One of the key creative minds behind Undermine(d) recently gave us a sneak peek into the thrilling new chapter of World of Warcraft. Picture a city that feels like New York City but with a steampunk twist, where safety is the last thing on anyone’s mind. That’s exactly the kind of exhilarating chaos you’ll find in Undermine, a new zone introduced this week in World of Warcraft. As the lead designer for this area, working alongside some incredible teammates on the WoW team, I’m thrilled to share more about this fresh goblin city and its exciting, driveable vehicles.
When you first enter Undermine, it’s like stepping into a vibrant city with a twist—a place where the streets are always alive with speed and energy. Our new D.R.I.V.E. feature, which stands for Dynamic and Revolutionary Improvement to Vehicular Experiences, adds a dynamic layer to the gameplay. Yes, the acronym is a bit of a mouthful, but we think it’s pretty cool!
With D.R.I.V.E., players can zip through the streets in the game’s new hot rod-inspired vehicle, the G-99 Breakneck. Unlocking this speedy car is fairly straightforward: progress through the “Eyes from Above” quest in the main campaign and then dive into the “No More Walkin’ Here” mission to access the Breakneck tutorial. The vehicle design is based on the quirky goblin art style, offering exaggerated features like massive flames that perfectly match Undermine’s lively chaos.
Drifting mechanics, reminiscent of classic racing games, have been brilliantly incorporated into World of Warcraft, and it’s something we’re particularly excited about. Achieving that sense of liberation often felt with your very first car—where you can go anywhere and do anything—was important to us. It’s not just a means to get from point A to B; the G-99 Breakneck is also a passenger mount, letting fellow players hop in and explore the sprawling streets of Undermine together. Whether you’re racing through challenging courses or customizing your vehicle with a slower engine for those who prefer less speed, there’s plenty to enjoy. Even traditionalists can stick with regular ground mounts if that’s more their style.
Once you’ve got your car, there’s no shortage of engaging activities waiting for you. The city of Undermine is constantly bustling, with vehicles racing around, setting the perfect backdrop for your adventures. You can take on unique tasks like delivering hot towels or tackling a ghostly tiger scaring the local kids, all while feeling like a genuine player in this energetic city.
Undermine itself is teeming with life and adventure. As you drift through its streets, you’ll encounter pirates, mobsters, culinary geniuses, and a wide cast of intriguing characters. Beneath its artificial sky lies a city that’s a true testament to goblin ingenuity, populated and vibrant in ways you’ve never seen in WoW.
This zone showcases creativity with unique features and landmarks like Slam Central Station and amusingly named locations such as the Incontinental Hotel and the Gallagio. These elements create a one-of-a-kind experience that reflects goblin society’s penchant for rapid growth and innovation.
The storyline in Undermine focuses on transformation and empowerment, fitting into the broader narrative of The War Within. Characters like Orweyna introduce you to the action, while familiar faces like Renzik and Gazlowe offer insights into life in this extraordinary city. For some, Undermine is just a home, while for others, it’s a world to reclaim. As Gazlowe undergoes a personal journey, players are invited to join the revolutionary fight to reclaim the city and overthrow oppressors, demonstrating the power of unity.
So, whether you’re burning rubber in exciting races or engaged in gripping stories, Undermine is a whirlwind adventure you won’t want to miss. It’s about the journey, not just the destination.
The Undermine(d) update is now live, inviting players on PC via Battle.net to dive into this new World of Warcraft chapter. Head to WorldOfWarcraft.com for more adventures!
