Fix: Mount Display Flickering In WoW Patch 11.2.5

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Hey guys! Are you experiencing that annoying flickering when browsing your mounts in World of Warcraft after the 11.2.5 patch? You're not alone! This article dives into the issue, explains why it's happening, and offers a potential fix. Let's get those mounts displaying smoothly again!

The Flickering Mount Display Problem

Since the release of patch 11.2.5, many players have noticed a persistent flickering issue with the MountDisplay in the MountJournal. This means that whenever you're checking out your awesome mounts, the displayed model constantly resets, causing a short flicker and a complete refresh of the model. For those of us who enjoy admiring our collections, this can be super irritating. It’s like trying to enjoy a cool car show, but the cars keep disappearing and reappearing!

How to Reproduce the Flicker

If you're wondering if you're experiencing the same issue, here's how you can easily reproduce the flickering:

  1. Open your Mount Collection (Shift + P by default).
  2. Select any mount from your collection.
  3. Rotate the model a bit to get a good view.
  4. Show your character alongside the mount.
  5. Wait for a short period until the next COMPANION_UPDATE event triggers.
  6. Boom! The model resets, causing the flicker.

Depending on how frequently the COMPANION_UPDATE event is triggered, this flickering can happen multiple times within just a few seconds. In the previous version (11.2.0), the mount model stayed put during a COMPANION_UPDATE, making this a new and frustrating issue for many players.

Diving Deep: What's Causing the Mount Display Flickering?

So, what's the culprit behind this annoying flicker? To understand the root cause, we need to delve a bit into the game's code. The function responsible for updating the mount display is MountJournal_UpdateMountDisplay. This function has a parameter called forceSceneChange, which, as the name suggests, forces an update on the entire mount model.

The key change introduced in build 63660 is that forceSceneChange is now being set for almost every call within the MountJournal. This includes MountJournal_FullUpdate(), which is triggered by the COMPANION_UPDATE event. This means that every time the COMPANION_UPDATE event occurs, the entire mount model is being forcibly reset, leading to the flickering we're all seeing. It's like hitting the refresh button on the mount display way too often!

The Technical Breakdown

Let's break it down a bit further:

  • MountJournal_UpdateMountDisplay(forceSceneChange): This function is the core of the mount display update.
  • forceSceneChange: This parameter dictates whether a full model reset should occur.
  • Build 63660: This build introduced the change of setting forceSceneChange more frequently.
  • MountJournal_FullUpdate(): This function is called on a COMPANION_UPDATE event.

Previously, in version 11.2.0, forceSceneChange wasn't being set so aggressively, allowing the model to remain stable during COMPANION_UPDATE events. The increased frequency of forceSceneChange calls is the direct cause of the flickering issue.

A Potential Solution to Stop the Flicker

Now that we understand the cause, let's talk solutions! The suggested fix is relatively straightforward: simply avoid setting the forceSceneChange parameter within MountJournal_FullUpdate. By preventing the forced reset during the COMPANION_UPDATE event, the mount model should remain stable, and the flickering should disappear.

Why This Should Work

By removing the forceSceneChange call within MountJournal_FullUpdate, we're essentially telling the game: "Hey, you don't need to completely reset the model every time a COMPANION_UPDATE event occurs." This allows the model to maintain its current state, eliminating the unnecessary reset and the resulting flicker. It's a simple tweak that should have a significant impact on the user experience.

Implementing the Fix (for Advanced Users)

If you're comfortable with modifying game files (which is generally not recommended unless you know what you're doing), you could potentially implement this fix yourself. However, it's crucial to understand the risks involved. Incorrectly modifying game files can lead to instability or even prevent the game from running.

For those who are technically inclined, the process would involve:

  1. Locating the MountJournal_FullUpdate function in the relevant game files.
  2. Identifying the line of code that sets forceSceneChange.
  3. Commenting out or removing that line of code.
  4. Saving the modified file.

Again, proceed with caution and only if you're confident in your abilities. It's generally best to wait for an official fix from Blizzard.

Waiting for an Official Fix

For most players, the best course of action is to wait for an official fix from Blizzard. Now that the issue has been identified and a potential solution proposed, it's likely that Blizzard will address the flickering in an upcoming patch. Keep an eye on the official World of Warcraft forums and patch notes for updates on this issue.

How to Stay Updated

  • World of Warcraft Forums: The official forums are a great place to track known issues and potential fixes.
  • Patch Notes: Blizzard's patch notes will detail any fixes included in new updates.
  • WoW Community Sites: Websites like Wowhead and Icy Veins often provide news and updates on game issues.

Conclusion: A Flicker in the Mount Collection

The flickering MountDisplay issue in World of Warcraft patch 11.2.5 is definitely an annoyance for mount collectors. However, understanding the cause and potential solutions helps us stay informed and patient while waiting for an official fix. By identifying the unnecessary forceSceneChange call within MountJournal_FullUpdate, a clear path to resolving the flicker has emerged.

In the meantime, try to minimize the time you spend rotating your mounts to avoid the constant resetting. Hopefully, Blizzard will roll out a fix soon, and we can all get back to smoothly admiring our impressive mount collections! Keep an eye out for updates, and happy gaming, guys!