World of Warcraft: Forever hints at a return to Northrend
As World of Warcraft: Forever’s release next week approaches, fans have combed through a brand new launch trailer and spotted what they believe is an easter egg signaling a potential return to the iconic continent of Northrend, first seen in the Wrath of the Lich King expansion.
The clue appears around the three‑minute mark of the trailer, where a wide view of Azeroth shows blue and red lights emanating from Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms, with a massive, cloudy Maelstrom in the center.
Reddit user Whatdididotho1 noted faint glowing red and blue lights on the northern landmass, which is Northrend, the icy region introduced in Warcraft 3 and expanded in the Wrath of the Lich King expansion, widely praised as one of the game’s best.
Blizzard hasn’t denied the speculation. In a recent interview with IGN, principal game designer Kris Zierhut confirmed that “Northrend exists” in Forever, alongside Pandaria and the Dark Portal, but emphasized the game will concentrate on Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms, with no new capital cities and a focus on deeper detail of those continents.
Lead Classic designer Tim Jones added that the timeline sits between the end of Warcraft 3 and the start of Burning Crusade, meaning Outland and Northrend already exist. He suggested players might explore a hostile, level‑60 version of Northrend, perhaps during the period when Arthas is preparing to send Kel’Thuzad toward the Eastern Plaguelands.
While Northrend won’t be available at launch, the hints imply it will arrive soon, with breadcrumb clues appearing in endgame content. Fans are excited to see more of the old world without constantly hopping to new continents, enjoying the chance to peek outside their familiar homes even if the climate is chilly.
