Will Prey Be Integrated Into the Next Expansion’s World Difficulty System?

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A source with knowledge of Blizzard Entertainment’s development plans has stated that the Prey system in World of Warcraft will not be carried over into the next major expansion, known as XPAC, and will instead be integrated into a world difficulty system. This claim, first shared in a Google Alert tracking Blizzard-related updates, aligns with broader discussions about the game’s evolving approach to player progression and challenge.

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Context of the Prey System and XPAC Development
Prey, introduced in the Shadowlands expansion, was designed to allow players to adapt their characters’ abilities to different combat scenarios by swapping between “hunter” and “warlock” specializations. The system faced mixed reception, with some players praising its flexibility and others criticizing its complexity. The upcoming XPAC, which has not yet been officially named or dated, is expected to redefine how players engage with the game’s endgame content.

The source, whose identity remains unspecified, noted that integrating Prey into a world difficulty system would shift the focus from individual specialization to dynamic challenges that scale with player skill and progression. This move could simplify gameplay for newer players while maintaining depth for veterans, according to the statement.

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Industry Trends and Player Reaction
Blizzard has historically balanced innovation with player feedback, often adjusting systems based on community input. The company’s 2023 announcement of the “World of Warcraft: Dragonflight” expansion, which introduced a new continent and narrative arc, highlighted its commitment to long-term world-building. However, the decision to phase out Prey reflects a broader industry trend toward streamlining mechanics to reduce barriers to entry.

Rumors about XPAC’s design have circulated for months, with some reports suggesting a focus on “adaptive difficulty” features. A 2026 analysis by PC Gamer noted that “games like Final Fantasy XIV and Elder Scrolls Online have successfully implemented similar systems, allowing players to tailor their experience without sacrificing narrative or mechanical cohesion.”

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Verification and Uncertainty
As of June 2026, Blizzard has not publicly commented on the fate of Prey or the details of XPAC. The claim about the world difficulty system originates from a YouTube video titled “WoW’s New Update Reveals Blizzard’s Real Plan Moving Forward,” which was flagged in a Google Alert under the keyword “blizzard.” The video’s content, which includes screenshots and developer-style concept art, has not been independently verified by third-party outlets.

Industry observers caution against overinterpreting unconfirmed reports. “Blizzard often teases ideas in community forums and social media before finalizing them,” said a senior analyst at GameSpot. “This could be a draft concept or a misinterpretation of internal discussions.”

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Implications for the Game and Its Community
If implemented, the world difficulty system could address long-standing criticisms about the game’s pacing and accessibility. Players who struggled with Prey’s specialization mechanics may welcome a more flexible approach, while veterans might worry about reduced strategic depth.

The shift also raises questions about how Blizzard will handle future expansions. The company’s 2025 “Maw of the Void” expansion, which introduced a new raid tier, emphasized “progressive difficulty” through tiered content rather than mechanic-heavy systems. This pattern suggests a strategic move toward “evolving the core loop” rather than introducing radical changes.

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What Comes Next
Blizzard’s next major update, scheduled for late 2026, will likely provide more clarity. The company has a history of releasing beta builds to test new systems, and players are encouraged to monitor official channels for updates.

For now, the speculation surrounding Prey and XPAC underscores the challenges of balancing innovation with player expectations. As one Reddit user wrote in response to the Google Alert: “Blizzard’s always walking a tightrope between bold ideas and practical execution. Let’s hope this one lands on the right side.”

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