World of Warcraft: Forever is set to launch with a significantly buffed version of the Tauren racial ability, Plainsrunning. This ability, which allows Tauren characters to move faster over time, was a feature in the game's original beta but was later removed in favor of mount acquisition. Plainsrunning has now been reintroduced in WoW: Forever, offering Tauren players a notable advantage from the start.
In its original beta implementation, Plainsrunning allowed Tauren to gain a speed boost equivalent to a mount. This was a compensatory measure as Tauren, due to their size, were not initially intended to use conventional mounts. However, the ability was eventually scrapped, and Tauren were given kodo mounts instead. Plainsrunning became a historical footnote until its recent reappearance in the WoW: Forever beta.
The resurrected Plainsrunning ability functions by granting stacks of increased movement speed every few seconds, with each stack providing a 2% boost. This effect accumulates as long as the character is moving and not engaged in combat, eventually capping at a 60% movement speed increase. While it takes time to reach this maximum, it offers a substantial advantage for travel, particularly in the early game where mounts are not yet available.
The 60% speed increase is equivalent to the speed provided by an apprentice-level mount, which players typically acquire at level 40. With Plainsrunning available from level one, Tauren characters can traverse zones like Mulgore much more rapidly. Although WoW: Forever incorporates new fast-travel mechanics, the gradual buildup of Plainsrunning allows for faster movement without disrupting the slower-paced exploration that some players appreciate in classic versions of the game.
This enhanced racial ability is expected to significantly impact the Tauren leveling experience, allowing them to "zoom" across the world at speeds previously unattainable for their race at such an early stage. The return and buff of Plainsrunning marks a significant change for the Tauren race in World of Warcraft: Forever, emphasizing their unique mobility.