New Characters Hidden in Code and Features Given to BFA

According to fan site WoWhead, the beta version of Battle for Azeroth has landed on Blizzard servers and data miners have wasted no time in pulling the code apart, apparently giving us a sneak peek at what to expect. But as a word of caution, this is the very first mine of data so it's subject to change greatly as the release date edges ever closer.

As expected, most of it is new models and mounts including hyenas, dinosaurs, a frog, a giant parrot, goblin hovercraft, pterrordax and eventual raid boss Queen Azshara. There have been a few small changes to classes but nothing groundbreaking as of yet with Blizzard receiving criticism for not emphasising what makes each one unique or providing greater distinction among their various capabilities.

Meanwhile, it appears that Anduin is fully embracing his role as the High King of the Alliance and has been given a new model as a result. The new plate armour further adds to speculation about his true class role.

Beta testing for Battle for Azeroth has begun, although you cannot jump in quite yet. An alpha test client for patch 8.0, which will eventually include Battle for Azeroth, is now available for download, albeit it is currently unplayable. Despite being unavailable for players to try out, dataminers have begun to discover a variety of things about the new expansion. 

Kul Tiras
- Stormsong Valley - the place where Kul Tiran ships are blessed by Sea Priests. There are probably Old Gods here.
- Drustvar - playable at BlizzCon, this area concerns a mysterious village and its frozen inhabitants.
- Tiragarde Sound - overrun with pirates, as well as Jaina's mother Katherine Proudmoore. Likely the Alliance capital of the expansion.

Zandalar
- Nazmir - also playable at BlizzCon, this is a Blood Troll focused area where you defeat various spirits. It also has Old Gods in it.
- Zuldazar - capital of Zandalar, and thus the Horde capital for the expansion. An uprising provides the narrative focus.
- Voldun - a desert and prison for the Zandalari, it also has a race of almost certainly adorable fox people. Plus: Old Gods.