World of Warcraft is gearing up for a wild ride with its next big update, taking players on a thrilling adventure through the Goblin city of Undermine.
Celebrating 30 years of Warcraft and 20 years of WoW, Blizzard revealed that the 11.1 update, called Undermined, will launch early next year. This update will bring a new raid, dungeon, two delves, and kick off The War Within Season 2.
In the past, WoW had vehicles, but nothing quite like this! With the new D.R.I.V.E. system, players can customize their own hot rods and race around like it’s a video game. Unlike the usual mounts that just take you from one place to another, these cars allow players to actually drive, modify their speed, drift, and even boost.
Mark Kelada, assistant lead quest designer, shared, “I don’t think people will be prepared for the speed the ground mount [car] moves when they get into it… It flies, pun unintended, it flies across the zone.”
The streets of Undermine are perfect for racing, with timed challenges available. While PvP races aren’t official yet, players can set up their own competitions. Right now, the racing fun is limited to Undermine, but who knows, maybe it’ll expand to other areas too!
Fans love how WoW keeps coming up with fresh ideas like these races.
In Undermine, four Goblin trade cartels are causing chaos, and players can ally with any of them. The Steamwheedle, Bilgewater, Blackwater, and Venture Company cartels each offer unique rewards and activities, including car parts. You can work with all the cartels, not just one.
Kaleda explained that the cartels are a big part of the story, which also introduces new characters to show more about Goblin culture. There’s still plenty of fun with crazy gadgets and explosions.
“I do want to say too though, we made sure we keep the levity of Goblins,” Kelada added. “I think people connect to [how] they’re just zany and creative.”
The update will also add new delves, meant for solo or small groups, with a new delve pinnacle boss similar to Zekvir. Brann Bronzebeard, the AI companion, will now be able to tank, making delves more accessible for healers.
Game director Ion Hazzikostas said, “We’re really happy with how delves are playing out, and I think they are on their way to being that other pillar of endgame alongside raids, dungeons, and PvP that we always hoped they would be.”
The Liberation of Undermine is an eight-boss raid where players will face dark secrets and Gallywix, an ex-Goblin leader. A new dungeon, Operation: Floodgate, will be part of the Season 2 Mythic dungeon pool, alongside Battle for Azeroth’s The Motherlode.
Blizzard also announced other exciting updates during the Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct, including news for WoW Classic and remastered versions of Warcraft 1 and 2, which are already available.
