What will Midnight's zones & patches be?

[genegerbread]

SPOILERS AHEAD

I'll begin by saying that I'm making this a separate post from the speculation meta-thread, as I (1) didn't want this conversation to get drowned out and (2) I wanted to provide a thread where we can loosely discuss the environment/patch possibilities for Midnight.

I'm also omitting K'aresh from speculation, as I presume that's where we'll be headed in 11.2.

We're likely just about two months (give or take) from the Midnight expansion's reveal, and I've been trying to wrap my head around what our four base zones could be, alongside patch zones. I have a few ideas, and thought I would share them here. I'd love to hear your guys' thoughts as well!

First, the obvious. It is well-known that we are returning to Quel'thalas, and that we will be working to "reunify the scattered elven tribes of Azeroth and ultimately fight alongside the forces of the Light to banish the Shadow forever." It's a given that we're getting a revamped Eversong Woods, Ghostlands, Zul'aman, and Isle of Quel'danas in some form. But it's difficult for me to imagine that they could make the Isle of Quel'danas its own separate launch zone, even when considering they'll almost certainly be upscaling the size of Quel'thalas.

So then what? I remain convinced that we will be getting at least part of Lordaeron in this revamp. Specifically, part of me feels like they might be revamping EPL/WPL, or perhaps even Tirisfal Glades. If we are indeed working with "the forces of Light" as the above quote mentions, I think part of those "forces" might involve the newly reformed Tyr's Guard. Indeed, Tyr's tomb can be found in Tirisfal Glades (hence the zone's name), and this would provide us with a broader Renown faction with whom we could work. Otherwise, we'd have three Thalassian zones and a troll zone (assuming Isle of Quel'danas were to be its own launch zone). I'm not trying to sound hopium-riddled here; this is simply my train of thought. I am nonetheless excited to return to a revamped Quel'thalas, whatever the case.

Isle of Quel'danas as a mini-zone, perhaps?: If we did, however, have a fourth Lordaeron zone, I think this would make more sense. Upscaling the Isle of Quel'danas to be a full-sized launch zone seems a bit silly when (1) it's much smaller than Eversong/Ghostlands already and (2) its one major draw is the Sunwell (I guess Magister's Terrace too, but only sorta). I believe that we'll be getting Isle of Quel'danas as our 12.0.7 mini-zone, in the same vein as Forbidden Reach and Siren Isle. Even with a separate 12.1 zone, Blizzard could still have the 12.1 raid be the Sunwell. Alternatively, perhaps 12.0's raid will be the Sunwell, and that'll free up the Isle of Quel'danas to be the 12.0.7 mini-zone.

This leaves us a few options for patch zones. And frankly, that's where speculation gets a bit difficult, but I think I may have a few ideas:

Azuremyst Isle(s): There's not much evidence here, but considering we got a glimpse of the new draenei city in 10.2.7, it might make sense to come back to another TBC zone.

Gilneas: I know we've just dealt with an entirely new faction of humans in the form of the Arathi Empire, but the 10.2.5 Gilneas questline sets up the kingdom with (1) the re-taking of the Gilnean kingdom and (2) new leadership. To be sure, it was about time that Gilneas was re-inhabited, but I found the questline's focus on the Scarlet Crusade and the changing of leadership to be particularly interesting. If not, this could be setup for The Last Titan or post-Worldsoul Saga shenanigans.

Underwater Zone: I KNOW. People seemed to have hated Vashj'ir, and it's not my favorite either. I want to stress that this is merely a possibility that I thought of, rather than something I'm hoping for. This could also be a launch zone, but I'm inclined to believe it'd be a patch zone. If they did do an underwater zone, I'd have to assume they'd do skyriding/walking/etc. mechanics, but just make it feel like an underwater atmosphere. A Song of the Depths, a lore scroll from the Forbidden Reach in 10.0.7, hints at Azshara's return in Midnight; it states:

The Harbinger speaks of a primal power that seeks the end of Order. Such rage can be bent to serve our ends. A hunger lost to the ages will be reclaimed. A dark heart left broken awaits the taking. When these things come to pass, the Harbinger will fulfill the final prophecy and complete the awakening. Only then shall our Queen return to reign over sea and sky and earth. We must make ready. Rise, rise! Soon all that was hidden will be revealed.

