Plunderstorm

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For the patch, see patch 10.2.6.
Plunderstorm
Plunderstorm logo.png
Duration March 19 - May 1, 2024
Currency [Plunder]
Highlights Various Pirate-themed loot
Key art.

Plunderstorm was a limited-time, standalone, pirate-themed event lasting for six weeks, from 19 March 2024[1] to 1 May 2024.[2] It was a separate mode for World of Warcraft, a 60-player Battle Royale-style event requiring only an active subscription or game time, and no expansion purchase was needed. Customize your character's appearance, then set out across the familiar grounds of the Arathi Highlands, slaying enemies and opening chests for plunder, abilities, and experience. The last pirate (or squad) standing wins!

The final two weeks of Plunderstorm included a "Plundersurge", awarding double Renown with Keg Leg's Crew for all Plunder gathered.[2]

Gameplay

Character select

Plunderstorm takes place on special Plunderstorm-only realms in the Dragonflight client, chosen at character select. Players do not use their existing characters, but make a new, classless character and can customize its appearance like normal and at will on the character select screen. They also will use their Battle.net account name as their character name. This means character names do not follow normal naming restrictions, and can have numbers and non-standard capitalization.

Character select also describes the game mode as follows:

  1. Win by being the last one standing.
  2. Kill creatures and enemies to level up and acquire spells.
  3. Upgrade spells by looting more copies of them.
  4. Use your heal ability when low on health.

Plunderstorm offers three game modes: Solos, Duos, and Trios. If queuing for Duos or Trios, players can tag along with Battle.net friends or be placed with random players. Each match is 10-15 minutes long and has 60 players per match, with the winner being the last player or party standing.

Intro

Plunder.

Combat does not play out like traditional World of Warcraft, but instead (nearly) all abilities are telegraphed. Additionally, there is no auto-attack, and the only ability that is guaranteed to hit from range is [Rime Arrow]. All other abilities are skill shots— players and enemy creatures can step out of the telegraphed area of effect to dodge.

Defeated mobs and players are not looted, instead they drop piles of [Plunder] plus their held abilities and consumable items on the ground. Plunder is picked up automatically by running over it. Spells and items are picked up by clicking on them or using the interact key (F by default).

Upon death, it is possible to watch the match from the perspective of teammates (if they are still alive) or other players, including their loadout. Teammates can revive their partner by standing in the glowing circle surrounding their teammate's corpse and completing a long spellcast. Gathered Plunder is not lost on death. However, a copy of some of the player's Plunder can be picked up by other players.

After joining a game, players are sent to Brew Bay as a pre-game lobby area, on the eastern shore of Arathi Highlands where the Arathi coast dwarven farm would be on retail realms. While there, they can speak with Da'kash Grimledger to view their renown with Keg Leg's Crew or customize their appearance for the upcoming game.

Once the game starts, the character will get shot out of a cannon, and on the other side of a fade-to-black, will be on a bird gliding down to the ground. Players can steer the bird (using Dragonriding-esque gliding and diving), aim at a location in range, then begin killing mobs and enemy players and looting Plunder. The act of crash-landing on the ground will kill any enemy creatures caught by the impact.

Characters also start at level one at the beginning of the match, and gain XP from killing, opening chests, and looting Plunder. As the player gains more Plunder, the container on their back gets bigger.

Gaining a level yields:

Your health has increased. The damage of your abilities has increased.

After some time, the storm will arrive and close off parts of the map. Subsequent storms will close the playspace further and further until only a small circular area remains.

After death, a tombstone is left behind, along with a crying ghostly figure of the deceased pirate. Dying is denoted by chat messages, depending if killed by an enemy combatant (player or creature) or by the Storm:

  • <Name> has eliminated <name>!
  • <Name> has been consumed by the Storm.

Abilities

Ability.

