Blizzard is set to revolutionize the gearing meta in WoW Dragonflight with a major wave of nerfs coming in Patch 10.2. These changes will significantly impact the power of popular enhancements, forcing players to rethink their item prioritization in character builds.
In the upcoming patch, almost all of the game’s most sought-after enhancements will be nerfed by at least 30 percent. This means that the crafted gear they are placed on will become much weaker than before. With these enhancements losing their relative power, players will no longer feel compelled to prioritize them in their builds.
For example, enhancements like Fang Adornments, Frostfire Belt, and Healing Darts will see a 35 percent decrease in healing or damage. The highly favored boot options, Acidic Hailstone Treads, Toxic Thorn Footwraps, and Slimy Expulsion Boots, will also be 35 percent less effective. This change will bring relief to leather-wearers who have been stuck with the same crafted boots since the start of Dragonflight season one.
Until now, flexibility in player builds has been limited throughout the expansion. Regardless of class, most players in raids or Mythic+ dungeons have similar loadouts featuring two crafted pieces, four tier items, and the same best-in-slot rings and trinkets. This lack of variability has been especially evident in high-end Mythic+ and raiding communities. The introduction of Shadowflame Crests in this season elevated the gearing curve, allowing players to complete their builds early on.
However, with the upcoming nerfs in Patch 10.2, players will no longer feel obligated to rely heavily on crafted gear. They will also have more freedom to choose different crafted items each season. Certain powerful items like the Elemental Lariat (season one) and the Undulating Sporecloak (season two) have had a significant impact across multiple specs and roles. For example, the Sporecloak was the most-used back slot item for all healers and all but four ranged DPS specs this season.
While the concept of a best-in-slot build is not new in World of Warcraft, the lack of variability introduced by crafted gear in Dragonflight has limited players’ ability to customize their endgame gear. However, as enhancements lose some of their power in Patch 10.2, players can expect to feel less restricted in their approach to loadouts.
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Source: DOTESPORTS
