BlizzCon 2021's online presentation is now live and the big announcements have already begun. As expected, Blizzard's unveiled the next big thing for World of Warcraft's popular new expansion, Shadowlands. Shadowlands' first major update is coming and Blizzard is now ready to share its plans. Introducing Chains of Domination, World of Warcraft's 9.1 update, in which the Jailer and Sylvanas escalate their plans dramatically. The next chapter in World of Warcraft: Shadowlands is here.
Accompanying the announcement of Chains of Domination was an exciting cinematic trailer, as comes with each major World of Warcraft update. The trailer first shows a confrontation between Alliance leader Anduin and the betrayer Sylvanas, in which Anduin pushes the ex-Horde Warchief to reconsider her loyalties. From there, it transitions to Anduin, possessed by the Jailer, assaulting Bastion. Things are going very poorly for those opposing the forces of death.
A variety of planned content for the Chains of Domination update have been revealed too, with more details to be revealed later during BlizzCon. Chains of Domination will include content like an entirely new region, a massive raid with ten bosses, and a massive eight-boss dungeon, too. That's in addition to expected changes like the return of flying in early Shadowlands zones, as well as polish and balance updates. It's a much-needed shot of new content for MMO fans hungry for more.
Of particular focus in the Chains of Domination update will be the Maw. Current players already know the Maw as Shadowlands' current endgame area, but also know it for its slow and repetitive questing. With Chains of Domination, the new Korthia region will be unlocked. Within there will be new enemies, challenges, and rewards, including mounts. Speaking of mounts, Blizzard has confirmed that with Chains of Domination, mounts will hear players' calls. Traversal just got that much faster.
Blizzard has also since revealed its new raid for Chains of Domination, too. It's named the Sanctum of Domination and within players will find enemies including lots of familiar faces. Maw references like the Tarragrue and the Eye of the Jailer have been mentioned. As have undead names including Kel'Thuzad and none other than Sylvanas.
There is one major missing bit of news regarding the Chains of Domination update, however. That being a release date. Blizzard says that it's not yet ready to share when it's planning to release Chains of Domination. That perhaps implies that the ongoing pandemic has perhaps delayed Blizzard's post-Shadowlands' launch plans somewhat. More specific information regarding Blizzard's rollout of new content in 2021 will hopefully be shared later during BlizzCon. Otherwise, World of Warcraft players may have to wait a while yet.
World of Warcraft: Shadowlands is available now on PC.