One of the creative minds behind “Undermine(d)” recently joined us to shed light on the newest chapter for World of Warcraft. This isn’t just any old city; it’s a vibrant and fast-paced addition to Azeroth, complete with opportunities to navigate its bustling streets in brand-new hot rods. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting update!
Picture combining the energy of New York City with a steampunk aesthetic and a touch of reckless abandon. That’s exactly what you get with Undermine, the latest zone now available in World of Warcraft. It was an absolute thrill to lead the design of this area, working alongside my incredibly talented colleagues on the WoW team. I’m eager to share more about this innovative goblin city and its exhilarating driveable vehicles.
### Drive and Explore Like Never Before
This new update adds a fresh twist to the World of Warcraft experience with the D.R.I.V.E. feature, which stands for Dynamic and Revolutionary Improvement to Vehicular Experiences. Yes, the acronym is a bit of a mouthful, but it’s worth it!
This feature introduces the G-99 Breakneck—a hot rod with a unique World of Warcraft spin, designed for ground-level adventures. You’ll get your hands on this vehicle fairly early in your quests. Once you wrap up “Eyes from Above” in the main campaign, you’ll be able to embark on “No More Walkin’ Here” and complete the Breakneck tutorial.
Inspired by the iconic style of WoW’s goblins, where everything seems ramshackle yet ingeniously functional, the G-99 Breakneck boasts standout features like massive flames shooting out from its top—the perfect complement to Undermine’s chaotic streets.
A significant aspect we wanted to bring back was the ability to drift, a nostalgic feature from classic racing games. Incorporating this into World of Warcraft posed some challenges but ultimately sparked a lot of excitement among the team. We aimed to recreate that thrilling sense of freedom and control, reminiscent of first getting behind the wheel for the real thing.
Beyond just moving fast, this car doubles as a passenger vehicle, enabling friends to explore Undermine together. Players can also test their mettle in races across both regular and reverse tracks. Concerned about motion sickness or overwhelmed by speed? No worries—we’ve included options for a more leisurely pace with a lower top-speed engine as soon as you unlock the car, or you can opt for traditional ground mounts instead.
### Embrace the Hustle of the Streets
In Undermine, your car isn’t just a way to get around—it’s a ticket to adventure. Cars zip past as you navigate the energetic cityscape, while tasks like delivering hot towels or tackling mischievous ghostly tigers immerse you in the vibrant atmosphere.
Undermine pulsates with life. As you drift around its streets—above sewers filled with fighting rings!—you’ll encounter pirates, mobsters with questionable intentions, culinary geniuses, and much more.
Beneath its artificial sky lies a city that’s not just about appearances. It’s a bustling hub for goblins, teeming with commerce and culture. Unlike the typical cityscapes in World of Warcraft, Undermine bursts with activity, where everyone is wrapped up in their daily grind.
This place is just the beginning of what’s possible. With locations like Slam Central Station ready to transport you wherever your imagination wanders, Undermine showcases the cleverness and ambition of goblin society. Expect landmarks like the amusingly named Incontinental Hotel and Gallagio, embodying the goblins’ drive for growth.
The story within Undermine is all about leveling up one’s situations. It ties seamlessly into The War Within’s main narrative. Characters like Orweyna introduce players to the Ringing Deeps and the initial chapters of this adventure. You’ll also meet familiar faces like Renzik and Gazlowe, who offer insights into life within Undermine.
As the plot unfolds, experience Gazlowe’s change of heart, sparking a revolution that challenges the ruling powers and liberates the city. It’s a compelling tale of citizen power overcoming those who oppress them.
So, come join us in Undermine—a city alive with velocity and intrigue. Whether you’re drifting a mere inch or a whole yard, remember: drifting is drifting!
The Undermine(d) update is now available in World of Warcraft for PC gamers through Battle.net. For more details, head to WorldOfWarcraft.com.