World of Warcraft is without a doubt one of the most talked-about games franchises in the entire world, and so when BlizzCon 2017 rolled around this weekend, it was obvious something big would be coming to players. Not only did developers announce the upcoming addition of a vanilla server, which would allow gamers to go back to WoW’s roots and play as if they were playing when the game first debuted, but they officially unveiled the game’s seventh expansion; Battle For Azeroth.
What’s It All About?
Teasing all-out war between the Alliance and Horde forces once more, the expansion will see players entering a world that’s been left broken following the battle against Legion. With trust between both sides shattered, this could prove to be the undoing of years of hard work to live somewhat peacefully side by side.
CEO and co-founder of Blizzard Entertainment, Mike Morhaime explained: “Conflict is at the heart of the Warcraft saga, and in Battle For Azeroth, tensions that have been simmering for a long time escalate into all-out war. World of Warcraft players are incredibly passionate about the characters and factions they identify with in the game, and this expansion will make them prouder than ever to declare their allegiance to the Horde or to the Alliance.”
What’s Involved?
Players will be encouraged to explore two new kingdoms with Battle For Azeroth, taking their adventure to Zandalar and Kul Tiras. Zandalar is a place where they’ll hope to convince trolls to help them and their forces in the war, whilst Jaina Proudmoore’s home of Kul Tiras will see another group of inhabitants encouraged to join your crusade.
Allied races are a big part of Battle For Azeroth, with several of the characters within those races now becoming playable, with their own unique abilities. Of course, you won’t just be able to create characters of these new races immediately; you’ll have to first earn favour with the various factions, such as the Highmountain Tauren or the Void Elves, if you’re to add their strength to your forces.
The two new kingdoms aren’t the only new places to explore, with the Islands of the Great Sea available for everybody to plunder. Uncharted to this point, they’ll soon be packed full of adventurers all tackling new objectives and an array of new enemies. Players are encouraged here to battle in trios as they take on enemies in PvP or rival intruders controlled by the computer, collecting resources for their war effort.
When it comes to the war, claiming Warfronts is a hugely important part of the battle. Players will here fight on the battlefield in 20-player co-op matches, capturing resources and claiming objectives against the enemy’s commander, in a PvE mode said to be inspired by classic Warcraft RTS battles.
One of the biggest additions comes in the form of 10 new levels for players to work their way towards a grand level total of 120. Questing is of course the best way to work to that point, with new raids and dungeons also available to test your skills and force you to adapt to brand new fights and exciting strategic battles.
Resource farmers will also be happy to see the addition of Azerite, which has emerged in the Legion’s wake. After being gifted with legendary neck piece the Heart of Azeroth by Magni Bronzebeard, players will be able to use the new resource to customise the armour with new powers, abilities, traits and talents.
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Whilst no release date has yet been revealed for World of Warcraft: Battle For Azeroth, we imagine we’ll find out much more about the expansion in the very near future.
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