Midnight Pre-Patch Changes How You Play WoW Before Launch

The first shadows of the Void fall upon Azeroth as the Midnight Pre-Expansion Content Update goes live January 20. Players can explore the new User Interface (UI) updates, experiment with new combat design changes across all classes, walk the path of the Demon Hunter Devourer, and more.

What’s Inside:

• New Demon Hunter Specialization—Devourer
• New Race and Class Combination: Void Elf Demon Hunters
• Class Combat Design Updates
• Stat and Item Squish
• User Interface Updates
• Transmogrification Updates
• Player vs. Player (PvP) Training Grounds
• Housing Early Access
• Pre-expansion event
• The Winds of Mysterious Fortune Returns

Demon Hunter Devourer Specialization and Void Elf Demon Hunters

Introducing the Devourer Demon Hunter, a third specialization that utilizes the power of the Void instead of Fel, like other Demon Hunters. This glaive-wielding, soul-harvesting, and planet-crushing spellcaster operates from mid-range with the full suite of mobility you’d expect from Demon Hunters. Use specialization and Hero Talents to augment your playstyle, enabling you to dive into melee and unleash devastating combo attacks.

With the introduction of a new specialization, Demon Hunters also gain a new Hero Talent tree—Annihilator. This new tree is shared between Devourer and Vengeance Demon Hunters. Devourer Demon Hunters will also gain access to the Scarred Hero Talent tree (formerly called Fel Scarred).

Players will also gain access to the new Void Elf Demon Hunter combination through a short quest line as a part of the Midnight pre-expansion content update, along with the Devourer specialization. Demon Hunter Void Elves include new metamorphosis visuals, thematic tattoos full of Void energy, and the Void Elf racial Trait: Spatial Rift.

Learn more in our previously published article.

Class Combat Design Updates

Every class in World of Warcraft receives major combat design updates. This means new rotations, stronger class identities, and fresh talent choices.

Across all of the classes, talent trees have been rebuilt with fewer mandatory filler points and more paths that support specific playstyles, letting you tailor your character to the gameplay that you enjoy the most.

Stat and Item Squish

Numbers across the game are being reduced to improve clarity and readability. As always, your power level relative to that of your enemies will remain the same, there will simply be more relatable numbers on your screen.

User Interface Updates

The User Interface is introducing powerful new features, improved customization options, cleaner raid frames, expanding display-scaling controls and more. You’ll be able to configure how information and damage meters appear within the base UI and customize them to fit your personal play style without the need to download additional add-ons.

Learn more about some of the changes and updates to Nameplates, Damage Meters, Boss Alerts, and more in our previously published article.

Transmogrification Updates

Take your transmog game further with the ability to unlock and save full outfit sets across characters for any occasion. The updated transmog system also provides an additional opportunity for adding more customization and self-expression. You’ll be able to unlock and save dozens of outfits. Unlocking outfit slots will cost gold, but once they are unlocked, switching between saved outfits is free.

Each outfit can be added to your action bar, allowing you to manually update your look any time you want without having to visit a transmog vendor. Whether you’re fighting in a dungeon, exploring a new area, or taking a rest in your house, you’ll be able to dress for the moment. Learn more from our previously published article.

Player vs. Player Training Grounds

For players new to Player vs. Player (PvP) combat, you can learn the PvP ropes in the Training Grounds. Players will join a battle against smart game-controlled opponents in Arathi Basin, Silvershard Mines, and Battle for Gilneas. You’ll become more comfortable with how these battlegrounds work and how classes can work within them, gaining confidence and opening the door to more PvP experiences in the game. While you can expect more victories than losses, the game-controlled opponents will not be pushovers. Skill and coordination will be required to achieve those victories!

Housing Early Access

Players who have purchased any edition of the Midnight expansion can join a neighborhood, claim a house, and start customizing their new home now with Housing Early Access! If you don’t have Midnight yet, don’t worry. You’ll still be able to begin adding to your Housing collection through a variety of activities and achievements, or by purchasing them from vendors throughout Azeroth. Housing opens up a world of creativity and camaraderie: personalize your sanctuary and invite allies for gatherings, roleplay, and unforgettable memories. Adventure begins at home. Learn more in our Housing Early Access article.

Pre-Expansion Event & Winds of Mysterious Fortune Buff

The week of January 27, the pre-expansion event gets underway making it the perfect time to try out the new class changes. The Winds of Mysterious Fortune buff also returns, offering all adventurers a chance to reap bonus experience from level 10-79. Catch up on your alts, finish missed content and unlocks, and prepare for the launch of Midnight.

The hour grows near. Rally your friends and allies and prepare to face the Void when World of Warcraft®: Midnight™ launches worldwide on March 2, 2026, at 3:00 pm PST.