The balance between the tanks in World of Warcraft is changing. We will tell you what will change for the individual classes.
Anyone currently trying to learn tanking in World of Warcraft and guide their friends safely through raids or “Mythic+” dungeons will have already noticed that some tanks are more popular than others. Especially monks and death knights are currently in demand as they require little healing and thus give the healer time to deal some damage themselves. This massively speeds up many dungeons.
Meanwhile, other tanks feel neglected, such as warriors or druids. Therefore, there are some changes in Patch 8.1 Tides of Vengeance to bring the various tanks back “in line”.
Changes for Guardian Druids: Guardian druids deal less damage compared to other tanks and are therefore quite unpopular. Some changes should improve this. So far it looks like this:
- All damage dealt is increased by 12%.
- The cooldown of Thrash is reduced to 60 seconds (previously: 2 minutes).
- Ursol’s Vortex is now available starting at level 30 (previously: level 63).
Changes for Protection Warriors: Protection warriors are currently quite unreliable and feel a bit clumsy. These changes should ensure stronger warriors who do not easily fall:
- Clench is no longer affected by the global cooldown, but has a cooldown of 0.5 seconds.
- Shield Block now has a cooldown of only 16 seconds (previously 18 seconds).
- Frontline Fighter (Passive) increases stamina by 45% (previously 40%) and the armor gained from strength by 55% (previously 50%).
Changes for Blood Death Knights: For death knights with the Blood specialization, a lot is changing, as they are currently too strong. Some of their talents are getting new limits so they are not as effective as before. Specifically, the following changes are being made:
- Veteran of the 3rd War (Passive) no longer increases armor by 15%.
- Bone Shield increases armor by an additional 10% of strength.
- Bone Storm heals a maximum of 15% per second (previously unlimited based on the number of enemies).
- Will of the Necropolis activates only below 30% (previously 35%) and reduces damage taken by 30% (previously 35%).
The nerfs are not surprising, after 5 death knights are now completing “Mythic+” dungeons alone.
Changes for Brewmaster Monks: Anyone playing a monk is currently living in the golden age of tanks, as hardly any tank is easier to heal. This is mainly due to the “Inevitability” mechanic, which spreads damage over several seconds. This is now being slightly toned down:
- Inevitability now mitigates on average 3.5% less damage.
- Iron Skin Brew increases the damage mitigated by Inevitability on average by 2% more than before.
Changes for Protection Paladins: Protection paladins are currently in a good position, but they will receive a small “Quality of Life” improvement. Because in emergencies, the protection paladin must also heal and assist spontaneously, which will be made easier with this change:
- Hand of Protection now heals the target for up to 200% extra, based on the missing hit points of the target (previously: based on the paladin’s own missing hit points).
Please keep in mind that these changes are still information from the PTR. The details may change before the release of Patch 8.1.
Which tank do you currently prefer? What do you play yourself or which do you prefer to heal?
