Hallowfall Will Make You Fall In Love With WoW Again - The Feels, The Lore, The Best War Within Zone

World of Warcraft The War Within Alpha gives us Hallowfall for testing this week and we finally get to see Faelin Lothar and the Lamplighters, the Arathi ariships, Belanar the Naaru crystal and the two new dungeons, Dawnreaker and Priory of the Sacred Flame. We think it's one of the best zones ever made in WoW, and we will tell you why! We also cover patch 10.2.7, Dark Heart which releases this week!
Join us for Talieisn and Evitel's Wondrous Wisdomshow
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Dragonflight: Dark Heart Content Update Notes
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Patch 10.2.7 Dark Heart In-Game Cinematic
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[@jkuhl2492]

"And also, wonderfully, an orphanage!" Taliesin a Dickensian villian, confirmed.

[@kaelbeuk1]

He got the name for it, too

[@peterpain6625]

Question is though: Can we nail the doors and windows shut and burn it down!? ;)

[@vancemacdonald1594]

They took the time to make sure all the giant plants flowers were pointed towards the light source. I commend them for that detail.

[@goatviolence]

One of my favourite WoW memories is entering Hellfire Peninsula when I was 12. This has me HYPED.

[@jonu5505]

Same here, man. Going through the portal and being welcomed by the sci-fi frontier before you was insane..

[@ThatOneGuy15270]

Until you are questing, and hear the dreaded Fel Reaver noise right behind you

[@joelbest2424]

That fel reaver was genuinely terrify.

[@Zoggwogg]

I will basically be living in Hallowfall for the next 2 years.

[@Kompe2]

same! But maybe Midnight will come sooner than we think?

[@DatKrbs]

@@ancedrius4646wow is a very relapse friendly game nowadays in that sense

[@Nexx1414]

​@@Kompe2 18 months. We most likely won't have the season 4 recap season. That's basically what they have alluded to.

[@Brian-ui1bq]

Bot

[@captainexistence]

I was the same with Revendreth 😂

[@lordhoratio]

I agree. When I first entered Outland, Hellfire Peninsula, and later Netherstorm, felt like a 'new frontier'.

[@jonu5505]

Can't agree more. One of the greatest gaming experiences I've ever had.

[@Jade-nn3bn]

I don't know anybody that actually liked hfp even on the first time leveling through it. That zone was awful and the devs should actively avoid ever making any zone like it again.

[@AnotherGuy24]

@@Jade-nn3bn I did like it when I 1st tried it in 2007, sure I wiped out every 5-10 mins cause I was racing there at level 58 to catch up with my friends, and npcs were super strong. and then you had to deal with rogues, but still loved it.

[@jonu5505]

@@Jade-nn3bn Loved HFP, was a fantastic intro zone. So, I guess you know three people who like it a lot now! ^^

[@deployed246]

They can literally do for the Hallowfall crystal exactly what they did for Shattrath in Warlords of Draenor, repulsion barrier, just add a flash of light/void to make it thematic.

[@jalzahn4404]

Tali: It's buggy as shit. Me: Well, nerubians... Oh! OH! Alpha! I forgot.

[@thunderborn3231]

buggy as shit alpha? sounds launch ready change nothing

[@Eridian757]

THE BEACONS ARE LIT! GONDOR CALLS FOR AID!! A brief pause and contemplation follows for Theoden’s command AND ROHAN WILL ANSWER! MUSTER THE ROHIRRIM!

[@KountKristyl]

The timeline as described by Tali confuses me slightly, let me break it down: 1 - the Arathi in the Eastern Kingdoms send a group South before the break apart into the Seven Kingdoms 2 - this contingent of Arathi make their own Empire, possibly in the newly revealed land of Avaloren 3 - this Arathi Empire, which isn't the original one from the Eastern Kingdoms, sends an expedition back to the known world to fight the last battle 4 - the expedition is bamfed away by a Deus Ex to Hallowfall 15 years prior to TWW Is that right?

