The War Within launches in August, and the pre-load begins tomorrow. We can expect changes to the user interface, in addition to an improved map legend, a clearer quest log, and even a brand new accessibility feature.
World of Warcraft’s map is getting some improvements intended to make things clearer and easier to quickly get the info you need. The map legend is specifically getting an overhaul with a new map key that carefully, and clearly shows quests, limited time activities, other activities, and movement so you can quickly choose the options that you need.
Quests are sorted by type, like Campaign quests that continue the main story, Legendary quests, and repeatable quests. Important quests are those that unlock special features and rewards or serve as a type of tutorial or intro to certain mechanics. There's also a category for quests in progress that you've already started but haven't completed yet, local story quests, meta, and ones that are turn-in ready.
There are additional categories for limited time activities, activities, and movement. Under movement are things like teleport points or cave entrances. Limited time activities are world quests, a world boss, and event specific content. Under the activities category, expect things like dungeons, raids, pet battles, or hubs.
The WoW team has been working over time to improve the UI and HUD, adding flexibility, as well as making things clearer, and more organized. These changes fall into the letter category and are accompanied by updates to the quest log. There will be a checkbox that you can check for the quests you want to track, and there will be additional info available. When you mouse over the quest in the questlog, it will also show you what type of quest it is.
UI changes also include an updated Spellbook. Specializations, Talents, and the Spellbook are condensed into “Talents and Spellbook”, with more options viewable on one screen, and a thorough search function.
One of the other changes on the way is arachnophobia mode. Toggle this on in the accessibility options and the game will replace spiders “where possible” with alternate creatures. They do warn that it won’t replace every model, and there will still be spider references in the game, but it should help.
The War Within is out on August 26th.