Level up and acquire new abilities and spells by killing creatures and enemies, looting chests, and avoiding the encroaching storm. There are a total of 10 offensive and 10 utility spells for players to find and experiment with. Upon picking up, spells and abilities are automatically added to the 7-button Action Bar, with two slots dedicated to offensive skills and two for utilities such as leaps, speed boosts, and crowd-control. Some abilities are more action-based and require good positioning and player targeting. Discover and experiment with different combinations to find synergies and your preferred play style.

Spells and abilities can be upgraded by discovering higher-quality versions from treasure chests or finding the same ability elsewhere and stacking it to Rank 4 (epic). There are also plenty of plundering opportunities—various treasure chests with different rarities that harbor all types of abilities are stashed around the map. Always stay on the lookout for better loot and upgrades.

The player's first kill is guaranteed to drop a spell, and elite enemies are also guaranteed to drop a spell. Non-elite enemies after the first have a chance to drop spells or items.

Offensive spells

Utility spells

Items

Alongside offensive and utility abilities, players can use several supplementary consumable items. Only one may be held at a time.

Enemies

Mobs include members of organizations commonly found in the Arathi Highlands, including the kingdom of Stromgarde, Horde, Syndicate, Boulderfist ogres, Witherbark forest trolls, and Drywhisker kobolds, as well as wildlife beasts.

Elite mobs

Elite mobs are denoted on the minimap with a star. When Pieces of Hate spawn, they appear on the zone map as skulls.

Quests

N [1WQ] Learn the Ropes or Walk the Plank serves as an introduction to the basics of the gameplay.

N [1WQ] Daily Doubloons is a daily quest awarding 800 Plunder, requiring players to complete their first captain order per day.

Every match has a world quest that awards 250 Plunder. It will appear in the quest area beneath the minimap post-landing after the match starts.

Stages

The playthrough is accompanied by scenario-like stages.

Summoning Scallywags

The tournament will begin once enough players have been summoned.
  • X/60 Solos
  • X/30 Duos

Loot and Plunder!

The amount of players that are alive.
X Players Remaining

Geography

Zone map

Plunderstorm uses the Battle for Stromgarde (Battle for Azeroth) version of Arathi Highlands with some minor tweaks to block off exits to other zones and the addition of Brew Bay on the southeastern shore as well as new subzone names to existing areas in the main area.

Subzones

Rewards

Players can earn cosmetics, pets, titles, and mounts as they progress through the renown tracks, including a majestic [Polly Roger] parrot mount, Bubbles the crab pet, swashbuckling cosmetics, and more. A victory is not required to claim the spoils of a well-fought fight. Rewards are account-wide and are carried over to retail and Classic servers.

Winning a round awards 500 additional Plunder on top of what was collected during the round, the  [Plunder Wonder] feat of strength, and a pirate-themed attire for the Plunderstorm character for the next round.

Collectibles

Collectibles are awarded automatically after achieving the required Renown rank. It may take a relog for the rewards to appear on the retail/Classic servers. Each renown rank is 2500 Plunder/reputation.

Valdrakken rewards

Polly Roger, Plix Sputtermouth, and Da'kash Grimledger

After reaching Renown 5, level-70 players in Valdrakken will get pushed the N [70] A Keg-Stamped Package quest, unlocking Da'kash Grimledger as a vendor in the corner of the Roasted Ram.

Da'kash Grimledger <Quartermaster>
Item Cost Contents
 [Blackened Flightstone] 1 Keg-Stamped Coin 50x [Flightstones]
 [Large Pouch of Whelpling's Awakened Crests] 2 Keg-Stamped Coin 30x [Drake's Awakened Crest]
 [Satchel of Drake's Awakened Crests] 3 Keg-Stamped Coin 15x [Wyrm's Awakened Crest]
(1)  [Pirate's Booty] 18c Random DF Season 3 Normal Amirdrassil armor

Renown levels

There are 40 Renown levels with Keg Leg's Crew. Reputation comes from looting piles of gold [Plunder] in a 1:1 ratio and will be awarded at the end of the match. 2,500 Plunder/reputation points are required to rank up. Due to quests, 96,500 Plunder is required to reach Renown 40. Rewards will be available in Dragonflight, in Plunderstorm, and/or in Wrath Classic.

