wow AOE Ability Changes In Shadowlands (Official)

[Starym 3,651]

 

Blizzard have now clarified the datamined AOE target cap, explaining why and how they're implementing the change. Some abilities will have a limit on how many targets they can affect, and some will still affect all targets, but will have damage falloff after a specific number of targets is hit.

This massive change to AOE is sure to upset quite a few people, so it remains to be seen if the decision will survive the Alpha.

AOE Changes (source)

We’ve definitely heard a lot of feedback from players that bursting down larger and larger pulls has become an overly dominant tactic in much of the game. This is particularly evident in questing and dungeons, which has made it difficult for many classes to find a clear role.

While there are a number of variables contributing to this trend, high burst area of effect (AOE) damage against an unlimited number of targets has made it increasingly possible for players to take down large groups of enemies without the players ever facing a proportionate level of danger. In Shadowlands, we’re looking at changes that would broaden the field of tactical options, and in the process, more clearly differentiate the strengths of classes in a variety of AOE situations.

For example, we’d like to see Outlaw Rogues or Fury Warriors excel in situations with 4 to 5 targets in close proximity to each other, while ranged casters like Frost Mages or Affliction Warlocks perform better in sustained damage against groups of 5 or more targets. To accomplish this, we need to revisit the maximum number of targets that many abilities can hit (also known as the ability’s “target cap”), and adjust them accordingly. In situations where a target cap doesn’t make sense, we’re adding a new kind of damage falloff that causes the damage done to each target to be reduced gradually as the number of targets increases.

Most players who are used to fighting 3 to 5 enemies at a time will notice very little difference with this approach. On the other hand, players who are accustomed to pulling 10-20 enemies at a time will experience longer, more threatening engagements. Sustained AOE damage may become an equally viable option in that situation, but both approaches will put significantly more pressure on the group to survive.

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[Prophet001 444]

Uh. No thank you.

 

[Starym 3,651]

8 minutes ago, Prophet001 said:

Uh. No thank you.

 

I mean it wasn't my idea but I feel your pain ?

[kurdi 20]

Well, If Mythic+ are balanced around this, not forcing everyone to do a mass pull/clear rinse and repeat to even try to get 2 chests, I'm in.

Hell, this may clear some space to buff AoE Specs in Single target bosses without getting out of hand.

[fxlm387 20]

I think its a good change , unholy dk , outlaw rogue or ww monk at 5M dps is not right and its just a few example.

[Skayan 52]

For balance purposes i'd accept that, but i don't like that at all.

[Ragingwolf 268]

Instead of gimping the AoE cap on select classes just increase it for all.  A lot of the trash in mythic+ is rather troublesome this expansion and is easier to pull into as a large group pull to AoE down and have a primary target to be constantly interrupted.  I guarantee you this won't stop the elite runners of the MDI to slow down in the next expansion for speed run clears.

[Razekiel 11]

A crazy idea but.... How about better dungeon design?