[Update #3]: The Rise of Azshara patch has now finally arrived!

[Update #2]: Blizzard has now released a short comic detailing what Mechagon and the Mechagnomes are all about!

[Update]: Blizzard has now released the full patch notes for Update 8.2 - Rise of Azshara.

After spending a considerable amount of time on the test servers, World of Warcraft's long-awaited Patch 8.2 has now finally received a release date. So if you're looking forward to exploring two new zones, Nazjatar and Mechagon, you might want to free up some time on June 25th!

Besides the two new zones to muck around in, the Rise of Azshara update will also bring with it an overhaul of the Heart of Azeroth system, Heritage Armor for Tauren and Gnomes, a variety of new and more powerful profession items, and the list goes on. There will also be a brand new raid where you will have to face off against Queen Azshara herself, though you will need to wait a little while longer for that one as Azshara’s Eternal Palace will only open on July 9th.

Rather than babble on, allow me to share with you the recently posted preview. It should give you a pretty good idea of just what Patch 8.2 has to offer, as well as where exactly the story is heading. Have a peek:

On the other hand, if you're more interested in the specifics, as well as what the World of Warcraft team hopes to accomplish with this update and the ones that will follow it, you might also want to check out the recent Developer Insights video. This one is a lot longer, however, so bring some coffee before you dive in. Enjoy!