In the last few expansions of World of Warcraft, players have made use of a selection of personalized strongholds. While always going by a different name, each of the expansions has had such a mechanic at the core.
In Warlords of Draenor, players made use of their Garrison, personalizing it with decoration and profession-specific buildings. Moving into Legion, players utilized their class halls, a sanctum specific to their glass that gave a myriad of exclusive uses.
Most recently, players have had their war campaign for Battle for Azeroth, allowing players to send troops and champions out to gather materials and other rewards. However, as the patches moved on, most players tended to stop paying much attention to their war campaign.
During the recent World of Warcraft: Shadowlands developer update, game director Ion Hazzikostas discussed the newest version of these strongholds. Complimenting the Covenant system, players will be utilizing Sanctums specific to each Covenant.
All four Covenants – Venthyr, Necrolords, Kyrian, and Night Fae – will have their own unique Sanctums. These Sanctums will have a few things in common, such as both offering a wealth of rewards and unique activities, but each also has their own unique feature.
In our interview yesterday, we asked @WatcherDev how the #Shadowlands legendary system will be different from Legion legendaries. What is there to encourage players to choose utility powers over raw throughput options (like in Legion)?https://t.co/b4FW5EbCZT pic.twitter.com/aJxHHrwi34
— Wowhead💙 (@Wowhead) July 9, 2020
The Venthyr Covenant will make use of the Ember Court, a Gothic-inspired aristocratic gala that players will use as a “self-contained minigame” to entertain the denizens of the Revendreth. This optional task provides a wide variety of rewards worth striving for.
Kyrian faithful will utilize the Path of Ascension, wherein they’ll take control of one of their Soulbinds to conquer trials. Primarily combat-focused, this unique Sanctum activity allows you to perform gladiatorial combat against enemies that you’ve captured or otherwise recruited.
Those that chose to ally with the Necrolords will have access to the Abomination Factory. As the source of most of the military might of the Shadowlands, players should expect to do their part in helping that military. In the Abomination Factory, players will help build undead forms for free souls to inhabit, creating a companion along the way.
Finally, those that ally with the Night Fae will be granted access to a sacred grove known as the Queen’s Conservatory, where powerful souls await rebirth. Described as a “soul garden,” players will nurture and grow the souls of those that have fallen as they prepare to reenter the world of the living.
All of these Sanctums provide a unique and expansive set of features to enjoy, and Blizzard intends to continue explaining more and more about them as the months move on towards a full release. Keep your eyes peeled for more information so that you can plan on which Covenant you want to pledge your loyalty to.
