A top developer from the team behind Undermine(d) sat down with us to dish on the newest chapter of World of Warcraft. This latest addition introduces a city like no other in Azeroth, teeming with energy and designed for speed junkies! Dive into the details on how you’ll be zipping and sliding around this urban landscape in shiny, new hot rods.
Picture this: a touch of New York’s vibrant streets meets a steampunk twist, where safety is the least of anyone’s concerns. That’s the spirited vibe you’ll sense in Undermine, the fresh zone that’s just debuted in World of Warcraft. I was at the helm of designing this exciting area with my extraordinarily skilled WoW team, and I’m eager to share more about this unique goblin city and its adrenaline-pumping cars you can actually drive.
### Deep Dive, Then D.R.I.V.E.
Building on the excitement, this update unleashes the D.R.I.V.E. feature—our jargon for Dynamic and Revolutionary Improvement to Vehicular Experiences. It’s a mouthful, we know, but it’s oh-so-awesome! Players can now explore on-ground travel with the mechanically slick G-99 Breakneck, World of Warcraft’s interpretation of a hot rod. You can unlock this beauty early in your quests—complete the “Eyes from Above” mission in the main storyline, then move to “No More Walkin’ Here” and go through a hands-on tutorial with the Breakneck.
Our design inspiration for these vehicles stems from the whimsical art style of the goblins. Their creations are charmingly haphazard yet brilliantly clever. The G-99 Breakneck sports dramatic features, like ginormous flames roaring from its engine, blending seamlessly with Undermine’s chaotic streets.
Bringing the element of drift—an old favorite from classic racing games—to World of Warcraft posed quite the challenge, and it thrilled our team. Capturing that sense of freedom akin to your first car ride was our aim.
These cars aren’t just about getting from point A to point B—they’re party-ready passenger mounts too! So feel free to grab a friend or two and hit the Undermine streets together. Get ready to race along thrilling courses, both forwards and in reverse. Whether you’re someone who might feel a tad queasy from too much speed or prefer a leisurely pace, we’ve got you covered. Players can swap in a lower top-speed engine or simply opt for the classic ground mounts—it’s all about your personal thrill level.
### Take to the Streets
But what good is a car without cool streets to explore? In Undermine, you’ll witness these vehicles racing all around, adding a vibrant ambiance to your escapades, and inviting you to join the frenetic fun. Whether it’s delivering steaming hot towels or dealing with a spectral tiger causing a ruckus, you’re sure to feel part of this lively environment.
Undermine brims with life and energy. Picture yourself skidding down streets that run atop sewers brimming with fighting rings, encountering pirates, mobsters, culinary maestros, and so much more.
Under a false sky, Undermine thrives with purpose—a bustling hub of trade and goblin culture. It’s a deviation from the typical World of Warcraft landscapes; here, the city pulses with everyday life and commerce.
This location is a nod to what more we can achieve. With spots like Slam Central Station, where destinations are bound only by imagination, Undermine gleams with goblin innovation and daring ambition. The city is peppered with cleverly named places like the Incontinental Hotel and the Gallagio, showcasing a society driven by growth.
The story within Undermine speaks to hope and betterment. It ties in seamlessly with the overarching tale of The War Within. Familiar characters like Orweyna will guide you through the emerging narrative, while others like Renzik and Gazlowe reveal the essence of those who inhabit this intricate city. For some, like Gazlowe, the call was to find new horizons. Others, however, see Undermine as their irreplaceable home.
As the tale progresses, Gazlowe experiences a transformation, sparking a rebellion where players get to challenge dictators and reclaim the streets. The narrative underscoring the power of the people over tyranny is compelling and inspiring.
Come explore Undermine—a city humming with the sound of fast engines and secretive negotiations. Whether your drifting spans an inch or a mile, it’s all about the thrill! The Undermine(d) update is live on World of Warcraft, available on PC through Battle.net. For more information, head to WorldOfWarcraft.com.
