Midnight is slated to be the second in the currently-planned trilogy of expansions for World of Warcraft which started off with The War Within. The trilogy, dubbed the Worldsoul trilogy, was originally announced at BlizzCon 2023. While the first expansion in the series revolved around Nerub’ar and other important factions, Midnight will be focusing on the story of the Blood Elves as they get ready to face off against the forces of the Void.

In the meantime, Blizzard is gearing up for the release of World of Warcraft: The War Within’s update 11.2. Dubbed Ghosts of K’aresh, the update will revolve around the Ethereals, and will likely have players take on one of the biggest threats in the World of Warcraft setting – Dimensius the All-Devouring. In an interview with GameSpot, associate art director Tina Wang spoke about bringing the Ethereals back after they were first introduced back in World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade.

“We really love the old themes from Burning Crusade, the key Ethereal elements, the mana forges, the Eco-Domes, the glowing pink pipes,” Wang said. “I think folks who remember and look back at the Ethereals fondly will see a lot of elements that they really connect with.”

Update 11.2 will bring with it a host of new content for players, including a new end-game raid, as well as a brand new activity dubbed Ecological Succession, which will revolve around players managing their very own Eco-Dome. There will also be a new zone, which will house the main raid – Manaforge: Omega. A new dungeon – Eco-Dome Al’dani – will also be released for smaller groups of five players.

World of Warcraft is currently in the midst of its The War Within expansion. For more details, check out our review about the expansion from when it first launched.

While the previous expansion, Dragonflight, largely acted as a gigantic reset button for the overall Alliance versus Horde conflict that has buoyed the Warcraft setting, choosing instead to give us a brand new adventure, The War Within is now bringing with it a greater threat looming in the background, with its roots going as far back as the critically-acclaimed Legion expansion. With The War Within, the primary antagonist is an entity known as the Harbinger—better known to long-time players as a being of the Void named Xal’Atath—and players are thrown into a brand new subterranean world where they have to help the forces of light battle against the machinations of the Void.

After essentially sunsetting the faction war storyline that has been World of Warcraft’s bread and butter in the past over the last couple of expansions, the story in The War Within is now smaller in scope, despite still having world-ending stakes. Much of the storyline throughout the leveling process between 70 and the new level cap of 80 revolves around players finding new allies in the new zones of Khaz Algar—the Isle of Dorne, the Ringing Deeps, Hallowfall, and Azj-Kahet. As you get deeper into the story, the focus can often shift between various factions and characters, starting out with an emphasis on the Earthen, to meeting the Arathi warriors of Hallowfall, and culminating in allying with a splinter faction of Nerubians in Azj-Kahet.

The expansion essentially has two protagonists—Anduin Wrynn and Alleria Windrunner. While Thrall is around, he’s essentially missing for the entirety of the leveling process, and we get some excellent side characters in the form of Moira Bronzebeard and her son Dagran. If this list of names, aside from Thrall, makes you think that the character stories might be skewed more towards Alliance characters, you would be correct. The Horde is essentially missing for the entirety of the leveling process, only coming back with Thrall once you hit the new level cap and begin the endgame storyline.

As a Horde player, I found this quite disappointing, since the faction still has plenty of interesting characters, with some of them even having roots that go back with the Nerubians from all the way back in Warcraft 3 and the Wrath of the Lich King expansion from back in 2008. On the other hand, the focus on Alliance characters does make sense in terms of the story currently being told, especially with Alleria’s own history with using the Void for her own ends. Since the faction war is no longer a factor, the lack of Horde representation isn’t too bothersome, and thankfully, once you hit level 80, fan-favorite characters like Lilian Voss show up.

"The Horde is essentially missing for the entirety of the leveling process."

It is worth noting that The War Within might have some of the most visually striking zones the game has ever seen. Despite the expansion largely taking place in zones that are essentially massive underground caverns, the level of variety Blizzard has managed to fit in is definitely awe-inspiring. We get industrial areas in the Ringing Deeps, before heading into the drop-dead gorgeous Hallowfall—a zone where the main source of light is a gigantic glowing crystal stuck in the cavern ceiling—before ultimately descending into the Nerubian-focused zone of Azj-Kahet, where we get to explore a beautiful full-fledged Nerubian city. Azj-Kahet is especially interesting, since it harkens back to Wrath of the Lich King, where an underground Nerubian zone was planned before ultimately being scrapped.

