World of Warcraft: Shadowlands Review

World of Warcraft: Shadowlands, released by Blizzard Entertainment in late 2020, was the eighth major expansion for the enduring MMORPG. Following the dramatic events of Battle for Azeroth, Shadowlands PC plunged players into the cosmic realm of the afterlife, promising to unravel mysteries surrounding the very fabric of existence and the machinations of the enigmatic Jailer. This WoW Shadowlands PC review explores its ambitious features and its ultimately divisive legacy.

Gameplay: Covenants, Torghast, and a Level Squish

Shadowlands introduced several core gameplay systems designed to provide a fresh experience. The most central was the Covenant system, where players chose one of four powerful factions – Kyrian, Necrolord, Night Fae, or Venthyr – each offering unique abilities, cosmetic rewards (transmogs), and a distinct Renown progression path. While initially praised for its lore and aesthetic diversity, the system faced criticism for its restrictive nature, making it difficult to swap between Covenants and impacting competitive play due to balance issues.

Another major feature was Torghast, Tower of the Damned, a roguelike-inspired endless dungeon. Players ascended its procedurally generated floors, gaining temporary “Anima Powers” to empower their characters. Torghast was crucial for legendary crafting, providing a unique and often challenging single-player or small-group experience. The expansion also saw a significant level squish, streamlining the leveling experience from 120 down to 60, making it more accessible for new and returning players. The endgame offered robust raiding, dungeons (Mythic+), and PvP content.

• Choice of four unique Covenants with distinct abilities and rewards
• Roguelike-inspired Torghast, Tower of the Damned for legendary crafting
• Streamlined leveling experience with a level squish to 60
• Engaging endgame content including raids, Mythic+ dungeons, and PvP
• New zones: Bastion, Maldraxxus, Ardenweald, Revendreth, The Maw, Korthia, Zereth Mortis

Story and Setting: A Darker Cosmic Lore

The narrative of Shadowlands began with Sylvanas Windrunner tearing the veil between life and death, pulling the leaders of Azeroth into the Shadowlands. Players ventured into this realm to rescue them and uncover the plans of the Jailer, the enigmatic ruler of The Maw. The story delved deep into the cosmic forces of the Warcraft universe, exploring the mechanics of death, fate, and free will.

The new zones – Bastion, Maldraxxus, Ardenweald, and Revendreth – were visually distinct and rich in lore, each representing a different aspect of the afterlife. Later patches introduced new areas like Korthia and Zereth Mortis, expanding the narrative. While the initial setup was compelling, the overall execution of the story, particularly Sylvanas’s redemption arc and the Jailer’s motivations, proved highly divisive among the player base.

Graphics and Sound: Visually Stunning Afterlife

Visually, Shadowlands was stunning on PC. The unique aesthetics of each Covenant zone were beautifully realized, from Bastion’s ethereal beauty to Maldraxxus’s grotesque battlefields. Character models and spell effects continued to improve, enhancing the overall visual fidelity of World of Warcraft.

The soundtrack was exceptional, featuring a diverse range of compositions that perfectly captured the distinct atmosphere of each realm, from the serene melodies of Bastion to the haunting themes of The Maw. The voice acting for key characters was top-notch, adding significant depth to the narrative.

Legacy: A Mixed but Ambitious Chapter

World of Warcraft: Shadowlands had a strong start, but its reputation suffered from issues with content pacing, the restrictive nature of Covenants, and a story that didn’t fully land for many players. Despite these challenges, it was an ambitious expansion that introduced several innovative systems and explored a fascinating new corner of the Warcraft lore. It remains a significant, albeit contentious, chapter in WoW‘s history.

Is World of Warcraft: Shadowlands on PC Worth Playing Today?

For players experiencing World of Warcraft today, Shadowlands is integrated into the Chromie Time leveling system, allowing you to explore its unique zones and experience its core story. While its original endgame systems are no longer relevant, the leveling journey through the afterlife and the distinct aesthetics of the Covenants still offer a worthwhile experience for PC gaming enthusiasts interested in the ongoing WoW lore. It’s a journey worth taking to understand the full scope of Azeroth’s history.