Blizzard’s latest update, Patch 11.1.5, revisits familiar content with some modern touches. While the return of Horrific Visions sparks nostalgia, some players wonder if more could have been done to refresh the experience…
Horrific Visions Returns
Blizzard is bringing back Horrific Visions from Battle for Azeroth, allowing players to relive this popular challenge, with minimum changes. The core mechanics remain in tact, with familiar faces like Wrathion and M.O.T.H.E.R. guiding players through their runs. However, a new addition, Soridormi, offers flexible support as a tank, healer, or DPS, making the experience more accessible.
Rewards and Progression: A Mixed Bag
Players can earn new void-themed variations of existing mounts in the update. While some appreciate these additions, others hoped for more variety. The Horrific Visions talent tree also makes a return, requiring a currency to grind, which is slightly time-gated, a design choice that has received mixed feedback.
The gear vendors in Dornogal also offer mostly recolors of existing sets and weapons.
Flame’s Radiance: A Familiar Renown Grind
Patch 11.1.5 introduces Flame’s Radiance, a new faction, but its progression system follows the same Renown-based structure players have seen before. By completing daily quests and earning currency, players can unlock rewards such as Champion gear, cosmetics, and mounts. While the rewards may appeal to collectors, some players feel that the system lacks innovation, following a familiar structure seen with past factions.
Unique Mounts Gated Behind Trading Post
Another concern among players is that truly unique mounts—those that aren’t simple recolors of existing models—are locked behind the Trading Post. For example, all four tints of the recently previewed hedgehog mounts are unavailable through standard gameplay, limiting player choice in how they acquire them.
Another example is a new dog mount, a recolored version of Taivan, the Dragonflight meta-achievement mount, which will be available exclusively through the Trading Post. This gives players who haven’t had the opportunity to complete the time-consuming meta-achievement another way to obtain a dog mount.
Should Minor Patches Offer More Than Just Nostalgia?
Looking at Patch 11.1.5, some in the community wonder if Blizzard could take a more innovative approach to minor patches rather than primarily revisiting past content with minimal updates.
While nostalgia can be a powerful tool, balancing it with fresh content and meaningful updates is key to keeping the game engaging. Blizzard has introduced new features like Winds of Mysterious Fortune, a special XP/reputation event, and a cooldown tracker, showing efforts to add new elements. However, the concern lies in the reliance on recolored gear and mounts, as well as minimal changes to returning features.
What’s your take on using recolors? Are you fine with them so long as they add to your collection or would you prefer more unique rewards?