11.0.7 War Within: Cross-faction PvP in unrated matches
New plotlines, BiS ring, and other stuff are coming into patch 11.0.7. Here, we will overview Cross-Faction PvP coming to patch 11.0.7 of WoW War Within.
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Outside of the new location Siren Isle, the new BiS ring Cyrce’s Circlet and new plotlines are coming to 11.0.7, and it looks like Blizzard is preparing us for Cross-Faction PvP. Some players are concerned about this, thinking that PvP will lose its authenticity. At the same time, others believe that because of the shrinkage of the PvP player base, this is what is expected.
Cross-faction PvP
Blizzard, in a blue post, confirmed some of the perceptive players’ guesses. Patch 11.0.7 is tearing down faction boundaries in PvP. Alliance and Horde members made finding games easier and teaming up with friends from either side.
However, one of the most significant advantages of this is that it makes queue syncing much harder. Queue syncing is practiced when players queue simultaneously to match against each other, and either do win-trading or other game system abuses. While this practice is not illegal by Blizzard standards, it does create unfairness in the game. For example, players can manipulate matchmaking to bully other players or streamers.
This is not the first time Blizzard has added cross-faction functions. In Dragonflight expansion patch 10.1, Blizzard first introduced Cross-Faction guilds. Then, in patch 10.1.5, following the excellent dynamic of the change, Blizzard expanded on it, adding Cross-Faction direct trading. Before that, one of the only ways to trade with different factions was through neutral auction houses, like Gadgetzan’s one in Tanaris.
In modes like Solo Shuffle, players could already match alongside players from other factions. Solo Shuffle is a mode where random players match into teams of three players and fight each other for such Honor rewards as Vicious Saddle or just to increase their PvP rank. If you are interested in this mode, check, out our Solo Shuffle tier list for 11.0.5!
Players’ reaction
Cross-faction queues coming to unrated PvP in Patch 11.0.7 is an excellent move for several reasons. First, it will help reduce sync-queueing, when multiple groups in 1 faction sync their queues to gain an advantage. With both factions in the queue together, wait times will be shorter. Balancing teams will also be more accessible, as there will be a wider pool of players with different skills, roles, and classes.
It will also open up more social options, as players from both factions can collaborate and find communities more efficiently. Plus, it removes faction bias, meaning players won’t always get stuck with maps that favor one faction. This change should improve everyone’s battleground experience, leading to more players joining PvP.
However, some players feel that the changes in Patch 11.0.7 threaten the game’s core identity. For them, the faction war is what made World of Warcraft unique and exciting. The Alliance vs. Horde conflict has been a key part of the story and gameplay since the beginning. They worry that removing these boundaries will diminish the game’s sense of rivalry and purpose. Without this, the game risks losing its original charm and lore, turning into something unrecognizable.
These players believe that Blizzard is eroding the rich history and immersion of Warcraft. They argue that allowing both factions to play together in PvP undermines the entire idea of faction identity. The unique characteristics of each faction, from their storylines to their distinct cultures, set them apart. By blending them, it feels like the heart of the game is being lost and that what made World of Warcraft special is slowly fading away.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while introducing Cross-Faction PvP in Patch 11.0.7 offers several practical benefits, such as shorter queue times and better team balance, it also raises concerns about losing the game’s original identity. For some, the Alliance vs. Horde conflict is essential to World of Warcraft’s charm and history. As Blizzard continues to evolve the game, whether this change will enhance or detract from the overall experience remains to be seen. Players will have to adapt to the shift and decide for themselves if it aligns with their vision of WoW.
And what are your thoughts on the addition of cross-faction PvP? Share your thoughts in the comment section!
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