to hop around. The new level system has been introduced in more detail by the developers.
Class changes: Return of many abilities
Over the course of the expansions, Blizzard has refined and detailed the specializations and made many abilities exclusive. This is set to change with Shadowlands. Many classes will regain a shared “base package” of abilities that can be used across all specializations. Also, numerous abilities that players have lost over the years will return.
While Hunters will be able to tame a variety of new companions, Priests will get “Mind Control” back. Warriors will be happy about Spell Reflection and Mages will finally be able to cast Frostbolts again in all specializations.
No new class in Shadowlands
For some fans, it may be a bit disappointing, but there is no new class for players in WoW: Shadowlands. WoW thus breaks with the tradition of introducing a new class in every second expansion. No reasons were given for this, but the extensive overhaul of existing classes could be an argument that the developers would rather focus on that.
Professions will become more complex
Professions will also be extensively overhauled with Shadowlands. We have a first preview of the awesome innovations in crafting here. In the future, all professions will need to work together to craft the best equipment. However, there will also be more freedoms. Players can specifically add bonuses and additional effects on equipment that can change playstyle.
This will also affect potions – they will be subject to a new, longer cooldown.
However, Blizzard will let one profession “die.” Archaeology will be neglected and receive no innovations in Shadowlands.
New and old features
But even beyond the actual game features, there are some changes. Those who wish can now relatively easily play WoW with a gamepad. Additionally, everyone who wants can deactivate area looting. Then you have to loot each corpse individually again.
Story Skip for Alt Characters
The story of a new expansion is something cool – at least the first time. However, those who do not wish to replay everything on another character quickly get bored. Especially since the campaign is important for unlocking the big endgame content.
With Shadowlands, this problem is circumvented. Alt characters can skip the entire story if desired and start directly after its end.
PvP – Return to Old Virtues
Although the conflict between Horde and Alliance is not a story focus of Shadowlands, there are certainly innovations in PvP. All players lose the most important PvP talent, with which they can remove control effects.
In the open world, the War Mode is worthwhile, as it offers a cool title and a special mount, but for that, you will have to take down numerous other characters.
PvP fans can also look forward to real rewards with Shadowlands, as PvP vendors return. They offer you strong equipment for points.
Prelude – the big Pre-Patch 9.0
As usual, the start of an expansion is accompanied by a preceding pre-patch and pre-event. The big pre-patch 9.0 will be released on October 14 and will bring most of the innovations – such as the revised classes, the new customizations, or the new starting area.
On the other hand, the event offers unique opportunities to experience the backstory of Shadowlands and earn some special rewards.
One part of the event is the great Zombie plague, which WoW veterans will likely recognize from the pre-event of Wrath of the Lich King.
But the event offers even more. There is finally the opportunity to settle the score with the detested Nathanos Blightcaller and teach him a lesson.
What else is coming?
Finally, some smaller topics about which not much is known yet or which can be quickly addressed:
- The world quests are supposed to be revamped – Blizzard calls this “World Quests 2.0”
- How does flying work in the Shadowlands?
- The areas of Shadowlands must be played in a fixed order
- Artifact power is gone, but Legendaries are back
- WoW is also taking on some features from addons – like the countdown
- With Shadowlands, WoW also gets its first transgender character
- New characters will receive really cool HD equipment
- Spells and abilities will have a “new” randomness factor; the 5% variance is returning
- Players will soon be able to become mentors and present themselves as contacts for newcomers
- The new weekly reward box for raids, dungeons, and PvP will be quite cool
- The new loading screen and its associated music are again grandiose
- The bonus roll will be abolished – there will be less loot
Opinions and Impressions
During the alpha and beta, we at MeinMMO – like many other players – took a good look at Shadowlands. We were able to form our own opinions about many contents and are not shy to share our opinions. Some of our impressions can be read in the following articles:
- Area spells get a cap on targets – that feels bad
- The covenants restrict freedom – Cortyn finds it great
- Black Elves in WoW – Why is it so hard for you?
FAQ – The most important questions and answers about WoW: Shadowlands
World of Warcraft: Shadowlands will be released on 27.10.2020.
Yes, there is a beta for Shadowlands. The invitation waves have already begun and many players are actively testing. We have already prepared for you how to register for Alpha & Beta and what you need to know.
No, there is no new class in WoW Shadowlands. Instead, all existing classes will receive extensive revisions and new customization options.
At least at launch, it seems that’s not the case. However, all previous races in the game will receive many new customization options.
It will be level 60. Before the release of Shadowlands, there will be a “Level Squish”, where the max level of all characters will be set to 50. In Shadowlands, players will level from 50 to 60.
