Usually, when players gain access to a new zone or continent in Azeroth, they must reach the new max level before they unlock the ability to use flying mounts in the new area. Player-controlled flying wasn’t originally a part of the game, but has become one its most convenient features in the ten years since the game launched. Due to a desire to keep a focus on world exploration, Blizzard has been holding back on flying permissions in Draenor since November.
Blizzard recently reminded players of its desire the keep heroes on the ground in Draenor and the community showed its unhappiness on the game’s general chat channel and on the forums. Blizzard, always one to adapt, took note of the issues and has already released plans for an upcoming patch to address the issue.
In order to earn the achievement that will eventually unlock flying in Draenor, players will have to put in some serious hours on the Orc home planet. To become a Draenor Pathfinder, heroes must prove their worth by exploring Draenor’s zones, collecting 100 treasures in Draenor, completing the Draenor Loremaster and Securing Draenor achievements, and raising the three new Tanaan Jungle reputations to Revered.
Players who have been grinding dailies in Draenor since the expansion’s launch probably already have a healthy amount of these tasks completed. Starting from scratch will definitely take some time though.
Blizzard’s change in heart may seem flip-floppy to some, but this is exactly the kind of flexibility that has made World of Warcraft one of the only subscription fee-based MMOs to last more than a decade. Blizzard gives a lot of power to the players and the developers take user feedback into serious consideration when making these kinds of big decisions. Many other MMO developers could learn a lot from this example.
Are you excited to fly in Draenor? Will you take the time to earn the achievement? Let us know in the comments.
World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor is now available on PC and Mac.
Source: Blizzard