Keg Leg's Crew rewards track
Renown
level		 Reward Unlock type Description
DF PS LK
1  [Deadly Dagger] ✓ ✓ ✗ Unlocks the Deadly Dagger appearance. To change appearances in Plunderstorm, see Da'kash Grimledger.
"You're in Keg Leg's Crew now, swabbie. Here's your dagger, get to plundering!"
2 Title: Swabbie
 [Swabbie's Gloves]		 ✗
✓		 ✓
✗		 ✗
✗		 Unlocks the "Swabbie" title in Plunderstorm at Da'kash Grimledger.
"The captain has declared you an official swabbie!"
Unlocks the Swabbie's Gloves appearance.
"Leather gloves to help you grab the loot."
3  [Surefooted Boots] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks the Surefooted Boots appearance.
"Helps you keep your footing on ship or on land."
4  [Quilted Breeches] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks the Quilted Breeches appearance.
"A new pair of pants to cushion your landing."
5  [Calcified Claymore]
N [70] A Keg-Stamped Package		 ✓
✓		 ✓
✗		 ✗
✗		 Unlocks the Calcified Claymore appearance. To change appearances in Plunderstorm, see Da'kash Grimledger.
"A sword is like a dagger, but large."
A new quest awaits a level 70 character in Valdrakken in the Dragon Isles.
6  [Spun Cotton Shirt]
Pet: Happy		 ✓
✓		 ✓
✓		 ✗
✗		 Unlocks the Spun Cotton Shirt appearance.
Also unlocks the Shabby Swabbie outfit in Plunderstorm. To change outfits, see Da'kash Grimledger.
Unlocks the Happy pet. In Plunderstorm, Da'kash Grimledger can summon your pet for you.
"He's just excited to be here."
7  [Skulker's Cloak] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks the Skulker's Cloak appearance.
"Some plunderers prefer to stay in the shadows."
8  [Copper Cannon] ✓ ✓ ✗ Unlocks the Copper Cannon appearance. To change appearances in Plunderstorm, see Da'kash Grimledger.
"Plundering is easier with a cannon at your side."
9  [Warm Woolen Cap] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks the Warm Woolen Cap appearance.
"Even the swarthiest pirate gets cold sometimes."
10 Mount: [Silver Tidestallion]
Title: Swashbuckler		 ✓
✗		 ✗
✓		 ✗
✗		 Unlocks the Silver Tidestallion underwater mount.
"It smells like shrimp."
Unlocks the "Swashbuckler" title in Plunderstorm at Da'kash Grimledger.
"You have proven your ability to both swash and buckle."
11 Pet: Bubbles
Pet: Pinchy the Plunderer		 ✓
✗		 ✓
✗		 ✗
✓		 Unlocks the Bubbles pet. In Plunderstorm, Da'kash Grimledger can summon your pet for you.
"It followed you home!"
Unlocks the Pinchy the Plunderer pet in Wrath of the Lich King: Classic.
"Watch out for the pointy end!"
12  [Swindler's Cutouts] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks the Swindler's Cutouts appearance.
"For those skilled in slight of hand."
13  [Blacksteel Saber] ✓ ✓ ✗ Unlocks the Blacksteel Saber appearance. To change appearances in Plunderstorm, see Da'kash Grimledger.
"Forged for swarthy swashbuckling action."
14  [Silent Leathers] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks the Silent Leathers appearance.
"Sometimes hiding is the best offense."
15  [Handwoven Trousers] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks the Handwoven Trousers appearance.
"A gift from the captain. They're tailor-made just for you!"
16  [Marvelous Multi-Shot]
Toy:  [Swarthy Warning Sign]		 ✓
✓		 ✓
✗		 ✗
✗		 Unlocks the Marvelous Multi-Shot appearance. To change appearances in Plunderstorm, see Da'kash Grimledger.
"Aim away from face."
Unlocks the Swarthy Warning Sign toy.
"Perfect for creating your own pirate hangout."
17  [Fine Crimson Doublet] ✓ ✓ ✗ Unlocks the Fine Crimson Doublet appearance.
Also unlocks the Snazzy Swabbie outfit in Plunderstorm. To change outfits, see Da'kash Grimledger.
18  [Bloody Iron Cleaver] ✓ ✓ ✗ Unlocks the Bloody Iron Cleaver appearance. To change appearances in Plunderstorm, see Da'kash Grimledger.
"A bloody axe for a bloody good pirate!"
19  [Weatherproven Drape] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks the Weatherproven Drape appearance.
"It says "proven", not "proof". Don't jump in the lake."
20 Mount: [Royal Seafeather]
Title: Buccaneer		 ✓
✗		 ✗
✓		 ✗
✗		 Unlocks the Royal Seafeather flying mount.
"With the amount of plunder you have, it'd be a crime not to have a giant parrot."
