After reviewing the datamined Warrior DPS set bonuses, I’ve come to a few conclusions and have some ideas how to better implement the “AoE” set idea.
I’ll start with the individual set bonuses and how they fit into the set and how they can be improved (if at all).
–Set Bonuses–
2 Piece: [S03 - Item - Scarlet Enclave - Warrior - Damage 2P Bonus]
Your Cleave strikes 1 additional target.
- While this bonus isn’t the worst idea, it does feel quite lackluster and almost feels as though it could have been simply added to the Improved Cleave talent in some form. You could remove this entirely and replace it with another bonus and I believe the outcome would be the same (it would hardly be missed) (refer to recommendations section near the end of the post).
4 Piece: [S03 - Item - Scarlet Enclave - Warrior - Damage 4P Bonus]
Your Mortal Strike, Bloodthirst, and Shield Slam deal 50% more damage.
- This bonus doesn’t quite fit into the theme of the rest of the set. Personally I would opt to remove this bonus entirely and replace it with one that would fit into a more “AoE” themed bonus (refer to recommendations section near the end of the post).
6 Piece: [S03 - Item - Scarlet Enclave - Warrior - Damage 6P Bonus]
Each time Deep Wounds deals damage, it reduces the remaining cooldown on your Whirlwind by 3 sec. Whirlwind deals 50% increased damage to targets afflicted with your Deep Wounds.
- This bonus I actually like, though I would like the damage output from Whirlwind to be tuned in such a way where it would take precedent over most other abilities in the Warrior’s kit to create a fun and new playstyle for the first time since Molten Core. As long as Devs monitor the damage output and adjust the % damage boost until a sweet spot is found, this would be a great part of the set.
Overall, the bonuses aren’t bad, That being said, there is definitely a black sheep when it comes to the 4 Piece and how the 2 Piece could simply be added to the Improved Cleave Talent and do the same.
–Recommendations–
2 Piece: Remove and move to Improved Cleave talent.
An idea I had for a replacement would be as follows-
- Successful Cleave attacks have a chance to proc “Whirling Death”, performing a spin doing 100% weapon damage to all targets within 8 yards. (You could have this interact with Consumed By Rage or benefit from all sources that interact with Whirlwind, may be a bit too strong with Bloodsurge but hard to say)
If you opt to keep it in add a “Cleave can proc Blood Surge” aspect as to incentivize continuing to cast Slam even during AoE/Cleave, or add additional targets (more than just 1).
4 Piece: Remove entirely and replace with another more “cleave/AoE” based bonus.
An idea I had for a replacement would be as follows-
- Successful Whirlwind attacks grant “Sweeping Attacks”, allowing your next 2 abilities to hit either the next closest target (if at least one nearby enemy) for 100% of damage done, or to hit current target twice (additional attack for 50% damage)
The percentage values are up for debate but this would definitely fit a cleave set while also performing quite well in Single Target. Also the synergy with the 6p and far greater coherency across the set would elevate the set.
This would also scratch the itch that people have for a Sweeping Strikes-eque interaction.
6 Piece: Honestly, this is the one set bonus I wouldn’t touch outside of percentage adjustments as needed, to put Whirlwind in line to be a top priority button press or within the top 3 button presses during your rotation.
TLDR
- 2 Piece could have easily been a talent adjustment, remove or add a Blood Surge component.
- 4 Piece doesn’t fit into the set, remove and add something that fits the “AoE/Cleave” theme of the set.
- 6 Piece is quite good but will need some early on tweaks to keep Whirlwind be a reasonable button to press and not be a “dps loss” or a wasted bonus.
You can ping me in Fight Club (ExpelledFPS) or reply here and I will do my best to clarify, or answer any questions.
