How Much Should WoW Classic Plus Change? Warcraft Brew Podcast

What should WoW Classic Plus preserve from the original game, and which modern features would improve the experience? In this episode of the Warcraft Brew podcast, we begin answering the community survey questions from The Classic+ Project and share our opinions on the future of World of Warcraft Classic.

Our discussion covers modern graphics, server structure, raid sizes, Dungeon Finder, Heroic dungeons, world buffs, flying mounts, transmog, GDKPs, unexplored zones and many other features that could shape a potential Classic+ experience.

What Should WoW Classic Plus Be?

WoW Classic Plus—commonly written as Classic+—generally refers to the idea of expanding the original World of Warcraft experience with new content while retaining the design principles that define Classic.

The difficult question is where Blizzard should draw the line. Players may agree that Classic+ should offer new content, but there is far less agreement about modern graphics, convenience features, raid design, flying, transmog and changes to the original world.

In this Warcraft Brew episode, we use the introductory survey from wowclassic.plus as the foundation for our discussion. The Classic+ Project is a community-led initiative from a team led by WoW creators Joardee and OnlyBlacksmoke; it is not an official Blizzard survey.

Classic Plus Features Discussed in This Episode

We offer our opinions on many of the most debated potential WoW Classic Plus features, including:

• Modern character models and updated graphics
• Classic+ server rollouts and seasonal realms
• Layering and server population management
• Reducing the size of Classic raids
• Dungeon Finder and summoning stones
• Heroic versions of Classic dungeons
• Rated PvE and PvP content
• AoE looting and other quality-of-life improvements
• World buffs in raids
• Addons and WeakAura restrictions
• Mount level requirements and flying mounts
• Guild banks, achievements and reputation systems
• Transmog and separate storage for collectibles
• GDKP raid restrictions
• A possible level-cap increase
• New zones, including areas such as Mount Hyjal

Should Classic Plus Include Modern WoW Features?

Modern features could make WoW Classic Plus more approachable, but too many changes could remove the social interaction, world immersion and friction that distinguish Classic from modern World of Warcraft.

Features such as AoE looting, guild banks and summoning stones may feel like reasonable conveniences. Dungeon Finder, flying mounts, transmog and smaller raids are more divisive because they could significantly change how players interact with Azeroth and one another.

That tension is at the center of our discussion: How much should Classic Plus change while still feeling like Classic?

The Beginning of Our Classic Plus Podcast Series

This episode covers the introductory portion of the Classic+ survey. Future Warcraft Brew episodes will continue the conversation through its three major categories:

1. The World
2. The Player
3. The Systems

These sections will give us an opportunity to explore potential zones, classes, progression systems, gameplay changes and other ideas in greater depth.

Share Your Classic Plus Ideas

What would your ideal version of WoW Classic Plus look like? Would you support modern graphics, smaller raids, Heroic dungeons or new versions of unfinished zones? Should Blizzard allow flying and transmog, or would those features move the game too far away from Classic?

Watch the full episode above and leave a comment with your opinions. Your feedback may help shape our discussion in the next installment of Warcraft Brew.

You can also send questions to QuissyTV@gmail.com. We may answer your question during a future episode.

WoW Classic Plus Podcast FAQ