Recently, I had the chance to chat with one of the developers from Undermine(d) about the latest saga in World of Warcraft. This newest locale is unlike anything we’ve encountered in Azeroth before. Picture a city bursting with energy, where the streets are perfectly designed for quick getaways. You’ll be zipping through this lively place in eye-catching hot rods – a real first for the game.
Now, think of New York with a steampunk twist, where throwing caution to the wind is the norm. That’s exactly the experience you’ll find in Undermine, a brand-new zone that just made its debut in World of Warcraft. I had the incredible opportunity to lead the design of this zone alongside some exceptionally talented people on the WoW team, and I’m thrilled to give you a glimpse of this unique goblin city and its thrilling, driveable vehicles.
### Deep Dive, Then D.R.I.V.E.
With this new update, players can now enjoy a fresh twist on their World of Warcraft journeys, courtesy of the D.R.I.V.E. feature. Officially known as our Dynamic and Revolutionary Improvement to Vehicular Experiences, this addition has a playful name that we’re quite proud of – and it’s pretty cool, if we do say so ourselves.
This feature lets you travel on wheels with the G-99 Breakneck, which is WoW’s imaginative take on a hot rod. Early in your adventure, you’ll unlock this beauty by completing a quest called “Eyes from Above” in the main storyline. From there, accept “No More Walkin’ Here” and work through the Breakneck’s initiation.
Our inspiration for these vehicles was drawn from the distinct art style of the goblins in World of Warcraft. They have a knack for creating things that seem cobbled-together but are oddly ingenious, and the G-99 Breakneck is no exception. Its exaggerated features, like giant flames coming out of the scoop, fit right into the delightful chaos of Undermine’s streets.
One of the standout features we wanted to bring to life was drifting – a classic move in many old-school racing games. Introducing this to World of Warcraft was a tricky task, but it was more than worth it to inject some exhilaration into the game. We aimed to capture that feeling of freedom – a lot like when you first get a car and suddenly the world feels a lot smaller.
But it’s not just a way to get around. This car is a passenger mount too, letting you bring a friend along for the ride as you explore Undermine’s streets together. You can take on races, testing your driving skills on standard and reverse tracks. For those who might find the pace too intense or get a bit queasy while zipping around, we’ve added options to dial down the speed with an engine upgrade or stick to the regular ground mounts if that’s more your speed.
### Take to the Streets
Of course, you need an intriguing place for all this driving. In Undermine, these bustling vehicles aren’t just background noise – they’re an invitation for you to jump into the action. Whether you’re dropping off hot towels or chasing down a bothersome ghostly tiger, there’s plenty to keep you busy and feeling like a real part of the city.
Undermine is teeming with life and surprises. As you maneuver your car through its busy streets – above hidden sewers with fight clubs hidden within – you’ll bump into pirates, mobsters, ankle-breakers, top-notch chefs, and plenty more.
This city is a hub of energy and business, with goblins at its heart. It’s a different vibe from the usual cityscapes of World of Warcraft – this place is crowded, animated, and alive with folks going about their everyday lives.
The zone itself is a testament to the possibilities for more. With landmarks like Slam Central Station, which lets the imagination run wild, Undermine is a shining example of goblin ingenuity and ambition. It’s full of cleverly named stops like the Incontinental Hotel and the Gallagio, showcasing a community driven by innovation and growth.
The story within Undermine is all about improving circumstances. It ties back to the main plotline of The War Within, introducing players to places like the Ringing Deeps and the storyline’s opening chapters. You’ll reconnect with characters like Renzik and Gazlowe, who offer a glimpse into life for those who call Undermine home. Whether it’s Gazlowe off on a quest for change, or those who see Undermine as their unchanging sanctuary, it’s a varied world.
As the tale unfolds, Gazlowe goes through a pivotal shift, sparking a revolution where players can overthrow oppressive rulers and set the streets free. This narrative highlights the power of the people to rise against tyranny and reclaim what’s theirs.
So come join us in Undermine, where fast cars and intriguing deals await. Whether you drift a foot or a mile, in Undermine, drifting is still drifting!
Undermine(d) is live now in World of Warcraft, ready for you to explore on PC via Battle.net. Want to know more? Head to WorldOfWarcraft.com for all the latest details.
