Valorstones Unveiled: Developers Share Insights on Patch 11.1 and Its Impact on Gameplay

Patch 11.1 of World of Warcraft‘s latest expansion, The War Within, takes us to the bustling goblin city of Undermine. The new update, titled Undermined, invites players to explore the underground and assist the cartels in breaking free from Gallywix’s grip. With this patch, we see an impressive array of new features rarely encountered in major updates.

One standout feature is D.R.I.V.E, a new transportation system. Ground mounts have remained unchanged for two decades, but now, players can zoom around Undermine faster than ever before. These new wheels promise a dynamic ride through city streets. However, some may wonder if this is just a temporary addition.

According to Associate Game Director Morgan Day, D.R.I.V.E was designed to capture the lively atmosphere of Undermine. With no skyriding allowed, players can fully experience the city’s streets and sounds. “The G99 Breakneck isn’t a traditional mount,” Day explained, emphasizing that it’s a unique vehicle for navigating Undermine.

What does the future hold for the D.R.I.V.E system? Day indicated that player feedback will guide its potential evolution. For now, there will be exciting street races and drifting courses to enjoy.

But that’s not all; the Undermined Update also delivers captivating music.

This patch features a mix of battle, ambiance, and event soundtracks unlike anything players have experienced in World of Warcraft. Katrina Yepiz, Associate Encounter Designer, shared her collaboration with the music team to capture the essence of Undermine, stating that jazzy tunes were perfect for the city’s vibe.

Fans looking for insights into the music’s creation will soon enjoy a behind-the-scenes video from the community team, showcasing the development of Undermine’s soundscape.

Patch 11.1 comes with significant UI enhancements and changes to crests, but one ongoing concern is Valorstones—the currency needed for gear upgrades. Day acknowledged the community’s frustration with Valorstones, explaining that they understand players’ needs for more efficient upgrades.

Blizzard is addressing Valorstones in Patch 11.1.

Day noted that Valorstones are crucial early in the season but lose their significance later on. To tackle this imbalance, Blizzard plans to increase Valorstones drops in raids, while continuing discussions about their role in Mythic+ content.

As for the amount of content in the Undermined Update, it far surpasses recent patches. Day emphasized the importance of delivering on player expectations for such an iconic location. Some features, like the event scheduler, also arose from community requests.

Day concluded by highlighting the team’s commitment to keeping World of Warcraft fresh and exciting. With Undermined, the game promises a thrilling patch that will stand out for its creativity and depth. The enthusiasm from developers translates to renewed excitement for players.

World of Warcraft: The War Within is available now on PC. Patch 11.1, Undermined, launches on February 25th.