Unlocks the "Buccaneer" title in Plunderstorm at Da'kash Grimledger.
"You are a feared force of the storm!"
21  [Storm Captain's Hat] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks the Storm Captain's Hat appearance.
"A fine hat for the captain in the storm!"
22  [Plunderlord's Gilded Sigil] ✓ ✓ ✗ Unlocks the Plunderlord's Gilded Sigil appearance. To change appearances in Plunderstorm, see Da'kash Grimledger.
"Hold high the staff of the Plunderlord, and raise a crew to plunder!"
23  [Plunderlord's Cuffs] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks the Plunderlord's Cuffs appearance.
"Golden cuffs befitting the finest of pirates."
24 [Plundered Bag of Tender]
 [A Tiny Plumed Tricorne]		 ✓
✓		 ✗
✓		 ✗
✗		 Unlocks 250 [Trader's Tender] in the Collector's Cache in Stormwind or Orgrimmar.
When summoned, Pepe will now sometimes be dressed as a Plunderlord. To summon the tiny captain in Plunderstorm, see Da'kash Grimledger.
25  [Plunderlord's Golden Cinch] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks the Plunderlord's Golden Cinch appearance.
"The large gold skull buckle really brings the outfit together."
26  [Plunderlord's Pilferers] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks the Plunderlord's Pilferers appearance.
"They're so silky."
27  [Plunderlord's Neck-Severer] ✓ ✓ ✗ Unlocks the Plunderlord's Neck-Severer appearance. To change appearances in Plunderstorm, see Da'kash Grimledger.
"A necessary tool in the arsenal of the pirate lord."
28  [Plunderlord's Muckscrapers] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks the Plunderlord's Muckscrapers appearance.
"You wouldn't want to get muck on them."
29  [Plunderlord's Fancy Trousers] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks the Plunderlord's Fancy Trousers appearance.
"Now you can say that you have the fanciest pants."
30 Pet: Glamrok
Title: First Mate		 ✓
✗		 ✗
✓		 ✗
✗		 Unlocks the Glamrok pet. In Plunderstorm, Da'kash Grimledger can summon your pet for you.
"A fellow loot enthusiast."
Unlocks the "First Mate" title in Plunderstorm at Da'kash Grimledger.
"Your penchant for plunder is legendary!"
31  [Plunderlord's Fine Rapier] ✓ ✓ ✗ Unlocks the Plunderlord's Fine Rapier appearance. To change appearances in Plunderstorm, see Da'kash Grimledger.
"For stabbing."
32  [Plunderlord's Hand Cannon] ✓ ✓ ✗ Unlocks the Plunderlord's Hand Cannon appearance. To change appearances in Plunderstorm, see Da'kash Grimledger.
"Smells like gold and gunpowder."
33 [Plundered Chest of Tender] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks 500 [Trader's Tender] in the Collector's Cache in Stormwind or Orgrimmar.
34  [Plunderlord's Waistcoat] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks the Plunderlord's Waistcoat appearance.
"Nobody looks bad in a waistcoat."
35  [Plunderlord's Drapery] ✓ ✗ ✗ Unlocks the Plunderlord's Drapery appearance.
"In matching red and gold, of course."
36  [Plunderlord's Silver Cutlass] ✓ ✓ ✗ Unlocks the Plunderlord's Silver Cutlass appearance. To change appearances in Plunderstorm, see Da'kash Grimledger.
"Shines just the right way in the sun when you hold it aloft."
37  [Plunderlord's Tassled Spaulders] ✓ ✓ ✗ Unlocks the Plunderlord's Tassled Spaulders appearance.
Also Unlocks the Strapping Swabbie outfit in Plunderstorm. To change outfits, see Da'kash Grimledger.
38  [Plunderlord's Tricorne of Admiralty]
 [Plunderlord's Monocle]		 ✓
✓		 ✗
✗		 ✗
✗		 Unlocks the Plunderlord's Tricorne of Admiralty appearance.
"A fine plumed helm made in just the right size for your head."
Unlocks the Plunderlord's Monocle appearance.
"Helps with seeing out of only one eye."
39 Mount: [Polly Roger] ✓ ✗ ✓ Unlocks the Polly Roger dragonriding mount.
"The captain has granted you his very own giant temperamental parrot. Good luck!"
Unlocks the Polly Roger mount in Wrath of the Lich King Classic.
40 Title: Plunderlord
 [Plunderlord's Tabard]		 ✓
✓		 ✓
✗		 ✗
✗		 Unlocks the Plunderlord title.
"The captain has bestowed upon you the title of "Plunderlord." May all who oppose you sink to the briny depths!"
Unlocks the Plunderlord's Tabard appearance.
"You've proven you're buccaneer and dear to Captain Keg Leg's heart. Proudly display your captain's favor."

