The War Within 11.X Patches & World Soul Saga Speculation Thread

[Scyth]

So the direct is only 45 mins long? Or did I read that wrong?

Expected it to be at least 90 mins tbh and 45 feels a bit short given all the information we expect to get.

Edit: Nevermind, looks like the 45 mins one is for devs reminiscing about the last 20 years, not the full Direct!

[Enteroctopus Magnificus]

So the direct is only 45 mins long? Or did I read that wrong?

Expected it to be at least 90 mins tbh and 45 feels a bit short given all the information we expect to get.

"○ 20 Years of World of Warcraft: Relive the evolution of the world's most beloved MMORPG and discover what's next on the horizon for both WoW Classic and Modern…and a special announcement at the end."

By this I mean a 40-minute pre-recorded self-satisfaction video of the devs repeating over and over that their work is CRAZY and INCREDIBLE, and 5 minutes on the next patch + a promotional ad for a derivative product.

[Ersula]

I'm expecting a DnD WoW adventure or sourcebook or both, after releasing those set of Alliance/Horde themed tabletop dice.

[Eldryth]

If the next major patch really is Undermine, then I just hope that they don't tie all the tier sets into that Goblin theme like some tiers (like Sepulcher and Vault of the Incarnates).

Sure, use it for open-world gear and maybe some classes that it fits well for, but I really can't see it fitting well for Druids, Paladins, Demon Hunters, etc. And as someone who isn't really interested in Goblins personally, I'd still probably like the patch overall as long as we still get some good sets to work for outside that theme.

Probably wouldn't be an issue anyway since they just did that for two consecutive tiers and haven't gone back since, but it's still my biggest worry.

[Ersula]

If the next major patch really is Undermine, then I just hope that they don't tie all the tier sets into that Goblin theme like some tiers (like Sepulcher and Vault of the Incarnates).

Sure, use it for open-world gear and maybe some classes that it fits well for, but I really can't see it fitting well for Druids, Paladins, Demon Hunters, etc. And as someone who isn't really interested in Goblins personally, I'd still probably like the patch overall as long as we still get some good sets to work for outside that theme.

Aren't you tired of all your tier sets being the same thing? How many different versions of cowled robes or heraldic armor do we need? Sepulcher & Vault had some of my favorite tier sets, not least of which because you could mix & match pieces with the other class' lookalike drops.

[Nibelheimy]

Yeah I gotta say its okay to have some differences in tier sets, I was really disappointed none of the sets are even slightly Nerubian themed for this current patch. Saying that, people have been shitting on Shaman's ever since it was put out, and they were well overdue a water themed set. Yeah its not my favourite, but damn when was the last time anything water themed was even released?

[Eldryth]

Aren't you tired of all your tier sets being the same thing? How many different versions of cowled robes or heraldic armor do we need? Sepulcher & Vault had some of my favorite tier sets, not least of which because you could mix & match pieces with the other class' lookalike drops.

Yeah I gotta say its okay to have some differences in tier sets, I was really disappointed none of the sets are even slightly Nerubian themed for this current patch. Saying that, people have been shitting on Shaman's ever since it was put out, and they were well overdue a water themed set. Yeah its not my favourite, but damn when was the last time anything water themed was even released?

Sure, give them variety, but tying everything into a single theme should only really be done with themes that could work with all classes. Seeing Progenitor and elemental takes on various classes was cool.

But even beyond my personal taste, scrap and pollution is just not something I can see fitting everything. How do you make that work with every class? It clashes horribly with the very idea of Druids, and doesn't sound like a particularly good fit for several other classes. At most I can see it working with the classes that Goblins can play, and even some of them seem like a stretch.

Plus there's the fact that the theme would just be an existing playable race, so it'd be kind of like doing 13 more Goblin Heritage sets. It absolutely would not have been a good idea to do something like that for Night Elves when they were central to Amirdrassil, and I can't see it working well for a more niche race.

I do agree that we should have gotten some Nerubian-themed gear somewhere, hopefully that happens by the end of the expansion. Either way, I think they had the right approach for that kind of racial gear with the Arathi stuff- make a great class-agnostic set of each armor type with several colors to earn, separate from the tier sets that need to fit a class theme.

