WoW Patch 11.1 Introduces Two New Races

Summary

• Patch 11.1 in World of Warcraft introduces Breakneck D.R.I.V.E. races and Skyrocket races using Goblin jetpacks.
• The Undermine zone in Patch 11.1 prohibits flying, instead featuring customizable cars and jetpacks.
• Skyrocket races challenge players with ring collection, speed, and increased difficulty.

World of Warcraft is set to thrill players with two new racing experiences in Patch 11.1: Breakneck D.R.I.V.E. races and Skyrocket races featuring Goblin jetpacks. These races will replace traditional Skyriding in the new zone, Undermine, introduced in the first major content update for World of Warcraft: The War Within.

Patch 11.1, dubbed "Undermined," transports players to Undermine, a vast subterranean city and the Goblin capital. Despite its expansive nature, flying is not permitted in this zone. Instead, players will navigate using D.R.I.V.E., a dynamic, customizable car system that allows for high-speed travel through the city's streets, surpassing the capabilities of Skyriding. World of Warcraft has confirmed that the Breakneck races will fully leverage the D.R.I.V.E. system.

In addition to Breakneck races, Patch 11.1 introduces Skyrocket races, which utilize Goblin jetpacks for aerial challenges. These races offer a unique movement style that blends elements of both existing flight systems in the game. Unlike Steady flight, players cannot stop mid-air, and unlike Skyriding, they maintain momentum and altitude. As demonstrated by WoW content creator MrGM on the Public Test Realm, collecting rings during these races increases speed, but at the cost of reduced turning responsiveness, adding a layer of difficulty to the Skyrocket races.

New Skyrocket Races in World of Warcraft Patch 11.1

With no Skyriding allowed in Undermine, Skyriding races are also absent from the zone. However, both Breakneck and Skyrocket races will offer achievements for achieving Bronze, Silver, and Gold times across all races. Additionally, reverse versions of all four Skyrocket and D.R.I.V.E. Breakneck races will be available, though they won't include Advanced or Challenge courses like some Skyriding races.

All Skyrocket and Breakneck Races in World of Warcraft Patch 11.1

Initial reactions to the Skyrocket races have been varied. While some players are eager to experience this new feature, others have criticized the jetpack flying as stiff and less responsive compared to Skyriding. Fortunately, with Patch 11.1 still in development, there is ample time for Blizzard to refine these races before their anticipated release in February.