WoW lead says they 'lost something along the way' by building dungeons for sweaty Mythic+ timers instead of 20-boss mazes like the good old days, but Labyrinths could be the solution
PC Gamer
by Harvey Randall February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
World of Warcraft (WoW) has undergone a significant shift in dungeon design over the years, moving from sprawling, multi-boss mazes to shorter, timed Mythic+ runs that prioritize speed and efficiency. While these changes have been well-received by players seeking quick, high-stress gameplay, they may have come at a cost. Paul Kubit, associate game director, and Dylan Barker, lead encounter designer, recently reflected on how the focus on timed, bite-sized content—like Delves—has led to a loss of the old-school dungeon experience that once captivated players with its immersive, large-scale design.
In the early days of WoW, dungeons like Maraudon and Blackrock Spire featured 20 or more bosses spread across vast, intricate environments. These "weekend projects" allowed players to dive deep into cooperative exploration and storytelling, a sense of wonder that feels missing in today's dungeon design. The shift to Mythic+ timed runs, while popular for their accessibility and challenge, has streamlined dungeons to three or four encounters at most. This change, Kubit admits, may have lost some of the magic that made classic dungeons memorable.
Enter Labyrinths, a new feature teased for *World of Warcraft: Midnight*. Modeled after Delves but on a larger scale, Labyrinths aim to recapture the spirit of those old-school megadungeons. These sprawling, multi-session exploratory zones are designed to evoke the emotional and immersive experience players once felt when tackling massive, complex challenges. While details remain under wraps due to early development, the concept suggests a return to the RPG fantasy of getting lost in a labyrinthine world with friends.
The significance of Labyrinths lies not just in their design but also in their potential to revitalize the dungeon experience. Players who nostalgia for the "old school" MMO feel will find hope in this evolution, as it bridges the gap between modern convenience and classic depth. For those who lament the loss of grand storytelling and exploration in dungeons, Labyrinths could be the solution—offering a fresh way to lose yourself in a virtual world again.
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/19/2026