There is no doubt in my mind that Azshara will be returning in Midnight. Especially considering this seems to be an elven-centric and void-centric expansion, naga/Azshara involvement seems very plausible, even if not in the form of an underwater zone. If we are to defeat the void by Midnight's end, there's really not much for Azshara's return in The Last Titan.

What do you guys think? Am I a nutjob? I just like thinking of all the possibilities. Let me know what you think we'll see in 12.0 and beyond!

[Merryck]

I hope we go to the moon(s) and meet Elune.

[Enteroctopus Magnificus]

If we focus only on Quel'thalas, Ghostlands is just a part of Eversong Woods, so they could merge them into a single zone. There's obviously Zul'aman, and then... well, it's complicated. Quel'danas could be an additional zone, a bit like Forbidden Reach. In Chronicles, there's that famous deadly ice zone where Lake Thondroril is supposed to rise. And finally, there's this area north of the Plaguelands. So, to sum up:

- Eversong Woods (Eversong Woods, Ghostlands, Silvermoon)
- Isle of Quel'danas (Sunwell Plateau)
- Zul'aman (trolls)
- Thondroril (deadly ice zone)
- Northweald (Northren Plaguelands)

We could imagine a brand new zone on the Zul'aman side, or even below? Another underground zone? Personally, I'm getting a bit fed up with this. If we add areas of Lordaeron, I'd say Plaguelands and Tirisfal Glades.

For the patch zones, I'd say the same as you, or almost. Azuremyst Isle for 12.1 and K'aresh for 12.2.

[genegerbread]

If we focus only on Quel'thalas, Ghostlands is just a part of Eversong Woods, so they could merge them into a single zone. There's obviously Zul'aman, and then... well, it's complicated. Quel'danas could be an additional zone, a bit like Forbidden Reach. In Chronicles, there's that famous deadly ice zone where Lake Thondroril is supposed to rise. And finally, there's this area north of the Plaguelands. So, to sum up:

- Eversong Woods (Eversong Woods, Ghostlands, Silvermoon)
- Isle of Quel'danas (Sunwell Plateau)
- Zul'aman (trolls)
- Thondroril (deadly ice zone)
- Northweald (Northren Plaguelands)

We could imagine a brand new zone on the Zul'aman side, or even below? Another underground zone? Personally, I'm getting a bit fed up with this.

For the patch zones, I'd say the same as you, or almost. Azuremyst Isle for 12.1 and K'aresh for 12.2.

I'm curious-- do you think that the Undermine epilogue cinematic was a red herring, and that we'll actually be going to the Rootlands despite that cinematic? I just feel that the inclusion of ethereals in the story in 10.2.7, 11.0, and 11.1-- alongside the ending cinematic-- seem to be hinting at us going to K'aresh right away.

On Ghostlands, I do agree though. It'd definitely make sense for them to merge it into Eversong, especially if the area has started healing (presumably).

[Enteroctopus Magnificus]

I'm curious-- do you think that the Undermine epilogue cinematic was a red herring, and that we'll actually be going to the Rootlands despite that cinematic? I just feel that the inclusion of ethereals in the story in 10.2.7, 11.0, and 11.1-- alongside the ending cinematic-- seem to be hinting at us going to K'aresh right away.

Yes, I think we'll go to the Rootlands, but I could be wrong. K'aresh might just be the raid at first before going back to explore K'aresh at Midnight. I find it hard to believe at the moment that they've completely abandoned the area.

On Ghostlands, I do agree though. It'd definitely make sense for them to merge it into Eversong, especially if the area has started healing (presumably).

Yes, that's exactly why I think that.

