[Update #2]: World of Warcraft is finally adding cross-faction dungeons and PvP with Update 8.2.5 this June 1st, 2022!

[Update]: Wrath of the Lich King Classic has also been announced, and it will be launching in 2022 without the controversial Dungeon Finder!

Given the many, many leaks and rumors over the past few months, it might not come as too much of a surprise to hear that World of Warcraft's next and freshly announced expansion will be called Dragonflight. No exact release date has been announced just yet, but even if we assume Dragonflight will be unleashed in record time, we'll still most likely have to wait until early 2023.

As far as the new content is concerned, the star attraction is definitely the new draconic class/race combination - the Dracthyr Evoker. The two new additions will be exclusively tied together, so the Dracthyr won't be able to play as any other class, and no other race will be able to roll an Evoker. In terms of playstyle, however, the Evoker will give you a choice between a healer and a ranged damage-dealer, both of which will wear mail armor.

While I don't particularly mind the class/race restriction, I do hope the Dracthyr will go through a bit of a visual rework before launch, much like the Worgen once did. Their current look is a bit too light and gentle for World of Warcraft's style, especially when they're supposed to be some sort of ultimate army created by Deathwing a long time ago.

You can also expect to see a new generation of flying mounts that will feature far deeper and more skill-based mechanics. While the details are still few and far between, so far it looks like Guild Wars 2's excellent mount system has been used as the primary inspiration. So if that truly ends up being the case, I have a feeling Dragonriding is going to be pretty awesome!

The Dragonflight expansion will also bring with it an increased level cap, a whole assortment of new zones to explore, a return to large and flavorful talent trees, improved professions, as well as an updated and highly customizable UI. Most importantly, it doesn't look like we're be doing the whole 'grinding for temporary power' nonsense again, which is definitely worth celebrating in my book!

Once we get some actual details, however, I'll make sure to let you know. Until then, you can read more about Dragonflight, as well as sign up for the eventual beta, over at the official website. Enjoy, and I'll leave you with the cinematic trailer: