Valor Returns To ‘World Of Warcraft’ Alongside ‘Cataclysm’ Timewalking In Patch 6.2.3

Although the Warlords of Draenor expansion is over and the next expansion, Legion, has been announced, World of Warcraft developers are making some sweeping changes to the game in the interim before Legion releases. The 6.2.3 patch is shaping up to change a number of features in the game as well as reintroduce some that were removed before Warlords of Draenor released.

In the official Blizzard preview of patch 6.2.3, developers note the highlights of the upcoming patch. Cataclysm Timewalking, cross-realm Mythic raids, the return of Valor, and the addition of a mount reward for players that defeat Archimonde on Heroic or higher difficulty are just the beginning. The patch, which appears larger in scope than the infamous 6.1 patch to World of Warcraft, will definitely add enough carrots for players to consume before the launch of Legion.

The ongoing rotation of Timewalking events in World of Warcraft will now extend to Cataclysm dungeons when patch 6.2.3 releases. Currently, when the Timewalking event rolls around, players can participate in either Burning Crusade or Wrath of the Lich King dungeons whichever one is presented in the event. High-level players can queue for these Timewalking dungeons and experience the dungeons at a scaled down level with rewards for their natural level. Additionally, special Timewalking currency can be collected to purchase heirloom gear, high-level gear from the associated expansion, and even special mounts. In the case of Cataclysm Timewalking, players have a chance to loot an Infinite Timereaver mount from Cataclysm Timewalking dungeons.

Patch 6.2.3 will also let players raid the Mythic difficulty across realms. Not to mention, Valor as a currency will return World of Warcraft. Players can loot some from Heroic and Mythic dungeons, it can be earned during bonus events, and players can receive some for their first run of Raid Finder each week. Valor will be used to upgrade items again like it was in Mists of Pandaria; however, all items can only be upgraded twice.

The emphasis on difficult dungeons and raiding in patch 6.2.3 continues with the addition of a special mount reward to those clearing Heroic or higher Archimonde, the final boss of Warlords of Draenor. The Grove Warden mount, previously thought to be a cash shop mount, will be available for a limited time and only available to players who can defeat Archimonde on those difficulties.

According to the official patch notes, Mythic dungeons are receiving some new loot for players to find including pieces as high as item level 725 and new heirloom trinkets that scale to player level 110. The new heirloom trinkets can be viewed on WoWhead for all their details. Moreover, Baleful items can now produce items with item levels as high as 695. However, Baleful items will more often produce lower item level pieces as the 695 pieces are rarer to produce.

Even the PvP side of World of Warcraft is seeing some action in the patch 6.2.3 update. Warlords of Draenor‘s third season of PvP will kick off “around the release” of the patch. Warmongering Aspirant gear will be PvP level 715 with the Combatant gear moving to 730 and the Gladiator set at 740. The second season’s ending and the launch of the third will be announced officially as patch 6.2.3 grows closer to release.

Of course, there is no release date for Legion yet. Some could see the addition of this many carrots, or gated player goals, as a sign of a distant release date for the expansion. If the playerbase were soon to move on to Legion content, added Warlords of Draenor content in a short consumption window would seem hurried. However, if Legion‘s release was still several months away, the added World of Warcraft goals would provide distraction until more content is released.

No matter when Legion is released, though, patch 6.2.3 is definitely adding something to do in the meantime. Previously, patch 6.2.2 added several strings concerning the upcoming expansion including mentions of the level 100 boost to be included in the purchase price. The mount and pet bonuses for purchasing the Digital Deluxe edition of Legion were also revealed in the patch as the Illidari Felstalker mount and pet Nibbles. Both resemble the Dark Felstalker mobs found in Warlords of Draenor as reported by the Inquisitr.

Are the interim changes to World of Warcraft enough to keep you entertained until Legion releases?

[Images via Blizzard Entertainment]