World of Warcraft: Why Delves Succeed Where Torghast Failed

World of Warcraft: Why Delves Succeed Where Torghast Failed

As a seasoned gamer who’s been through the highs and lows of World of Warcraft since its inception, I can confidently say that The War Within has finally managed to erase the bitter taste left by Shadowlands and Torghast. While Torghast was akin to a never-ending trip to a real-life hellscape, Delves are more like a rollercoaster ride – exciting, varied, and just the right length.


The game “World of Warcraft: The War Within” is receiving mainly favorable comments from players, marking a period of entertaining and immersive content post Dragonflight, a popular expansion. However, Shadowlands, which preceded Dragonflight, stands out as a potentially low point in the game’s recent past. Players were disgruntled not only by Blizzard’s current status but also by the sparse, unattractive content within the game. Among the most significant blunders in the game was Torghast, Tower of the Damned.

From a storytelling perspective, Torghast is designed as an endless torture chamber for tormented souls, meant to last forever. However, contrary to the intention of World of Warcraft, Torghast has not had the intended effect on players. Although it held great potential, its execution transformed what could have been an exhilarating challenge into a laborious task that players find unavoidable.

Shadowland’s Torghast Was A Huge Mistake

In the latest update, titled “The War Within,” there’s now solo-playable endgame material available, a departure from previous releases where criticism from players was more common. Similar to Torghast, Delves are self-contained PvE challenges that offer both meaningful and cosmetic prizes based on skill level. However, it’s important to note that while they share some similarities, there are significant differences between these two activities. The most crucial distinction lies in the element of choice – players have more control over their experiences in Delves compared to Torghast.

Delves Are Not Necessary For Endgame Progression

Essentially, Delves are entirely optional and not connected to any zone campaigns. While they’re recommended at least once for questlines, they aren’t required. These Delves offer competitive gear, achievements, and cosmetics upon completion. For those who prefer solo play or dislike relying on others, Delves can serve as an alternative to raids and Mythic+ dungeons. Each of the 13 Delves has its own unique enemies, aesthetics, and encounters, making them all distinct from one another.

In essence, participating in Torghast wasn’t just an option; it was essential for players due to the rewards it offered – Soul Cinders, Soul Ash, and Cosmic Flux. These resources are crucial for crafting and enhancing legendary gear, which is vital not only for raiding but also for Mythic+ progression. Unfortunately, this weekly farming became a necessity for many, echoing the past struggles with Battle for Azeroth’s Island Expeditions where players felt compelled to partake in them repeatedly.

WoW’s Tower of the Damned Lived Up to Its Name

It wouldn’t have been so tedious to enter Torghast each week if these instances were shorter and more diverse. One tower level could have up to twelve floors, all packed with challenging battles. Even though players could enhance themselves with Anima Cells, the monotonous similarity of the zone layouts and enemies eventually became exhausting. To make matters worse, players risked losing their progress in the Tower, worrying about a disrupted internet connection just as much as the terrifying Terragrue hot on their heels.

In simpler terms, the dungeons in “The War Within” are brief, straightforward, and offer a diverse range of experiences. At higher levels, they present tough challenges through varying affixes, but don’t drag on unnecessarily. Regardless if a player wishes to thoroughly examine every corner, a Delve typically lasts between 10-15 minutes. Contrast this with Torghast, which can easily exceed an hour of gameplay, and it’s clear that the quicker, more manageable dungeons in “The War Within” are more appealing.

What WoW Developers Have Learned Since

Torghast aimed to reflect its narrative by making gameplay challenging, yet this approach seemed to eliminate the enjoyment of playing the game altogether. Players were already exhausted from the tedious task of gathering limited Anima each week, and increasing the need for resources only added to the frustration. This misstep by Shadowlands was significant, leading to widespread player burnout. As a result, many players sought solace in other MMOs that offered a more enjoyable experience.

Fortunately, since Shadowlands, World of Warcraft has truly learned from its past experiences. Although Dragonflight didn’t introduce any soloable elements, The War Within has reintroduced them with an appealing touch. Players are thrilled with the level of control they have been given, enabling them to customize their gaming journey according to their preferences. While Shadowlands may have left a bitter aftertaste for many players, The War Within has now replaced it with a sense of fulfillment.

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2024-11-25 23:23