Much like every World of Warcraft patch before it, the recently released Undermine(d) update has a treasure trove of content for players to explore. Not only do players get to finally step foot in the goblin capital of Undermine, they are also given access to a brand-new story that sees them embroiled in the cartel war that fills the city’s streets. On top of that, World of Warcraft players are being treated to new Delves, new dungeons, a brand-new raid, and so much more. But, while that all seems like fun, the true stand out is the new D.R.I.V.E. system that debuted in the update.
As players explore the city of Undermine, they will gain access to a brand-new mount known as the G-99 Breakneck. Unlike other mounts, this vehicle comes with its own unique traversal system known as D.R.I.V.E. Much like Dragonriding from Dragonflight, this system completely overhauls the way ground mounts move, making for a pretty exhilarating experience. However, unlike Dragonriding, D.R.I.V.E.’s place in World of Warcraft‘s future seems a bit uncertain.
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D.R.I.V.E May Not Have a Place in WoW’s Future
Undermine(d) Has Been Built for this Feature
One of the biggest barriers facing the future of D.R.I.V.E. is that it is very much built with the Undermine(d) patch in mind. The entire city of Undermine has seemingly been created to take advantage of this feature, with its many winding streets letting players speed around to their next objective. Additionally, the update gives players many ways to focus on their vehicles, whether they are spending time earning upgrades for them, working on the Shipping and Handling activity that can only be activated through them, or taking on the races that can be won in them. It truly is one of the updates’ defining features, but, because of that, it feels as though it may only really fit here.
Along with that, D.R.I.V.E. feels like it was solely designed for mechanical vehicles rather than ground mounts on a whole. With Dragonflight‘s Dragonriding, it seemed like that feature could be adapted for pretty much any flying mount, which is exactly what happened. With D.R.I.V.E., it really only works with cars or other mechanical vehicles, with the majority of ground mounts being left out of the fun. So, unless players are willing to spend their days driving through Azeroth, they may not be able to utilize this system going forward.
The Rest of Azeroth May Not Follow Suit
Because of these limitations, it does feel like this system will end up being an Undermine(d)-exclusive feature. There is seemingly no clear route to expand it to other ground mounts, and if Blizzard does find a way, then it will need to significantly change the way D.R.I.V.E. works. Players would no longer be able to boost around corners, and there would be no more horns to honk, which would remove much of the system’s functionality. Of course, something could rise in its place, but D.R.I.V.E. as players currently know it would not be a thing.
On top of that, the many cities and landscapes of Azeroth were not built with something like this in mind. The streets of Undermine twist and turn, making for a great landscape around which to speed. Across Azeroth, there are hardly any cities or lands built for cars to traverse. So, unless Blizzard also drastically reshapes some of its zones, then the G-99 Breakneck may have no place outside Undermine’s winding roads.
It remains to be seen what Blizzard has planned for the G-99 Breakneck and D.R.I.V.E. once Undermine(d) comes to a close. There is a strong chance that players will, at least, be able to take the car outside Undermine, but as a normal mount rather than what it is now. However, it would be a shame if D.R.I.V.E. did not come along too, so hopefully the studio will look to expand the feature significantly as the years go by.
- Released
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November 23, 2004
- ESRB
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T for Teen: Blood and Gore, Crude Humor, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence (online interactions not rated)