[@4F0xSake]

Yes

[@TaliesinEvitel]

Correct!

[@KountKristyl]

@@TaliesinEvitel that's somehow more convoluted to me than if it was just time travel. I can get why it's like that though - sets the foundation for future expansions.

[@Krascara]

​​@@TaliesinEvitel You know Tali/Evi, someone at Blizzard has been reading Wheel of Time. These Arathi are the Seanchan of Arthur Paendrag Hawkwing empire, a reference in the series to King Arthur of legend. The land they're from is definitely Avaloren (Avalon of Legend) and the Arathi empire is an Arthurian empire. The Seanchan in the books created a new empire in a new continent, and returned to the old world as Arthur Hawkwing's forces returned. This HAS to be a similar situation, and Blizz are probably going to mine Arthurian legend for inspiration after the end of the Worldsoul Saga where afterwards we'll cross the sea.

[@reeven1721]

@@Krascara And in the end, everything calls back to Stargate when the Ori I mean the Naaru show up.

[@ProphTart]

the fucking book bit broke me

[@deltaforerunner9334]

I assume it's a joke via Tali but I mean, the giant book in her hand is being held from the side, without the spine of the book somehow not falling open 😂

[@ryancampbell7003]

Now flip a single page without putting it down 😊

[@christopherdaffron8115]

I keep forgetting that we are not supposed to know that the mysterious Harbinger is Xal'atath.

[@ValensBellator]

It was nice to see someone defend hellfire peninsular. I played it the day BC launched and the lag was *atrocious* but there was an impromptu, undeclared truce on our pvp server which made it easier. I’ve always felt they absolutely nailed the atmosphere of that zone. The little alliance and horde settlements genuinely provided a sense of relief and the feeling of “survival” was palpable. Very fun memories.

[@scottmillard7461]

Faerin's outfit reminds me of The Whitecloaks from The Wheel of Time.

[@azahel542]

This is the zone I'm looking forward the most. For the emperor!

[@cassie6913]

Five keyflames? Five torches to light our way? 👀

[@ziggs123]

Foolish mortals, Master N'Zoth is plotting in the shadows. Only he can save us!

[@Frankthegb]

Would you please fucking stop already

[@jonscobey2212]

My first thought when I saw the crystal was, is that the end of sargeras' sword, embedded deep in azeroth? I still think that's a high possibility. Looking at the cracks around it, it's definitely been pushed through, and that's why there's Cardiff.

[@lochpearled]

Yes ! Thank you so much for existing and sharing your excitement

[@joewalsh4713]

Hallowfall's look reminds me of the Mist Continent from Final Fantasy 9. Heavy Lindblum vibes.

[@Dandelion_Stitches]

That dungeon looks sick. I think it's the first time in about 3 expansions that I've actually been excited to run a dungeon.

[@Wowzombie15]

I agree, this is definitely one of the coolest zones ever created in wow. It’s super creative, dungeons look amazing, and I’m excited for the story. The zone aesthetic gives me nazjatar and stormheim vibes with the mix of ocean plants and creatures and huge mountains with a bit of kul tiras and arathi highlands in the cities. So far it’s my favorite zone, I’m looking forward to seeing azj-kahet

[@Argentrose]

This looks amazing! Thank you for sharing everything that you have. Also...that last dungeon....dear god. I just want to explore EVERYTHING!

[@Kmaitland89]

That flying ship dungeon looks fucking sick. I LOVE that Idea.

[@Nicholas1994]

It looks amazing. And that dungeon with all the dynamic flying stuff in it has to be one of the most creative things I've seen them do in a long time. It actually has me a little bit excited.

[@mattwo7]

16:19 I think he meant how she's holding it on _one side_ by the tips of her fingers and it's not at all falling to the other side.

[@Syldarin]

Havent played WoW for 6 years, still Tune in to this Channel cause its a great watch ❤

[@gmee123]

You've saved yourself being endlessly disappointed.

