Exploring Undermine(d): World of Warcraft’s Latest Update Introduces Driveable, Driftable Vehicles

One of the key developers for Undermine(d) sat down with us recently to share insights about the newest chapter for World of Warcraft. This fresh addition introduces a city unlike any other we’ve seen in Azeroth, buzzing with life and designed for speed enthusiasts. Discover the thrill of racing and drifting through vibrant city streets in brand-new hot rods.

Picture New York, but reimagined with a bold steampunk twist where caution is thrown to the wind. That’s the vibe you get when you enter the newly launched zone of Undermine in World of Warcraft. As one of the designers leading this zone’s creation, alongside my incredibly talented colleagues on the WoW team, I’m thrilled to give you a peek into this unique goblin city and its exhilarating, driveable vehicles.

Diving into a new World of Warcraft experience, this update brings the D.R.I.V.E. feature, also known as our Dynamic and Revolutionary Improvement to Vehicular Experiences (it’s a mouthful, but trust us, it’s awesome).

With this feature, players get to explore on the ground with the G-99 Breakneck—World of Warcraft’s interpretation of a hot rod. You’ll unlock this fast ride early in your journey by completing the “Eyes from Above” quest in the main campaign, which leads into “No More Walkin’ Here” and the Breakneck tutorial.

The inspiration for these vehicles is rooted in the goblin aesthetic of World of Warcraft, with designs that seem haphazard yet cleverly crafted. The G-99 Breakneck is all about bold features, including impressive flames shooting out, perfectly suiting the wild streets of Undermine.

One of our main goals was to incorporate drifting, a classic mechanic from older racing games. Bringing this excitement to World of Warcraft was a team-wide challenge that sparked genuine enthusiasm. We aimed to give players that same feel of freedom and mastery you get with your first car, opening up new horizons.

More than just a ride, the car acts as a passenger mount, allowing friends to cruise through Undermine’s streets together. Engage in thrilling races, testing your racing prowess on standard and reverse courses. For those sensitive to speed, we’ve made the experience flexible, providing options such as a lower-speed engine or traditional mounts—choose what suits you best.

Of course, driving wouldn’t be as exciting without a dynamic arena to explore. In Undermine, you’ll witness these cars racing alongside you, creating an electrifying backdrop to your adventures, or inviting you to join in the fast-paced fun. Missions like delivering hot towels or handling a ghostly tiger terrorizing kids allow you to fully immerse yourself in the bustling city life.

Undermine pulses with energy. As you maneuver your vehicle amidst the lively streets or over concealed sewers housing fight clubs, you’ll meet pirates, mobsters, ankle-breakers, top-notch chefs, and much more.

Below Undermine’s artificial sky lies a thriving metropolis—the commercial heartland for goblins. It’s a stark contrast from traditional WoW cityscapes, filled to the brim with day-to-day activities and interactions that make it feel truly alive and lived-in.

With iconic spots like Slam Central Station, where imaginations are the only limitation, Undermine is a testament to goblin creativity and aspiration. Discover humorously named locations such as the Incontinental Hotel and the Gallagio, mirroring a vibrant society fueled by innovation.

The story of Undermine revolves around transformation and aspiration, intertwining with the larger narrative of The War Within. Encounter characters like Orweyna in the bustling Ringing Deeps, and familiar faces like Renzik and Gazlowe, offering a glimpse into the lives in Undermine. While some characters, like Gazlowe, chose to seek different paths, others remain steadfast to their roots—some find home everywhere, others nowhere.

Throughout the narrative, witness Gazlowe’s change of heart, inspiring a revolution empowering players to remove tyrannical rulers and reclaim the streets. This arc emphasizes the might of united people overcoming oppression.

Dive into Undermine’s world of high-speed chases and covert deals. Whether you drift by inches or yards, it’s the thrill of the drift that counts.

The Undermine(d) update is now available in World of Warcraft on PC via Battle.net. For more details, visit WorldOfWarcraft.com.