Achievements

Tracking macros

On retail realms, players can run the command below to see their current Keg Leg's Crew Renown level: 

/run local f=C_MajorFactions.GetMajorFactionData(2593) print(f.name,"Renown level:",f.renownLevel)

On retail realms, the tracking macro below will link the  [Plunderkind] achievement and display the current total of [Plunder] looted. It should be copy/pasted as one line: 

/run local c,_,_,_,a,b=BreakUpLargeNumbers,GetAchievementCriteriaInfo(20509,1) print(GetAchievementLink(20509),c(a),"of",c(b),C_CurrencyInfo.GetCurrencyLink(2922))

Notes and trivia

  • Players take no fall damage and can double jump.
  • There's no addon support.
  • Owning Dragonflight or The War Within is not required, only game time is required to play this game mode.[3]
  • In the place of the class name in the tooltip, player characters are Adventurers.
  • Racial languages are not available in the menu.
  • After winning a match, you will have a special tabard and avatar during the next match to signify your recent victory, as well as the Inv cape special treasure c 01.png First Rate Mate buff during the lobby.
  • The minimap uses the world map.
  • Plunderstorm was inspired by various battle royales, MOBAs, fighters, and RTS games including Warcraft III.[4]
  • Plunderstorm was originally conceived as an internal PvP experiment, before playtests at Blizzard revealed it was fun even when its prototype version was still "really crude and not very good-looking." So it was re-pitched and reconceived as a limited-time, end-of-expansion event that would unify both retail and Classic players for a fun time that wouldn't have significant consequences for either.[5]
  • During development, the original map was Drustvar, but the verticality of the map proved difficult to navigate.[6]

Gallery

  • Another logo variant

    Another logo variant

  • Plunderstorm entry in the retail character select screen

    Plunderstorm entry in the retail character select screen

  • Original character select screen

    Original character select screen

  • Plunderstorm - Character Select Screen 2.jpg
  • Lobby waiting area

    Lobby waiting area

  • Plunderstorm - Lobby waiting area 2.jpg
  • Action bar and Spectate mode

    Action bar and Spectate mode

  • Player count, Storm timer, Plunder collected

    Player count, Storm timer, Plunder collected

  • Match drop

    Match drop

  • Combat

    Combat

  • Plunderstorm - Combat 2.jpg
  • Plunderstorm - Combat 3.jpg
  • Plunderstorm - Combat 4.jpg
  • Loot picking

