Spoiler Alert: Plot details from World of Warcraft: The War Within follow.

In a bold move within the opening hour of The War Within, the iconic floating city of Dalaran in World of Warcraft is obliterated. This significant event immediately establishes a new direction for the expansion and emphasizes the increasing stakes in The War Within and the Worldsoul Saga.

Dalaran, recognized for its prominence since Warcraft 2 as a mystical city of mages, has a history of being a battleground in Warcraft 3, ultimately falling to Archimonde, a powerful figure in WoW lore. In World of Warcraft, the city was under construction until Wrath of the Lich King, where it was lifted into the sky as a neutral hub. Its most recent iteration was in Legion, serving a similar purpose as a hub.

However, in The War Within, Dalaran faces a grim fate. In the WoW: The War Within alpha, players awaken amidst the ruins of Dalaran on the Isle of Dorn. While the prologue is currently inaccessible in-game, hints suggest that Xal’atath's assault on the city during the introductory scenario to the new zone leads to its destruction.

The Fall of Dalaran in WoW: The War Within

Players have the opportunity to rescue various characters from the debris of Dalaran, such as Aethas Sunreaver and Ritssyn Flamescowl, though not all survive. The fate of Khadgar, the renowned archmage and Dalaran's leader, remains uncertain following the attack – his absence leaves room for speculation about potential survival.

The community's reaction to Dalaran's demise is divided. While some view this narrative choice as a strategic move that heightens the expansion's stakes, others criticize it for lacking depth and spectacle. The destruction of a central hub like Dalaran addresses both perspectives in a significant manner.

Conversely, some players express discontent over the loss of Dalaran and Khadgar. With the city playing a pivotal role in multiple WoW expansions, it has garnered sentimental value among players, making its eradication appear as a mere shock tactic to some. Nevertheless, as the expansion's official release approaches, World of Warcraft has time to ensure the impact of this dark twist resonates effectively. Fans eagerly await Blizzard's direction in Patch 10.2.7, Dark Heart, and the WoW: The War Within Pre-Patch, leading up to this pivotal narrative moment.