Blizzard has confirmed that Patch 10.2 is set to release on November 7. With that, the developer will be hoping the Guardians of the Dream update breathes life into the ailing Dragonflight expansion.
Retail World of Warcraft arguably remains the flagship product, but subscriber numbers have dwindled for years. The addition of Classic WoW servers was a success, but it also served to fracture the player base further.
Dragonflight has been a bit of a mixed bag overall, but the upcoming patch does look tentatively optimistic. Featuring some iconic bits of WoW lore, a new raid and several activities for players to complete, it could add some much-needed life to the game’s retail version.
Guardians of the Dream Patch 10.2 confirmed details
The update is introducing several general changes with the aim of improving quality of life. Normal flying is coming to the Dragon Isles, unlockable after completing the Pathfinder achievement requirements. Specifically, this includes finishing all the main storylines, exploring the Dragon Isles zones and reaching renown level 15 with all factions (including Loamm Niffen.)
Balancing is also a priority, with both embellishments and PvP items like Tainted Rageheart set for significant nerfs. Additionally, crafted gear and the Undulating Sporecloak’s Shield will not emerge out of the 10.1 patch unscathed.
Guardians of the Dream introduces new raid and zone
After many years of speculation, it’s finally time for WoW players to head into the Emerald Dream. The new zone opens up after the great dragon Fyrakk smashes his way through in search of the new world tree Amirdrassil.
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In turn, this leads to the next raid tier, handily named Amirdrassil, the Dream’s Hope. Tasking players with defeating nine bosses across four wings, the full raid releases on normal difficulty and above on November 14.
As usual, each class gets a complete tier set as a possible reward for defeating each boss in the raid. Excitingly, there is also a new Legendary two-handed axe – Fyr’alath, the Dream Render. Available to Warriors, Death Knights and Paladins, it will likely be the most potent weapon in the game.
Guardians of the Dream New faction and World Boss to conquer
The reputation grinds are set to continue with the addition of the Dream Wardens faction. Made up of Dryads, guardians of the Green Dragonflight, runebears and druids, they also come with additional rewards, cosmetics, and quests to complete.
Lastly, a new world boss enters the fray for players to defeat. Aurostor the Hibernating is the Furbolg Wild God who has been disturbed from his slumber in the Emerald Dream. Players will have to defeat him and put him back to sleep with the possibility of earning unique rewards.
The jury is still unsure whether the above is enough to bring back the dwindling player base. With WotLK Classic having recently released a similarly significant update, competition between game versions looks set to continue indefinitely.