[Enrif]

Warcraft Direct Stream Description

Welcome to the epic celebration of 30 years of Warcraft! Join us on a heartfelt journey through three decades of adventure, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments in Azeroth and beyond. In this special 45-minute video, we're bringing together the creative minds behind World of Warcraft, Warcraft RTS, Hearthstone, and Warcraft Rumble.
Hear firsthand from our development teams as they reflect on the milestones of the past:

○ 30 Years of Warcraft RTS: Hear from the team working on the games that started it all as they look to bring some exciting new updates to Warcraft III Reforged and more.
○ 20 Years of World of Warcraft: Relive the evolution of the world's most beloved MMORPG and discover what's next on the horizon for both WoW Classic and Modern…and a special announcement at the end.
○ 10 Years of Hearthstone: Celebrate a decade of strategic card-slinging fun and get a sneak peek at the game-changing updates coming your way.
○ 1 Year of Warcraft Rumble: Join us for our 1st Anniversary and share our exciting additions on the horizon.

This is more than a look back—it's a warm thank you to our incredible community and a visionary glimpse into the future of the Warcraft universe. Whether you're a lifelong fan or rekindling your passion, there's never been a better time to dive back into the world you love.

Let's embark on the next chapter together. The adventure continues!

The special announcement is tied to WoW directly, not the Warcraft franchise as a whole, so it is not something like a DnD set or movie or series, which ties more into the whole franchise. So whatever it is, it is for WoW and not related to any of the other games.

We know Plunderstorm will return and that wasn't announced as something super special, so it is unlikely that it will be a Remix announcement, as it is on a similar level.

I don't think it will be classic related either, as they already got a lot of stuff with Hardcore, SoD and the different expansions, so more likely something that is either for modern or for all versions of it.

We know they are making a lot of changes in secret to the game that are not in the game yet, like high res models for some of the classic area assets like human and orc buildings and ships. They are also working at the backend to make the game more about your account and less friction between factions, so you can play how you want with whom you want.

My dream: Factionless Warcraft, or a third "neutral" faction that can interact with both alliance and horde.

More likely: someone mentioned the trophies in that one place of the anniversary area, and perhaps, it is indeed housing. But it is hard to imagine how they will do it.

Something random that i wouldn't say no to: Each class for each race, AND you can swap between classes on a single character. This would be copied from FF14, but god, that would be awesome to have.

- - - Updated - - -

But even beyond my personal taste, scrap and pollution is just not something I can see fitting everything. How do you make that work with every class? It clashes horribly with the very idea of Druids, and doesn't sound like a particularly good fit for several other classes. At most I can see it working with the classes that Goblins can play, and even some of them seem like a stretch.

Well, remember the ICC tier sets, all of them were in some way scourge themed. Druids got that spore walker set. In a goblin themed tier sets, druids could be a pollution type of set, which wouldn't be the first time, as we also saw something like that in their ToT tier set which wasn't nice nature either.

[Worldshaper]

WoW om console presented as some type of new beginnings, perhaps?

You'd likely keep your collections across platforms since they already have that mindset with OW IIRC, and Diablo.

But the game itself could be a re-packaged and re-imagined version of WoW.

- Higher textures so all the old areas look nice and crisp on a large TV.

- The UI overhaul they've been doing has been getting console counterparts in secret, ready to ship.

- New servers so it doesn't feel too hard to catch up. But old servers perhaps accessible as well, so you can seamlessly play your favourite chars across platforms.

- Promotional bundle to celebrate the launch.

- Classic and Modern available from the get-go. So there's something for sentimental players who didn't play in 15 years but want to relive the old days.

- Included in Game Pass Ultimate.

- Modern might get a new campaign for leveling, taking you through some old zones until you reach level 80. Would be a smart way to avoid confusing new players with layers upon layers of legacy phasing issues and quests. Start out your humble journey in a new starter zone as Horde or Alliance, then do a Modern campaign for a few hours and end up in Dornagal.

[Makabreska]

They put Call of Duty on Gamepass. WoW isn't big enough to avoid it if Microsoft wants it.

CoD on GamePass is an experiment, a different genre and payment model and even a couple of days ago it's makers said it's a challenge to retain players in such format (so it means they already notice a meaningful drop). WoW is entire different thing all together and I fail to see the financial benefit of exchanging WoW sub for GamePass sub, not to mention fat expansion revenue with their new early access thingy.

[Darkarath]

WoW om console presented as some type of new beginnings, perhaps?

You'd likely keep your collections across platforms since they already have that mindset with OW IIRC, and Diablo.

But the game itself could be a re-packaged and re-imagined version of WoW.

- Higher textures so all the old areas look nice and crisp on a large TV.

- The UI overhaul they've been doing has been getting console counterparts in secret, ready to ship.

- New servers so it doesn't feel too hard to catch up. But old servers perhaps accessible as well, so you can seamlessly play your favourite chars across platforms.

