WoW PTR Patch 9.2.5 finally introduces cross-faction raiding

WoW has started testing cross-faction raids on the PTR, and the changes could open up a whole world of new possibilities.

Patch 9.2.5 for the World of Warcraft PTR started with Shadowlands Season 4. The biggest update for the patch is cross-faction groups and raids, which can actually be tried out right away.

This change flew under the radar when the patch was released on March 22nd, but now players who log into the 9.2.5 PTR are noticing massive changes.

Cross-Faction offers a pleasant surprise for WoW players

You can now add friends from different factions on the PTR.

Blizzard, the introduction of cross-faction play is an important part of the 9.2.5 PTR patch. Now players can invite toons from another faction to their party, join mixed parties, and add friends from the other side. Once you join a group with players from the opposing faction, you’ll be able to understand their in-game chat as well.

However, one of the biggest changes is the ability to send mail to characters from the opposite faction. It might not sound like much, but for longtime WoW players, this is a massive quality of life improvement.

With the barriers between Horde and Alliance essentially eliminated, alternates on an opposing faction are no longer essentially cut off from your main character by all of your gold and resources.

Not only will this make it quicker and easier for players to level up alternate characters regardless of faction, but we’ll finally be able to tell our opponents exactly what we think of them in Battlegrounds. Just be aware: you can be reported for what you email, so don’t go to insane.

Finally, you can tell GaNkLoRd69 what you think.

Cross Faction plays a hint at the next WoW expansion?

While Blizzard slowly opens up cross-faction play, guilds remain exclusive, at least for now.

These cross-faction updates are a massive change in the way World of Warcraft operates. Somehow, it might even be an early hint at the content of the next, unannounced expansion.

We won’t have to wait long for news about the next expansion as Blizzard will unveil it on April 19, 2022. With cross-faction mechanics being openly tested, Horde and Alliance collaboration could be what it’s all about.