WoW Fans Discover Hidden Lore in Login Art

World of Warcraft enthusiasts have unearthed the login screen for the upcoming "The War Within" expansion. While not yet live in the beta and subject to potential alterations, this preview offers a glimpse into the in-game experience.

For nearly two decades, each World of Warcraft expansion has debuted with a unique login screen, becoming iconic imagery within the game's history. The newly discovered screen for "The War Within" features a rotating ring encircling the expansion's logo. This design, shared by game developer and addon creator Ghost on Twitter, deviates from the established norm.

This login screen breaks with tradition. Previous screens consistently showcased gates or archways; this new design, while circular and somewhat gate-like, doesn't appear to represent a specific in-game location.

A chronological list of past login screens highlights this evolution:

• Vanilla: The Dark Portal (Azeroth)
• The Burning Crusade: The Dark Portal (Outland)
• Wrath of the Lich King: Gate of Icecrown Citadel
• Cataclysm: Gate of Stormwind
• Mists of Pandaria: Twin Monoliths in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms
• Warlords of Draenor: Dark Portal (Draenor)
• Legion: Burning Legion gate
• Battle for Azeroth: Gate of Lordaeron
• Shadowlands: Gate of Icecrown Citadel
• Dragonflight: Tyrhold arches in Valdrakken

Fan reception is mixed. Some appreciate its minimalist aesthetic, suggesting it aligns with the overarching Worldsoul Saga theme and even noting its resemblance to the Hearthstone menu. Others find it underwhelming compared to previous, more visually striking screens, lamenting the apparent end of the long-standing gateway tradition. However, with the expansion's August 26th release date, further changes remain possible.