Blizzard Watch WeeklyJun 22, 2026 9:00 am CT

Blizzard Watch Weekly: Are you ready for WoW patch 12.1? Because I’m not.

By Elizabeth Harper

I hope you’re ready for patch news, because just a few days after launching WoW patch 12.0.7, Blizzard announced WoW patch 12.1, which is already live on the PTR. And while it’s nice to have things to do in game, this relentless march of progress is a little dizzying. But we also have Diablo 4 Season 14 coming up, with a developer update on the latest season this week, so it’s time to run down the news so we can all catch up before diving into another week.

Here’s everything that’s been happening in Blizzard games, plus what’s coming up soon.

What happened last week?

WoW patch 12.0.7 is now live! If you haven’t kept up with the news, here’s what’s in the patch. One of our favorite features, however, was the surprise addition of some World Cup transmog and decor.
The WoW Midsummer Fire Festival started this weekend, and you have until July 5 to jump in and pick up the latest rewards (or old rewards, if you haven’t collected everything in the past). The event was updated in patch 12.0.7, so even if you’ve done it before it’s worth checking out.
With WoW patch 12.0.7 live, it’s time to talk about WoW patch 12.1. Here’s a rundown of the key patch 12.1 features, our best guess at the release date (likely August 11), all of the content coming in Midnight Season 2, details on instanced World Bosses, and a whole bunch of new Player Housing changes, all coming with the next patch.
This week’s Hearthstone Tavern Brawl is a real blast from the past as we take on the mob bosses from Mean Streets of Gadgetzan. We have tips on how to take on this brawl to pick up your free pack for the week.

What’s happening this week (and beyond)

June 23 (11am pacific/2pm eastern): Diablo 4 developer update on Season 14
June 30: Diablo 4 Season 14 begins
June 30 – August 11: Turbulent Timeways returns to Midnight
July 7: Hearthstone’s Escape from Violet Hold expansion launches
Through July 5: WoW Midsummer Fire Festival
Through July 14: A new color of the plush murloc housing decor item is available as a Twitch Drop

Other things we’re playing, watching, and more

We took a look at D&D’s new Ravenloft book, and wonder whether you actually need this one. (The answer? Maybe, particularly if you didn’t buy the last Ravenloft book.)
This week’s Epic Games Store freebies include a real gem with Citizen Sleeper (which I happen to be playing right now), a great sci-fi narrative game. But if you want games with a little less reading, there’s also Robobeat, a rhythm shooting game, which I did not realize was a thing. Download your copies for free before Thursday.