Time and again, the expression “Pull the Ripcord” is heard in relation to WoW: Shadowlands – but what does it actually mean?
In discussions around World of Warcraft, a statement has been drawing attention repeatedly in recent weeks. Many players chant “Pull the Ripcord”. But what is behind this phrase? What is it about? And why is it mostly found under articles related to the new expansion Shadowlands?
Where does the saying come from? “Pull the Ripcord” translates roughly to “Zieh die Reißleine” in German and is mainly used in the context of parachutes. It’s used to save someone or something before something bad happens. The “bad” in this case is the Shadowlands release with the current covenant system. This is unpopular among many players in its current form. In an interview with Preach, Game Director Ion Hazzikostas commented on the covenant system:
Is there going to be a fallback option in which we remove all restrictions? Can one then mix, assemble, and switch much more freely?
If we have to pull this ripcord – it exists.
Ion Hazzikostas, Game Director of World of Warcraft
This is exactly the sentence that the many comments on “Pull the Ripcord” refer to – Blizzard is supposed to pull this ripcord, and preferably before the release of Shadowlands.
Players want more freedom for better Shadowlands
What are the testers asking for? Beta testers have been providing Blizzard with feedback for months. While there are players who like the current system, a significant number are concerned. This repeatedly creates big threads in the WoW subreddit. The covenant system entails a significant decision. It’s not only about which covenant a character wants to join in terms of story, but also a large part of player power depends on it. Each covenant has a unique ability per class, which varies in usefulness across specializations.
While it may make sense for a tank demon hunter to join the Night Fae, DPS demon hunters might rather prefer another covenant than the Night Fae.
Moreover, the story context makes it illogical to have to choose a covenant. The hero helps all four covenants throughout the story and is introduced to all abilities. Being forced to commit to one feels inappropriate for many players, especially since the covenants aren’t even in open war with each other.
This is what the testers want to achieve: The testers’ desire is clear: more freedom for everyone. The ripcord should be pulled, and all covenant abilities should be available regardless of the choice of covenant – very similar to another set of talent points that can be changed freely.
This would allow players to choose a covenant purely based on story and aesthetics, without feeling pressured to select the “best” covenant for their build or regretting their choice when switching builds.
They want to avoid a second “Battle for Azeroth”. Here, too, the developers ignored a lot of feedback and implemented the original system of Azerite armor, which did not go well. It took several patches and fixes to correct the system – with improvements that had already been suggested by players during the beta.
Thus, you are now also among the enlightened who can simply write “#Pulltheripcord” under every WoW article about Shadowlands to collect free likes and hearts.