[@michael0o5]

You truly brought me back to magic of reminiscence when you talked about how seeing Hellfire Peninsula was for the first time. Out of this world experiences, changed me as a person

[@TimmyTechTV]

Hellfire Peninsula's music just hits different, even to this day.

[@nelyu2344]

I already love this Zone and the Dungeon. All of it.

[@thickynugnug]

Just the footage in the first minute of landing in the village gave me absolute goosebumps. I am SO PUMPED

[@TayronBerlanga]

The moment Tali said Hellfire Peninsula, I knew excatly what he was talking about, that sense of something new, and also a sense of purpose on everything

[@Journeying.]

Super pumped! Love you all :)

[@DEichenberg]

I love that they honored Brittney Griner with a character in-game.

[@jaklg7905]

Been playing nonstop since 2007. I never fell out of love with WOW.

[@Paladinbaroque]

Was looking forward to this zone. Now I'm really excited :3

[@supersolenoid]

11:00 that's so true! The haunting music and barren visuals of Hellfire Peninsula were truly striking, the first time, but they rapidly turned into a pain after a few alts.

[@bobbob-iq8yn]

Hahahahaha that trumpet bit at the end was good. 😂

[@AnotherGuy24]

ya the trumpet and the images you gave of the maintaining the crystals gave me hellfire towers vibes 😄

[@dreadbull5039]

Holy s**t! I can’t wait to get into this place!!

[@quilde]

Wasn't expecting that trumpet to hit so hard

[@pdxgood]

At 5:23 when the mount is flying toward the giant cliff/cave area... I recognize that. It is the horde base in Nazjatar.

[@themozARTgroupie]

While I have a feeling Azj-Kahet will take the cake for my favorite zone this expansion.... yeah, Hallowfall seems to be an absolute banger from everything I've heard so far. Absolutely cannot wait to explore it myself 🙌🙌 Thanks for this VERY in-depth look and explanation of it!! You touched on lotsa things I don't think anyone else has yet, and I appreciate that 👀

[@JPLOWMAN2]

Are we sure there’s a separate Arathi Empire and they aren’t just talking about the original Arathi Empire. My initial interpretation of your statement as to their origins gave me time travel vibes. The way I see it, their expedition was sent out thousands of years ago, they got caught in that weird light, and when they woke up, they found themselves in more or less the present time sans about 15 years or so. I think it would make for a more interesting story - not only are they the last remnants of the old Arathi Empire, they ARE the old Arathi Empire, flung thousands of years across time to play a role in the final battle of judgement day, or whatever Talie called it

[@Hobgoublin]

So hyped for this!!!! The Arathi empire is so cool.

[@henrybustos6974]

Clicked on the vid cause I enjoy your news reporting style. And somehow you got me a touch hyped about The War Within. Just not sure how I won’t lose my mind trying to play sod, cata, and this.

[@bbiaso]

A bit of Seachan vibes on that empire. Love it

[@SunniestAutumn]

I think Taliesin may fundamentally misunderstand what M+ players like and don't like. Everyone I know thinks the Kobold Dungeon and the Dawnbreaker look sick af for M+, whereas the Sacred Flame one is... well, it's there. Just in case you might have misunderstood why people don't love Nokhud Offensive, it's not because you have to dragonride across the entire zone every time you finish a boss, it's because 50% of the trash in the dungeon is unpullable.

[@HH-hd7nd]

Maybe, but it is an undeniable fact that dungeons with experimental mechanics have been disliked in the past. Think about Occulus for example (even though I think that's actually one of the best dungeons ever made in WoW). Same for raids - Eye of Eternity was not well received even though it was cool af in my opinion. Or the first boss in Ulduar. Likewise, a lot of the people who find M+ engaging are the ones that dislike the big old school story dungeons, like Scholomance, Stratholme or Blackrock Depths even though these dungons are among the best WoW has to offer. All they want to do is blast through the dungeon (preferrably in 1 second), get some phat loot and rince and repeat.

