World of Warcraft: Forever has received a substantial beta update, bringing the usual bug fixes, balance adjustments and numerical changes alongside several additions that affect how the test version is played. Anyone who stepped away from the beta may find there is now a good reason to return before launch.
The full patch notes are here. These are the five changes most likely to affect players exploring the expanded beta.
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The beta level cap is now 30
The previous level ceiling was 20. The update raises it to 30, allowing players to continue questing through a wider selection of zones and reach content that was previously unavailable.
Three more dungeons are open
Excavation Site: Wetlands is a new dungeon designed for characters level 26 and above. Razorfen Downs, recommended for level 25 and higher, and Uldaman, recommended for level 30 and higher, have also become accessible.
That brings the number of available new dungeons to three out of the nine promised for Forever. Hall of Thanes, which is aimed at level 13 and above, and Ruins of Lordaeron, for level 15 and above, were already available.
Excavation Site: Wetlands can be found in the south-central part of the Wetlands. It sits on a hill that was previously inaccessible, with a new road now providing access to the summit.
Kyle’s Gone Missing! returns
The well-known Mulgore questline Kyle’s Gone Missing! has been restored in Forever. The quest was originally created after Ezra Chatterton visited Blizzard headquarters through the Make-A-Wish programme in 2007. Chatterton helped design the quest and voiced the tauren who asks players, “Can you help me find my dog?”
Chatterton has since passed away, but the quest remains in the retail game and is now part of Forever as well. Its history is documented in coverage of Ezra Chatterton in 2007.
Dungeon quest experience has been reduced
Dungeon quests now provide 50 per cent less bonus experience beyond the normal quest value. The update also recalibrates certain quest rewards.
Developers’ notes: We appreciate the feedback on leveling speed as we continue ongoing discussions about the Beta. As part of those discussions, we’ve decided to reduce the amount of XP granted from dungeon quests with this release. Certain quest rewards have also been recalibrated.
The change makes levelling primarily through repeated dungeon quests considerably slower. It has already divided players: some are concerned that reduced rewards make dungeons less attractive, particularly given the time needed to assemble a group, travel to the instance and complete it.
Others believe players are rushing towards the level cap and should take more time with the experience. The real effect will become clearer as more people play the beta, and dungeon rewards may still change before the final release.
Children are temporarily wearing hats
One of the update’s stranger notes explains that Anduin Wrynn and several other child characters unintentionally have hats. Developers are removing them, although the note jokes that the children keep giggling and running away.
The visual bug is particularly noticeable on the affected characters:
Anduin Wrynn and other children currently appear with unintended hats.
The developers are working to remove the accessories, but the temporary appearance remains part of the beta for now.
It is a small issue compared with the level, dungeon and experience changes, but it is also a reminder that Forever is still a work in progress. Players considering a dedicated gaming setup can browse RETROCADE’s arcade machines or use the arcade machine buying guide when planning a home games room.
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