The trip from Isle of Dorn all the way to Azj-Kahet isn’t the only part of the leveling process; there are four dungeons that players can fight through for more experience, loot, and story. These dungeons, be it the relatively simplistic Rookery, or the straight up siege against the Priory of the Sacred Flame, all offer up some great visuals, level design, and interesting lore tidbits, especially through environmental storytelling. The max-level dungeons are definitely a highlight; they’re all pretty fun, but special mention has to go to the Darkflame Cleft, which manages to include a minecart chase sequence, and Cinderbrew Meadery, which is essentially a prolonged bar brawl filled to the brim with mead-based puns.

When it comes to gameplay, every class has new features to look forward to thanks to the new Hero Talent system. The system essentially allows players to theme their characters in a more specific way. For example, as a Demonologist Warlock, I chose the Diabolist Hero Talent tree, which not only made the demons I summoned stronger, it also allowed me to summon even greater demons for larger spikes in damage, with some of these greater demons also changing a few of my key abilities. Calling in a small group of imps through Hand of Gul’dan can cause a Pit Lord to get summoned who, along with dealing a massive amount of damage, also makes turns my next Hand of Gul’dan cast into Ruination, which deals a massive amount of damage in a large area. Similarly, I was also able to summon other demons, like the Mother of Chaos, who changes my Shadow Bolt into Infernal Bolt, and the Overlord, who causes all enemies hit by his attack to start taking extra damage.

"Every class has new features to look forward to thanks to the new Hero Talent system."

One of the big new additions to the game with The War Within is the new Delves system. Essentially miniature dungeons that players can go through either solo or as a group of 5 players, Delves help break up the monotony that can often creep in while leveling new characters by offering up a fun new way to get loot and experience. Each Delve also has its own story, and even players that prefer to play solo will appreciate the new system, since it’s also supposed to go all the way into the endgame. Delves also have their own smaller form of progression where you get to level up your AI companions and unlock new abilities for them.

World of Warcraft: The War Within definitely feels like a breath of fresh air for the MMORPG. While Dragonflight was a fun expansion in its own way, especially since dealing with dragons in combat or diplomacy can be rather entertaining in the insane setting of Warcraft, The War Within is the first time where it feels like the overall story in World of Warcraft is getting on track, and building up towards something greater. This should come as no surprise since the expansion is supposed to be the first of a planned trilogy. Despite largely laying the groundwork for the next couple of expansions, however, The War Within doesn’t really feel like it’s not telling a complete story in its own right. The awakening and liberation of the Earthen, and the realpolitik machinations of the Nerubians are especially interesting high points of the entire campaign.

It can be difficult to come to a definitive verdict for a game that is going to change quite a bit over the next couple of years; at the time of writing, the expansion’s first season hasn’t yet started, and as a result, the main endgame activities—Mythic+ and the raid—still aren’t available yet. However, as it currently stands, World of Warcraft: The War Within is an excellent expansion, and the general story and gameplay changes have made it an absolute joy to revisit Azeroth.

This game was reviewed on PC.

As these heroes battle foes, the trailer also showcases some of the new abilities that will be available to them through the new Hero Talents system, which aims to allow players to use some of the more iconic abilities from throughout the Warcraft franchise.

World of Warcraft: The War Within is set to kick off a new trilogy of expansions for the MMORPG, dubbed the Worldsoul Saga. Players will set off down into new subterranean worlds, filled with previously-unseen wonders, as well as the Nerubian empire. Along the way, players will have to uncover the dark designs of an antagonist who goes by the title the Harbinger of the Void.

World of Warcraft: The War Within is officially set for release on September 26. Buying the Epic Edition of the game, however, will allow players to access it on September 23.

Star Wars Outlaws

As the first open-world single-player Star Wars title (Star Wars Galaxies – never forget), Star Wars Outlaws launches on August 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, it follows Kay Vess and her companion, Nix, as they prepare for the biggest heist the Outer Rim has ever seen. Between building – and breaking – loyalties with various syndicates, traversing through different locations, hiring experts, and engaging with space battles, there’s a lot to do, and hopefully enough compelling reasons to do them.