[@SunniestAutumn]

@@HH-hd7nd Let's take a moment to remember that Oculus came out 16 years ago and the game was very different back then. Also, all of your examples did the fundamental mistake of any dungeon or raid, where it makes it so you aren't playing your character. They are also all from Wrath of the Lich King. Back then, dungeons were relegated to a very different role. They were supposed to bridge you over from fresh level 80 into raid-ready level 80. They weren't designed to be played repeatedly, they weren't and endgame pillar, so of course raiders, who didn't really care about dungeons, wanted to get it over with. And no, Mythic+ players don't want to "blast through a dungeon in 1 second and get some loot." This is the kind of take they rotate in FF14 circles to make WoW look bad and it couldn't be further from the truth. They made this mistake in Legion and fortunately learned from it. The most popular dungeons, such as Freehold, Atal'Dazar, Tazavesh Streets and Halls of Attonement aren't short. They just allow players to approach them in multiple ways, whether it is by changing up the route or choosing what to pull and what not to pull. You yourself are clearly speaking from the outside, given your use of "they" instead of "we," so take this as a learning opportunity: We, the entire M+ community, like it when the game is fun. We like when it tries new things, even if not all of those things work out. We don't like when dungeons are created to intentionally limit the ways we can approach them, which none of these dungeons are doing. I'll end this with a personal ask from me: please, never, ever propose to speak for what is the most active and largest portion of the endgame playerbase, when you yourself are not a part of it. It's embarrassing.

[@memyselftheone]

@@HH-hd7nd I still hate Oculus. Or any dungeon or raid where your actual character is basically replaced by a stupid vehicle with 3-4 buttons. I utterly despise it. I play an mmoRPG to play MY character.

[@HH-hd7nd]

@@memyselftheone And many people think just like you which is the reason why there are so few dungeons doing this. However - other people (like me) greatly enjoy it if a few dungeons are like this. I for my part despise dungeons that are only built with M+ routes in mind. That said - I despise M+ in genral. Putting a bloody timer, a stupid key and a BS depletion mechanic on a dungeon ruins everything, especially since it is entirely unnecessary.

[@SunniestAutumn]

@@HH-hd7nd You are not special for enjoying good dungeon design! I can tell you despise M+, given that you know nothing about what people who do play it like and dislike. You couldn't be more wrong, but your smug confidence makes you look ridiculous. It's embarrassing.

[@fiestalarry]

Even though I hate underground zones you were right that dragon riding would actually make travelling fun, so I am excited!

[@RainbowQueen23]

Not sure I'll ever be able to get back into the grind of wow after being away so long but I'll prob never stop watching these updates :)

[@samdubois8007]

The last boss of that dragonriding dungeon is also a boss in the raid iirc, so that probably explains why the fight ends at 30%.

[@Niaveve]

Yes! Hellfire Peninsula is exactly right and recaptures that wonder I felt when first entering through the portal into something alien I love it.

[@morose8082]

I just really want to see that future of Anduin and Velen on that light ship thing talking about the light and dark war

[@Flummiification]

I first played wow with wotlk but was very young back then and didn't get everything. this increased somewhat the amazement and immersion for the world for me. I really loved Hellfire Peninsula and still do. I think Hallow fall will be a great zone and I thing underground can be very nice if it's cozy enough. caverns can be really magical and secure spaces. depends what feeling they catch. from the footage it seems massive as well wich will help circumvent the fact that it is underground

[@synmad3638]

Hellfire Penninsula is goated and I can totally see the analogy. Can't wait for Hallowfall

[@njalthemighty5378]

Can't wait to see Leeroy Jenkins Running up the Gangplank and setting sail without a team.

[@jarynpresnell8933]

Perfect timing

[@BloodVixen]

I'm seeing a lot of absolutely amazing strory beat lineups. Even some of the smaller things like fish people going fishing for humans, (great old school, and wacky vibes like OG WoW right there.) I can't wait to see it all executes on launch!

