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It’s an opportunity for the community to offer Blizzard feedback prior to the main course’s launch. WoW fans get to raise their eyebrows at any UI adjustments, balk at new or returning abilities, and laud or criticize preemptive content as they see fit. Pre-patches are Blizzard’s way of giving players time to acclimate to an expansion’s new features and mechanics - getting their feet wet before an expansion’s full impact floods the community. World of Warcraft is as known for its pre-patches as much as it is the expansions themselves.
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Today’s pre-patch does not mark the start of the Scourge invasion that is supposed to begin outside Icecrown Citadel, though it will begin sometime after the pre-expansion’s release in-game. In addition to the level squish, leveling system changes, and cosmetic adjustments to character creation, the pre-patch also includes a new tutorial area for brand-new players and a newcomer chat - the latter of which allows all new players to communicate with each other and other players who have taken on the role of guides. Related: World of Warcraft: Shadowlands Free Mount Vote Ends With Surprising WinnerĪfter a lot of leadup, the World of Warcraft: Shadowlands pre-patch update is now live and was detailed on the official World of Warcraft website. Showing understanding of its own, Blizzard started offering refunds to players who pre-ordered the expansion after the delay was announced. That delay, however, while disappointing on the surface, has been met with mostly acceptance and understanding by the World of Warcraft community. The latest expansion for Blizzard’s popular MMORPG was recently delayed due to hinderances with working from home and other issues, though that hasn’t stalled all the content promised in the pre-patch.
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