What Expansion Was Patch 6.0 WoW?

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Patch 6.0 in World of Warcraft was the pre-expansion patch for Warlords of Draenor. This patch was a major “systems” update designed to prepare the game for the fifth expansion’s release, introducing significant changes and laying the groundwork for the content that followed. It went live in the weeks leading up to the release of Warlords of Draenor, which ultimately came out on November 13, 2014. Therefore, Patch 6.0 was not itself an expansion, but a crucial step in the transition to Warlords of Draenor. It included a variety of system overhauls, class adjustments, and the initial introduction to the Warlords of Draenor storyline through a pre-launch event.

Understanding Patch 6.0 and Its Significance

Patch 6.0 was not just a typical content update; it marked a profound shift in World of Warcraft gameplay. The changes implemented were meant to streamline the game, refine class mechanics, and prepare players for the drastically different environment of Draenor. It introduced crucial system changes, making it a significant patch in the history of World of Warcraft. It was during this pre-expansion period that players began experiencing some of the new features that would define Warlords of Draenor, including a glimpse into the Iron Horde invasion.

The Pre-Expansion Event: Iron Horde Incursion

One of the most noticeable features of Patch 6.0 was the pre-expansion event: Iron Horde Incursion. This event saw the Dark Portal in the Blasted Lands turn a menacing red, as the formidable Iron Horde began to invade Azeroth. Players were tasked with confronting this initial wave of invaders through a special questline and a revamped Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) dungeon. This event effectively established the storyline and the primary antagonists of the Warlords of Draenor expansion. This early taste of conflict helped immerse players into the coming conflicts and challenges.

Systems Update Highlights

Patch 6.0 brought along a host of significant system changes, including but not limited to:

• Stat Squish: To address the escalating numbers of stats, the game underwent a stat squish. This meant that existing gear was scaled down, while still maintaining its power ratio.
• Class Adjustments: Major class changes were implemented, refining roles and abilities in preparation for the new expansion.
• UI Updates: Various changes to the user interface were made, creating a more streamlined and user-friendly experience.
• Leveling Changes: Although it did not include the major level squish that came later, some changes to the leveling system were introduced in preparation for Warlords of Draenor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Patch 6.0 and Warlords of Draenor

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Patch 6.0 and the Warlords of Draenor expansion to provide a better understanding of this pivotal time in World of Warcraft’s history:

1. What is Warlords of Draenor?
   • Warlords of Draenor is the fifth expansion for World of Warcraft, released on November 13, 2014. It features an alternate timeline version of Draenor, the homeworld of the orcs.
2. When was Warlords of Draenor announced?
   • Warlords of Draenor was announced on November 8, 2013 at BlizzCon 2013.
3. What was the level cap in Warlords of Draenor?
   • The level cap in Warlords of Draenor was raised to 100, up from 90 in Mists of Pandaria.
4. What was the pre-patch event for Warlords of Draenor?
   • The pre-patch event was the Iron Horde Incursion, which introduced a special Blasted Lands questline and revamped Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS). The Dark Portal turned red, and orcs invaded Azeroth.
5. What was the major focus of the Warlords of Draenor story?
   • The story focused on a war against the Iron Horde, a powerful alternate timeline orcish force, led by figures from Warcraft’s past such as Grommash Hellscream.
6. Why is Warlords of Draenor considered a controversial expansion?
   • Warlords of Draenor was criticized for its lack of endgame content, the perceived over-reliance on garrisons, and overall feeling that it was released prematurely, lacking the depth of previous expansions. It also was the highest cost expansion, starting at $49.99.
7. What are Garrisons in Warlords of Draenor?
   • Garrisons were player housing and management systems unique to WoD. Players would build and upgrade their garrisons and gather followers to do missions for them.
8. How can you skip the Warlords of Draenor introduction?
   • Players can skip the Warlords of Draenor intro when leveling subsequent characters. This was a feature added after the pre-patch for the Shadowlands expansion.
9. How do you get to Draenor in World of Warcraft?
   • Players can start the questline to go to Draenor by visiting the Hero’s Call Board in Stormwind or Warchief’s Command Board in Orgrimmar, or by traveling to the Dark Portal in the Blasted Lands and speaking with Khadgar.
10. What is the level squish and why was it implemented?
    • The level squish was implemented in Shadowlands and was not a feature of Warlords of Draenor. The level squish is a way to simplify the leveling system by reducing maximum player levels to manageable numbers.
11. What was the final raid in Warlords of Draenor?
    • The last raid in Warlords of Draenor was Hellfire Citadel, featuring Archimonde as the final boss.
12. What are the portals to Draenor?
    • Horde players use the Ashran portal located in the Orgrimmar Portal Room, while Alliance players use the Ashran portal in Stormwind Portal Room. Neutral players can use their Garrison Hearthstone.
13. When was patch 6.2 released?
    • Patch 6.2.0 was released on June 23, 2015 (June 24, 2015 in the EU).
14. Who is the main villain in Warlords of Draenor?
    • The main antagonist is an alternate version of Gul’dan, who plays a pivotal role in the events of the expansion and later appears as a secondary antagonist in Legion.
15. What was the cost of Warlords of Draenor?
    • Warlords of Draenor was the most expensive expansion in World of Warcraft history, retailing for $49.99 USD.

Conclusion

Patch 6.0 was not an expansion itself, but it was a crucial pre-expansion update that set the stage for Warlords of Draenor. It introduced key systems changes, the Iron Horde Incursion event, and many other adjustments that shaped the game for the coming expansion. While Warlords of Draenor itself proved to be controversial, Patch 6.0 was a pivotal moment, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in the history of World of Warcraft. Understanding the role and impact of this pre-patch provides valuable context for any player interested in the evolution of the game. By answering these questions and providing information on the changes of that patch, players can have a more complete understanding of patch 6.0 within the WoW universe.