World of Warcraft players can look forward to a new catch-up mechanic in Patch 10.0.7, as it draws inspiration from a rather beloved zone from the game's storied history. Catch-up mechanics have always played a major role in the long-term enjoyment of a World of Warcraft expansion, as they've helped new or returning players join their friends in current content at a hastened pace. One of the most iconic and well-received catch-up mechanics came in the form of the Timeless Isle zone in Mists of Pandaria, as its final patch had the unfortunate burden of keeping players satisfied during the long wait for Warlords of Draenor.
The catch-up mechanic for Dragonflight comes a lot earlier than that, as even before the debut of its first content patch in Embers of Neltharion, World of Warcraft players will be able to acquire account-bound gear in the Forbidden Reach as a part of Patch 10.0.7. The intent is to bridge the gap between freshly-made alts or recently-returned players, and the seasoned characters fully-clad in Vault of the Incarnates or Mythic Keystone equipment.
Specifically, the catch-up mechanic for the Forbidden Reach will function much like the treasure chests and rares on the Timeless Isle from Patch 5.4. Much like the popular Mists of Pandaria zone, World of Warcraft players will be able to earn unopened equipment coffers separated by armor type at an item level of 385, the equivalent of Heroic or Timewalking dungeons in Dragonflight Mythic Season 2.
The mechanic was shared by TechnoRedneck on the official World of Warcraft subreddit, and it's safe to say that the reception so far has been overwhelmingly positive. The choice to embrace Timeless Isle's catch-up system builds on Blizzard's promise that Dragonflight would focus on the aspects that made World of Warcraft great, as it continues to listen and observe the plight of its audience to great success. Many consider Dragonflight to be a thrilling World of Warcraft expansion overall, a veritable breath of fresh air after the rather controversial Battle for Azeroth and Shadowlands.
It's still early to tell what the lasting impression of Dragonflight will be once all is said and done, but with an elaborate 2023 roadmap for World of Warcraft laid out, the developers at Blizzard don't lack any vision when it comes to Dragonflight's direction. With Embers of Neltharion presumably eyeing a late May release, and Patch 10.0.7 releasing on March 21, players will be able to experience the next chapter of Dragonflight very soon.
World of Warcraft is available now on PC.