    Loot picking

  • Level up

    Level up

  • Map location

    Map location

  • Plunderstorm - Map locations 2.jpg
  • Rewards track

    Rewards track

  • Standard treasure chest

    Standard treasure chest

  • Epic treasure chest

    Epic treasure chest

  • Victory screen

    Victory screen

  • The tabard and eyepatch from winning the previous Plunderstorm

    The tabard and eyepatch from winning the previous Plunderstorm

  • Dead message

    Dead message

  • Tombstone

    Tombstone

Videos

Patch changes

  • Dragonflight Hotfix (2024-03-29): Added a Kill Counter to the in-game user interface. Kills are now counted next to Plunder Collected.
  • Dragonflight Hotfix (2024-03-27):
    • The Storm's fury swells! Lightning strikes during the final stage of the Storm are faster and more dangerous than before.
    • There is now a delay of 20 seconds after being revived where players no longer drop collected Plunder.
    • Additional enemies now spawn at Witherbark Village, the wild area northeast of Go'Shek Farm, and the wild area between Witherbark Village and Boulderfist Hall.
    • Fixed an issue where swapping back to default sword and gun appearances were not saving correctly.
    • Fixed an issue so that now, picking up an additional rank 2 spell while the same rank 2 spell is equipped properly grants the rank 4 version of the spell.
    • The Captain's Orders quest "X Marks the Spot" now requires 1 item to be picked up (was 2 items).
  • Dragonflight Hotfix (2024-03-26):
    • Plunder contained in dropped piles of Plunder increased by 50% in Solos matches.
    • Reviving a teammate now takes 10 seconds (was 15 seconds).
    • Adjusted the in-match leveling curve to increase the rate at which you level up to 7. Decreased the rate at which you level to 8, 9, and 10.
  • Dragonflight Hotfix (2024-03-21):
    • Player matchmaking ratings (MMR) have been adjusted so that players should find themselves in better matches with continued play.
    • Fixed a bug that caused plunder dropped by players on death to unintentionally despawn when the killed player left the match.
    • Players are now immune to knockbacks when standing near Da'kash Grimledger in the preparation area.
    • Adjusted experience gained when playing Duos and fixed a bug that was increasing experience gain at level 3.
  • Dragonflight Hotfix (2024-03-20):
    • Plunder dropped by other players significantly increased.*
    • Plunder from non-player enemies increased by 50%.
    • Plunder from golden chests doubled.
    • Top placement in a match now rewards 500 Plunder (was 100).
*Please note: when you die, you do not lose any of your own plunder. With this change, you’re now worth more plunder to others, depending on how much you’ve collected during the match.

References

 
  1. ^ Heather Newman 2024-03-21. Blizzard secretly made a battle royale game inside World of Warcraft to 'break the rules' it's had for 20 years. PC Gamer. Retrieved on 2024-03-19.
  2. ^ a b Take a Dive into Plunderstorm's Plundersurge!. Blizzard Entertainment (2024-04-15).
  3. ^ WoWCast Episode: Get Ready for the Plunderstorm
  4. ^ Cameron Koch 2024-03-19. WoW Plunderstorm, Blizzard's Take on Battle Royale, Makes Traditional MMO Gameplay Walk The Plank. Gamespot. Retrieved on 2024-03-19.
  5. ^ John Hight interview with IGN
  6. ^ Orlando Salvatore on Twitter (2024-03-22).​ “During the development of Plunderstorm, we playtested A LOT, usually at least 3 times a week. Everyone gave a lot of feedback daily. We tried a lot of things. One example: The original map we were using was Drustvar but the verticality was bit… tough to navigate 😅”

External links

World of Warcraft Community Site World of Warcraft Community Site Shiver Me Timbers! Make Ready for the Incoming Plunderstorm!
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