AT the time when Legion proposed the changes of Combat to Outlaw the thinking was to make the spec more unique. But also to make the spec have more dynamic DPS mechanics that were unique with complexity.
So while there was the pirate theme all over the spec the key was to make the spec very unique and dynamic to keep players on their toes. So that was the genesis of RTB.
But over time the pirate theme was stripped away and in the process the utility from the pirate theme also stripped away.
Acrobatic Strikes, Cannon ball barrage with an AoE location slow/damage, Parlay aka pacify, extended range on run throughs, healing from grand melee and skull and cross bones, cool down reuction from CloS to heal also when full of damaging debuffs, ranged stun finisher, etc, etc, etc.
So all the unique pirate utility that came with Outlaw in Legion rework was stripped away. But RTB remains which again has never worked in the player’s favor because on a spreadsheet it is “balanced”. But for those of us that actually play the game (unlike the WoW devs) it will never be balanced properly because we play the game and not a spreadsheet!
Moving on, the core of the spec that remains with Outlaw are all of Combat’s tools from the past for the most part:
- Cool down reduction on major DPS cool downs.
- Lower CD on Sprint and Evasion
- Using Kspree to avoid mechanics/damage
- Ranged Finisher that also contributes to cool down reduction
- Talents that enhance Blade flurry
- SND as a core of the kit
- Back to relying on white melee damage
- Heavy emphasis on Adrenaline Rush
- Riposte aka Unfair Advantage
- Talents that enhance MG mastery
Only RTB and Grappling Hook remain uniquely Outlaw. RTB they can delete as far we all are concerned. All that is left is Grappling Hook.
Reduce energy cost of Sinister Strike, buff mastery and Combat is back ladies and gentlemen. That concludes my short tedxtalk for today. Thank you for your time.
