World of Warcraft: Dragonflight pre-expansion events are starting very soon

World of Warcraft: Dragonflight Alexstrasza artwork
(Image credit: Blizzard Entertainment)

What you need to know

  • The popular MMORPG, World of Warcraft, will receive two pre-expansion patch phases to prepare players for the new, upcoming expansion, World of Warcraft: Dragonflight.
  • The patch will launch in two phases: Phase One will go live on Oct. 25, 2022, and Phase Two will go live on Nov. 15, 2022.
  • World of Warcraft: Dragonflight will launch worldwide on Nov. 28, 2022.

Today, Blizzard Entertainment has announced their iconic MMORPG, World of Warcraft, will be given two pre-expansion patch phases that will prepare players for the upcoming expansion, World of Warcraft: Dragonflight.

The first patch phase will go live after a regional realm maintenance on Oct. 25, 2022 and the second phase will launch on Nov. 15. The patch will include the following updates:

Patch phase 1 (Oct. 25, 2022)

  • Talent System Revamp: Players will be able to experiment and set up their new talent trees. They will also be able to save different talent tree loadouts to suit their preferred playstyle.
  • Heads-up Display User Interface (HUD UI) Changes: Players will be able to customize aspects of the base UI, such as the location and size of action bars, player frames, and more.
  • Accessibility Features: A variety of new accessibility features will be added, including "press and hold" spellcasting, interact keys, gamepad support, and more.
  • Rated Solo Shuffle: A new PVP game mode that was previously a brawl will become queueable as a new rated game mode joining 2v2, 3v3, and Rated Battlegrounds as a means to acquire elite PVP rewards.
  • New class/Race Combos: Players selecting any playable race will now be able to create a rogue, priest, or mage, with more selections coming online as they become available in the future.

Patch phase 2 (Nov. 15, 2022) 

  • New race/class: The Dracthyr race and Evoker class will be added.
  • New zone: The Forbidden Reach, the starting zone for the new Dracthyr Evoker class will be added.
  • New dungeon: The Uldaman: Legacy of Tyr dungeon will be added.
  • In-game events: The Primal Storms event will take place. This in-game event will features quests where you fight off the Primalists and world events that will lead up to the launch of World of Warcraft: Dragonflight.

World of Warcraft: Dragonflight is set to launch for PC on Nov. 28, 2022. This expansion is aiming to bring a slew of content and revamped content to the long-running MMORPG. Such additions include a storyline involving the Dragon Aspects of Azeroth, new zones to explore, a new playable race and class, revamps to the UI, talent trees and professions system, quality-of-life improvements, new raids to challenge, and so much more.

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World of Warcraft: Dragonflight

World of Warcraft: Dragonflight

Travel to the Dragon Isles and uncover the origins of the Dragon Aspects in World of Warcraft: Dragonflight. This latest expansion to the legendary MMORPG will feature a new playable race and class, new lands to explore with mysteries to solve, and new challenges for the champions of Azeroth to overcome.

Buy from: Battle.net

Alexander Cope
Staff Writer - Deals/Gaming News

Alexander Cope is a gaming veteran of 35-plus years who primarily covers Xbox and PC gaming news and spotlights on discounts on the best laptops, peripherals, and other electronics here at Windows Central. Ever since the 8-bit era, Alexander has journeyed through dozens of epic Japanese RPGs, such as Final Fantasy and Persona, and conquered challenging action titles, including Monster Hunter and Elden Ring. When he's not obsessing over the latest Monster Hunter game, Alexander is on hand to help recommend the best discount on productivity and gaming-related laptops and accessories that's worth your time and money.