[genegerbread]

Yes, I think we'll go to the Rootlands, but I could be wrong. K'aresh might just be the raid at first before going back to explore K'aresh at Midnight. I find it hard to believe at the moment that they've completely abandoned the area.

That would make sense, especially considering there doesn't seem to be any other way to tie the Harronir/Rootlands into the story in any impactful way going forward. I'd certainly hope to be able to return to K'aresh as a zone if it were to be a raid in 11.2, though! It's sort of been my dream location since I started playing.

[Zardas]

I just hope that we get some new zones instead of remastered ones.

[Bwgmon]

I just hope that we get some new zones instead of remastered ones.

I mean, I'll be genuinely shocked if there's no Amani territory to explore, given we'll no longer have the excuse of Zul'aman's gates and the surrounding mountains blocking us. Not to mention that there's plenty of room for them to make "there's an island in this area we never bothered with" type additions.

[MrLachyG]

starting zones I think will be an update of some current zones. I have a feeling we're about to possibly get Ethereals as a playable race, so a new starting zone for them. Subsequent zones will be new zones added. What would be cool is if we get a couple of current zones to level in and then a couple of new zones to finish levelling in and have endgame in

[Val the Moofia Boss]

Void dimension will be the final levelling zone or a patch zone.

[Cheezits]

- Eversong + SMC (Suramar style)
- Amani Highlands
- Ghostlands + Stratholme
- Free Space- could be Lordaeron (WPL + EPL) or Naga area

I don't think they will copy Legion and have the patches be a temple island (Quel'danas) and alien planet (K'aresh/Void World). I think there's a possibility we go to Azuremyst for whatever reason as it is also TBC and Draenei are Light focused.

[Taen]

Telogrus will be expanded into a full fledged zone and will be pulled into Azeroth to help fight the Void, floating above the Elf lands. The first floating zone.

[genegerbread]

- Eversong + SMC (Suramar style)
- Amani Highlands
- Ghostlands + Stratholme
- Free Space- could be Lordaeron (WPL + EPL) or Naga area

I don't think they will copy Legion and have the patches be a temple island (Quel'danas) and alien planet (K'aresh/Void World). I think there's a possibility we go to Azuremyst for whatever reason as it is also TBC and Draenei are Light focused.

I doubt they'd make Isle of QD its own major patch zone; since we're far from the days of the Legion-esque patch cycle, I think it's still plausible that Isle of QD could be our 12.0.7 mini-zone.

Eversong/Silvermoon City Suramar-like zone would be awesome, but there's not much of a reason to make it one unless the void goes straight for Silvermoon City. Perhaps we might see the void trying to cut through the city to reach the Sunwell? Not sure, though. Its proximity to the Sunwell certainly makes that possible, but there's no telling how upscaling the zones would change the distance.

Telogrus will be expanded into a full fledged zone and will be pulled into Azeroth to help fight the Void, floating above the Elf lands. The first floating zone.

This would honestly be sick, though I wonder what they could add to Telogrus to make it bigger/more varied, unless they make this a mini-zone in 12.0.7.

[Z3ROR]

If we focus only on Quel'thalas, Ghostlands is just a part of Eversong Woods, so they could merge them into a single zone. There's obviously Zul'aman, and then... well, it's complicated. Quel'danas could be an additional zone, a bit like Forbidden Reach. In Chronicles, there's that famous deadly ice zone where Lake Thondroril is supposed to rise. And finally, there's this area north of the Plaguelands. So, to sum up:

- Eversong Woods (Eversong Woods, Ghostlands, Silvermoon)
- Isle of Quel'danas (Sunwell Plateau)
- Zul'aman (trolls)
- Thondroril (deadly ice zone)
- Northweald (Northren Plaguelands)

We could imagine a brand new zone on the Zul'aman side, or even below? Another underground zone? Personally, I'm getting a bit fed up with this. If we add areas of Lordaeron, I'd say Plaguelands and Tirisfal Glades.

