WoW Patch 11.1: Major Changes for Hunters

World of Warcraft Patch 11.1: Hunter Class Overhaul

Patch 11.1 of World of Warcraft, titled "Undermined," introduces significant changes to the Hunter class, impacting pet management, specialization abilities, and overall gameplay. These changes, while subject to player feedback during the PTR phase early next year, are expected to launch with the patch, potentially in February.

Pet System Revamp:

Hunters gain the ability to alter pet specializations (Cunning, Ferocity, Tenacity) at the stables, offering greater flexibility with their companions. Beast Mastery Hunters can now opt for a single, more powerful pet, while Marksmanship Hunters will no longer utilize pets, instead relying on a Spotting Eagle for tactical advantages.

Undermine and the Liberation of Undermine Raid:

Patch 11.1 introduces the "Undermined" storyline, taking players into the Goblin capital. The narrative culminates in the Liberation of Undermine raid, a challenging encounter against Chrome King Gallywix.

Hunter Specialization Adjustments:

• Beast Mastery: The "Solitary Companion" talent boosts single-pet damage and size, catering to players preferring a lone companion. Several abilities, including Stomp, Serpent Sting, and Barrage, receive damage or cost adjustments. New talents like "Dire Cleave" and "Poisoned Barbs" add strategic options.

• Marksmanship: Undergoes a significant rework, shifting focus to the sharpshooter fantasy. Pets are removed, replaced by a Spotting Eagle that marks targets for increased damage. New abilities like "Harrier's Cry" and "Manhunter" introduce unique tactical elements. Numerous new talents offer diverse gameplay options.

• Survival: While retaining core gameplay, Survival streamlines its rotation by making Butchery and Flanking Strike mutually exclusive talents. New talents like "Cull the Herd" and "Born to Kill" enhance bleed effects and Kill Shot damage.

Player Feedback and PTR Testing:

Blizzard encourages player feedback on these changes during the PTR testing phase. The Marksmanship rework, in particular, has generated mixed reactions, with some players expressing concerns about the removal of the pet. The new Pack Leader talent, which forces the use of a bear, boar, and wyvern, has also received criticism.

Detailed Class Changes (Summary):

The patch notes detail extensive changes to Hunter abilities, talents, and PvP talents across all three specializations. These include adjustments to existing abilities like Kindling Flare, Territorial Instincts, and Wilderness Medicine, as well as the complete overhaul of several talents and the introduction of many new ones. The changes aim to refine the gameplay experience, enhance the thematic elements of each specialization, and address player feedback. Specific numerical changes and detailed descriptions of each alteration are available in the full patch notes.