Blizzard Confirms New World of Warcraft Expansion ‘The War Within’ Launching August 26

Blizzard Entertainment has officially revealed that *World of Warcraft: The War Within*, the next expansion in the long-running MMORPG franchise, will launch on August 26, 2024. The announcement ended months of speculation surrounding the expansion’s release and comes just days after Blizzard began teasing fans with cryptic underground imagery and cinematic hints.

*The War Within* serves as the first chapter in Blizzard’s newly announced WorldSoul Saga, a multi-expansion storyline that promises to reshape the lore and scope of the *Warcraft* universe. Players will venture deep beneath the surface of Azeroth, uncovering long-forgotten civilizations and combating dark forces threatening to rise from the planet’s core.

Today’s cinematic trailer revealed a host of new features — including the long-awaited addition of Delves, a scalable solo-to-party dungeon system; a fresh playable allied race called the Earthen; and an overhauled Hero Talent system that will allow for deeper class customization. Blizzard also shared that the expansion will feature four new zones beneath the surface and a max level increase to 80.

“The War Within begins a new era,” said Holly Longdale, Executive Producer of *World of Warcraft*, at a developer livestream following the announcement. “This isn’t just a new expansion — it’s the beginning of something much bigger. We’re telling a story that’s been thousands of years in the making.”

Preorders are now live, with three editions available including the Epic Edition, which grants early access starting August 22 and includes a new flying mount, a level-boost token, and cosmetic rewards themed around the subterranean setting of *The War Within*.

Following a mixed reception to 2022’s *Dragonflight* expansion, Blizzard is clearly positioning *The War Within* as a major turning point for the franchise. With a new multi-expansion arc, revamped progression systems, and a renewed focus on lore, *World of Warcraft* appears ready to reclaim its dominance in the MMO space.

With just over two months to go, all eyes are now on Blizzard to see if this bold vision for *Warcraft*’s future can meet player expectations and breathe new life into the nearly 20-year-old titan.