5. Dungeons
Nora Mills: Greetings, adventurers. I’d like to start by expressing just how proud I am of the team for making this dream a reality. Like many of you watching right now, we’ve poured our hearts into World of Warcraft, and it’s an honor to be entrusted with this beloved world and this incredible legacy.
But, look at me. Getting all sentimental when there are matters that require our attention. There’s adventure to be had all across Azeroth, and let me just show you. In the Alterac Mountains, a disruption has thrown the magical city of Dalaran into chaos. The mages of the Kirin Tor have erected a magical barrier over the city to conceal out these powerful mages, but I’m sure we can find some roundabout way to get you into the city. Anyway, that’s just scratching the surface.
Let’s turn our sights closer to home. The once great city of Lordaeron view too.
Hall of Thanes
The dwarven capital city of Ironforge is carved within the mountain of Dun Morogh and its mighty halls run deep. Beneath the city proper lies the Hall of Thanes, a final resting place for the dwarven monarchs of old. This is a place that has been well tended, and for the most part left undisturbed. But if you guys can believe it, someone’s broken into the place. I suspect the Dark Irons. And perhaps if you’re a member of the Alliance, you might feel inspired to uproot these intruders. Although, I’ll warn you, ghostly whispers echo these corridors. It’s probably best to make sure you’re at least somewhere in the 13-18 level range.
As for Horde, one thing’s for certain. The dwarves I know would never let some Horde waltz right into their sacred burial chamber. I suppose if you’re curious you’d need to have to find a way to sneak in or perhaps carve your way through. But enough about home. You’re here for adventure.
Excavation Site dungeon
Azeroth holds many secrets, and it’s no surprise that there would be no so many archaeological dig sites scattered throughout the land.
(Below: Excavation Site dungeon)
These courageous enough to brave errant Titan constructs may set their sights on one dig site in particular. Located in the Wetlands just above Weldar’s excavation, you’ll find a place trapped in time, although we don’t know much about it, but that’s the point. A strange mist has been floating down the mountains and flashing lights have been spotted on the horizon, so there must be something up there. You’ll check it out, won’t you?
I would make sure that you’re in the levels 29-29 range, I’d say, so that you are prepared for what you might find. I’m sure the Explorer’s League might be interested in those findings. But if you’re not a fan of swamps I understand so how about something a bit more tropical?
The Drowned City dungeon
These ancient troll ruins located off the coast of Stranglethorn Vale have been submerged in waves and inhabited by sea creatures for as long as I can remember and I don’t mean to alarm you but those ruins have suddenly risen out of the ocean. You can see it just off the coast. It appears to be some sort of city.
(Below: The Drowned City dungeon)
One thing’s for certain, we’re gonna need somebody to go in and make sure nothing nefarious is going on in there. I’ve heard reports that trolls and naga have been spotted there, and I thought I saw a pirate ship crash into the place. I wonder how they’re doing. Could be pretty dangerous, so I’d make sure you are at least around levels 35-40 before venturing into that place.
Actually, I’m looking around the room, and y’all look pretty tough, so if you want to head over to the World of Warcraft demo area, you can check out the Drowned City today right here on the show floor.
Alcaz Island Prison dungeon
Now, some players may find this prison familiar. And no, I’m not implying you’re a bunch of criminals, although there may be a few devilish rogues among you. But no, this prison is famous because it’s rumored to be the place where the Defias once held high-ranking nobles for ransom. It was at one point even rumored to have held King Varian Wrynn himself.
(Below: Alcaz Island Prison dungeon)
In the past, we were able to go visit this location, but we couldn’t actually go inside. In forever, of course, now you can. And it would be nice if you considered going down there to clear the place out. There seemed to be some sort of a conflict happening between the Defias and the Naga inside, so now would be an opportune time to move. You’ll want to make sure you’re ready to pull up a fight, though, so a group to around level 48-53 should do it.
Shaper’s Terrace dungeon
The Shaper’s Terrace. Where have I heard those words before? In Wrath of the Lich King Classic, I recall there was an old Titan facility deep within Sholazar Basin. But were there others? What happened to them? Anyway, perhaps one of our most treacherous locations yet, in the hills of Un’Goro Crater lies a place seemingly untouched by time. I’ve heard it described as, I quote: “A whole lot like Jurassic Park?” — whatever that means.
(Below: Shaper’s Terrace dungeon)
There are old Titan buildings scattered throughout the area, wildlife running amok, beautiful power crystals scattered throughout, and you guessed it, there must be some source of power here, right? Well, if you are interested, perhaps you can go and investigate if you are levels 58-60, maybe.
Krol’dok Stronghold dungeon
Look, I don’t know why you would want to venture into a stronghold crawling with ogres, but if you’re into that sort of things, I’ve got the opportunity for you. In the Riverglades, outrunners have been kidnapping folks, and I’ve heard several ransackings have occurred within the region. Sturdy adventurers in teh levels 40-55 range could potentially put up a fight and end the ogre’s mischief in the region. But be warned, in the twilight hours of the night, I’ve heard weird chanting coming from the place. Could it be cultists?
Blackmaw Hold dungeon
But back to nature. In times past, I could have sworn I remember standing before a gate in Azshara and wondered what it was on the other side. I tell you, but if you’re around levels 55-60, you might as well go check it out for yourself. A great Furbolg city lies within. But if you’re familiar with the Furbolg’s plight, well I suspect they might be struggling to stave off some sort of corruption. It could be very dangerous. The tunnels leading into Blackmaw Hold run deep and wind far into the mountain.
In fact, should you decided to explore these tunnels, you might find yourself in an entirely different kind of danger, which brings us to our first raid.
| BLIZZCON 2026 WORLD OF WARCRAFT: WHAT'S NEXT PANEL TRANSCRIPT | ||||
| 1. Intro | 2. Design Pillars | 3. New Zones | 4. Cultures | 5. Dungeons |
| 6. Raids | 7. PvP | 8. Classic Updates | 9. Rendering Updates | |
