Blizzard has revealed the newest World of Warcraft expansion Shadowlands at BlizzCon 2019.
In the next expansion, player will explore the afterlife area known as The Shadowlands, and new zones including Ardenweald, Maldraxxus, and Bastion. The new expansion will feature a mechanic called Covenants, which look somewhat similar to Order Halls introduced in Legion.
In the cinematic trailer, Sylvanas Windrunner attacks Lich King Tirion Fordragon, chains him to the ice and removes his helm. While many fans expected her to wear it herself, she instead rips it in two, opening a massive portal above them as she declares that she will set Azeroth free.
The announcement lines up with data-mined references to a new Death Knight Intro In-Game Cinematic that was added in the 8.3 PTR build.
The upcoming expansion was first leaked when Shadowlands themed merchandise appeared online before the formal announcement.
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A print in the Blizzard Store showcased Bolvar, the new Lich King hinting at the latest WoW antagonist.
Another leaked advertisement inviting players to “enter the Shadowlands” also found its way on the web. In the game, “Shadowlands” is the world the character sees when they have died and have yet to revive.
In Warcraft lore, Shadowlands are a place “between worlds” that one can only roam only after death and act as the game’s version of ‘purgatory’.
Shadowlands will be World of Warcraft’s 8th expansion and latest since Battle for Azeroth which was released in August 2018.