Shadowlands: Covenant Auto-Balancing

Community General Discussion
41

I get your standpoint, but I can see where the system–as it currently is–is very flawed and the converasation needs to start as early as possible so that Blizzard has more than plenty of time to make changes to the design.

We do not want another bandaid-ridden system like what we’ve dealt with in BFA.

Also, as it stands right now, there are massive performance deltas between the abilities for mages. We’ve only seen one ability each for the other classes.

It will be more balanced on release, but I’m in the awkward position of wanting to choose a covenant based off of lore but needing to choose whatever is best since I like to push challenging content.

I just really don’t want to be stuck as an edgy vampire, okay? :laughing:

42

None of that is needed. There are other RPG’s that allow greater freedom to change things like this and are still successful.

With a game with so many kinds of content, and with finely tuned difficulties - being able to switch and min/max goes a LONG way.

6 Likes
43

They know exactly what they’re doing with this system. One month (and I mean exactly one billing cycle) we’ll have X faction be FotM and the next month it’ll be Y and the next month it’ll go back to X but you have to regrind. It’s like Azerite Essences only you get to grind them out forever.

1 Like
44

To give people player agency and to allow them to strategize for the content (of many kinds available) they’re about to do.

It also allows players to experience the game optimally from various specs/roles.

4 Likes
45

This thread captured some great alternatives for dealing with covenants in a way that isn’t punishing for players:

2 Likes
46

I personally like the ideas to give us an extra item to choose from and extra crafting materials/consumables.

I’d much rather get the benefit from sticking with a covenant that have Blizzard take the gold to “re-spec” or time to regrind through the rep.

I don’t see why anyone would rather that Blizzard take the objective benefit - all so that some can feel better that others are being punished just for wanting to play the game in as many ways as possible.

1 Like
47

All I know is I took a look at the abilities the covenants give you and came to the conclusion that they can be safely ignored.

As for which ones to choose. Eh. Just base it on mogs per character theme.

48

Not all the abilities have been released for all classes - and the ones that have already been released show that there will be differences across the various kinds of content.

49

Found the guy who actually paid attention in economics class. +1

50

I disagree. They should have worked like Tier Bonuses from last expansion.

51

Make the convenant pick permanatr, but the class ability should be based on spec.

52

I dont care if having an abomination arm is the worst dps output for me. Im getting an abomination arm, and aint none a yall gonna stop me

53

even if the damage of them is the EXACT SAME.
people will choose one.

  1. which is easier to use, is one instant cast while the other has a cast? Does one line up with Cooldowns better? Does one do the damage instantly, while another does it over awhile?

  2. we already have the movement abilities, one is a teleport, one is a burst of speed, one is a long time speed boost that is slower, one is a “become a ghost, teleport your body” Even if they tune it so perfectly they all go the exact same distance, each will be used for different reasons so…

The teleport will be good for getting past aoes, while movement speed buffs are more useful overall. as you can use it around corners, etc.

54

That doesn’t work for players that do multiple types of content.

If you’re in a guild that raids 2 nights a week, run M+ with friends, and also PvP - you’ll likely need more than just 1 covenant ability to be optimal.

There’s no need to punish these kinds of players that just want to play the game.

1 Like
55

Correct - the one that sims better.

56

I remember the good old days when you picked a spec, and your talents, and you stuck with it.

it was part of your identity
“i am a ds/ruin demo lock!”
Then they gave you dual spec, which was fine, cause now you have 2 options, but you are still bound to your talents.
“I am a ds/ruin demo lock, and a regeneration Destro lock!”

Now its just horrible
“I am a warlock… cause i can change talents literally for every fight, and every single dungeon, and thing im doing without any time or gold needed. I can even change spec no problem at all”

57

I would say the opposite.

It was horrible when you were stuck with just one spec.

It’s gotten so much better over time.

58

This is why class fantasy is gone, cause your no longer your talent build, or spec, you are just your class, and even then its so easy to swap now its no longer the class, its just the player.

59

Yeah I picked a druid as my class specifically BECAUSE I have the option to play all the roles and am able to help out my guild, communities and friends with whatever they need at the time.

The ability to change and be a team player to help out the players kill bad guys is an amazing feature.

I’ve never seen myself as a x spec- class. I’m just the class - tell me what you need me to do and I’ll make it happen for the greater good.

60

Ion was asked about Covenant Balance during the Blizzcon reveal and in interviews made it clear they have no intention of balancing the Covenants against each other, instead relying a multitude of choices to keep it diverse…which is starting off in the wrong mindset to my view, but let’s be honest-

If they attempt to balance Covenents, BFA has shown us clearly it won’t be buffs to under performing perks, it will be nerfs to the more popular options.