One World of Warcraft Fan Might Have Found The War Within’s Next Zone

One World of Warcraft Fan Might Have Found The War Within's Next Zone

Key Takeaways

  • Players discovered a mysterious barrier in WoW’s Azj-Kahet zone that teleports them away if they try to fly past a certain point.
  • The barrier may hint at a new zone called “The Rootlands,” connected to the Emerald Dream and the Haranir.
  • Patch 11.0.5 is expected to arrive around WoW’s 20th anniversary in November, with potential clues leading to the new zone.

As a seasoned World of Warcraft player with over a decade of gaming under my belt, I can’t help but feel the thrill of discovery upon hearing about this mysterious barrier in the Azj-Kahet zone. The prospect of a new zone, ‘The Rootlands’, connected to the Emerald Dream and the Haranir, is truly intriguing!


A World of Warcraft fan recently discovered a location in The War Within zone of Azj-Kahet that forcibly teleports players away if they try to fly past a certain point. This curious barrier could be a relic from development, but it could also be a teaser for a new zone in the World of Warcraft expansion.

In the fantasy game World of Warcraft: The War Within, Azj-Kahet represents the fourth zone. While a large portion of this region is controlled by a Nerubian kingdom, the areas adjacent to Hallowfall house an expansive root system inhabited by the Haranir.

Whilst delving into the uncharted territories of Azj-Kahet zone within World of Warcraft: The War Within, avid fan and data miner Marlamin ascended vertically past a Skyriding symbol. But, upon soaring above tree roots, they stumbled upon the Drowsy debuff, causing their screen to blur green and transporting them back down to the earth near Ruptured Lake. This obstacle, preventing further ascent, resembles barriers found in areas like Dreamgrove from Legion, hinting that this area and surrounding tree roots could be linked to the Emerald Dream.

‘The Rootlands’ – Future Zone in WoW: The War Within?

A recently leaked map of Khaz Algar hints at a region named “The Rootlands” being part of the game’s lore for “The War Within”. It is speculated that the Haranir, ancient guardians of roots, might have originated from this enigmatic region. This area seems to be closely linked with Elune’Ahir, a colossal World Tree that was destroyed by Titan Aman’thul and connected to the Emerald Dream, hinted in “Dragonflight”. With such evidence and the Haranir receiving attention in the cinematic trailer for “WoW: The War Within”, despite having a minor role so far, a zone centered around these legendary roots could make a compelling addition to the story. Furthermore, this restricted area might serve as the entry point for players in the future.

On the other hand, this in-game barrier could just as easily be a relic from early development. Fans have also discovered evidence of raids inspired by Goblins and Ethereals, which would not exactly fit in The Rootlands. World of Warcraft: Dragonflight Patch 10.2 also took players to the Emerald Dream, so another nature-themed zone so soon after would need something to differentiate it. That said, it would also be the perfect time to add the Haranir as an Allied Race in WoW, given the huge number of customization options they have.

Regardless of the course, fans can anticipate not having to wait much longer. It’s projected that Patch 11.0.5 will be released around the time of WoW‘s 20th anniversary in November, suggesting that 11.0.7 may arrive early in the following year. The upcoming Patch 11.1 – along with the first post-launch zone for The War Within – is estimated to be released in spring 2025. Therefore, players should stay tuned for further updates until then.

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2024-08-27 02:53