Patch 8.3 of World of Warcraft has been live for a few days now. But is it worth diving back into the MMORPG after a break in 2020? Or should one rather wait for Shadowlands?
For several days now, the next big update has been live in World of Warcraft, and active players are engaging with the content of Patch 8.3 Visions of N’Zoth:
- But is the patch only for active players who have kept up?
- Or is it worth checking back into Azeroth in 2020 if one has taken a break from WoW for several months and wants to rejoin?
What does Patch 8.3 have to offer?
The update “Visions of N’Zoth” comes with a wealth of content that, at first glance, may appear to many players as “recycling”. Instead of two completely new zones, there is a revision of Uldum and the Vale of Eternal Blossoms. These areas are the heart of the patch, where most of the action takes place. There are small events, rare enemies, or a chest to discover at every corner. This is fun and can keep one engaged for a while.
In addition, there is a solid story questline that culminates in the Horrific Visions. These visions are designed either as solo content or group activities. These small dungeons must be completed many times to collect all the items from them and to continuously upgrade the legendary cloak.
However, access to the visions is heavily restricted and must be purchased. The necessary resources for this can be obtained in other activities: such as the assaults on Uldum and the Vale of Eternal Blossoms.
All content from WoW Patch 8.3 is interconnected and related. Those who do not like individual aspects of it may have a problem.
Confusion about quest progression and the right entry point
I am convinced that for newcomers who have not played Battle for Azeroth, the confusion over the multitude of quests is not so dramatic. For them, there are simply countless different quests to pursue, and they should all be completed at least once. This is the advantage of approaching new (or slightly aged) content with a fresh perspective.
This advantage is not immediately available to returners who want to quickly catch up to the top. I had some acquaintances who were confused in Boralus last Wednesday and asked, “Okay, which quest should I take, there are probably 10 quests here.” or “What requirements must I meet to play the new content now?”
WoW does not provide answers to such questions; one must obtain them from external sources or ask other players for help. This makes things confusing and unclear. It creates an annoying entry barrier that leaves some players frustrated when they suddenly find themselves in Naz’jatar or somehow ended up with Tyrande at Darkshore. A clear, structured approach would help WoW here. A way to immediately see: “These are the new quests; this is the storyline you should follow.”
Because that is exactly what is missing, returning becomes more difficult when one has already missed one or two patches.
The grind remains – even for old content
Another issue with Patch 8.3 is the dependency on old content. The essence system for the Heart of Azeroth is significantly tied to old content. Sooner or later, returners will look at their Heart of Azeroth and realize that of the 20 essences, only 4 or 5 have been unlocked. However, unlocking most of the other essences is only possible in content that is now considered outdated. Hardly anyone wants to spend weeks in Nazjatar or on the Isle of Mechagon to unlock the essences. This is another barrier that complicates entry.
However, anyone who has no objection to some grind and sees it as a given that some things need to be caught up, should not be discouraged by it. Most can be caught up effectively with “half an hour a day”.
Catch-Up – How quickly can one catch up?
In general, Patch 8.3 offers catch-up mechanics for many things with which one can catch up to other players. It basically rains gear with item level 410, and the Heart of Azeroth is quickly in the 60 or 70 range, so one hardly lags behind other players.
Only the essences, which make up an important part of player power in WoW: Battle for Azeroth, are not significantly easier to obtain. Some requirements have been slightly relaxed, but this only reduces the necessary grind and farming by a small percentage.
Conclusion: Is it worth returning with Patch 8.3?
Overall, this question can be answered with a “Yes” because the story and playable content are engaging and interesting. However, one should not forget the big “But”, because: The content of Battle for Azeroth can be overwhelming and confusing. There are so many quests that it is difficult for returners to keep track.
For whom is returning to Patch 8.3 worthwhile? A return is worthwhile for all fans of the story and for players who have played a large part of the content from Patch 8.2 and can now seamlessly join in.
Complete newcomers to Battle for Azeroth should also give the update a chance but allow enough time for the “old content”, as it still holds significant relevance and is needed for many mechanics (essences and flying).
Those who only return to prepare Twinks for Shadowlands can do so as well. After all, both Vulpera and Mechagnomes are now available as well as Death Knights for all allied races.
Who should steer clear of Patch 8.3? Those who did not enjoy the content of Patch 8.2 or who want to catch up to their fellow players quickly in all aspects should avoid this patch. Patch 8.3 offers improved aspects of many things that characterized Battle for Azeroth – if one has not warmed up to the core mechanics, they will not do so in this update either.
Will you give Patch 8.3 a chance?
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