Patch 8.1 for World of Warcraft introduces a significant change to the War Mode. You will soon be able to deactivate it in many places.
The War Mode in World of Warcraft is the opportunity for all players to participate in active PvP in the open world. However, those who wish to activate or deactivate it can only do so in their faction’s capitals. This will change with Patch 8.1 Tides of Vengeance.
Deactivation possible in rest zones: With the upcoming Patch 8.1, which will be released next week, players will be able to deactivate War Mode in numerous locations. Any rest zone is suitable for this. Rest zones typically include all major cities (Boralus, Dazar’Alor, Dalaran, Shattrath, etc.) and inns, which can be found in almost every settlement and where you can bind your hearthstones.
Activation only in the capitals: However, nothing changes regarding the activation of War Mode. Those who wish to join War Mode must still travel to Orgrimmar (Horde) or Stormwind (Alliance). It is only from there that you can activate War Mode to participate in open PvP again.
Why is Blizzard changing War Mode? The exact reasons for the developers introducing this change are unknown. However, it is likely that many players had frustrating experiences in War Mode and the thought of having to travel back to the capital to return for a world quest deterred them. This change drastically reduces the frustration factor of War Mode.
Community reacts positively: The players’ reactions to these changes are largely positive. Almost everyone in War Mode knows the situation where they just want to complete a quest and are repeatedly killed. Such moments can now be avoided by more easily deactivating War Mode. However, a permanent “on/off switching” of the mode is not possible.
What do you think of this change to War Mode? Is it a good thing to be able to deactivate it in many places now? Or does Blizzard “water down” the player experience again?
