Patch 8.2 of World of Warcraft is already eagerly awaited. No wonder, as the update is set to improve or completely replace many mechanics.
Patch 8.2 Rise of Azshara will decide a lot about the future of World of Warcraft. Blizzard has a chance here to regain lost trust. The developers have some plans and changes in place. We will discuss what major changes are set to occur to once again provide players with fun in Azeroth.
Why is Patch 8.2 particularly important? With the update 8.2 Rise of Azshara, the developers have their first opportunity to respond to the criticism received at the launch of Battle for Azeroth. The previous patches (8.1 and 8.1.5) were largely completed when Battle for Azeroth started.
Currently, the mood within the WoW community has reached a low point. This is the optimal time to turn the tide and excite long-time fans once again.
Within the community, Patch 8.2 is also seen as a “major decision.” Either WoW manages to save this expansion, or players are likely to stay away until the launch of the next addon.
What does Blizzard want to improve with Patch 8.2 Rise of Azshara
The second “major” content update of Battle for Azeroth aims to address many points of criticism. In particular, five aspects are especially important.
1. Elimination of prerequisites for Azerite traits
In the future, the Heart of Azeroth will no longer be required to unlock the special traits on chest, shoulder, and head armor. The level requirements will be removed or at least lowered to a point where they won’t matter. This will allow players to choose all traits immediately upon receiving new armor.
This will end the frustration of many players who had to unlock “the same” Azerite traits repeatedly and became weaker instead of stronger with new gear.
2. The Heart of Azeroth becomes more active
At the same time, the Heart of Azeroth is not set to disappear, but become an interesting and individual component of character development. Blizzard plans to take inspiration from the artifact weapons in Legion and add new functions to the Heart of Azeroth.
It will thus be possible to unlock new abilities with the Heart of Azeroth. These should not only be passive effects but every player should also receive some active abilities. This may refine the playstyle of certain classes.
3. Flying mounts are finally returning:
Flying is a controversial feature. While some players want to take off immediately because traveling on foot is boring and exhausting, others enjoy exploring Azeroth from the ground. With Patch 8.2, flying will also be unlocked for the new areas.
Many activities, such as world quests or traveling to world bosses, will then be easier and notably time-saving. This will likely please some players who prefer to play as “efficiently” as possible. Farming herbs and ores will also become child’s play.
4. Companions are coming back:
In Warlords of Draenor and Legion, the companion system was popular. Players could take one of their followers with them, gaining additional combat strength in the open world. This will return in some form in Patch 8.2.
At least in Nazjatar, players will be allowed to take a companion by their side, who levels up with them and unlocks new quests. Whether the companion is also with them outside of Nazjatar remains to be seen.
5. Content will be more varied
Nazjatar and Mechagon are expected to differ from the previous areas. They want to incorporate lessons learned from the Timeless Isle and Argus into the new areas. There will be different tasks that clearly distinguish Nazjatar from prior zones and continually provide new incentives to return. How this will be manifested concretely also remains to be seen.
No release date for Patch 8.2 Rise of Azshara has been announced yet. However, the first PTR is expected within this week. It typically takes about 6-8 weeks for such a major update to go live and thus into the live version.