SteamWorld Heist 2

Turn-based side-scrolling real-time aiming strategy returns with SteamWorld Heist 2. As Captain Quincy Leeway, players recruit other Steambots to solve a rampant water crisis, as pirates do. This means breaking into restricted bases and fighting against the oppressive navy, among other threats. Alongside real-time naval combat in the overworld, there’s a new Job system, allowing each Steambot to equip different weapons to change their class and abilities. Level up, and you can mix and match skills for potent combinations. SteamWorld Heist 2 launches on August 8th for PS4, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Sam and Max: The Devil’s Playhouse Remastered

After what seems like forever, Sam and Max are back again, once again, this time in a remaster of Telltale’s 2010 adventure. The adventure sees the Freelance Police dealing with a galaxy-trotting group of villains after Max gains psychic powers that quickly spiral out of control. The latter allows for all kinds of techniques, like mind-reading and clairvoyance, but there’s still the usual range of unorthodox characters and baffling puzzles (now with a new hint system) to experience. With updated lighting, lip-syncing, music and more, the remaster is a great way to visit the duo’s last video game adventure when it launches on August 14th for PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits (Xbox)

Ember Lab’s acclaimed 3D action adventure finally comes to Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One on August 15th. It includes the Anniversary DLC for new outfits, Spirit Guide Trials, and New Game Plus, which offers more challenging battles. Xbox players also get pirate hats for their Rot (a likely nod to Sea of Thieves), alongside a Golden Rot skin and unique staff. As insignificant as those seem, experiencing Kena’s adventure for $39.99 is a pretty decent deal.

Madden NFL 25

After College Football 25 launched and captured the hearts of millions, what does Madden NFL 25 bring to the table when it launches on August 16th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and PC? Besides new broadcast teams and a revamped Franchise mode, there’s BOOM Tech for dynamic, physics-based tackling. Carrier balance and recovery have also received some retooling, allowing you to take some hits and still push through. It sounds decent, but will it be enough to compete with College Football? We’ll find out soon.

Black Myth: Wukong

Four years after its initial announcement, Game Science’s Black Myth: Wukong will launch on August 20th for PS5 and PC. Inspired by Journey to the West, you control the Destined One, wielding an extendable staff and engaging in battles with over 100 different enemies across about 15 hours of gameplay. Between the fast-paced melee combat, dodging, and magic, it boasts some truly spectacular visuals courtesy of Unreal Engine 5.

Dustborn

From Red Thread Games, the developer of Dreamfall Chapters, Dustborn is an odd adventure game where you road-trip as Pax across a dystopian republic to deliver a package. The twist is that she’s an Anomal, who can use words to force others to obey her will. When you’re not bashing robots or navigating conversations with an eclectic cast, you’re making decisions with supposedly major ramifications on the story. Dustborn arrives on August 20th and will be available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Concord

The Freerunner crew of Firewalk Studios’ upcoming hero shooter didn’t receive the most enthusiastic response following the open beta. Nevertheless, Concord promises 12 maps and six modes at launch with the same roster while offering hundreds of earnable customization items, several unique Variants per character, and no Battle Pass. Will it warrant a better response, especially for $39.99? Time will tell, but Concord is out on August 23rd for PS5 and PC.

World of Warcraft: The War Within

Following Dragonflight, World of Warcraft is embarking on a brand new trilogy, with The War Within as the first part. Set in Khaz Algar, with four unique zones, eight new dungeons and a brand new zone await. There are also new activities like Delves (which can be completed solo or co-op) alongside new Hero Talents, talents and abilities to go with the increased level cap. World of Warcraft: The War Within arrives on August 22nd for PC.

Core Keeper

While the year has seen several compelling sandbox titles, Pugstorm’s Core Keeper has racked up some respectable numbers (91 percent positive reviews, over 2 million players) since its early access launch in 2022. The premise is simple: Venture into a cavern with up to eight players and mine your way to the Core. Collect resources, craft better tools and weapons, automate processes, fish, explore, and battle powerful Titans across multiple biomes. With 1.0 launching on August 27th for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC, we can’t wait to see what else it offers.

Gundam Breaker 4

Gundam Evolution may be dead, but Bandai Namco Entertainment has a good substitute – the next Gundam Breaker. Launching on August 29th for PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch, the action RPG allows extensive customization using more than 250 kits. You can then take your creation into battle, breaking off more parts and further augmenting your creation. With optional online modes and a Diorama function for admiring your units, Gundam Breaker 4 promises to be an enthusiast’s dream come true (and at a far more affordable price).

Monster Jam Showdown

The month is surprisingly slim on racing titles, but Milestone’s Monster Jam Showdown may fix that when it launches on August 29th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. As with previous titles, you’ll control various monster trucks in off-road locations, whether it’s in the non-linear Showdown Tour or optimizing tricks in Extreme Freestyle mode. With over 40 trucks and ten modes, it’s a different racing experience that may be worth dabbling with.

Squirrel with a Gun

At first, Squirrel with a Gun appears to be just that. However, Dee Dee Creations’ title is also a sandbox shooter with some puzzling and platforming. You could spend time disposing of the strange Agents out to get you with rocket launchers, grenade launchers, six-shooters, and whatnot, or ride around the neighborhood, helping or harassing its citizens. It’s out on August 29th for PC, and Xbox Series X/S and PC this Fall.

