Raid buffs in World of Warcraft are making a comeback. What is Blizzard’s change of heart? We reveal it in this article!
Those who did not only start playing World of Warcraft in recent years will remember that many classes in Blizzard’s MMORPG had specific buffs. These buffs often applied to the entire raid group and granted various bonuses. For example, mages could increase maximum mana or critical strike chance with “Arcane Brilliance”, while druids could provide a bonus to all attributes with Mark of Nature.
These class buffs have been revised multiple times and were eventually completely removed over the course of the expansions. The goal was to prevent guild groups from experiencing difficulties, such as not having a mage present.
With Battle for Azeroth, the developers are steering back in the other direction. All classes are to receive their own buff – a “raid buff”.
However, the effects are not intended to be as substantial as they were in previous expansions. Therefore, a buff of 5% critical strike chance from mages should not be expected. The exact details of the buffs have not yet been worked out. The aim is to design the buffs so that they provide a nice effect without being essential for a successful raid night.
The “cool moment” before the boss pull – The class buffs
During the Q&A, the developers revealed a bit more. In addition to the direct benefit of the buffs, many players miss that “cool moment” just before attacking a raid boss. Magic effects of the respective buffs briefly illuminate all players, and then battle begins. Nowadays, all players sit down and enjoy some buff food, which simply does not have the same effect. Nothing says “Into battle” stronger than a buff that lights up over 25 players simultaneously.
Cortyn says: It’s an eternal back and forth with the big class buffs in World of Warcraft. One expansion, they are fine and help to raise the value of a single class. Then, suddenly, they become annoying, and everyone feels compelled to bring every class. Perhaps Blizzard can achieve a better balance this time – although I have already given up hope in this regard.
Still: I look forward to being able to give all a Power Word: Fortitude again before I pull them into the fire with Leap of Faith. It just feels right.
What are your thoughts on group buffs? Are they an important part of your class? Or should they be forgotten and not return?
Have you seen the new zones in Kul Tiras? They look really nice!
