From their fire side talk video, they said that, even though the next Major update is the Mistlands, but they are switching up their releases to be more like before val was released. Meaning, if they finish more smaller, less edgecase induced, updates, that they will release them separate from the major updates.

So the mistlands will require A LOT of changes and additions to make it all fit together nicely, a lot of edgecases. But, like if they do changes to sailing, or further balancing to food/combat and the like, or other stuff, they will release them separate and sooner rather than waiting for Mistlands to be done.