One of the main developers of Undermine(d) sat down with us to chat about the latest addition to World of Warcraft. This new area is unlike anything seen before in Azeroth, bustling with vibrant life and offering streets ready for some high-speed action. Get ready to explore the excitement of driving and drifting through the city in brand-new hot rods.
Picture combining the energy of New York City with a steampunk aesthetic where the concept of safety is an afterthought. That’s the thrilling vibe you get upon entering Undermine, the brand-new zone that launched in World of Warcraft this week. Crafted with my talented colleagues on the WoW development team, I had the thrill of leading this zone’s design and want to fill you in on this unique goblin city and its wild, drivable vehicles.
Deep Dive, Then D.R.I.V.E.
The latest update brings a fresh twist to World of Warcraft with the introduction of the D.R.I.V.E. system—yes, that’s our Dynamic and Revolutionary Improvement to Vehicular Experiences (we had fun with the acronym too, trust me!).
This feature lets players cruise on the surface with a machine of pure wonder: the G-99 Breakneck, WoW’s version of a hot rod. You’ll snag this ride early in your quests—finish the “Eyes from Above” in the core storyline, then jump into the “No More Walkin’ Here” quest to kickstart the Breakneck’s tutorial.
Our design approach for these vehicles reflects the World of Warcraft goblins’ aesthetic, with everything appearing cobbled together yet strangely ingenious. The G-99 Breakneck stands out with its over-the-top flair—imagine huge flames bursting from the engine’s scoop—fitting perfectly into Undermine’s chaotic streets.
Crucially, we wanted to incorporate drifting, a homage to classic racing games. Bringing this feature to World of Warcraft posed a real challenge, but it sparked excitement throughout the team. We aimed to capture that exhilarating sense of freedom you feel when you get your first set of wheels and the new world it opens.
This vehicle isn’t just a one-person ride; it’s a passenger mount, letting friends hop in and explore Undermine’s streets alongside you. Players can dive into races, testing their racing prowess on regular and reverse courses. And for those who might get dizzy or find the speed overwhelming, fear not. We’ve designed it to be user-friendly, with options for a lower-speed engine or traditional ground mounts if that’s more your speed.
Take to the Streets
Undermine wouldn’t be complete without thrilling roads to explore. As you navigate the city, cars will zoom past, creating a lively backdrop for your adventures and inviting you to join the fun. Engage in tasks such as delivering hot towels or confronting a spectral tiger menacing children, making you a genuine part of city life.
Undermine is teeming with life. Drifting around its streets—above underground brawling arenas—you’ll meet pirates, mobsters, ankle-breaking tough guys, outstanding chefs, and so much more.
Beneath its artificial sky, Undermine pulses with energy—acting as a hub of trade and culture for goblins. It stands in stark contrast to the usual World of Warcraft cityscapes, featuring a bustling, densely populated atmosphere where everyday life pulses and thrives.
The area itself is a testament to what’s possible. Features like Slam Central Station let your imagination soar, while Undermine shines as a beacon of goblin creativity and ambition. The city is peppered with cleverly named spots like Incontinental Hotel and Gallagio, highlighting a unique society centered around advancement.
The Undermine narrative is all about striving for improvement, intertwining with The War Within’s main storyline. You’ll encounter characters like Orweyna guiding you through the Ringing Deeps and kicking off the story’s first chapters. Familiar faces like Renzik and Gazlowe offer glimpses into the lives of the city’s inhabitants. For some, like Gazlowe, Undermine wasn’t enough, prompting an exit in search of new horizons. Meanwhile, some remain, feeling deeply connected to this place as home.
As the tale progresses, Gazlowe undergoes a transformation, sparking a revolution where players topple dictators and liberate the city streets, underscoring the power of collective action against oppression.
Step into Undermine, a city of fast rides and shady dealings. Whether you’re gliding an inch or a mile, drifting’s drifting!
The Undermine(d) update is now live for World of Warcraft enthusiasts, available on PC via Battle.net. For more information, visit WorldOfWarcraft.com.
