Stats like avoidance (dodge, block, etc) and crit represent major problems for vertical gear progression in a future, more-permanent version of classic plus. Continually increasing stats like these end up breaking the game. On the other hand, horizontal gear progression simply does not feel rewarding.
I know people have issues with sanctified system in SOD but in its defense, the base concept seems like a good way to test out the way to make temporarily vertical gear & permanently horizontal progression possible for a future not-seasonal classic plus project.
I actually think it makes gearing for different encounters fairly interesting as long as end game inventory space is properly compensated.
Would you be comfortable using “Sanctified”-style gear sets as “seasons” for classic plus? For example each season could have MC,BWL,AQ & Naxx horizontal equivalents but each new piece of content could still have vertical power? I personally would.
Nope. Such things destroy immersion and character progression. All they have to do is make the raids fun and the gear cool. Stats can be a slight increase and set bonuses can be used to add new flavor in a more subtle way than currently.
We got all the way through naxx in vanilla without this becoming a problem. It’s not something to worry about in a real classic plus, sod is the fun server beta test of many good/bad ideas for the team, so quirks like that have become possible.
I mean I would personally want raid tiers beyond naxx and scarlet enclave in classic plus so what happens once we get far enough along? Does gear only increase by a single spell power or point of AP? Do we stop adding block and dodge and crit?
I can see the argument for Sanctified not being needed in SOD because it is bloated.
I prefer to think of Sanctified as a test for a similar system for Classic Plus
Without something similar to it, I don’t know if you can answer the question of how to solve for bloated stats. Bloated stats would definitely be possible in a more permanent version of sod that would continually have new content. How else would you keep stats in check without resorting to stat squishes or extremely horizontal gear progression?
SoD has the features of what the community asked for when it started demanding small-c classic plus. But the devs have alluded to SoD being a more extreme testing ground for a “true” big-C Classic Plus. Sanctified is a testing on a seasonal server for the “true” more permanent version.
The solution is already present, and used in SoD.
Naxx and Scarlet Enclave have a %dodge reduction and %chance to be hit increase debuff.
Instead of conflating the power of players, they reduce it in the targeted manner that it needs to be addressed.
Problem: Rogues and Warlocks can reach 100% dodge.
Solution: Lower their dodge/parry via outside means.
Hell, its already to the point where non-sanctified TRASH MOBS deal more damage than Warriors/Paladins have for block value, meaning that we’re minimally reducing the damage output from them with the block mechanic. But it does mean we aren’t taking as many crushing blows as a warlock/rogue might.
