Is The Main Villain from The War Within Also Present in the Season of Discovery for WoW Players?

The Season of Discovery in World of Warcraft Classic is currently underway, and players have made an intriguing connection between the classic and modern versions of the game. A mysterious, Void-shrouded figure has been identified as a potential next big-bad in the franchise. In 2024, WoW is expected to have a significant year, with the upcoming expansion "The War Within" for the modern version and updates for WoW Classic. The classic version will receive new class abilities, reworked dungeons, raids, and the potential reintroduction of cut content as part of the Season of Discovery. While the two versions of the game typically do not interact, with unlocks from the modern version not carrying over to the classic version, both versions continue to captivate players in unique ways.

This is why it's especially surprising that the confirmed villain Blizzard, who will play a significant role in The War Within, Xal'atath, might have made an appearance in Season of Discovery. Longtime WoW content creator Bellular broke down a new quest chain added specifically for Season of Discovery, which takes players into the revamped Blackfathom Deeps, now a 10-player raid, to retrieve a mysterious object called The Box, capable of infusing the Void into armor. The quest then leads players to Hillsbrad Foothills, where they discover a mysterious crystal made of light, not found in the original version of the game. The Box can be destroyed using the power of the crystal, leaving behind a single Shard of the Void.

What happens next has the WoW conspiracy theorists intrigued. A mysterious elven figure, surrounded by the void, appears magically with a tempting offer. Instead of destroying the shard, the "Shadowy Figure" proposes using it to craft a powerful piece of armor that can be used to "destroy evil or whatever it is you lot do." If players agree, the Shadowy Figure teaches them the recipes to craft various Void-Touched armaments, which are currently some of the best items in Season of Discovery.

The interaction, from their elven and Void-masked appearance to their playful dialogue, and even the nature of the quest itself align perfectly with Xal'atath. This mysterious character has existed in the shadows of Azeroth for thousands of years, her dark essence infused into a powerful dagger of the same name. Towards the end of the Battle for Azeroth expansion, Xal'atath is freed from the dagger after striking a deal with the Old God N'Zoth, free to roam the world once more.

What she's up to in The War Within is still a mystery, but it's clear she's up to no good and will play a large role in the adventures to come. Prologue quests revolving around Xal'atath, also known as The Harbinger, will be coming in Dragonflight's patch 10.2.7 this spring to set up her role in the upcoming expansion.

The question remains: Could the Shadowy Figure in Season of Discovery be Xal'atath? Although Blizzard may never confirm, the evidence suggests a connection. If the Shadowy Figure is Xal'atath, it would be the first time the Classic version of the MMO has crossed over with characters from the modern version. This could signal future crossovers. Season of Discovery is still in its early content rollout phase, with new phases and content coming every few months in 2024. Phase 2 is set to begin on February 8, and it's possible the Shadowy Figure could make more appearances and offer players more items and clues about its nature.

WoW: The War Within is expected to arrive this summer, with the pre-patch adding the Warbands feature preceding the expansion. By that time, Season of Discovery players should be reaching level 60, and new endgame activities and content updates are promised for max-level characters.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic WoW player, I am thrilled about the potential connection between the main villain from The War Within and the Season of Discovery. The enigmatic Xal'atath has always been a captivating character, and her reappearance in the classic version of the game adds an exciting layer of intrigue to the ongoing storyline. The quest chain involving The Box and the mysterious crystal in Hillsbrad Foothills has sparked speculation among the community, and the possibility that the Shadowy Figure is indeed Xal'atath is tantalizing. If this theory proves true, it would mark a significant crossover between the classic and modern versions of WoW, opening up new possibilities for future interactions and storylines.

The Season of Discovery has already brought exciting updates and challenges to WoW Classic, and the potential presence of Xal'atath adds another dimension of excitement to the experience. As a dedicated fan, I eagerly await the upcoming content phases and the unfolding of the War Within storyline. The prospect of encountering Xal'atath and unraveling her plans in both the classic and modern versions of the game is truly captivating, and I can't wait to see how Blizzard develops this intriguing narrative in the months to come.

World of Warcraft Developer: Blizzard Entertainment - Genre: MMORPG As a devoted fan of World of Warcraft, I am enthralled by its immersive and expansive virtual world. The game's rich lore, stunning graphics, and captivating gameplay keep me engaged for hours on end. I appreciate the plethora of challenging quests, dungeons, and raids that cater to both solo and group play, fostering a vibrant and supportive community. The constant updates and expansions inject fresh content, ensuring that there is always something new to explore. The well-developed classes and races allow for endless character customization, enabling players to truly make their mark on Azeroth. World of Warcraft remains a masterpiece, consistently delivering unforgettable experiences and cementing its status as a legendary MMORPG.