Massive NEW Class Changes 11.0.5 Update

Summary

In this video, a comprehensive update on the latest class changes in an upcoming patch is presented, with a focus on balance adjustments for multiple WoW classes. Key highlights include buffs to Fire Mage and Windwalker Monk's AOE damage, alongside significant tweaks to Death Knights and Warlocks, shifting playstyles and viability in both PvE and PvP. Affliction Warlocks see increased survivability and damage, while Restoration Shaman remains underwhelming. The update hints at major shifts in class performance, particularly in PvE, and the potential for significant PvP balance adjustments.

Takeaways

• 😀 Buffs to Deathbringer talents for Blood Death Knights (DKs) to make them more competitive, with increases to Reaper Mark, Exterminate, and Wave of Souls damage by 25%.
• 😀 Frost DKs are getting 12% damage buffs to Obliterate and Frost Strike, but Breath of Cindergosa sees a 10% damage reduction to balance AOE and single-target performance.
• 😀 Feral Druids are receiving 10% damage buffs to Rip, Rake, and Rampant Ferocity for PVE, while changes to Apex Predator could impact their PVP viability.
• 😀 Windwalker Monks are receiving significant buffs to AOE and single-target damage (e.g., Fist of Fury, Blackout Kick, and Flurry of Zen), but there are concerns about overpowered PVP interactions.
• 😀 Holy Priests are seeing a 25% increase to Holy Word healing, which will strengthen their role in healing-focused content.
• 😀 Elemental Shamans are getting buffs to Chain Lightning and Lava Burst damage, with an overall shift from Earthshock to Lava Burst for a more sustained damage profile.
• 😀 Fire Mages are receiving major buffs to Pyroblast and Frostfire abilities, including increased damage to Frostfire Burst and Frostfire Infusion, but PVP adjustments ensure these buffs don’t overwhelm competitive play.
• 😀 Affliction Warlocks are being encouraged to play with Hellcaller talents, with buffs to Hellcaller Black and Soul damage, and survivability buffs through increased resilience in PVP.
• 😀 Fury Warriors get a 50% boost to Lightning Strike damage, potentially offering a new sustained AOE build, though it may not surpass other top builds in terms of overall damage.
• 😀 Restoration Shamans face a tough position, receiving buffs to offensive abilities like Lava Burst and Flame Shock but struggling to maintain their healing output due to no buffs to their healing spells.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the upcoming class changes for World of Warcraft?

The main focus of the class changes is balancing specs for both PvE and PvP performance. This includes buffing underperforming classes and nerfing overpowered ones, as well as addressing the viability of specific talent choices and hero talents.

How is the Blood Death Knight being adjusted in the upcoming changes?

The Blood Death Knight is receiving a buff to its Deathbringer talent tree, with a 25% increase in damage for talents like Reaper Mark, Exterminate, and Wave of Souls. However, their Death Strike damage will be nerfed in PvP, which may push players toward the Deathbringer build.

What specific buffs are being applied to Frost Death Knights?

Frost Death Knights are getting a 12% damage increase to their Obliterate and Frost Strike abilities, while their Breath of Cindergosa ability will be nerfed by 10% to reduce AoE damage.

What changes are being made to Holy Priest in this update?

Holy Priests are receiving a 25% buff to Holy Word: Sanctify and Serenity, which will enhance their healing capabilities, especially in PvP and PvE environments.

What adjustments are being made to Windwalker Monk abilities?

Windwalker Monks are receiving massive buffs across several abilities, including Fist of Fury (20% damage increase), Blackout Kick (up to 200% damage increase), and Flurry of Zen (40% increase). However, there are concerns about these buffs making Windwalkers overpowered in PvP.

What are the key changes for Restoration Druids?

Restoration Druids are receiving a 25% increase in healing for abilities like Symbiotic Bloom and Swiftmend, boosting their overall healing potential in both PvE and PvP.

How is Restoration Shaman being adjusted in this patch?

Restoration Shaman are receiving buffs to their damage capabilities, specifically to Lava Burst and Chain Lightning, but they are not receiving any healing-focused adjustments, which leaves them in a less favorable position compared to other healing specs.

Why is there concern over the buffs to Fire Mage in this update?

Fire Mage is getting several significant buffs, including a 25% increase in Frostfire Burst damage and Pyroblast damage. These changes could potentially make Fire Mages too strong, especially in PvP, where the burst potential might be overwhelming.

What adjustments are being made to Warlocks, especially in relation to Hellcaller talents?

Warlocks are seeing buffs to their Hellcaller talent, with a 15% increase in Black and Soul damage. Additionally, Hellcaller will provide more survivability, which may encourage players to focus on Hellcaller builds, particularly for Affliction and Destruction Warlocks.

What are the implications of the changes to Fury Warrior's Mountain Thing ability?

Fury Warriors are getting a 50% damage increase to the Mountain Thing's Lightning Strike. This could improve their sustained AoE damage against stacked enemies, though it's unclear if it will be enough to surpass other powerful builds in high-level content.