Blizzard has confirmed that experience point gains from dungeons in World of Warcraft: Forever will not match the efficiency seen in WoW Classic, aiming to maintain the open world as the primary focus for leveling.
Senior game designer Josh Greenfield stated that while XP from monsters within dungeons will see a slight increase, it will not be the fastest method to reach the level cap. "We understand that some of you want to dungeon cleave to 60, but this is another one of those things that has to pass muster with our core pillars," Greenfield explained on X. "That playstyle being the optimal way to level does not pass that muster and we need to hold firm on these balance adjustments."
The decision aims to ensure that players engage with the world of Azeroth during their leveling journey, rather than spending the entire experience within dungeons. This stance reflects Blizzard's effort to define WoW: Forever as a distinct experience from WoW Classic, even while drawing from its predecessor.
This adjustment may disappoint players who prefer to level through dungeons as a break from questing. However, the developers are reportedly open to exploring alternative methods to incentivize dungeon play, potentially through limited-time events or special items similar to those seen in the Season of Discovery, which introduced experimental mechanics and bonuses.
As World of Warcraft: Forever continues to develop, Blizzard's approach to incorporating new elements while maintaining a connection to classic WoW remains a subject of discussion. The balance between introducing fresh content and preserving the core tenets of the original game will be crucial in shaping the long-term player experience.