World of Warcraft: Shadowlands

Nov 23, 2020 6 years ago

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Type Base game 2020 Genres Adventure Role-playing (RPG) Companies Blizzard Entertainment · Developer Follow Log in to follow

The veil between life and death is no more. With a single act of destruction, Sylvanas Windrunner has ripped open the way to the afterlife. Azeroth’s staunchest defenders have been dragged into all-consuming darkness. An ancient force of death threatens to break its bonds and unravel reality. Hidden realms of wonder and horror await any who would pass to the other side. The Shadowlands is home to an entire realm of the departed; it is a world between worlds whose delicate balance preserves life and death itself. As one of Azeroth’s greatest champions, you have been granted the power to cross over in body and soul. Now you must investigate a conspiracy to unmake the cosmos, and help Warcraft legends journey back... or fulfill their ultimate destiny.

What it’s like

Shadowlands revitalizes the World of Warcraft experience by introducing a cohesive narrative arc and a visually distinct afterlife setting. The expansion shifts focus from traditional leveling to a dynamic 'Maw' zone that serves as a hub for interconnected progression systems, offering one of the most compelling max-level journeys in recent memory. Players navigate diverse realms of the dead, each with unique atmospheres ranging from eerie wonder to visceral horror. The gameplay loop is modernized, blending exploration with complex, interlocking endgame mechanics that reward strategic engagement. While the core combat remains familiar, the introduction of new classes and abilities adds fresh tactical depth. The tone balances epic fantasy stakes with self-aware humor, creating an immersive environment where social interaction and guild-based progression remain central. This expansion succeeds by streamlining previously muddled systems into a rewarding flow, making it a standout chapter for long-time fans seeking structure and visual flair.

Strong in Atmosphere / MoodCo-op / MultiplayerExploration / WorldProgression / ReplayabilityAudio / MusicCharactersCombatGameplay / MechanicsPacingSocial / RelationshipsStory / NarrativeSystems Depth / Build VarietyVisuals / Art

Keep in mind The sheer volume of complex, interlocking endgame systems can feel overwhelming to new or casual players. The core gameplay loop remains unchanged from previous expansions, so veterans may find the fundamental mechanics repetitive despite the new thematic wrapper.

AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from gamesbeat.com, ign.com, pcgamer.com, windowscentral.com, thegamer.com, techradar.com.