World of Warcraft might have just teased a return to Shadowlands during the March on Quel’Danas raid epilogue cinematic. Cryptic hints front and center during this cutscene seem to indicate World of Warcraft has plans to go back to one of the least popular expansions in history.
Spoilers for World of Warcraft: Midnight below.
On March 31, World of Warcraft released March on Quel’Danas, the third and final raid of the Midnight expansion. After a crippling defeat at the Voidspire, the champions of Azeroth team up with the united forces of the Elves to retake Quel’Danas, defeat the dark Naaru, L’ura, and stop Xal’atath from using the Darkwell to corrupt Azeroth.
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World of Warcraft: Midnight Patch 12.0.5 adds an incredible new cosmetic customization option for players to use via the revamped Transmog system.
Is World of Warcraft Planning Another Shadowlands Expansion?
However, the ending cinematic for this World of Warcraft raid seemingly teases something completely separate from Xal’atath’s gambit. During the cinematic, Xal’atath reappears after L’ura’s defeat in front of a weakened Arator and Vereesa Windrunner. Before she can strike the final blow, a purple arrow nearly strikes her from a dark portal, through which Sylvanas Windrunner appears. Xal’atath flees through the Darkwell, giving Sylvanas a moment to speak with her nephew and younger sister.
Vereesa pleads with Sylvanas to stay, but the former Ranger-General of Silvermoon and Banshee Queen of the Forsaken in World of Warcraft refuses, saying her “true work has only just begun.” She then goes on to explain that the Shadowlands are “not what they seem,” and that she “cannot rest until I have uncovered the truth,” though she does express her hope she will see them again “before the end begins.” Her words are cryptic, but Sylvanas’ warning strongly suggests World of Warcraft is planning something big with the Shadowlands.
This isn’t the first time fans have seen Sylvanas give a “Shadowlands 2” teaser. She appeared in WoW: The War Within Patch 11.2.7 shortly before Midnight. During this campaign chapter, she mentioned similar concerns about how it was “too ordered,” hinting at a deeper secret to be uncovered. That said, reiterating this idea in a raid cinematic gives it far more attention, implying the Shadowlands conspiracy is far more important and timely than players might have otherwise considered.
Some might argue Warlords of Draenor or Battle for Azeroth are top contenders as well, but WoW: Shadowlands is widely considered the worst expansion in the MMO’s history. Due to high-concept narratives in zones disconnected from Azeroth, an uncompelling villain in the Jailer, and frustrating endgame mechanics, Shadowlands was not popular among fans.
What’s That Weapon?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)
Though it had its merits, few remember World of Warcraft: Shadowlands fondly. Even so, it seems like World of Warcraft is considering a return to the divisive expansion. While this might seem like a risky move, it could pay off if Blizzard uses the opportunity to retcon its least-popular aspects.
When Could ‘World of Warcraft: Shadowlands 2’ Happen?
If World of Warcraft is going back to the Shadowlands, it is hard to say exactly when it will happen. Given Sylvanas’ emphasis on how “orderd” it appears, it seems like the Titans will be involved, which means it could start happening as early as The Last Titan expansion after Midnight, if not slightly after. That said, the fact that it was in a raid cinematic could suggest it may be even sooner. Though World of Warcraft has hinted that Patch 12.1 could be on the island of Atal’Utek, a return to the Shadowlands could technically arrive at some point before the end of Midnight instead.
At this point, fans can only speculate as to what Blizzard is planning, but one thing is for sure: World of Warcraft isn’t done with the Shadowlands or Sylvanas just yet. Players will have to see when and where the divisive Banshee Queen next appears, and if she brings more Shadowlands mysteries with her.
- Released
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March 2, 2026
- ESRB
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Teen / Blood and Gore, Crude Humor, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases
