'World of Warcraft' patch 7.3.5 goes live, includes level scaling

Screenshot from the "World of Warcraft" trailer YouTube/World of Warcraft

Hit multiplayer roleplaying game "World of Warcraft" recently received a large update. Patch 7.3.5 went live for the first time on Jan. 17, with Blizzard announcing the changes on their official WoW website.

The announcement reads, "Patch 7.3.5 is now live, and adds several new features and updates, including Ulduar Timewalking; the revamped leveling experience featuring scaling zones throughout Azeroth, Outland, and Draenor; and more. Players who have completed the Antorus, the Burning Throne raid can continue the story beyond the events on Argus and experience the tumultuous aftermath on Azeroth with a new quest line. Read the complete patch notes to learn more."

Before ending the post, Blizzard also reminded players to secure their accounts with Blizzard Authenticator and SMS protect. Those who did so would receive four backpack slots for all their active characters. Announcement aside, the big update has fans of franchise buzzing.

One of the biggest changes to "World of Warcraft" is the new level-scaling mechanic. Now that levels scale up depending on the level of the player, it allows WoW players to tackle any of the areas in whatever order of their choosing. Instead of having to fight countless monsters to level up so they can proceed, most of the world is now at the players' fingertips.

According to Kotaku, prior to the update, players would start out at the beginning zone and would have to stay there until they reached level 10. After that, they would have to journey to specific places geared towards players above level ten but below level twenty. Things proceeded in this manner, meaning that only very high levelled players were able to access some of the game's areas. This was a big limitation for more casual gamers and those who merely wanted to enjoy the world of WoW or fight bosses with their friends. It made certain areas exclusive to those players who had the time to farm for experience points.

With the level-scaling update, places have lost their exclusiveness. Players with lower levels can now explore the rest of the world, while players of higher levels can now find a challenge anywhere. Dungeons have also been included in the level-scaling update, which means players do not have to worry about dungeon level and can now enter any dungeon they want to.

News
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds

Churches across the UK are expecting fuller pews this Christmas, as new research suggests a significant rise in the number of people planning to attend services and church-run events over the festive season.

ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial
ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial

The Board of Inquiry issued a short statement on Friday stating that there was “probable cause to present” ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood “for trial for violation of Canon 2 of this Title.”

Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message
Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message

The BBC has invited Bishop Mariann Budde, the US bishop who challenged President Donald Trump at an inauguration service in January, to give a Christmas message.

Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack
Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack

Christian leaders in Australia have expressed their solidarity with the country's grief-stricken Jewish community after a deadly terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday night.