[@XareSwe]

Gotta say, even as one who doesn't play anymore. That new dungeon with flying looks like a great and fun dungeon design.

[@avatarphen]

Not me realizing the glowie rock is the tip of sargeras's sword to you immediately saying 'nah'

[@Cranb]

This feels so much more WoW

[@MrJustinArt]

Hyped as shit for Hallowfall now! That last dungeon looks insane. Can't wait to hear the music for the zone

[@ourovermelho23]

super exciting cant wait

[@vhaelen326]

hallowfall reminds me alot of warhammer 40k imperial guard: you have no idea how you got here everything wants to kill you and youre gonna make damn sure your life will cost the enemy DEARLY

[@Nervx1]

They better give us Echo Isles revamp/update, nelfs got their Bel'Ameth" over a patch with all those buildings and yet Echo Isles is stuck in time since cata. Imagine how much more buildings darkspears built over all this time with new/updated architecture style.

[@BASSsic]

these zones look so damn gorgeous!

[@henrikmygren]

When I first played the rts of warcraft 2 and stepped into beyond the dark portal expansion with the tall mushrooms etc And finally did the same in Burning Crusade was so awesome. Wotlk and MoP has a great spot in my heart aswell. I think it's those I got the feeling of exploring a new frontier without feeling it went all over the place. As said in the past shadowlands did me in have not played WoW since then... But I still love much of the lore.. so still keep an eye on it should I ever return to it's universe.

[@aburahikari_e1559]

... half elve and half humans. Now I am thinking about all the possible combinations.

[@Catzanova]

The trumpet from Hellfire Peninsular -> the feels from almost 2 decades ago 😮

[@CarterArts]

To be fair to MrGM, she is holding the book by one edge, not in the middle, using only her fingertips, and holding it perfectly still too lmao

[@bitobrian]

that HP trumpet hits me so hard

[@YankeeFan6741]

Where can I find a link to that Hellfire Peninsula trumpet music?

[@TaliesinEvitel]

Search "Honor Hold Music Wow" on KZbin:)

[@fredericodasilva8752]

Reallyyy hoping that the Arathi become an allied race rather than just customisations 🤞🏼🤞🏼 as an outlaw there would be nothing like being a half elf airship pirate! Treasure plate dreams accomplished

[@user-fs6cr5em2l]

I get a lot of Howling Fjord meets Nazjatar vibes from this zone

[@stormstrider1990]

These Arathi also give me Warhammer vibes.

[@mattwo7]

21:03 I came into DF way late and while I did see some complaining about that dungeon in at least one LFD group, it wasn't even that annoying. I just followed everyone else around.

[@mattjohnson380]

Maybe it's the dwarf in me but I've never minded the underground zones. I absolutely loved Deepholm and have gone out of my way to level through it for alts. Zaralek Caverns is a little small, but that is just to be expected with sort of in-between patches I would think. And it's not like outdoor zones don't have ceilings as well, really, so I dunno. Not really a problem for me. Also, favorably comparing anything to Hellfire is... so weird to me. As soon as I could I started skipping that zone to go to Zangermarsh to level in because at least it had a different color scheme

[@PapaProne]

Alleria looks great. Surprising.

[@Crocthunder]

Should tell people to stop acting like blizz hates pretty women when literally they made Knifu the hottest creature out there too

[@PapaProne]

@@Crocthunder Yeah except no.

[@davidbullock3675]

Can’t wait

[@Br0therjames55]

When he said it feels like Hellfire Peninsula I knew exactly what he meant. Can’t wait for this expansion.

[@gleadr6869]

Can't wait to get my hands on that Arathi Plate mog, looks soo good. I'm weird, i've liked TBC zones since TBC. Never understood how people think that's the tip of the sword...

