The next multi-expansion saga of kicks off next month and, as always, a new expansion means a pre-expansion patch. Some of features (including Warbands) are arriving later this month ahead of the expansions August 22 launch. highlights some of the additions, and they’ll be here before you know it.

Pre-expansion patch date and additions The pre-patch goes live , and the coming features will be available whether or not you’ve pre-purchased . Here’s a quick rundown of what’s coming: Warbands, further detailed by Blizzard last week, are essentially parties of four of your characters across any server, faction, or account (limited only by region). These characters share a remarkable amount of features and progression, including most reputations, achievements, pet and mount collections, and even a new bank.

This, likely brief, questline will close the chapter on and open the next for . You’ll just need to be level 70 and have completed the other major chapters of the questline to start it. If you’re tired of Dragonriding on the same old mounts, prepare to be spoiled for choice.

Skyriding is just a fancy name for style of flying, which you’ll now be able to use on nearly every flying mount in the game. Even if you don’t have , you’ll still be able to earn some rewards that can be shared by characters in your Warband. The event starts in Dalaran, where portals will take you to one of three cycling zones.

It’s the same routine you’re probably used to: kill dudes,.