World of Warcraft: The War Within is embracing a full Goblin mode for its upcoming major update, transporting players to the bustling city of Undermine. Here, they will collaborate with various Goblin trade cartels and even acquire their own fully customizable hot rod to navigate the city's streets.

This announcement was made during Blizzard's Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct, where the developer unveiled the future of the MMORPG as it marks its 20th anniversary. The update, titled Undermined, is scheduled for release early next year and will introduce a new raid, dungeon, two new delves, and kick off The War Within Season 2.

While vehicles in WoW are not a new concept, this update introduces something entirely different. The new D.R.I.V.E. system, reminiscent of the game's skyriding overhaul, allows players to experience a Mario Kart-like driving mode with their personal cars. Unlike traditional ground mounts, players will actively control their vehicles, customizing not only their appearance but also their performance stats.

Assistant lead quest designer Mark Kelada shared with GameSpot that players might be surprised by the speed of these ground mounts. "I think it moves three-to-five times faster than your regular ground mount by default, not counting when you boost," he said. "It flies, pun unintended, it flies across the zone. It is really, really fun to interface with a new landmass like Undermine with a car."

Undermine's city streets are designed to fully utilize this new feature, offering timed races throughout the zone. Although PvP races will need to be organized by players themselves, the feature is currently exclusive to the Undermine zone and the new vehicle introduced in the update.

A significant aspect of Undermine is the four Goblin trade cartels that have plunged the city into chaos. Players will have the opportunity to align with the Steamwheedle, Bilgewater, Blackwater, and Venture Company cartels, each offering unique rewards and activities, including car parts. Players can work with multiple cartels, and these alliances play a crucial role in the Undermine story campaign.

The story aims to provide a more personal insight into Goblin culture, helping players understand their interactions with the world. However, the update maintains the Goblins' signature zany and creative spirit.

The War Within's delve system, introduced as endgame content for solo or small group play, will see two new delves added in the Undermined update, along with variations for existing delves. Brann Bronzebeard, the customizable AI companion, will also receive updates, now capable of tanking in Season 2.

The Liberation of Undermine will be the next eight-boss raid, taking players through the city's streets and into a hidden complex with dark secrets. Additionally, a new dungeon, Operation: Floodgate, will challenge players to prevent Goblins from destroying a dam in The Ringing Deeps.

Blizzard's Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct also included announcements for WoW Classic and remastered versions of Warcraft 1 and 2, available today.

Source link:   https://www.gamespot.com