[@slytherben]

TY for using different music in this episode

[@bj_]

Hmmm, teleported down there 15 years ago huh? I wonder if we'll get to witness that event in SoD, and if it involves that mysterious dark figure

[@martinian8]

Hallowfall is looking stunning, I love Arathi aestethics. But yes, I am a little bit affraid of it being underground. Together with Ringing Deeps and Azj-Kahet it will be 3 underground zones out of 4. And just an idea of 3 underground zones makes me feel confined, let alone actually playing down there. I would absolutely love a whole expansion exploring Arathi Empire full of castles, monasteries and badass crusaders. That would be perfect idea for an expansion after the World Soul saga.

[@tombenedikt3111]

Well, the last boss of of The Dawnbreaker is also listed in Nerubar Palace raid journal, so I would say, he just escapes the dungeon for us to finish him off in the raid.

[@everythinggaming643]

OMG THANK YOU Mentioning the Tabard Creation system 1:26 PLEASE YES have this upgraded please.

[@rightious567]

I see shots of Hallowfall and see some Elden Ring, especially with the lighting, color palette, and scale. Anyone else?

[@Vezaiho]

I still remember standing in front of G'huun for hours. I swear the walls were starting to talk to me..

[@soullsmordor9584]

@Taliesin & Evitel Do you think if Pandaria remix gets a good review by the players, they will make that the way you level up through all the expansions? Changing each one to that 1 by 1.

[@wackywarrior001]

Feels like the same wow with a nice coat of paint

[@caboose8402]

The Hallowfall expedition was sent out 15 years ago. 5 years ago in game was the end of Shadowlands. So BfA, Legion, WoD, MoP, Cataclysm. So they left for Renelash about the time of the Dragon Soul raid... AKA the Hour of Twilight. That makes sense to me, though I want to know from where they left...

[@PenguinPlays1235]

Im so excited for hallowfall lol!

[@kalasmournrex1470]

Every expac needs a dragon riding dungeon from here on out. I love Nokkud, even it’s probably the hardest dungeon in s4. Throne of the Tides was my favorite in s3, so I may just be a glutton for punishment

[@JCdragon81]

I honestly have loved my experience in Dragonflight. Easily up there as one of my favourites. I have put more hours into dragonflight well above all others. I always enjoyed alts. But the way it’s been. Didn’t want too. Got boring. They did it right here. Kinda joined the calmer feel. Kinda like how it felt like when I first logged in almost 20 years ago. After years of failed guilds. Failed friendships in game. I’ve leaned more towards just solo over the years. But I really dug the community stuff. This was a nice breather.

[@kyleganse4978]

I am wondering if that Crystal is a piece of the heart of azeroth or something. Wonder if they will add in later the crystal going dark will mutate mobs in the zone. Would be neat feature. Dawnbreaker seems sick! I like the dungeon theme. They did say that dungeons will be pushing through more story so I think the choice to stop at that point might be to hide some KEY story element. I AM SO HYPE THIS EXPANSION LOOKS FIIIIRRRREEEEE. theme, lore, warlock gameplay on point. LFG

[@armaniac661]

The talking fish… is that the fish from the Azshara short? :O

[@ziggs123]

It's our master! Kneel and serve N'Zoth foolish mortal

[@ruthwinkle9166]

Really enjoyed your post, Taliesin! I'm hyped for airships! ♥

[@verar2247]

So far we've seen three types of model for the Arathi: Vanilla Human and Kul Tiran Human with slightly pointy ears, and Blood Elf model but with smaller ears... Which potentially means more customisation options for both elves and human races in War Within or, which more likely, in Midnight! :D

[@woranbg9276]

Holy smokes...this new dungeon is insane.

[@schoaf]

can't wait

[@TheCentralofWoW]

Hallowfall looks grand! And I'm happy that the dungeons aren't designed around Mythic+

[@AmbigousInfluence]

So in Tali's explanation of the Arathi he seems to have overlooked something very important: CAT CHARIOTS!!! Also, with the long slope on the ceilings of many buildings, the architecture has a bit of a Vry'kul feel.