BlizzCon 2023 Developer Interview: Maria Hamilton & Kristy Moret

Greetings, adventurers! Today we have some exciting news to share with you regarding the upcoming expansion of World of Warcraft, The War Within. In a recent screenshot from the game, players have noticed an intriguing detail that has sparked speculation among the community. Let's dive into the details and explore what this could mean for the future of the game.

The Mysterious Dracthyr

In the screenshot, we can see a character named the Dracthyr, who is surprisingly at level 13 and wearing leather armor. This has led many players to wonder if the Dracthyr class will be expanded to include other classes in The War Within. However, we have some clarifications straight from the developers at Blizzard.

During the WoW Deep Dive panel at BlizzCon, Blizzard confirmed that the Warband Character Select Screen featuring the level 13 Dracthyr in leather armor was simply an internal mockup. There are no plans at this time to introduce additional class options for the Dracthyr. The current class restrictions will remain in place for this unique race.

Despite this clarification, Blizzard did mention some exciting changes coming to the leveling experience in The War Within. The Dragonflight will be the default leveling experience, providing players with a thrilling journey through the realm. Additionally, Evokers will now start at level 10, offering a fresh and engaging starting point for those who choose this class.

Unmasking the Mystery

Now, let's delve deeper into the screenshot that caused all the speculation. Normally, Dracthyr characters can only be Evokers and start at level 58 in their dedicated starting zone. The appearance of a level 13 Dracthyr in the screenshot defies the existing rules of character progression. Furthermore, the Dracthyr is seen wearing shoulders and a belt from a leather set that is typically obtained through outdoor activities in the Emerald Dream.

This peculiar combination of a lower level Dracthyr wearing leather armor has raised eyebrows within the community. Given that the Dracthyr currently wear mail armor, seeing them in a leather set seems highly unusual. It is possible that this screenshot is simply an artistic choice or an early concept that may not reflect the final version of the game.

Exciting Developments on the Horizon

The War Within is shaping up to be an incredible expansion for World of Warcraft, and we can expect a host of thrilling features and content. Here are some highlights of what's to come:

• 1. Expansion Preorders Available

You can now pre-order The War Within and gain early access to the expansion three days before its official release. Don't miss out on being among the first to embark on this epic journey.

• 2. New Features for Dragonriding

In patch 10.2.5, players can look forward to old world dragonriding, allowing them to soar through the skies on the backs of these majestic creatures. The full Dracthyr experience with dragon riding will be available in the same patch, offering a unique perspective on exploration and combat.

• 3. Dynamic Flying Druid Flight Form

In the upcoming patch 11.0, Druid players will gain access to an exciting new flight form that allows dynamic flying. This enhanced form will provide a more immersive and versatile flight experience for Druids.

• 4. New Races and Endgame Content

The War Within will introduce the Earthen Allied Race, bringing Earthen Dwarfs to both the Alliance and Horde factions. Alongside this addition, the expansion will also introduce the outdoor endgame content system called Delves, providing fresh challenges and rewards for adventurers.

With a total of eight new zones and a variety of dungeons, players can explore and conquer a diverse range of environments. The first raid, Nerub'ar Palace, promises epic encounters and rich storytelling.

Final Thoughts

While the speculation surrounding the Dracthyr in the screenshot turned out to be a misunderstanding, The War Within is still set to deliver an incredible experience for World of Warcraft players. From new races to dynamic gameplay features and engaging endgame content, there is much to look forward to in this upcoming expansion.

Keep an eye out for more updates and announcements as we journey closer to The War Within release date. Get ready to embark on a heroic adventure and forge your path in this epic saga.