The latest hotfix for World of Warcraft disrupts class balance. We reveal to you who wins and who loses.
The developers of World of Warcraft have promised to observe the first days after the release of the raid and then make extensive balance changes to the various classes. That day has now come, as a new hotfix will be deployed in the coming hours that will make significant changes to all classes.
Changes in PvE
The changes are so numerous that we have picked out only the most noteworthy highlights:
- The Death Knight (Frost) receives numerous buffs. The damage of almost all abilities has been increased, resulting in an increase of nearly 15%.
- Demon Hunters (Havoc) will experience minor nerfs, mostly to passive talents – a noticeable reduction in damage is expected. Demon Hunters (Vengeance) lose 50% effectiveness of their mastery as it allowed for too much damage reduction.
- Mages (Frost) deal significantly more damage. On average 20% more with all abilities.
- Shadow Priests no longer gain stacks of “Voidform” during Dispersion and Void Torrent.
- Paladins (Retribution) also receive a substantial damage boost. Nearly 15% more damage should now be the result.
- Rogues (Subtlety) now deal 15% more damage with their finishers (but not in PvP).
- Shamans (Elemental) deal more damage with their basic abilities (Lightning Bolt and Chain Lightning), and mastery now grants 12% more effect.
- Warlocks have been improved across all specs. Between 10% and 15% more damage with all abilities should be noticeable here.
- Arms Warriors lose a lot of burst potential, as the maximum bonus from “Focused Rage” has been reduced from 120% to 90%. Additionally, the nerf of an artifact talent also leads to damage reductions.
In PvP, there are further changes. Tanks now take more damage in PvP, but also deal a bit more. The goal is not to make tanks “immortal,” as that only makes one party happy: the tank. At the same time, tank damage should not simply be ignored. Subtlety Rogues deal less damage in PvP now – a quick “burst” should therefore be more difficult.
You can view the complete class changes in our sources.
Cortyn says: I really can’t get over the changes to the Shadow Priest. I’m probably biased, but the right timing of Dispersion and the artifact ability made a good Shadow Priest stand out from a better one. Now it’s just… whatever. Dispersion is now a button that serves no purpose until you have spec’d the healing from the artifact weapon.
I’m also hearing numerous complaints from acquaintances who play other classes. Only Warlocks and Elemental Shamans are dancing in a circle and celebrating – but they definitely needed it. We’ll see how the damage numbers shift now.
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