World of Warcraft's The War Within expansion kickstarts multi-part Worldsoul Saga next year

BlizzCon has brought big news for World of Warcraft fans as the MMO prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year; Blizzard’s announced not only its next expansion, The War Within, but the two coming after that, all forming chapters in the newly revealed Worldsoul Saga.

The Worldsoul Saga was enthusiastically unveiled by Blizzard veteran Chris Metzen, who returned to the company late last year after departing in 2016. This new World of Warcraft story arc is set to play out across multiple expansions over the next few years, starting with The War Within – WoW’s tenth expansion – in 2024.

The War Within takes players into heart of Azeroth itself, where they’ll explore new subterranean kingdoms, engage with ancient cultures like the Earthen Dwarves – a new Allied race – and the terrifying Nerubians of Azj-Kahet. Azj-Kahet is one of several new zones coming in the expansion, alongside the Isle of Dorn, The Ringing Deeps, and Hallowfall.

As per Blizzard’s brisk oveview of The War Within, it’ll also introduce new bite-sized experiences for 1-5 players known as Delves, promising end-game rewards; then there are Warbands – enabling players to share the likes of their bank and reputation among their alts – as well as new dynamic flight for mounts, new dungeons and raids, plus Hero Talents, described as a new level of customisation that can be used to create the likes of dark rangers and far seers.