Potions and flasks in World of Warcraft will soon work quite differently. We reveal what changes are coming.
Although World of Warcraft has undergone numerous changes in its nearly 18 years, there are a few constants that have lasted almost two decades. Flasks and potions were such an example, functioning fundamentally the same throughout. However, with WoW: Dragonflight, this will change. Flasks will be replaced by “Vials”, their duration halved, and the number of effects drastically increased.
We will tell you what this means.
What has been said? In a rather lengthy blog post, Blizzard discussed changes to professions in Dragonflight. Changes to Alchemy were also highlighted, particularly affecting flasks and potions. Their functionality is significantly altered and works quite differently than in the last expansions.
The most important point is: There will be no flasks in Dragonflight; they will now be called “Vials” and have a different functionality.
What is special about Vials? Vials have some similarities with the previous flasks, but also a number of differences. The key points are:
- Vials last only 30 minutes but still function beyond death. However, crafting a vial requires only about half the resources.
- There are numerous different vials, not just those that increase stamina or primary attributes. Some grant certain effects only when specific conditions are met.
- Only one vial can be active at a time. Drinking a second vial will negate the effect of the first.
What can the new Vials do? Vials come with numerous different effects. Included is the classic “Increase Value X”, but also a lot of bonus effects. Please note that the items presented are only a few of the available vials, and the exact values have not yet been balanced:
- Phial of Tepid Versatility: Increases your versatility by 72. Lasts for 30 minutes.
- Phial of Static Empowerment: As long as you remain still, your intellect increases by up to 240 over 5 seconds. Movement depletes the effect and increases your movement speed by up to 500 for 5 seconds. Lasts for 30 minutes.
- Phial of Charged Isolation: Your intellect is increased by 225 as long as you are at least 10 meters away from allies. Lasts for 30 minutes.
The times when flasks only had a single, simple effect seem to be over.
What does this mean for players? Primarily, this means more flexibility and options for players. With the numerous effects and the shorter duration of the vials, it is possible to change the effect more frequently during raids and adapt to each boss. For example, if a fight requires frequent movement, one takes a vial that is better suited compared to a fight where one can remain stationary for almost the entire duration.
At the same time, the reduced duration of the vials will likely lead to these buff effects being consumed more frequently in general. Currently, many players are still hesitant to use such flasks. If one is only looking to complete a single dungeon that takes nearly 30 minutes, but a flask lasts for an hour, then almost half of the duration “expires” unused. With the vials, one can manage the time units much better and therefore use them in shorter gaming sessions.
But don’t worry: If you are sure that you will only use one effect of the vials in the next hour, you can simply drink multiple of these vials in succession. The durations will then add up.
Finally, Alchemists will again be able to increase the duration of the vials for themselves. It is therefore worth crafting these buff potions yourself.
Are Cauldrons back? Cauldrons were always a cost-effective option for raids and guilds to supply all players with flasks. Whether they will return in Dragonflight can be easily answered: Yes and No. Since there are numerous different vials, there will be no cauldrons that dispense vials. Everyone will have to equip themselves with vials or beg their trusted alchemist instead of hoping for a cauldron.
Instead, there will be cauldrons for the most powerful battle potions that grant temporary buffs. These will likely be significantly more uniform (for instance, a clear increase of a primary or secondary attribute) and therefore beneficial for all classes and specializations.
We will surely learn more about the potions and vials as soon as the beta of Dragonflight starts and becomes accessible – hopefully within the next few weeks.
Are you looking forward to the revisions of the professions and the new vials and potions? Or do you think Blizzard shouldn’t overdo the changes?
