Big WoW News / PVP Nerfs / Data Mining

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses recent changes and updates to World of Warcraft, including a nerf to Beast Mastery Hunters' Dark Ranger spec, reducing their burst damage potential. There's frustration over the inconsistencies in PvP matchmaking ratings (MMR) and calls for a system overhaul. Speculation builds around Blizzard’s upcoming Warcraft Direct, with hopes for exciting new content like a *Warcraft 2* remaster, ‘Classic Plus,’ and new PvP features. The video also touches on new transmog updates, including recolors of past PvP sets, and the desire for more endgame content that goes beyond reworks, especially for WoW Classic.

Takeaways

• 😀 Beast Mastery Hunters are receiving a nerf targeting their Dark Ranger spec, specifically reducing Black Arrow's damage by 15% in PvP combat.
• 😀 The nerf to Beast Mastery also includes a reduction in the Hunter's Prey talent, lowering its damage increase from 10% to 5% per stack.
• 😀 Some players speculate that the overall impact of the nerf might only result in a 3.5-5% damage loss, though it will likely reduce the spec's burst and sustain balance.
• 😀 There is a discussion about the need for clear distinctions between Beast Mastery (sustained damage) and Marksman (burst damage) roles to maintain gameplay identity.
• 😀 Criticism of the MMR system in PvP, with players frustrated by inconsistencies across seasons, leading to issues with retention and player expectations.
• 😀 A proposal for an overhaul of the MMR system, possibly adopting a system similar to Mythic Plus scores or a ranking system like in League of Legends or Overwatch.
• 😀 Speculation around the upcoming Warcraft Direct, celebrating 30 years of Warcraft, which may include updates for World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, and Warcraft Rumble.
• 😀 Hopes for significant announcements, such as the remastering of Warcraft 2 or more content for Classic WoW, possibly including the long-awaited 'Classic Plus' with new content.
• 😀 Mention of Warcraft 3's controversial remaster, raising hopes that a Warcraft 2 remaster could be done better, with upres graphics and a fresh look at the campaign.
• 😀 Data mining reveals new transmogs and PvP gear sets, including recolors from past expansions, with speculation about adding more cosmetic rewards for different PvP and Mythic Plus brackets.
• 😀 A call to action for community feedback, with viewers encouraged to share their thoughts on potential updates from the Warcraft Direct and the changes to Beast Mastery Hunter.

Q & A

What nerf is being applied to Beast Mastery Hunters, and how will it affect their gameplay?

Beast Mastery Hunters are receiving a nerf to their Dark Ranger specialization. The damage of Black Arrow (replacing Killshot) will be reduced by 15% in PvP combat, and the Hunter's Prey talent, which previously increased Killshot damage by 10% per stack, is being reduced to 5% per stack. This change may decrease their burst potential, but overall, it is expected to slightly reduce their overall damage output, potentially making them less lethal but still viable.

What is the speculation regarding the damage loss from the Beast Mastery Hunter nerf?

Players speculate that the damage loss from these changes will likely be between 3.5% and 5% overall. Although the nerf is relatively small, it may diminish the class's burst damage and alter its identity, shifting Beast Mastery toward more sustained damage rather than combining both sustain and burst.

What are the concerns regarding the MMR system in *World of Warcraft*?

There is a significant concern about the inconsistencies in the MMR (Matchmaking Rating) system across seasons. Players often face frustration when the MMR changes dramatically between seasons, which can make it harder to achieve previously set benchmarks and affect player retention. The host suggests that the entire MMR system may need to be overhauled to address these issues.

What potential solutions are being considered for the MMR system?

Possible solutions for the MMR system include implementing a Mythic Plus-style scoring system that continuously increases over a season or adopting ranking systems similar to those used in *League of Legends* or *Overwatch*. These alternatives would allow for more consistent progression without resetting ratings each season.

What is the *Warcraft Direct*, and what are the expectations surrounding it?

The *Warcraft Direct* is an upcoming event celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Warcraft franchise. It will showcase updates related to *World of Warcraft*, the Warcraft RTS, Hearthstone, and other Warcraft games. There are expectations for big announcements, possibly about future game updates, expansions, or surprises, with a particular focus on *World of Warcraft* content.

What could potentially 'blow away' the community during the *Warcraft Direct*?

The creator hopes that the *Warcraft Direct* will feature a game-changing announcement, such as the introduction of *Classic Plus* content with fresh, unique developments. This would involve more than just reskinning or adding new abilities; it would offer substantial new content, including new art and progression for the Classic version of the game.

How does the host feel about the previous Warcraft 3 remastered experience?

The host mentions that while they understand the disappointment some players had with the Warcraft 3 remastered, especially due to missing features like weekly tournaments and leaderboards, they personally were upset by the loss of certain campaign elements. However, they are more intrigued by the potential remaster of Warcraft 2, as they never experienced the campaign and are excited about playing it with upscaled graphics.

What is the host’s stance on potential updates to *Warcraft 2*?

The host is intrigued by the possibility of a *Warcraft 2* remaster with upscaled graphics, as it could bring a fresh experience to fans who have never played the game before. While they acknowledge the potential for disappointment if the remaster doesn’t live up to expectations, they remain hopeful about the potential of this remaster.

What are the expectations for new transmogs and cosmetics in *World of Warcraft*?

New transmogs and cosmetics, particularly PvP gear recolors, have been data mined and are expected to be introduced in future updates. These could include gear sets from previous expansions like Cataclysm, with slight recolors or modifications. There is speculation about the possibility of similar cosmetics for other activities like Mythic Plus, offering rewards based on performance in those areas.

What does the creator think about adding cosmetics to other areas of the game, like Mythic Plus or different PvP brackets?

The creator suggests that *World of Warcraft* could benefit from adding more cosmetics, such as recolored gear sets, to various parts of the game. They believe that Mythic Plus players, for instance, should have an elite gear set to reward them for their achievements, and similar cosmetics could be added for different PvP brackets like 3v3 Arena or Solo Shuffle.