Blizzard dropped a huge updated list of upcoming changes they will be making to the Public Test Realm for the eventual Warlords of Draenor release. None of the patch notes are finalized and could change slightly before the eventual release of Patch 6.0.2, but boy if they aren't something.
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The full list can be found at the official battle.net site, but let's focus on some of the biggest hits. Firstly, character stats have been squished. The game has been out for almost ten years now and has gone through hundreds of changes and let's face it, some of these numbers can get ridiculously convoluted. The WoW team is streamlining the numbers for everyone, heroes and enemies included. Additionally, "the amount of stats on items has been reduced to be much lower than before."
They are strong to emphasize that this is not a nerf. They cite the example: "Your Fireball that previously hit a creature for 450,000 out of its 3,000,000 health (15% of its health), may now hit that same creature for 30,000 out of its 200,000 health (still 15% of its health)." It is simply a way of dealing with the utter absurdity of the numbers.
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They are removing the Hit and Expertise abilities. which is exciting. It was used too often as an entrance exam for end-game content, and its removal should allow more people to at least be able to attempt harder bosses without the need for constant raiding of end-level dungeons.
Warriors, so close to my heart, continue to get some big changes. The amount of Dodge gained per point of Agility has been reduced by 25%. And he amount of Parry gained per point of Strength has been reduced by 25%. This should force tanks to be more active participants in the battles, and not relying on their ultra high passive mitigation.
Additionally, items in Warlords of Draenor will not have Dodge or Parry on them as a stat. All items from Mists of Pandaria with Dodge and/or Parry will have that stat converted to Bonus Armor, a new stat that increases Attack Power and Armor for tanking specialties.
Blizzard is also introducing two other new item stats: Multistrike, which will allow spells and abilities a 30% chance of hitting a second time, and Versatility, which "Increases damage, healing, and absorption done. Reduces damage taken."
A new World Event will take place during the launch of Warlords of Draenor. Players can head to the Blasted Lands to fend off the Iron Horde onslaught as they march through the Dark Portal into Azeroth. It even comes with a special 5-man UBRS for level 90 players.
The list is very, very extensive. Warlords of Draenor hits November 13. The PTR patch 6.0.2 should hit servers next Tuesday.