For the patch zones, I'd say the same as you, or almost. Azuremyst Isle for 12.1 and K'aresh for 12.2.

Northweald will be Eastweald instead. That is it's name pre-plaguelands. That covers the whole of Western and Eastern Plaguelands. So we could see a return of Stratholme too. Maybe as a neutral capital city, cause i'm not sure if Silvermoon will be safe ground because of possible void invasions there.

----

This is the least of what i think we are getting. By expanding certain zones the landmass of EK looks again like the original shape from Vanilla too.

[genegerbread]

Northweald will be Eastweald instead. That is it's name pre-plaguelands. That covers the whole of Western and Eastern Plaguelands. So we could see a return of Stratholme too. Maybe as a neutral capital city, cause i'm not sure if Silvermoon will be safe ground because of possible void invasions there.

----

This is the least of what i think we are getting. By expanding certain zones the landmass of EK looks again like the original shape from Vanilla too.

It'd make sense for them to revert to the pre-TBC Quel'thalas setup for sure. If Lordaeron doesn't feature in any way-- even in a patch-- I'd be pretty surprised. Especially with some of the revelations from the new short story, alongside for the potential for Tyr's Guard to make a comeback, I have a hard time imagining Midnight only focusing on Quel'thalas.

I also just love EPL/WPL and would love to see them largely restored and utilized. Lots of light & undead potential there.

[Z3ROR]

It'd make sense for them to revert to the pre-TBC Quel'thalas setup for sure. If Lordaeron doesn't feature in any way-- even in a patch-- I'd be pretty surprised. Especially with some of the revelations from the new short story, alongside for the potential for Tyr's Guard to make a comeback, I have a hard time imagining Midnight only focusing on Quel'thalas.

I also just love EPL/WPL and would love to see them largely restored and utilized. Lots of light & undead potential there.

Chris Metzen only said, when Midnight was announced, we'd return to Quel'Thalas. Not that we only would visit Quel'Thalas in Midnight. We know that Blizzard wants to address to border between EPL and Ghostlands for a long time now, but they need a reason for it to do it. They haven't got a greater reason then this yet. So that's why i am convinced they will revamp the whole of plaguelands and north of it.
Personally I even hope they revamp even more, like the rest of Lordearon as well, but that is questionable.

[Lochton]

I mean, the story screams for Xal to go to Quel'danas, and in that connection, we'll see Quel'thalas as well be updated for it. This would also mean Shattered Sun update - so maybe in that connection, Azuremyst Isle to also be updated. Xal have been bothering the Amani in the past, so, it would be weird to not see Amani milling about for some revenge against Xal, and the Blood Elves.

Would love to see the northern lands updated in general, among them the Plaguelands, and with it, an update to the Argent Crusade, as well as their duties.

[Enteroctopus Magnificus]

Northweald will be Eastweald instead. That is it's name pre-plaguelands.

Yes, that's why I've tentatively named this area Northweald. In my head I separate it from Eastweald because I imagine it to be quite different (I'm talking about the area north of the Plaguelands), but it could simply be part of the zone indeed.

[Scipio1319]

We technically haven't had a post Cataclysm Quel'thalas so they can really do anything with those zones and use the excuse of Deathwing for new landmass.

[genegerbread]

I mean, the story screams for Xal to go to Quel'danas, and in that connection, we'll see Quel'thalas as well be updated for it. This would also mean Shattered Sun update - so maybe in that connection, Azuremyst Isle to also be updated. Xal have been bothering the Amani in the past, so, it would be weird to not see Amani milling about for some revenge against Xal, and the Blood Elves.

Would love to see the northern lands updated in general, among them the Plaguelands, and with it, an update to the Argent Crusade, as well as their duties.

Not to mention that there is a massive C'Thraxxi casually buried underneath Zul'Aman-- indeed, it just so happens to be the same C'Thraxxi who was almost killed by Tyr's sacrificial self-destruction.