Sneak Peek - Utgarde Keep

Messiah · 07-16-2008, 04:18 PM

Continuing our look at content scheduled to be released in the Wrath of the Lich King, Byron "Messiah" Mudry looks at Utgarde Keep. This instance will be found in one of the starting zones of the Wrath of the Lich king and house a race of giant viking warriors called the Vrykul. The instance is being created as an entry point into instances in the expansion in much the same way as Hellfire Ramparts were in the Burning Crusade.

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The name Utgarde comes from the Norse word Utgård meaning the stronghold of giants. The original meaning is fitting since Utgarde Keep houses the viscous Vrykul which are a giant race of viking-like warriors. The keep had been abandoned for many years however recently the Vrykul established a base there and are attacking the surrounding area in an attempt to gain favor with the Lich King.

You can find out all the details in our Sneak Peek - Utgarde Keep.

Kengel · 07-16-2008, 09:52 PM

That's cool, but a 'level up instance'?

Mikes · 07-16-2008, 10:35 PM

45 minutes, eh? I like the sound of that. I think TTH will be hitting it multiple times at launch for gear and XP.

XP.... there's a strange thought.

Nice article, Messiah!

Messiah · 07-17-2008, 11:53 AM

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Originally Posted by Kengel

That's cool, but a 'level up instance'?

Instances that are not top level are generally referred to as "level up" or "leveling" instances.

Don't knock it, my pally tank leveled almost exclusively by tanking instances. It actually does not take much longer if you have a group, and can be faster.

ShadowDragon · 07-17-2008, 01:21 PM

I love shorter instances. It lets you enjoy the experience and not get so bogged down it feels like you've been in there forever. I still enjoy Ramps, for the most part, and it is the instance I have probably done the most in Outland. Shadow Labs is second but only because of key frags and it had some enjoyable moments but too much time was spent wishing I were somewhere else. I am looking forward to experincing this one! Thanks for the preview.

Kengel · 07-17-2008, 04:59 PM

Not knocking it, just not used to instancing for XP. I've had my shammy powerleveled in Strat but otherwise I don't remember instances giving notable xp.

ArcaneBomb55 · 07-17-2008, 08:00 PM

Seems like this will be alot like Scarlet Monestary for higher levels.

(Notes: That is a good thing!)

Kengel · 07-17-2008, 08:45 PM

Ew. SM. I spent the better part of the 30's on 2 toons doing SM over and over. I'm gonna be leveling 3 toons when Wotlk comes out, this had better not be like SM

ArcaneBomb55 · 07-18-2008, 10:10 PM

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Originally Posted by Kengel

Ew. SM. I spent the better part of the 30's on 2 toons doing SM over and over. I'm gonna be leveling 3 toons when Wotlk comes out, this had better not be like SM

I love SM! You can easily run it, the PuGs (in my expierience) aren't bad, it looks cool, there are good drops, it gives good EXP, and it's from 28-42!