Deathbound

If you’re seeking a more traditional Souls-like experience, there’s Deathbound, set in a medieval world at odds with its sci-fi roots. The main hook is channeling fallen warriors and using their abilities in combat. Synergizing spirits and building up the sync meter for a powerful attack is key, though plenty of challenging foes await to put you down. Deathbound launches on August 8th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, and promises over 20 hours of gameplay and New Game Plus.

Level Zero: Extraction

Extraction shooters are probably the most well-worn trend that barely got started, but Level Zero: Extraction could break out with its twists. Teaming with two other players, utilizing various military weapons with extensive customization, your job is to garner loot and extract. However, all kinds of threats are present on each map, from mines to mutants. Opposing players can also control a powerful alien with cloaking abilities and an EMP. Level Zero: Extraction enters early access for PC on August 13th, with two maps and 16 weapons. As a weird combination of Escape from Tarkov, GTFO, and more, it could be a dark horse.

August 21st’s broadcast will feature S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, Atomfall, Age of Mythology: Retold, and other titles. August 22nd focuses on Star Wars Outlaws, World of Warcraft: The War Within, Towerborne, etc. On August 23rd, we can look forward to games like Avowed and Ara: History Untold.

Bethesda will also have a stream each day at 5 AM PDT on Twitch, so stay tuned for potential announcements from the same. The Xbox @ gamescom 2024 live broadcast is in English but will also be available in Arabic, French, Korean, Japanese, German, and more. ASL and English Audio Descriptions are also included.

There will also be theater presentations for Avowed, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Starfield: Shattered Space. Other playable titles from third-party studios include Star Wars Outlaws, Little Nightmares 3, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, Atomfall, and a new demo for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl.

Indie titles like Squirrel with a Gun, Winter Burrow, The Alters, REPLACED, and Creatures of Ava will also be available in a dedicated Indie Selects area. Check out the list of available games here.

Gamescom 2024 runs from August 21st to 25th. Before that, Gamescom Opening Night Live returns on August 20th with new announcements. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.

Setting up a new conflict that’s set to sweep across Azeroth, the new cinematic offers an intriguing look at The War Within, which is the first instalment of a trilogy of expansions dubbed the Worldsoul Saga. Of course, Blizzard has a reputation for crafting excellent pre-rendered cinematics for its games, and unsurprisingly, this is another one that’s well worth checking out. You can view it below. 

World of Warcraft: The War Within launches on August 26 for PC. Those who purchase the Epic Edition can get early access to the expansion a few days earlier on August 22. 

The First Descendant

NEXON Games’ The First Descendant is an upcoming looter shooter where players assume the role of Descendants who are the last line of defense for humanity in the war against alien invaders. Each Descendant has different active and passive abilities, and you can use a bunch of items and weapons to customize your character with whatever feels best suited for your purposes. The First Descendant comes out for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on July 2nd.

30. Level Zero: Extraction

tinyBuild’s Level Zero: Extraction pits players against a fierce alien that’s only weak to light, and it’s up to you to survive against the ferocious creature as you carefully tiptoe your way through dimly lit environments. Between an interesting-looking atmosphere and the ability to join forces with up to 2 friends, Level Zero: Extraction has quite the potential to become a surprise hit if it plays its cards right. It’s set to release sometime in 2024 for consoles and PC.

Microsoft has, for instance, confirmed that it will be attending Gamescom this year, as recent leaks had suggested. Set between August 21 and 25, the event will see Microsoft bringing its biggest ever booth for Gamescom, with the company’s lineup of titles being a packed one. The first-party Xbox titles that are confirmed for Gamescom so far are Avowed, Ara: History Untold, Towerborne, Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, World of Warcraft: The War Within, and Age of Mythology: Retold, among others. Further updates on The Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76 will also be shared.

Of course, a couple of the aforementioned titles (specifically, Towerborne and Avowed) do not have specific release dates, in spite of being officially set for 2024 releases, so it’s likely that Microsoft will announce launch dates for them at Gamescom.

So far, Ubisoft and THQ Nordic have also confirmed that they will be in attendance at Gamescom this year. On the other hand, however, PlayStation and Nintendo will be skipping the event.

But you want to know about the games, huh?

Just a few you can expect to see: Age of Mythology: Retold, Avowed, Ara: History Untold, Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred, Diablo Immortal, The Elder Scrolls Online, Fallout 76, Towerborne & World of Warcraft: The War Within. More to come!

— Xbox (@Xbox) June 20, 2024