World of Warcraft Patch 11.1: Hunter Class Overhaul
Patch 11.1 of World of Warcraft introduces significant changes to the Hunter class, impacting pet management, specialization abilities, and overall gameplay. Key updates include customizable pet specializations, options for single-pet Beast Mastery, and the complete removal of pets for Marksmanship Hunters. These changes, unless altered based on player feedback during the PTR testing phase early next year (likely launching in February), will redefine the Hunter experience.
The patch, titled "Undermined," transports players to the Goblin capital, where the narrative of "The War Within" continues, culminating in a raid against Chrome King Gallywix. Alongside the narrative expansion, Hunters will experience a substantial class overhaul.
A major addition is the ability to alter pet specializations (Cunning, Ferocity, or Tenacity) for any stabled companion. This allows for flexible pairings of favorite pets with desired combat styles. Even event pets, like the Dreaming Festive Reindeer, can be customized.
Significant specialization adjustments are also in store. While all three specializations receive updates, Marksmanship undergoes a complete transformation. The pet is removed, replaced by a Spotting Eagle that marks targets for increased damage. Beast Mastery Hunters can opt for a single, more powerful pet. The Pack Leader talent is reworked, summoning a bear, boar, and wyvern during combat, eliminating player choice in companion types.
Community reaction has been mixed. The pet specialization changes and the Beast Mastery single-pet option have been well-received, but the Marksmanship rework is controversial. While the Spotting Eagle concept is understood, many feel the loss of the pet diminishes the class fantasy. Similarly, the fixed Pack Leader summons are a point of contention.
These changes remain subject to modification. Extensive PTR testing is planned for early next year, providing Hunters the opportunity to provide feedback to Blizzard before the patch's official release.
World of Warcraft Patch 11.1 Hunter Changes Summary:
- Hunter pet specializations are now customizable via a stable dropdown menu.
Class Changes:
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HUNTER: Numerous ability and talent adjustments, including Kindling Flare, Territorial Instincts, Wilderness Medicine, No Hard Feelings, Roar of Sacrifice, and Intimidation. Changes to Explosive Shot projectile speed, Eyes of the Beast, Eagle Eye, and Freezing Trap are also included. Numerous tooltip updates clarify information for Marksmanship Hunters.
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HUNTER Hero Talents: The Pack Leader talent is completely redesigned, introducing "Howl of the Pack Leader" and several new options, while removing several existing talents. The Dark Ranger and Sentinel talents also receive updates and adjustments.
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Beast Mastery: New talents, including Dire Cleave, Poisoned Barbs, and Solitary Companion, are introduced, alongside adjustments to existing abilities like Stomp, Serpent Sting, Barrage, Alpha Predator, Dire Command, and Dire Frenzy. Several talents are removed.
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Marksmanship: A significant rework eliminates the pet, introducing the Spotting Eagle mechanic. Numerous new talents and abilities are added, including Harrier’s Cry, Manhunter, and Eyes in the Sky. Existing abilities like Precise Shot, Trueshot, and Streamline are updated. Numerous talents are removed.
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Survival: Updates to Frenzy Strikes, Merciless Blow, Alpha Predator, Tactical Advantage, and the introduction of Cull the Herd and Born to Kill. Flanking Strike and Butchery are now mutually exclusive choices. The talent Exposed Flank is removed.
Player vs. Player (PvP):
- New PvP talents for Hunters, including Explosive Powder for all specializations, and Sniper’s Advantage and Aspect of the Fox for Marksmanship. Several PvP talents are removed. Beast Mastery's Dire Beast: Basilisk is redesigned.
