World of Warcraft Midnight is shaping up to be a strong successor to The War Within. It might not be at the heights it once was, but the Blizzard MMORPG is certainly in a better place than it has been in recent years, and WoW Midnight is looking to build on that well. We’ve got interesting story beats, the playable Haranir race, a new ‘prey system’ that will see us hunting down powerful and dangerous marks across the world, and of course the long-awaited arrival of player housing. But a new interview also teases the potential return of one of WoW’s most iconic, memorable, and ultimately divisive characters: Sylvanas.
In a special WoW Midnight interview at Gamescom 2025, YouTuber ‘Psybear’ posed a question to associate design director Maria Hamilton and game director Ion Hazzikostas about the potential return of beloved characters in the Midnight storyline. This new expansion serves as the second chapter of The Worldsoul Saga, which has breathed fresh life into one of the most influential and best MMORPGs of all time. Players can expect an array of chaotic adventures as they navigate through realms like Quel’Thalas, the Troll capital of Zul’Aman, and even dive deep into the heart of the Voidstorm.
As the atmosphere buzzed with intrigue, Psybear uniquely framed his question: “What about Sylvanas? Are we going down to her, is she coming up to us, what’s the plan with that?” His excitement was palpable, and while it’s important not to spoil the narrative too much, Hamilton’s coy response included an electrifying hint: “I feel like you will see some Sylvanas at some point here, that seems very likely.” This teases the possibility of returning to the plot that has long captivated players.
The last time players encountered Sylvanas, she had been cast into the Maw, facing her penance by embarking on an almost Sisyphean task of freeing every soul unjustly trapped there since the birth of the Shadowlands. This character arc has been central to the emotional landscape of the game, showcasing her multifaceted nature—from antagonist to tragic hero.
Sylvanas has shown signs of life even beyond her current predicament. During the Dragonflight expansion, she sent a poignant letter to her loyalists, expressing regret for her past actions and recognizing the new Desolate Council as the rightful leaders of the Forsaken. “One day, I do hope to walk among you once again,” she wrote, alluding to unfinished business and perhaps foreshadowing her eventual return.
In 2023, WoW’s executive producer Holly Longdale hinted at a potential pathway for Sylvanas to emerge from the Maw, although she described this journey as “complicated.” Longdale’s enthusiasm was infectious as she admitted, “Don’t ask me if I want to see Sylvanas – of course I want to see Sylvanas!” This kind of speculation about the future of Sylvanas not only excites hardcore fans but also opens doors for dynamic storytelling that makes the franchise so beloved.
As anticipation builds for the official release, many players are undoubtedly left wondering how the narrative will unfold. Will Sylvanas become a crucial ally, or will she remain a figure shrouded in ambiguity? As players prepare for the arrival of Midnight, they might also want to check in with the best WoW addons of 2025, as Blizzard revamps its approach toward third-party tools to enhance player experience.
In the meantime, adventurers eager for something fresh may also want to explore the best new MMOs currently available. The Moonglade might be calling your name, but so is the vast universe of massively multiplayer online role-playing games, full of challenges and communities waiting to be joined.
If the prospect of a Sylvanas return sends a thrill down your spine, or if you believe she should remain in the Maw, jump into the discussion on our community Discord server. There, you’ll find a plethora of fellow players eager to share their thoughts and speculations about the evolving narrative of World of Warcraft.