Warcraft 2 Gets New Update

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Key Takeaways

  • Warcraft 2: Remastered Patch 1.0.1 brings balance changes after 20 years, nerfing the Ogre Mage’s Bloodlust.
  • The update adjusts the Paladin and the Death Knight’s mana costs as well as streamlines various base upgrades.
  • Reception to Warcraft 2: Remastered has been mixed, and only time will tell how players receive Patch 1.0.1 changes.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must admit that I’m thoroughly impressed by the depth and detail in this game update. The sheer number of balance changes, bug fixes, and quality-of-life improvements is truly commendable.

On December 4th, Blizzard unveiled an update for Warcraft 2: Remastered called Patch 1.0.1. This was the game’s first balance adjustment in more than two decades. In this update, several units within Warcraft 2: Remastered received modifications; notably, the Ogre Mage’s Bloodlust ability underwent considerable weakening, whereas units like Paladins and Death Knights saw minor enhancements.

The remastered version of “Warcraft 2” was unexpectedly unveiled during Blizzard’s live stream celebrating Warcraft’s 30th anniversary on November 13. This reveal was part of the “Warcraft Battle Chest” collection, which also featured revamped versions of the real-time strategy trilogy from Warcraft. The original version of “Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness” debuted in 1995, followed by its expansion, “Beyond the Dark Portal,” in the year that followed. After the people of Stormwind fled north to escape the Orcish Horde, they formed an alliance called Lordaeron, which included all the Human kingdoms, the high elves of Quel’thalas, and the Dwarves and Gnomes of Khaz Modan. In contrast, the Horde chose to enlist various groups of Goblins, Trolls, and Ogres as they continued their campaign of conquest.

Initially, the announcement of Blizzard’s release of Warcraft 2: Remastered came as a shock, but it hasn’t stopped the developers from making improvements post-launch. As per a recent forum post by community manager Kaivax, update Patch 1.0.1 for Warcraft 2: Remastered is now downloadable. This first major update since the game’s release in the 90s brings about balance adjustments to various units within the game. Specifically, the Ogre Mage’s Bloodlust ability has been tweaked to decrease its duration by 25%, increase its mana cost from 50 to 60, and apply damage after armor reduction instead of before it. The Paladin and Death Knight units have had their mana costs adjusted for their abilities, while base upgrades’ gold cost, lumber cost, and research times have been streamlined. Patch 1.0.1 also optimizes the game’s user interface and online multiplayer systems. New features include password protection options for online lobbies, regional indicators on the lobby selection menu, and classic victory and defeat animations.

As a devoted Warcraft fan, I found the arrival of Warcraft 2: Remastered Patch 1.0.1 bittersweet. The classic versions of the first two Warcraft games will soon be removed from GOG, but they’ve promised continued support through their game preservation program. Fans have until December 13 to grab Warcraft 1 and Warcraft 2 on GOG before they become exclusive to Battle.net.

Although reactions to “Warcraft 2: Remastered” have been varied, the original version still stands as one of the finest retro Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games out there. We’ll soon see how Patch 1.0.1 is accepted by long-term “Warcraft” players.

Warcraft 2: Remastered Patch 1.0.1 Notes (December 4, 2024)

UI Updates

  • Added Alliance Menu to online multiplayer games. Players can now change alliances, and share vision dynamically in game.
  • Added classic Victory/Defeat Screen animation and SFX.
  • Victory Screen now always displays the player as first in the list.
  • Allow Folder Navigation when selecting Custom Scenarios when creating online lobby.
  • Added “Map Default” option for resources in Custom Scenario / Multiplayer. It is now the default option.
  • Added password protection option when creating a new lobby for multiplayer.
  • Added countdown when launching lobby in multiplayer game.
  • Added region indicators on the Lobby Selection screen.
  • Improved Desync Error Messaging.

Gameplay

  • Added Grid Key input option to the gameplay options.
  • Balance Changes:
    • Paladin:
      • Heal mana cost per HP healed: 6 → 5
      • Heal research time: 200 → 100 steps
      • Exorcism research time: 200 → 150 steps
    • Death Knight:
      • Death and Decay:
        • Mana cost per set of ‘rots’ created: 25 → 30
      • Raise the Dead:
        • Skeleton HP: 40 → 60
    • Mage:
      • Blizzard:
        • Range: 12 → 10
    • Ogre Mage
      • Bloodlust:
        • Duration: 1000 → 750
        • Mana cost per unit enchanted: 50 → 60
        • Double damage is now applied after armor reduction instead of before.
    • Dragon / Gryphon
      • Gold cost: 2500 → 2250
    • Archer / Axethrower:
      • Base piercing damage: 6 → 7
      • Upgrade Axes/ Arrows 1:
        • Damage increased: 1 → 2
        • Gold cost: 300 → 200
        • Lumber cost: 300 → 200
        • Research time: 200 → 150 steps
      • Upgrade Axes/ Arrows 2:
        • Damage Increased: 1 → 2
        • Gold cost: 900 → 600
        • Lumber cost: 500 → 300
        • Research time: 250 → 200 steps
      • Longbow / Lightaxe Upgrades:
        • Base piercing damage: 6 → 7
        • Gold cost: 2000 → 1000
        • Lumber cost: 0 → 300
        • Research time: 250 → 200 steps
      • Scouting Upgrades:
        • Gold cost: 1500 → 500
        • Lumber cost: 0 → 200
        • Research time: 250 → 150 steps
      • Ranger Marksmanship Upgrades:
        • Gold cost: 2500 → 1000
        • Research time: 250 → 200 steps
      • Berserker Regeneration Upgrades:
        • Gold cost: 3000 → 1000

Bug Fixes

  • Fixed a crash that was occurring when you have conflicting input with F10.
  • Fixed a crash that was occurring when you have a control group selected, and attack move at the same time.
  • Fixed where players would be sent to a different instances when the multiplayer game starts with a desync.
  • Fixed a crash when you select a build that would be destroyed and subsequently select another building.

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2024-12-05 23:24