World of Warcraft Patch 11.1 is Going to Be a Big Update for Hunters

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, specializations, and overall gameplay. These alterations, subject to player feedback during the PTR phase early next year, are expected to launch in February.

Key Changes Summarized:

• Pet Specialization Changes: Hunters can now alter their pet's specialization (Cunning, Ferocity, or Tenacity) at the stables. This flexibility extends to all pets, including event-exclusive companions.
• Beast Mastery Overhaul: Beast Mastery Hunters can opt for a single, more powerful pet instead of two, increasing its damage and size.
• Marksmanship Transformation: Marksmanship Hunters are undergoing a significant rework. They lose their pet, gaining a Spotting Eagle that marks targets for increased damage. This change has received mixed reactions from the community.
• Pack Leader Talent Revamp: The Pack Leader talent is redesigned, summoning a bear, boar, and wyvern simultaneously. This fixed composition has generated some player dissent.
• Undermine and the Liberation of Undermine Raid: Patch 11.1 introduces the Undermine storyline continuation, culminating in a raid against Chrome King Gallywix.

Detailed Class Changes:

The patch notes detail extensive adjustments to Hunter abilities and talents across all three specializations:

• General Hunter Changes: Numerous ability adjustments, including Kindling Flare, Territorial Instincts, Wilderness Medicine, and No Hard Feelings, aim to refine gameplay flow and utility. Eyes of the Beast and Eagle Eye are now specialization-specific. Freezing Trap's triggering mechanism is altered.

• Beast Mastery: New talents like Dire Cleave, Poisoned Barbs, and Solitary Companion offer players more strategic options. Existing abilities like Stomp, Serpent Sting, and Barrage receive damage or cost adjustments.

• Marksmanship: The core shift to a pet-less design is accompanied by new abilities like Harrier's Cry and Manhunter, along with numerous new talents designed around the Spotting Eagle mechanic. Many existing talents are removed or significantly reworked.

• Survival: The focus is on streamlining the rotation by making Butchery and Flanking Strike mutually exclusive choices. New talents like Cull the Herd and Born to Kill add strategic depth.

Player Feedback and PTR Testing:

Blizzard emphasizes that the changes are still subject to modification based on community feedback. The PTR (Public Test Realm) will allow players to test these adjustments and provide valuable input before the official release. Hunters are encouraged to participate actively in the PTR testing phase.

In Conclusion:

Patch 11.1 represents a substantial shift for the Hunter class in World of Warcraft. While some changes are welcomed, others have sparked debate. The PTR testing phase provides a crucial opportunity for players to influence the final iteration of these changes.