World of Warcraft is in a bit of a weird place right now. With The War Within expansion set to release later this year, players are starting to become impatient for more information on the potential launch of the surprise 10.2.6. patch.
Blizzard announced roadmaps for both Classic and Retail WoW back in December 2023. In doing so for the latter, Blizzard confirmed a general release order without specific dates. This included Patch 10.2.5. (which has subsequently been released) and the arrival of The War Within prepatch in the summer.
Within that roadmap, the developer also announced a mystery Patch 10.2.6. Though every other item in the yearly plan had been detailed, Patch 10.2.6. was marked only with a skull & crossbones logo, with no further elaboration.
Now, four months after that initial reveal, some in the player base have begun to grow impatient for more news.
Holly Longdale hints that more news on 10.2.6. patch is coming
After Wowhead posted on Twitter/X to confirm no further news on 10.2.6. this week, many were left frustrated. Prominent WoW content creators Taliesin and Evitel voiced their feelings in response, saying: “Lol fuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.”
Though there was undoubtedly some humor intended, Vice President Holly Longdale did see fit to respond. She asked the community to remain patient, asking the community to “stick with us for a minute.”
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Sorry? We have learned that not having news and deets is frustrating for our creators and players. Stick with us for a minute. Our goal is a bit o' fun. As always we are here to learn and serve. So to speak. 🫣
— Holly Longdale (@TheWindstalker) March 5, 2024
Longdale’s deliberate use of “bit o’ fun” seems to further the overwhelming theory that 10.2.6. is pirate-related. That said, the lack of news has begun to draw pushback from those who play the game.
In the responses to the tweet, many voiced their growing concern. One said: “The lack of news isn’t making people more curious, it’s driven them away. In a market that offers so many games to play, it is not so easy to lure back players once they are gone.”
Another added: “I think the length of the tease to when it’s actually releasing is the biggest frustration. I think maybe if it was teased closer to the release of the content it wouldn’t feel like forever. That being said I am very much excited for the surprise!”
Whatever does happen with Patch 10.2.6., it’s clear that the community is excited for its arrival. It is also set to tide the player base over, with 10.2.7., until the arrival of The War Within.