Obviously flasks will be around, but what version of flasks will we be getting in pre-patch? Will they be with reduced effectiveness and lesser material cost present in 2.4.3 (the nerf happened in 2.1) or will it be the same as original classic until P1 outlands content is released?
I could argue either way; the end-state 2.4.3 balance included this change, BUT the strength of flasks were still high in the original progression from Vanilla to the portal opening event AND weakening their strength while all players are still Azeroth-bound and level 60 would be a large departure from the original transition (gearing up in Naxx would be arguably more difficult for some players due to this change over and above the ease of clearing due to access to 36-41st talents). This decision will have large impacts on the economy of Black Lotus and Flasks as well as the ability to clear Naxx for guilds accustomed to using flasks.
Also, will the battle/guardian elixir change happen at the same time as the flask nerf? This would also negatively affect Naxx clearability.
For anybody that doesn’t know, flasks are weakened substantially in TBC and count as both a battle and guardian elixir (which you can only have one elixir of each type):
Supreme Power: 150 SD -> 70 SD
Distilled Wisdom: 2000 mana -> 70 Int
Titans: 1200 hp -> 400 hp
A blue response would be greatly appreciated, thanks! Otherwise I guess I’ll just have to wait and see!
Obviously we don’t know for sure, but we are getting 2.4.3 version of abilities and talents, which will also effect naxx clearability.
Will it be on the whole easier or more difficult? I’m leaning towards easier- while warriors get normalized rage, gaining access to the other faction’s class provides a bevy of new, powerful buffs. The removal of the buff/debuff limits along with the new class talents are also a strong buff.
I can’t speak for every class, but I know priest certainly gains much more than it loses in prepatch. I’ve read with paladin blessings and windfury, warriors should be looking at a gain even with normalized rage.
It’s probably more accurate to think of the power of the consumables shifting into the new talents, buffs, and debuffs, rather than simply being removed. As an example, the benefits of an elemental shaman’s totems (including the fire totem talent) more than make up for the loss of spellpower from consumables.
I agree that on the whole if new Paladins and shamans can level and gear up in time, that Naxx would be easier, but that’s a big if. Missing out on over 115 spell damage if flasking or for healers another 1000 mana and losing magebloods for all mana users is pretty sizable, especially for green Naxx guilds, also tanks losing 800 health is likewise a harsh new reality, it might still not outweigh circle of healing and chain heal buffs or later talents, but it’s definitely impactful enough to warrant the debate.
Besides, were the final 2.4.3 talents THAT much stronger than the original prepatch talents? Surely they were more balanced, but I’m not convinced of power creep. I ask only to point out that Naxx got easier the first time around too (or am I wrong?).
I mean, I used shaman as an example, but many of the existing classes are similarly getting raid debuffs or utility. 1000 mana for instance is no problem with a shadowpriest in the group.
The debuff limit being removed allows for a lot more weaken boss type debuffs to apply, resulting in a net gain in effective health (and that’s not even going into how much better the new protection talents are). Some new debuffs are added as well, like insect swarm.
Of this, you’re probably right. I don’t think the difference between 2.0 and 2.4.3 talents will be THAT significant- (although this depends on the class- some talents that just weren’t that good got completely reworked). But comparing 2.4.3 to 1.13, even with the loss of consumables I think we come out ahead.