World of Warcraft may have only just announced Patch 10.1, but players might have already learned where Patch 10.2 could take place. This discovery came about from a new image found in the Public Test Realm for World of Warcraft’s upcoming Patch 10.1 content update.
Embers of Neltharion is World of Warcraft’s first major content update for the Dragonflight expansion. The earliest builds of the new black dragon-themed zone are now available for testing on the PTR for World of Warcraft, meaning many of its files are also now open for players to examine on their search for hints and secrets about Dragonflight.
One asset in particular caught the attention of players as they explored these files. An icon for a new weapon appearance called “Glaive 1h Emerald Dream Outdoor" was found amidst the files from 10.1. This naming convention is similar to the new gear players can earn in Embers of Neltharion through outdoor activities. Considering Zaralek Cavern from Embers of Neltharion is a “Black Dragon Outdoor” zone, it is possible this item could be obtainable from “Emerald Dream Outdoor” activities from a zone coming in 10.2.
This theory for Dragonflight’s future is not without merit. The Green Dragonflight in World of Warcraft has close ties to the Emerald Dream, and their story is intrinsically tied to it. Additionally, the new World Tree seed is currently safe in the Emerald Dream, and some evidence suggests World of Warcraft might be planting it at the Dragon Isles. All things considered, a new patch and zone dedicated to the Green Dragonflight and the Emerald Dream would make sense.
That said, this new item is far from confirmation of World of Warcraft’s next zone. The naming convention is vague, and could simply reference the Green Dragon-inspired aesthetic of this new item. Players won’t know for sure until there is an official announcement from World of Warcraft.
Considering World of Warcraft’s patch cadence since Dragonflight, players can expect Patch 10.1 around May, and 10.2 in late October or November. To that end, an official reveal for Patch 10.2’s name and zone will probably come some time in August or September. Until then, keen-eyed players will have to keep searching for more evidence pointing toward an Emerald Dream-themed zone in 10.2. Luckily, World of Warcraft players have four more content updates between now and then, so they should have plenty to keep them busy in the meantime.
World of Warcraft is available now for PC.