Blizzard Entertainment keeps us on our toes with news and reveals for the latest WoW expansion, World of Warcraft: Dragonflight. It’s the ninth expansion in the series, and from what we’ve seen so far, there’s plenty arriving when it launches. At the moment, you can opt-in for the Beta to test some of the upcoming features.
Since the game publisher has already given us hints of things to come, we’ve pulled together a list of the top five features coming to World of Warcraft: Dragonflight. There will probably be more announcements throughout the year, but these elements have us excited the most.
What we know so far about World of Warcraft: Dragonflight
There was a mixed reaction with some negative views regarding the current expansion. The final major update arrived for WoW: Shadowlands in February 2022. Since then, fans have been waiting to see what the next installment would bring, especially after Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard.
As soon as the publishing company announced World of Warcraft: Dragonflight, WoW gamers looked into every bit of information they could glean from various sources on the expansion. We’ll be heading back to Azeroth, but there are some new elements to enjoy. These changes come in the wake of players complaining that Shadowlands borrowed storytelling elements and power systems.
As for the story so far, we know that heroes will be summoned to the new location, which we’ll cover in our list below. The main plot revolved around reclaiming the Dragonflight citadel from enemies, and restoring power to the kingdom.
Top 5 World of Warcraft: Dragonflight features
We’ve teased you long enough, and we’re sure you’re hungry to know more about the upcoming elements in the MMORPG game. Here are our top five features for World of Warcraft: Dragonflight.
Dracthyr, the new hybrid class
We haven’t seen a new class for at least two WoW expansions prior to Dragonflight. The previous ones added to the series were the Demon Hunters and Death Knights, so we’ve waited patiently for a new character type. Blizzard Entertainment has announced that the new expansion will include the Evoker class.
What makes it unique is that only the new race, the Dracthyr, can use this class. They are humanoid in nature, being half human and half dragon. They can align with either the Horde or Alliance, and you can switch between a human or draconic appearance. Some specializations include Preservation and Devastation, calling upon renewal and destruction.
New zones on the Dragon Isles
According to Wow lore, the Great Sundering that nearly destroyed the world caused magic to dissipate from the Dragon Isles, home to the Dragonflights that reside in Azeroth. The land is awakening in World of Warcraft: Dragonflight, but it also brings ancient feuds not easily forgotten.
According to Blizzard Entertainment, there are five zones in the playable area. One zone is reserved for the Dracthyr starting point if you want to play as the new race. The other four will have events and missions designed to help you level up and progress through the main story.
A flight of dragons
What would a new expansion with dragons be like if it didn’t include some draconic aerial mounts? Dragon Isles presents four new Drakes you can use as mounts, but you’ll need to learn how to fly them in World of Warcraft: Dragonflight. There will be glyphs to find in the zones that will max out your dragon-flying abilities.
Gravity will be your enemy while you practice new maneuvers that drain your mount’s energy. Reaching the max level is only the beginning, as you can still complete unique missions to unlock new drake customizations.
Revamped profession system
Since the dawn of WoW time, professions have existed to add more depth to the game series. Blizzard is aware that it has only added incremental changes for each expansion, but they felt it’s time to change. The developers are looking at how they can revamp the entire system for a massive improvement.
World of Warcraft: Dragonflight will not only add new elements but also change how you engage with other players. One example is the new system called Crafting Orders. If you don’t have the skill or profession to make something, you can request that another gamer with the requirements makes it for you. You’ll also have easier access to Soulbound items this way.
Return of the talent trees
Once you see the new WoW expansion in beta form, you’ll realize just how much work went into the overhauled user interface. One of the massive projects included in this scope is the return of talent trees. We had them before Mists of Pandaria arrived, but Blizzard reworked and removed them, upsetting many gamers.
Fortunately, we have it back in an updated form. You’ll have more choices when shaping your character’s destiny, and there’s an improved progression system. While the talent trees are still divided between class and abilities, the system will change with every decision you make and point you allocate.
When is World of Warcraft: Dragonflight expected to release?
We don’t have an official date for when to expect World of Warcraft: Dragonflight. There are indications that the beta will begin in July 2022, and then it’s up to the developers to listen to the testers about discovered issues. While we’re hoping for the end of the year, we think early 2023 is a more realistic expectation in a best-case scenario.
Are you ready for the next WoW adventure?
While we’ve only highlighted five of the top features we’re excited about, you can read more about other elements on Blizzard’s page and news blog. We’re anxious to get our wings into flight, but it’s a long road ahead still. There’s also the new race/class hybrid in World of Warcraft: Dragonflight we desperately want to play as, especially when starting in the new zone. So much excitement!
