Skip to main content

Warcraft 3 test realm overhauls visuals and matchmaking system

Warcraft 3
Blizzard/G2A
Following an upcoming HD remaster of the original real-time strategy classic Starcraft and its Brood War expansion, Blizzard is looking to give Warcraft 3 a new coat of paint, too. While it may not be a strict remaster, new features are looking inbound now that Blizzard has added a new public test realm to the game, which opens up the door for new features and perhaps a modernized multiplayer experience.

Of all of the big-name game developers out there who have been around for decades, Blizzard is arguably the most dedicated to maintaining its classic titles. While some developers shut down servers or let bugs and cheats gradually destroy their long-forgotten multiplayer games, Blizzard has proved time and again that it is happy to invest time and resources in maintaining games that are far from profitable at this stage in their lives.

Recommended Videos

Warcraft 3, released in 2002, is simply the latest example of that, and although we don’t know to what extent this latest effort will overhaul its gameplay, we do know it has the potential to lead to big changes. As Eurogamer reports, the test realm is currently holding trials for new map pools for 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 and 4v4 multiplayer games. We’re also told that an update will soon fix slow matchmaking and in-game lag.

More specific balance changes have also been introduced in the public test realms. Blizzard is said to have balanced creep camp difficulty progression throughout the game, changed drop tables for better item progression, and improved the balancing of starting locations, so players are never far from what they need early in the game.

Blizzard has also made a few visual changes in its first test realm update. It has decluttered a number of points of interest to make them more clear visually and cleared back trees that obscured certain areas of particular focus. Edges of the map now feature cliffs or water to give a more solid visual clue as to why they cannot be traversed, and many of the maps have been retextured for better visual clarity.

Another update coming down the pike will introduce automated tournaments, which will likely make it easier to play consecutive competitive games with other players. A new ladder system will also let you compare your classic RTS skills with those of other retro gamers.

Although none of this means that a remastered Warcraft 3 is in the works, it will certainly increase the hype and hope among players for it. One game we know Blizzard won’t be remastering: the original Warcraft.

Jon Martindale
Jon Martindale is a freelance evergreen writer and occasional section coordinator, covering how to guides, best-of lists, and…
Wordle Today: Wordle answer and hints for November 22
Someone playing Wordle on a smartphone.

We have the solution to Wordle on July 16, as well as some helpful hints to help you figure out the answer yourself, right here. We've placed the answer at the bottom of the page, so we don't ruin the surprise before you've had a chance to work through the clues. So let's dive in, starting with a reminder of yesterday's answer.
Yesterday's Wordle answer
Let's start by first reminding ourselves of yesterday's Wordle answer for those new to the game or who don't play it daily, which was "SPINE." So we can say that the Wordle answer today definitely isn't that. Now, with that in mind, perhaps take another stab at it using one of these Wordle starting words and circle back if you have no luck.
Hints for today's Wordle
Still can't figure it out? We have today's Wordle answer right here, below. But first, one more thing: Let's take a look at three hints that could help you find the solution, without giving it away, so there's no need to feel guilty about keeping your streak alive -- you put in some work, after all! Or just keep scrolling for the answer.

Today’s Wordle includes the letter P.
Today’s Wordle uses two vowels.
Today's Wordle is something you might find in an oyster.

Read more
NYT Connections: hints and answers for Friday, November 22
New York Times' Connection puzzle open in the NYT Games app on iOS.

Connections is one of the best puzzle games from the New York Times. The game tasks you with categorizing a pool of 16 words into four secret (for now) groups by figuring out how the words relate to each other. The puzzle resets every night at midnight and each new puzzle has a varying degree of difficulty. Just like Wordle, you can keep track of your winning streak and compare your scores with friends.

Some days are trickier than others — just like other NYT Games favorites The Mini and Strands. If you're having a little trouble solving today's puzzle, check out our Connections tips and tricks guide for some good strategies or check out the hints for today's Connections puzzle below. And if you still can't get it, we'll tell you today's answers at the very end.
How to play Connections

Read more
NYT Strands today: hints, spangram and answers for Friday, November 22
NYT Strands logo.

Strands is a brand new daily puzzle from the New York Times. A trickier take on the classic word search, you'll need a keen eye to solve this puzzle.

Like Wordle, Connections, and the Mini Crossword, Strands can be a bit difficult to solve some days. There's no shame in needing a little help from time to time. If you're stuck and need to know the answers to today's Strands puzzle, check out the solved puzzle below.
How to play Strands
You start every Strands puzzle with the goal of finding the "theme words" hidden in the grid of letters. Manipulate letters by dragging or tapping to craft words; double-tap the final letter to confirm. If you find the correct word, the letters will be highlighted blue and will no longer be selectable.

Read more