- Promotional bundle to celebrate the launch.

- Classic and Modern available from the get-go. So there's something for sentimental players who didn't play in 15 years but want to relive the old days.

- Included in Game Pass Ultimate.

- Modern might get a new campaign for leveling, taking you through some old zones until you reach level 80. Would be a smart way to avoid confusing new players with layers upon layers of legacy phasing issues and quests. Start out your humble journey in a new starter zone as Horde or Alliance, then do a Modern campaign for a few hours and end up in Dornagal.

You make some good points here.

I do not think that we will get a visual revamp or anything similar. We are going to Quel'thalas in Midnight and to Northrend in TLT. They will be remade from the scratch, and I bet that we will revisit more old zones in future expansions. So I do not see the need of the visual revamp.

That they have been working on stuff to make the game playable with a controller has been super obvious for years,. They have also mentioned several times that they want to do something with the leveling experience and with the new player experience, so you could be into something.

I agree that when the console version of WoW is announced (it will happen at some point, hopefully tomorrow), it will have new servers and probably a twist to be something different to Classic and Retail. What will the twist be, though?

[Joshuaj]

Warcraft Direct Stream Description

Welcome to the epic celebration of 30 years of Warcraft! Join us on a heartfelt journey through three decades of adventure, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments in Azeroth and beyond. In this special 45-minute video, we're bringing together the creative minds behind World of Warcraft, Warcraft RTS, Hearthstone, and Warcraft Rumble.
Hear firsthand from our development teams as they reflect on the milestones of the past:

○ 30 Years of Warcraft RTS: Hear from the team working on the games that started it all as they look to bring some exciting new updates to Warcraft III Reforged and more.
○ 20 Years of World of Warcraft: Relive the evolution of the world's most beloved MMORPG and discover what's next on the horizon for both WoW Classic and Modern…and a special announcement at the end.
○ 10 Years of Hearthstone: Celebrate a decade of strategic card-slinging fun and get a sneak peek at the game-changing updates coming your way.
○ 1 Year of Warcraft Rumble: Join us for our 1st Anniversary and share our exciting additions on the horizon.

This is more than a look back—it's a warm thank you to our incredible community and a visionary glimpse into the future of the Warcraft universe. Whether you're a lifelong fan or rekindling your passion, there's never been a better time to dive back into the world you love.

Let's embark on the next chapter together. The adventure continues!

The special announcement is tied to WoW directly, not the Warcraft franchise as a whole, so it is not something like a DnD set or movie or series, which ties more into the whole franchise. So whatever it is, it is for WoW and not related to any of the other games.

We know Plunderstorm will return and that wasn't announced as something super special, so it is unlikely that it will be a Remix announcement, as it is on a similar level.

I don't think it will be classic related either, as they already got a lot of stuff with Hardcore, SoD and the different expansions, so more likely something that is either for modern or for all versions of it.

We know they are making a lot of changes in secret to the game that are not in the game yet, like high res models for some of the classic area assets like human and orc buildings and ships. They are also working at the backend to make the game more about your account and less friction between factions, so you can play how you want with whom you want.

My dream: Factionless Warcraft, or a third "neutral" faction that can interact with both alliance and horde.

More likely: someone mentioned the trophies in that one place of the anniversary area, and perhaps, it is indeed housing. But it is hard to imagine how they will do it.

Something random that i wouldn't say no to: Each class for each race, AND you can swap between classes on a single character. This would be copied from FF14, but god, that would be awesome to have.

- - - Updated - - -



Well, remember the ICC tier sets, all of them were in some way scourge themed. Druids got that spore walker set. In a goblin themed tier sets, druids could be a pollution type of set, which wouldn't be the first time, as we also saw something like that in their ToT tier set which wasn't nice nature either.

Inb4 it's a quick tease of Midnight, namely a video preview of a revamped Quel'Thalas.

[Darkarath]

The creator of the biggest spanish WoW website says that the special announcement is the biggest event for the franchise since the creation of WoW itself. Maybe he is just fishing for views, but it is true that if Blizzard wants to announce something truly big THIS IS THE MOMENT to do so.

If we are thinking big, I only see two options:

1- WoW for consoles.
2- A new Warcraft game (non mobile).

[Enrif]

The creator of the biggest spanish WoW website says that the special announcement is the biggest event for the franchise since the creation of WoW itself. Maybe he is just fishing for views, but it is true that if Blizzard wants to announce something truly big THIS IS THE MOMENT to do so.

