The following contains spoilers for World of Warcraft Patch 11.1.7's Lorewalking feature.
Summary
- World of Warcraft Patch 11.1.7 will introduce a new storytelling and leveling feature called Lorewalking.
- Parts of Xal’atath’s story have been revealed, with fans learning more about the character in the game's Public Test Realm.
- Patch 11.1.7 doesn't yet have a release date, but evidence suggests it may arrive on June 17.
World of Warcraft Patch 11.1.7 adds some new backstory for Xal'atath in the form of an instance scenario and finale cinematic showing how she was imprisoned in her dagger during the time of the Black Empire. This new content can be seen on the Public Test Realm right now, and will be available as a part of the Lorewalking system coming to World of Warcraft in Patch 11.1.7.
Legacy of Arathor, World of Warcraft Patch 11.1.7, introduces a new storytelling and leveling feature called Lorewalking. This activity takes bits and pieces of quests, lore, and material from across the game’s 20 years of history, along with some original content, and compiles it into curated narratives pertaining to major characters, events, and cultures. At launch, three Lorewalking stories will be available in World of Warcraft: Xal’atath, The Lich King, and the Ethereals – though fans have already found evidence of at least one more currently in development.
World of Warcraft Players Discover Unannounced Fourth Lorewalking Story
World of Warcraft players find definitive proof that a fourth Lorewalking story is in the works, even though it wasn't announced for Patch 11.1.7.
The starting stories won’t be available to play in the live game until Patch 11.1.7, but fans have been able to get a sneak peek via the Public Test Realm, and parts of Xal’atath’s story have revealed some interesting information about the antagonist. Near the end of the questline, players experience a brand-new vision of the past where the four Old Gods come together to punish Xal’atath, imprisoning her in the Black Blade of the Empire. Wowhead compiled a full playthrough of the questline, including its in-development cinematic finale, complete with voiced dialogue, and further hints of an ongoing deal between her and N’Zoth.
Xal’atath Lorewalking Finale in WoW Patch 11.1.7
Shadow Priests first met Xal’atath in World of Warcraft: Legion, though few expected her to play such a prominent role in the story until she reappeared in Battle for Azeroth to all fans. The new Lorewalking scenario covers these events and more, providing further context, canon clarification as to who was involved in her story at each step, and more, leading up to her role as a major villain in The War Within and the Worldsoul Saga. Players knew about Xal’atath’s incarceration within the dagger before now, but this is the first time they have been able to see the events take place directly.
Yet, Xal’atath’s true nature is still shrouded in mystery. Fans have developed many theories regarding who or what she is and what her goals are, but no one knows for sure quite yet. Xal’atath’s story won’t be finished in WoW: The War Within, so players might have to wait until Midnight or even The Last Titan to find out more about her lore.
The 11.1.7 update for World of Warcraft doesn’t have a release date yet, though evidence suggests it may arrive on June 17. Fans can likely expect an official announcement within the next few weeks.
- Released
- August 26, 2024
- Base Game
- World of Warcraft
- Developer(s)
- Blizzard
- Publisher(s)
- Blizzard
