Shadowlands is the eighth extension of World of Warcraft and developed by Blizzard. This new additional WoW disc takes place in the Kingdom of the Dead of Azeroth, in Shadowlands. While N'Zoth seems defeated and the armed conflict between the Horde and the Alliance seems to be over, minorities continue the fight while a new threat is revealed: death itself!
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Quick insight on Shadowlands
Sylvanas Windrunner, the fallen leader of the Horde, has torn the veil that separates Azeroth from the Kingdom of the Dead, triggering a series of events that threaten the cosmic balance between life and death.
As they enter the legendary Shadowlands, World of Warcraft players will find an entire universe of the departed. In normal times, the spirits of the deceased join a kingdom that reflects the existence they led during their lifetime. But now, all souls are thrown into the Den, where the most vile beings are condemned to suffer for all eternity. Responsible for restoring the cycle and discovering Sylvanas' designs, the players will forge links with the Covenants that reign in the different parts of Shadowlands:
The brave Kyrians of Bastion, driven by a discipline and a sense of duty that pushes them to protect the souls of mortals during their journey to Shadowlands.
Sylvarden's mysterious night faeries, which ardently defend the spirits of nature against anyone who wants to prevent their rebirth.
The cunning Venthyrs of Resendreth, who feed on the souls of the proud in a Gothic world where opulence is mixed with torment.
The bellicose necro-lords of Maldraxxus, leading the armies of the undead who form the first line of defense of Shadowlands and honour those who seek power and glory in battle.
During their adventures in Shadowlands, players will also find several legends missing from the Warcraft universe, such as Uther the Lightbringer — tormented by occult forces seeking to make him a symbol of vindictiveness — and Kael'thas — seeking revenge against an enemy of the past and trapped to Revendreth for crimes committed during his lifetime.
What's New in World of Warcraft: Shadowlands
Many new features and activities await players in World of Warcraft: Shadowlands. This is what this kingdom has in store for them between two worlds:
- Explore the Realm of the Dead: For the first time ever in World of Warcraft, players will cross into the Shadowlands and experience the wonders and horrors of the afterlife across five new zones—the gleaming fields of Bastion, the scarred battlefields of Maldraxxus, the eternal twilight of Ardenweald, the opulent keeps of Revendreth, and the horrific Maw.
- Claim a Covenant’s Power: Players will be called upon to forge a bond with one of four Covenants that rule Shadowlands’ new zones, setting the tone for their journey through the expansion with a full Covenant Campaign. As they level up, they’ll get new abilities based on their choice, including class-specific abilities for each Covenant—as well as developing Soulbinds with specific Covenant members, which grant them access to that character’s specific traits and bonuses.
- Ascend the Tower of the Damned: At the heart of the Maw lies Torghast, Tower of the Damned, a cursed otherworldly prison where the wickedest souls in the universe are locked away. Highly replayable and inspired by roguelike games, heroes are invited to explore its ever-changing halls and chambers and do battle with the minions of the Jailer, Torghast’s vile ruler. Those who brave its trials can claim legendary treasures and help free the heroic spirits wrongfully trapped within.
- Every Level Is Meaningful: Shadowlands will introduce a new leveling system, meant to provide a meaningful sense of advancement with every level achieved. Current max-level characters will begin Shadowlands at level 50 and work toward the new level cap of 60.
- A New Army of the Dead Rises: To combat Sylvanas’ assault on Icecrown, Bolvar Fordragon— the revered former paladin who took on the mantle of Lich King to keep the Scourge at bay—has raised heroes from among all the peoples of Azeroth to bolster the Death Knights of Acherus. With Shadowlands, pandaren and all allied races will now be able to become Death Knights.
- Improved Character Customization Options: A host of new appearance options for all races will be made available to players when they create new World of Warcraft characters (or alter existing ones at the in-game barber shop).
Pre-purchase offers
World of Warcraft: Shadowlands is available for pre-purchase online in the Blizzard store today, with three offers to satisfy all players.
The Base Edition is available at $39.99, a lower base price than previous extensions.
The Heroic Edition ($59.99) includes the extension, instant access to a Level 120 Character Boost and the Ensorcelled Everwyrm flying mount — which grants a quest for the Vestments of the Eternal Traveler transmog set.
The Epic Edition ($79.99) includes Anima Wyrmling pet, an otherworldly Eternal Traveler’s effect for your Hearthstone, and Illusion: Wraithchill, a cosmetic effect for your weapon.
All Heroic Edition and Epic Edition bonuses are unlocked immediately after the pre-purchase. The pre-purchase of any edition of World of Warcraft: Shadowlands will early access to Death Knights for Allied Races and Pandaren starting with the Visions of N’Zoth content update.
You'll find a summary of all the announcements made during the various conferences dedicated to World of Warcraft, Warcraft 3: Reforged and WoW Classic in this article.
