World of Warcraft fans have been eagerly awaiting the chance to play as the new Earthen race introduced in The War Within, the game’s 10th expansion and the first chapter of the Worldsoul saga. While many had hoped to dive into the Earthen experience during the expansion’s early access, Blizzard has now confirmed that players will need to wait a bit longer. Mark your calendars—September 3 is the official date when the Earthen will become playable.

The War Within: A New Era for WoW

The War Within has already made a significant impact on the World of Warcraft community. This expansion introduces a wealth of new content, but few features have generated as much buzz as the Earthen, a race of stone dwarves hailing from the continent of Khaz Algar. As WoW’s newest allied race, the Earthen bring a fresh dynamic to the game, offering players a new perspective and lore to explore.

Unlocking the Earthen: What You Need to Know

Blizzard has outlined the steps required to unlock the Earthen race, adding layers of narrative depth that players will need to uncover before they can bring these characters to life. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

  1. Complete The War Within Campaign: To unlock the Earthen, players must finish the main storyline, including the quests that unlock at the level cap.
  2. Final Chapter Release: The last chapter of the endgame campaign, essential for unlocking the Earthen, will be available on September 3.
  3. Side Storylines: In addition to the main campaign, players must complete three specific side story questlines that delve deeper into Earthen culture:
    • Mourning Rise: Begins with “From Before I Depart” from Korgran on the Isle of Dorn and ends with “The Weight of Duty.”
    • Broken Tools: Starts with “Discarded and Broken” from Machinist Kitten in the Ringing Deeps and concludes with “Reforged Purpose.”
    • Merrix and Steelvein: Kicks off with “How Scandalous!” from Aldra in Dornoga and wraps up with “Bad Business.”

These quests not only unlock the Earthen race but also provide players with an enriched understanding of their background and significance in the broader WoW lore.

Community Reactions and Expectations

The initial announcement of the Earthen race received a mixed reception, particularly since they were introduced as a Horde allied race. However, as players have immersed themselves in The War Within, the lore and world-building surrounding the Earthen have started to win over skeptics. The charming dances and unique animations of the Earthen have also added to their growing appeal.

That said, some players are disappointed by the delay in the race’s availability. Initially touted as an early access feature, the Earthen’s release nearly two weeks after launch has been a letdown for those eager to create their characters right away. Nevertheless, this gives players ample time to complete the necessary requirements, so they can be among the first to play as Earthen when the final chapter unlocks.

Final Thoughts

The anticipation surrounding the Earthen race is a testament to Blizzard’s ability to create compelling new content even after nearly two decades of World of Warcraft. While the delay in unlocking the Earthen might have frustrated some, the additional time allows players to fully prepare and immerse themselves in the rich lore of The War Within. Come September 3, the Awakening Machine will bring forth a new era in Azeroth, and players will finally get to explore the world through the eyes of the Earthen.

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