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InWorld of Warcraft: The War Within, Xal’atath is set up as the expansion’s main antagonist, always working in the shadows to corrupt and influence forces to align with her motivations. She’s a puppet-master that serves the Void, buta fewWoWexpansions ago, she took a very different form.
In theLegionexpansion, Xal’atath was one of the Priest class' Legendary Artifact Weapons. The Blade of the Black Empire contained Xal’atath until the events ofBattle for Azeroth, but thanks to Timewalking and the Transmog system, players can still get the Xal’atath dagger appearance – theperfect weapon for a Shadow PriestinThe Worldsoul Sagatrilogy.
What Is Xal’atath?
As of the firstThe War Withinpatch 11.0.5, a lot of information about Xal’atath and her motivations is still shrouded in mystery – but there are a few things we know for sure about her.
Players first met Xal’atath when she was trapped inside of a blade whose origins are unknown, but theorized by some to be the remains of an Old God. Afterthe defeat of The Black Empire, Xal’atath persisted in this form and was wielded by several influential players throughout Azeroth’s history – including the player character themselves.
In theLegionShadow Priest Artifact Weapon questline, players are able to claim Xal’atath for their own. During this expansion, Xal’atath was not much more than a unique dagger that talked to its wielder, and would comment on The Black Empire and have special voice lines that only Shadow Priests could hear.
InBattle for Azeroth, Xal’atath was freed from the blade by a Blood Elf named Inanis in the Drustvar zone, and took over her body. This finally grants Xal’atath a physical form, and she goads the player as she walks into a void portal.
As it turns out, Xal’atath is much more than just an ancient, corrupted blade – she is an ancient Void entity that has existed since at least the time of The Black Empire in ancient Azeroth, when The Old Gods reigned practically unchecked over the world.
It’s unknown exactlywhatshe is, whether she is a minor Void Lord, a forgotten Old God, or something else entirely. However, we do know that she is called The Harbinger by the Ethereals, as she appeared and ushered in the Void’s destruction of their homeworld.
InThe War WithinXal’atath takes center stage as the main antagonist of the expansion andbegins to put her plans into motion– and if you have earned the Artifact Weapon version of Xal’atath, she even has some special voice lines just for Shadow Priests during theTWWcampaign.
How To Get Xal’atath, Blade of the Black Empire in WoW
To get theLegionArtifact Weapon version of Xal’atath, Blade of the Black Empire,you must be playing as a Priest. It doesn’t necessarily matter which spec, but the weapon isthemed for Shadow Priests, and the class quest will be easier to complete if you are in the correct spec.
First,go to Chromie and select theWorld of Warcraft: LegionTimewalking campaign(you cando this at max levelor while leveling a new Priest). Then, accept the summons to theLegionversion of Dalaranafter completing the intro scenario in the Broken Isles.
Upon your arrival in Dalaran, you should be approached by a member of the Netherlight Temple, who willdirect you to the Priest Order Hall. Netherlight Temple can be accessed via aportal located in both the Alliance and Horde Inns in Dalaran.
Once inside the Priest class Order Hall,WoWplayers should first complete the handful of tutorial quests, which introduce the Class Hall mechanics. After completing the intro quests, you should begiven the option to pursue an Artifact Weapon of your choosing.
For Priests, there are three Artifact WeaponLegionlegendaries to choose from in thequest ‘A Legend You Can Hold’. When asked which weapon to pursue first,select the Shadow Spec option, which grants Xal’atath, Blade of the Black Empire upon completion. Priests will be given the quest ‘Blade In Twilight’ and sent to Tirisfal Glades to chase down a lead on a Twilight’s Hammer cultist who is wielding Xal’atath.
Follow the questlineto eventually confront the Twilight Deaconunderneath the Tomb of Tyr, who is attempting to reanimate the corpse of what appears to be an Old God-like creature named Zakajz.Defeat the Deaconand you will be able to pick up and equip Xal’atath, Blade of the Black Empire.
After picking it up, Xal’atath will begin to whisper to you, and says that she foresees “great things” together, and offers her aid “for now” You will also unlock the Xal’atath Daggertransmog for your collection, butbeing aLegionArtifact Weapon exclusive to the Priests, it is not available to any other class.
As it is a Legendary Weapon from an older expansion, the dagger has little practical use nowadays aside from Transmog.
