World of Warcraft: Dragonflight Release Date Information
By Jack O'Dwyer
Blizzard developers have officially revealed the next expansion in World of Warcraft: Dragonflight.
This expansion is supposedly shaped by the community — the same factor that led to the changes made in 9.1.5. The team built Eternity's End using input on such features as the method of pacing and acquisition regarding the Covenant items, tons of tuning, and so on, carried into this next chapter on Azeroth.
The team also went on to talk about the community that has rallied around WoW: Classic.
Cross-faction play is coming to Warcraft, as well, with update 9.2.5, breaking with an over-decade tradition of holding the Alliance and Horde on opposite sides of the aisle.
That, of course, isn't why you're here, however. Here's what we know about the next expansion of World of Warcraft.
Dragonflight Release Window
UPDATE 9/29/22: After months of speculation and rumors, Blizzard has finally revealed the launch date for the next expansion in World of Warcraft. Dragonflight's release date is set for Nov. 28. Dragonflight Season 1 will launch on Dec. 12 with Normal, Heroic and Mythic Raids at the same time.
UPDATE 6/21/22: World of Warcraft: Dragonflight could release this year. Despite all evidence pointing toward a Q1 release in 2023, Blizzard has revealed the pre-ordering for Dragonflight and there is one thing to notice.
The small print states, "World of Warcraft®: Dragonflight will be available on or before December 31, 2022." While this is standard practice for games with no official release date, Blizzard would have chosen 2023 as the release year, giving them the freedom to choose a date sometime next year.
Wrath of the Lick King Classic saw a 2022 release window, which means a few different things. First, they don't know when they will release the new expansion so they can't give a release date for WotLK Classic. But if 2022 is the range for classic, then Dragonflight will most likely release late 2022 or early 2023. If both projects have a bit of work, then a November and December release for Wrath makes sense, leaving an early or spring release for Dragonflight. But there is a chance that WotLK is much closer and could work as a content drop to appease fans. Meaning a much closer drop of fall. But most likely Dragonflight is coming early 2023.
The message is clear: this expansion is all about the return of the dragons. Finally, players will be able to visit the ancient Dragon Isles thanks to one stone Titan watcher dispelling the obscuring magic around it.
The expansion will feature five new zones — including one starting zone. Each leveling zone will sport a visual connection to each of the individual Dragonflights.
Not only that, but players will be able to become one with their favorite Dragonflight as part of a new race: the Drakthyr. The race is extraordinarily customizable with scale color, hair colors, jewelry, horns, and more. They even come with their own exclusive class, the Evoker.
The Evoker is a "hero" class that has ranged DPS or Healer capabilities while wearing chainmail armor. Much like Death Knights, Drakthyr Evokers will begin at level 58 and have their own unique starting experience in the Isles.
This expansion will also feature a revamp of several systems including talent, user interface, and more. This shouldn't affect existing add-ons but will provide a better "default, out of the box experience." A new work order system will also be implemented allowing gathering players to connect with crafters and exchange mats for services for a commission price.
Keeping with the draconic and community-focused influence, a feature called "dragon riding" will be available directly from the jump thanks to a brand new mount that has an abundance of customization that players can adjust. From the head shape to the horn configuration, colors, and more, each player can have a unique dragon mount companion to help them soar through the skies using a never before seen dynamic flight experience.
That's right: there's no need to do any pathfinder grinding or pay a gold-sink fee. Players can fly right from the start of the expansion — from the moment they set foot on the Isles.
Finally, the new max level cap is 70.
More information will be published as it is made available.