Massive Changes to World of Warcraft’s D.R.I.V.E. System: New Features and Adjustments Revealed!

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Summary

  • A World of Warcraft PTR update made changes to the D.R.I.V.E. feature following feedback.
  • Several parts will require going through the Undermine and participating in activities to unlock them.
  • A horn was added to the D.R.I.V.E. car, along with a silencing debuff if players honk too much.

The most recent Public Test Realm (PTR) update for World of Warcraft’s Patch 11.1 incorporated player suggestions regarding the forthcoming D.R.I.V.E. feature. This adjustment introduced a new horn and various modifications to the speed and acceleration of distinct components. Blizzard encouraged World of Warcraft players to continue sharing their feedback on the PTR.

In the upcoming Patch 11.1, known as Undermined, World of Warcraft players will venture into the famed subterranean stronghold of Azeroth’s numerous Goblin cartels, the Undermine. While this subterranean city may not be as vast as Khaz Algar, its intricate layout will enable swift travel using a new ground mount system called D.R.I.V.E., set to debut in Patch 11.1. This transport system mirrors how Dragonriding transformed flight with the advent of Dragonflight. The D.R.I.V.E. system will offer players a customizable Goblin-built automobile, allowing them to select various parts, paint jobs, and options to tweak its speed and acceleration.

Even though the D.R.I.V.E. system is currently being trial-run on the PTR of World of Warcraft, Blizzard has been proactive in incorporating player feedback before its official launch as Undermine. Consequently, several modifications were incorporated into D.R.I.V.E. in a PTR build released toward the end of January. For instance, the non-standard components for the D.R.I.V.E car can now be unlocked through Undermine exploration and various activities. Furthermore, the speed and acceleration attributes of specific parts, such as the GNZ Airmaster 9000, have been fine-tuned. Moreover, boosts underwent a tuning pass due to constraints within the game’s engine regarding loading times. This adjustment aims to offer players improved handling during boosts, which could facilitate navigating some of the new racecourses in Undermine. The most feeble boost part, the Handcrank, will enable players to sustain higher speeds over extended distances, and the Steamboil boost can momentarily double a player’s maximum speed. Blizzard asserted that these modifications should provide players with more precise control during boosts, enhancing their gaming experience in Undermine.

Furthermore, a Horn button is now part of the D.R.I.V.E. control panel, similar to World of Warcraft where excessive honking results in a gagging effect for the offender. In addition, the latest PTR update adjusted class and specialization balances, including the Enhancement Shaman and Marksmanship Hunter. Blizzard continues to welcome feedback as the Undermined update prepares for release in the near future, though a specific date for Patch 11.1 has yet to be announced.

After the numerous adjustments to the D.R.I.V.E. system, players of World of Warcraft can anticipate a smoother experience while exploring Undermine. It remains uncertain whether this D.R.I.V.E. system will eventually expand to cover other regions of Azeroth in upcoming updates.

World of Warcraft: Undermined PTR Development Notes (January 23, 2025)

D.R.I.V.E.

We’ve made significant changes to the D.R.I.V.E. system.

  • Increased the height the G-99 Breakneck can climb over obstacles, such as fences.
  • The D.R.I.V.E. Garage now requires you to unlock non-default parts. You can find them hidden throughout the Undermine and its activities.
  • The G77C Ultra (the engine with the lowest max speed) is now the default engine. The Pozzik is now an unlockable option.
  • Reduced the maximum speed of the GNZ Airmaster 9000 (the engine with the highest max speed) by 12.5%. Its acceleration at high speeds has been increased to compensate.
  • Boosts have been significantly retuned due to loading time constraints. We believe these changes will increase the level of control you find while boosting. Please keep feedback coming on how you feel about these new boost levels.
  • The Handcrank (the weakest boost) is now most effective at letting you maintain a higher than average top speed over long distances.
  • The Steamboil (the strongest boost) is very good at kicking you up towards your max speed, and can nearly double your max speed when you are already moving fast.
  • The Wildfuel Mk. 0 (the default boost) sits somewhere in-between these two.
  • Horns have been added.

We have more improvements in development and we’ll share more soon.

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2025-01-26 22:44