The long-awaited 9.1 patch forWorldof Warcraft: Shadowlandshas finally entered the game’s public test realm, bringing a sizable number of changes to the MMO’s eighth major expansion. Known asChains of Domination, the patch will continue the story fromShadowlandsand culminate in a raid against some ofWorld of Warcraft’s most infamous villains.
Though the patch is currently available for players to test, it has yet to be added to the main game. Even the most optimistic estimates say it probably won’t see a full launch until late June, and many fans think that July or August is far more likely. While the broad strokes of theChains of Dominationpatchwill mostly stay the same, many of the smaller details will likely see changes before release.
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The Story So Far
Chains of Dominationwas originally announced with the explosive “Kingsmourne” cinematic, in which a possessed Anduin carries out an attack on the Archon in Bastion. The storyline picks up directly after this attack, as the Covenants establish a foothold in The Maw. Players will be able to help out each of the Covenants as they fight to beat back the Jailer’s forces and rescue Anduin. Sylvanas Windrunner has been confirmed as a raid boss, so 9.1 will likely mark the end of her story.
The Maw
The Maw is receivingsubstantial changes inChains of Domination. Players will finally be able to summon their mounts while in The Maw, removing one of the zone’s most annoying quirks. The Eye of the Jailer mechanic will also be removed, making The Maw much safer to explore. More areas will unlock automatically regardless of reputation with Ve’nari, and The Maw will allow access to a new zone called Korthia.
Known as The City of Secrets, Korthia is the home of the mysterious Brokers that populate Torghast and Oribos. The zone adds a ton of new quest lines and story content. It also contains a mega-dungeon called Tazavesh, which features seven bosses that aren’t an Infinite Pirate Dragon and one that is.
New Raid
World of Warcraft’s 9.1 patch will also add a new raid called Sanctum of Domination. The raid will feature ten bosses, including the Tarragrue, Kel’Thuzad, and a Remnant of Nerzhul. The final boss will be thearch-villain Sylvanas Windrunner, who’s been a major character in the series sinceWarcraft 3. There’s a chance for her to drop her signature bow and cloak upon defeat, both of which will be coveted items for hunters.
Covenant Updates
In addition to an updated campaign, each Covenant will receive 40 additional levels of Renown, bringing the total to 80. Soulbinds will receive additional levels and abilities, as well as more slots for conduits. Covenants will also be gaining unique legendary items which empower their specific abilities. Upon completing theirCovenant campaign inChains of Domination,players will receive a Covenant-specific flying mount.
Flying in Shadowlands
World of Warcraftplayerswill finally be able to fly in the Shadowlands, earning the ability once they unlock the main quest hub in Korthia. Flying will only be possible in the Ardenweald, Bastion, Maldraxxus, and Revendreth zones, forcing players to stick to their ground mounts in Korthia, Oribos, and The Maw. Even though flight is somewhat restricted, the lax unlock requirement is a welcome change from previous expansions.
Class Balance
Like mostWorld of Warcraftpatches,Chains of Dominationbrings a number of balance changes to the game’s classes. Some of the most powerful specs are receiving significant nerfs, including Balance Druid, Affliction Warlock, and Fire Mage. Holy Priest is receiving a rework to its Symbol of Hope ability, and Destruction Warlock is receiving a buff to its damage output. Though these are the main changes to the classes themselves, the relative power of each class is likely to change as more items and conduits are revealed.
Blizzard has yet to announce a release date forChains of Domination, so most players will have to wait until this summer to check out the new content. Those who don’t feel like waiting can download the PTR from Battle.net and explore the patch now.
World of Warcraft: Shadowlandsis available now on PC.
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