At the long-awaited 2023 BlizzCon, Blizzard proudly unveiled an unprecedented trilogy of World of Warcraft expansions. The first in-person BlizzCon since lockdown, this was sure to be a showstopper. With the return of franchise veteran Chris Metzen and a promise of something big, the show didn’t disappoint.
In a confident move, Blizzard announced the upcoming tenth, eleventh, and twelfth expansions for the long-running MMO in one fell swoop. These three expansions, set to release over the next few years, will contain a singular overarching narrative called The Worldsoul Saga. The first of these World of Warcraft expansions is The War Within is set to release in 2024. During the keynote, fan-favourite Metzen made his grand return in style, boldly declaring “We ain’t screwin’ around”.
World of Warcraft Expansions
Metzen celebrated the game’s 20-year history, calling the Worldsoul Saga “the culmination of the first 20 years of our storytelling” that will “vector us into the next 20 years of adventure.” The War Within will see players tunnelling deep inside Azeroth, exploring subterranean kingdoms, home to the Nerubians. Adventurers will also meet a new Allied race known as the Earthern Dwarves. We also saw glimpses of new zones, including Azj-kahet, Isle of Dorn, The Ringing Deeps, and Hallowfall. Furthermore, we were shown Delves, a new treasure-hunting activity, and, of course, new dungeons and raids.
Naturally, the focus was on The War Within, the next World of Warcraft expansion. We also saw snippets of the subsequent two expansions. The second part of the Worldsoul Saga is simply titled World of Warcraft: Midnight, which will take place in Azeroth’s “Old World” in Quel’thalas. Midnight will see Void forces invade in an attempt to destroy the Sunwell. Finally, we have World of Warcraft: The Last Titan. This final part will take place in Northrend, previously home to the Wrath of the Lich King expansion, and will see, naturally, the return of the Titans.
WoW Classic, Cataclysm, and More
On top of this huge announcement, Blizzard also unveiled the future of WoW: Classic, the popular retro alternative. First, they discussed plans for an upcoming “Season of Discovery”, in which players will be able to blend classes and roles like never before. Metzen excitedly teased the possibilities of Tanking Warlocks and Healer Mages, explaining that players will find class-altering abilities in this self-contained experience. The initial level cap will be 25, with endgame material to match, including a new 10-player Blackfathom Deeps raid with reimagined bosses and more.
Finally, as expected, the next expansion for the core WoW: Classic experience was revealed. Following Wrath of the Lich King, Cataclysm will be next, allowing adventurers to relive the epic vengeance of Deathwing, exploring new zones, tackling new dungeons and raids, and reaching a new level cap of 85. Players will once again be able to experience 2010’s Cataclysm when it drops in 2024.
So, what do you think? Were you satisfied with BlizzCon? Do you think this three-expansion plan is a good move for World of Warcraft? Let us know in the comments!
