Summary
World of Warcraftjust implemented a hotfix that increased the threat generation of all tank specializations by 16.5%. This buff to tank aggro management inWorld of Warcraftshould help these players more easily keep enemies away from their DPS in Mythic+ dungeons, and avoid tanks pulling off of each other in raids.
In the world of MMORPGs, the tank is one of the most important roles in the party. These characters control the flow of an instance, pulling enemies and bosses while absorbing their damaging attention, allowing their DPS teammates to take them down without dying.World of Warcraftwas not the first MMO to use the Holy Trinity– the trifecta of tank, healer, and DPS – but its popularity established the three roles as an industry standard.
Now,World of Warcrafthas given characters in the tank role a nice boost that will help them fulfill their duties more easily. A recent hotfix just went live that buffed the threat generation of tanking specializations from 810% to 950% of their damage – a total increase of 16.5%. This will help Protection Paladins, Blood Death Knights, Brewmaster Monks, andother tanks inWorld of Warcraftkeep the attention of their targets more firmly on them, even if they are undergeared.
Tank Specializations in World of Warcraft
Tank threat generation has been a problem inThe War Within, but the start of Season 2 has only exacerbated the issue. Many tanks have reported problems in raids with co-tanks pulling off of them, or high-burst DPS drawing aggro when doingMythic+ dungeons inWorld of Warcraft: The War Within. Hopefully, this hefty increase to tank aggro will help alleviate these issues.
By and large, fans seem to be glad Blizzard made this change. In earlyWorld of Warcraft, DPS managing their aggro by holding back on damage was a core feature, but modern MMOs have shifted the focus towards tanks managing mechanics and mitigation instead of threat. Some are hopingWoWeventually does whatFinal Fantasy 14does by implementing threat-generating stances that make losing aggro to healers or DPS functionally impossible.
Patch 11.1.7 ofWorld of Warcraftarrives on June 17, meaning 11.2 – along with a new tier of raiding and gear – will likely arrive in mid-to-late August. Players will have to see if this tank threat increase can surviveThe War WithinSeason 3’s power spike, or ifWorld of Warcraftwill have to make further adjustments in the future.
World of Warcraft: The War Within
WHERE TO PLAY
In this opening chapter of The Worldsoul Saga, you’ll journey through never-before-seen subterranean worlds filled with hidden wonders and lurking perils, down to the dark depths of the Nerubian empire, where the inscrutable Harbinger of the Void has gathered her arachnid forces to bring Azeroth to its knees.
