World of Warcraft is still fun even after more than a month of the new patch. But what is the reason for that? Cortyn makes a small analysis.
For over a month now, Patch 8.2 Rise of Azshara has been live in World of Warcraft. It not only brought two new zones but also the possibility of flying, a new raid, a stylish dungeon, and plenty of long-term goals if one wants to engage with them.
The “most annoying” part of Patch 8.2 is behind most players
With the release of a patch, there are always a few things that players view as necessary. Those who do not complete these tasks may soon find it hard to keep up and miss out on a large part of the game’s possibilities. In Patch 8.2, this was the unlocking of flying, which basically meant farming reputation in Mechagon and Nazjatar.
Yes, some definitely see this as “work”, but the reward was really good. After all, it’s a clear time-saver that allows for much faster travel and more convenient completion of numerous quests.
Exactly this “mandatory part” is now in the past, allowing players to focus more on other content that they play “just for fun”.
World of Warcraft has become quieter, but thus also better
Meanwhile, the unlocking of flying is several weeks behind, and since then, World of Warcraft has clearly slowed down for me.
The content that I currently find appealing is more diverse than it has been in a long time. I am not only doing quests and pet battles, but I also try with a handful of friends to push the “Mythic+” key a bit higher each week. We occasionally join an LFR group and participate in PvP brawls (recently Arathi Basin against bots – incredibly funny!).
I even managed to get a friend to finally dare into rated arena matches. There we do get incredibly frustrated when we are matched as a double DPS combo against a healer, but the victories are all the sweeter, and we often laugh. Are we good arena players? Definitely not. But it’s fun.
Numerous goals that you can set for yourself
I have found joy again in “small goals” that I can pursue without necessity and pressure. The advantage is also that I am generally open to all types of game content. This makes it easier to find something nice amidst the abundance of choices:
- Island Expeditions: No matter how many people hate them, I love the basic principle and enjoy the numerous transmog rewards.
- Pet Battles: Especially the Pet Battle Dungeon of Stratholme is quite challenging and requires a lot of stamina and creative ideas (or a guide).
- Achievements: My goal currently is to complete “one achievement every day” from the current expansion. So far, I am managing that.
- Essences for the Heart of Azeroth: Even if not all essences are necessary for a character, I want to have as many as possible. The hunt for them motivates me and “forces” me to engage with a lot of content.
- The Brawler’s Guild: I had long ignored the Brawler’s Guild, but with Patch 8.2 I’m back and completing the cool quest line about a conspiracy.
- Rare Mobs: Farming 3-4 specific rare mobs per day. Eventually, Rustfeather will surely give me her mount.
Of course, one can now say about a large part of the listed things, “Hey, Cortyn – this stuff has been in the game forever, why are you having fun with it right now?” And the question is indeed justified.
I find it hard to find a suitable answer and can only respond by saying that the “overall package” is currently cohesive again. World of Warcraft is fun for me in its entirety, and therefore I can again engage more with smaller goals and pursue them. I had not felt that way for quite a while before Patch 8.2.
Perhaps it’s the social aspect that plays a subtle role. For with Patch 8.2, WoW has become significantly more social again. People announce in chat when a special rare spawn appears or join together to give a certain assassin in Nazjatar a good beating. Although many things are done solo, it does not feel “lonely” and that adds a big part to the appeal.
World of Warcraft has become my “main game” again
Until a few weeks ago, I thought my interest in World of Warcraft would slowly wane. I had WoW: Classic in mind, was incredibly looking forward to Lúcioball in Overwatch and was already eagerly staring at Borderlands 3. Sure, all these games are still appealing, but WoW has become more than just a filler again. I can pursue my own goals for several hours at a stretch, and they are currently as numerous as they have rarely been before.
If World of Warcraft can maintain this trend, it is on a good path – at least for me.
How are you currently experiencing World of Warcraft? Can this MMORPG still keep you entertained? Or have you lost interest?
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