World of Warcraft players have gotten an early peek at the login screen for the upcoming "War Within" expansion. While not yet live in the beta and subject to change, dataminers have revealed a design featuring a rotating ring encircling the expansion's logo. This differs from previous login screens, which have consistently showcased iconic gateways or structures.
This new login screen, discovered by game developer Ghost and shared on Twitter, breaks with established tradition. Unlike previous expansions which featured prominent portals (like the Dark Portal in Vanilla and The Burning Crusade, or the Icecrown Citadel gate in Wrath of the Lich King), this design opts for a more abstract, ring-like structure. While reminiscent of an earthen gate, it doesn't appear to represent a specific in-game location.
The reaction among fans is mixed. Some appreciate its minimalist aesthetic, suggesting it aligns well with the overall Worldsoul Saga theme, and even noting similarities to the Hearthstone main menu. Others find it less visually striking than previous login screens, lamenting the apparent end of the long-standing gateway tradition.
The chronological list of previous 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
With the release of World of Warcraft: The War Within on August 26th, there's still time for potential modifications to the login screen before its official launch.
