The latest World of Warcraft expansion, The War Within, has arrived with a plethora of new content, thrilling fans worldwide. Amidst the chaos and excitement of the expansion’s opening scenario, dedicated WoW players have unearthed a nostalgic Easter egg—a nod to the game’s rich history. This discovery is not just a fleeting moment but a callback to the Wrath of the Lich King and Legion expansions, adding depth to the experience for long-time players. The Easter egg in question is Xal’atath’s Rusty Coin, found in the Dalaran fountain during the early stages of the new expansion.

Dalaran Under Siege: Setting the Scene in The War Within

The War Within expansion thrusts players back into the action from the very beginning. Within the first hour, the iconic floating city of Dalaran faces a formidable assault led by Xal’atath, the malevolent antagonist of the expansion. As players engage in the initial scenario, they are tasked with defending Dalaran, a city steeped in World of Warcraft lore. However, despite their efforts, both promotional materials and beta testers have revealed that Dalaran does not survive the attack unscathed, as it fails to arrive in Khaz Algar intact.

A Callback to WoW’s Past: The Fountain of Dalaran and Xal’atath’s Rusty Coin

Amid the turmoil, WoW fan Lazey made a remarkable discovery during the beta testing phase. In the Eventide section of Dalaran, players can find the city’s fountain—an iconic feature for those familiar with previous expansions. Here, players can engage in a seemingly ordinary activity: fishing. However, this act holds significant nostalgia for seasoned players, as fishing in Dalaran’s fountain was once a source of unique coins, each tied to the wishes of various WoW characters.

In The War Within, this tradition continues with the appearance of Xal’atath’s Rusty Coin. This item, guaranteed to be caught on the first attempt, serves as a direct reference to the previous versions of Dalaran in Wrath of the Lich King and Legion. The coin carries a malevolent message from Xal’atath: “The soul of your world, in the palm of my hand,” further immersing players in the expansion’s dark narrative. While the coin itself does not unlock any new achievements, its presence in the game serves as a poignant reminder of WoW’s enduring legacy.

The Significance of Xal’atath’s Rusty Coin: A Nostalgic Tribute

The inclusion of Xal’atath’s Rusty Coin in The War Within is more than just a simple Easter egg. It is a tribute to the history of World of Warcraft, connecting the present with the past. In Wrath of the Lich King and Legion, players who collected all the coins from Dalaran’s fountain were rewarded with two achievements: The Coin Master and The Wish Remover. These achievements were a testament to a player’s dedication and attention to detail.

Although The War Within does not offer a new achievement for acquiring Xal’atath’s Rusty Coin, the mere act of fishing it up provides a sense of closure for those who have journeyed through WoW’s various expansions. It symbolizes a final opportunity to interact with Dalaran before it is irrevocably changed by the events of The War Within.

Final Thoughts: A Journey Through WoW’s Past and Present

As The War Within launches, players are not only treated to new content but also to moments of nostalgia that pay homage to WoW’s extensive history. Xal’atath’s Rusty Coin is a small yet significant part of this experience, offering a bridge between past expansions and the current narrative. For long-time fans of the game, this Easter egg serves as a reminder of the many adventures they have undertaken in the world of Azeroth.

Also Read: