The next multi-expansion saga ofWorld of Warcraftkicks off next month and, as always, a new expansion means a pre-expansion patch. Some ofThe War Within’sfeatures (including Warbands) are arriving later this month ahead of the expansions August 22 launch.Blizzard’s recent blogposthighlights some of the additions, and they’ll be here before you know it.
Pre-expansion patch date and additions
The pre-patch goes liveJuly 23, and the coming features will be available whether or not you’ve pre-purchasedThe War Within. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s coming:
Warbands: an alt-haver’s dream
Warbands, further detailed by Blizzard last week, are essentially parties of four of your characters across any server, faction, or account (limited only by region). These characters share a remarkable amount of features and progression, including most reputations, achievements, pet and mount collections, and even a new bank.
The War Withinkicks off with Visions of Azeroth
This, likely brief, questline will close the chapter onDragonflightand open the next forThe War Within. You’ll just need to be level 70 and have completed the other major chapters of theDragonflightquestline to start it.
Dragonflight comes to more mounts with Skyriding
If you’re tired of Dragonriding on the same old mounts, prepare to be spoiled for choice. Skyriding is just a fancy name forDragonflight’sstyle of flying, which you’ll now be able to use on nearly every flying mount in the game.
A new world activity with Warband rewards: Radiant Echoes
Even if you don’t haveThe War Within, you’ll still be able to earn some rewards that can be shared by characters in your Warband. The event starts in Dalaran, where portals will take you to one of three cycling zones. It’s the same routine you’re probably used to: kill dudes, complete event tasks, kill a boss, collect rewards.
This event will drop Residual Memories, a currency used to buy a new 32 slot bag, several mounts, and a whole slew of item level 480 gear. You can also pick up a Lifeless Stone Ring from the event’s Dalaran vendor, Amuul, which can be infused throughout the event into a level 227 heirloom ring.
And that’s it! There’s a whole month to pick at the odds and ends coming in pre-patch. If you need me, I’ll be agonizing over which characters to put in my Warband, then regretting it later.
