Blizzard is envisioning an MCU-style future for the World of Warcraft. Chris Metzen, the newly appointed executive creative director of Warcraft, has unveiled plans for a three-part interconnected saga that will span the game’s next three expansions. As Blizzard typically releases expansions within a two-year timeframe, the story of “The Worldsoul Saga” will unfold over several years. The first installment, titled World of Warcraft: The War Within, is scheduled for release in 2024, followed by World of Warcraft: Midnight and World of Warcraft: The Last Titan in subsequent years.
John Hight, the general manager of Warcraft, describes the trilogy as one of the most ambitious creative endeavors ever undertaken for World of Warcraft. Each expansion will feature a standalone narrative, while being connected by an overarching story arc. Hight adds, “Alongside these epic adventures, players can expect the continual quality-of-life updates that have become a hallmark of our game since Dragonflight, further setting the stage for the next 20 years and beyond.”
While Blizzard has yet to provide a comprehensive summary for The War Within, a few key details about the expansion have been revealed. The game will introduce a powerful ancient civilization rising from beneath the planet’s surface, and players from both the Alliance and Horde factions will experience visions of potential futures, both positive and negative. Players can progress up to level 80 in this expansion, explore a new continent named Khaz Algar, and also encounter a new playable race called the Earthen, who are known as the Titan-forged. Additionally, the expansion will include bite-sized adventures known as Delves, designed to accommodate one to five players, and a new feature called Warbands that allows for the sharing of banks, reputations, and transmogs between characters.
Fans have the opportunity to pre-purchase The War Within for $50, which grants instant access to the Dragonflight expansion. Alternatively, the The War Within: Heroic Edition includes extra content for $70, while the The War Within: Epic Edition offers beta access to the expansion and additional bonuses for $90.