If we are thinking big, I only see two options:

1- WoW for consoles.
2- A new Warcraft game (non mobile).

the second point wouldn't fit the WoW umbrella though.

WoW for consoles, would be nice, but i can't see it as the biggest event since WoW.

Hmm... what if WoW: Remake? Starting with Classic, a totally remade WoW with a new engine and better graphics. It starts with Classic and catches up quickly to modern
Or, even more Crazy, WoW2. Not a new game, but more similar to Overwatch2, where WoW gets a whole cloth new engine update, and the start of the true EK/Kalimdor revamp.

[KainneAbsolute]

Maybe they reused all the assets from the failed survival game into a new wow game

[Worldshaper]

I don't think a reboot fits with the narrative that they have multiple expansions in production after Worldsoul Saga.

Metzen said they were already planning up to 17.0 or something, didn't he?

It also has to be within the WoW umbrella I think, since it was mentioned on that bullet.

My feeling is that either of these would fit:

- Classic+
- HD refresh of Azeroth
- WoW on Console
- New surprise class announcement
- Midnight deep-dive with an earlier than expected launch
- Some type of mobile compatibility

A Classic+ in HD that focuses on completely different stories, perhaps more local, would be effing sick. It would be a chance to tell a more grounded story way more focused on EK and KA proper, without world-ending threats around every corner.

Politics, local bandits, strange cults, the occasional rogue dragon going berserk on a village, etc.

[Darkarath]

Hmm... what if WoW: Remake? Starting with Classic, a totally remade WoW with a new engine and better graphics. It starts with Classic and catches up quickly to modern
Or, even more Crazy, WoW2. Not a new game, but more similar to Overwatch2, where WoW gets a whole cloth new engine update, and the start of the true EK/Kalimdor revamp.

OW2 failed big time and I do not think that they want to follow that path again, and the idea of transferring all WoW assets into a new engine seems impossible. A kind of WoW Remake with a new engine seems more likely, with a new combat system and more centered in the solo experience.

Maybe they reused all the assets from the failed survival game into a new wow game

This is a very good observation, and it could definitively happen.

- Classic+
- HD refresh of Azeroth
- WoW on Console
- New surprise class announcement
- Midnight deep-dive with an earlier than expected launch
- Some type of mobile compatibility

I do not see any of these as the biggest event for the franchise since WoW, except for WoW on consoles.

If it is a new game, two things are certain IMO:

1- It would be an online game (even if it is mostly a solo experience). Blizzard does not do singleplayer games.
2- It would be attached to the WoW subscription.

[Foolicious]

Aren't you tired of all your tier sets being the same thing? How many different versions of cowled robes or heraldic armor do we need? Sepulcher & Vault had some of my favorite tier sets, not least of which because you could mix & match pieces with the other class' lookalike drops.

I feel like they are doing the bare minimum with armor sets currently. They are not bad. Depending on what you like there are some absolute bangers in the last few. But why is there not a single class set that uses a floating thingys as a back piece? Why is there only one item that fully replaces part of your model?
Is the tech really so outdated that they can't come up with gloves that look like your hands are on fire for a mage? Can't they find a way to attach wings not to your shoulders to they don't wobble around?(Seriously, who was in charge of those paladin physics this tier?!)
It's just so frustrating that there are so many great ideas out there and we celebrate the 30th priest set because it glows purple.

[Lady Atia]

If the next major patch really is Undermine, then I just hope that they don't tie all the tier sets into that Goblin theme like some tiers (like Sepulcher and Vault of the Incarnates).

Sure, use it for open-world gear and maybe some classes that it fits well for, but I really can't see it fitting well for Druids, Paladins, Demon Hunters, etc. And as someone who isn't really interested in Goblins personally, I'd still probably like the patch overall as long as we still get some good sets to work for outside that theme.

Probably wouldn't be an issue anyway since they just did that for two consecutive tiers and haven't gone back since, but it's still my biggest worry.

Tbf, atleast these would be basically racial themed instead of raid themed, similiar to that one art person who did tier sets for every race/class combination. And we know that the endgame plan is to unlock all classes to all races down the road, so no, a goblin druid/pala/dh set would indeed fit (in the future). Similiary, I would love Midnight to give us a tier full of blood/voidelf themed HD armour for all the different classes.

That said, the current way of doing thing is to keep the tier sets generic from the raid while giving us outdoor sets that are somewhat on the same level that fit the raid theme.

[Nymrohd]

I know it is extremely unlikely to happen but part of me still hopes the special announcement is World Revamp