Hunters Prepare for Major Update in WoW Patch 11.1

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. Key updates include customizable pet specializations, a solo-pet option for Beast Mastery, and a complete rework of Marksmanship, eliminating the pet entirely. These alterations are slated for release in February, pending player feedback from the PTR testing phase early next year.

The patch, titled "Undermined," focuses on the Goblin underground capital, continuing the "War Within" storyline and culminating in a raid against Chrome King Gallywix. Alongside the narrative content, Hunters will experience a substantial class overhaul.

Pet System Revamp: A major feature is the ability to change pet specializations (Cunning, Ferocity, Tenacity) at the stable, offering flexibility in pairing pets with desired combat styles. This applies to all Hunter pets, including event-exclusive companions.

Specialization Changes: All three Hunter specializations undergo significant adjustments. Marksmanship Hunters now utilize a Spotting Eagle instead of a pet, marking targets for increased damage. Beast Mastery Hunters can choose to use a single, enhanced pet. The Pack Leader talent is redesigned, summoning a bear, boar, and wyvern during combat.

Community Response: While the pet specialization changes and the Beast Mastery solo-pet option have been generally well-received, the Marksmanship rework is proving controversial. The removal of the pet is a point of contention for many players. Similarly, the fixed Pack Leader summon composition has drawn criticism.

PTR Testing and Feedback: It's crucial to note that these changes are subject to modification based on player feedback during the PTR testing period early next year. Hunters are encouraged to actively participate and provide Blizzard with their input.

Detailed Class Changes (Patch 11.1):

• General Hunter Changes:

  • Kindling Flare, Territorial Instincts, Wilderness Medicine, and No Hard Feelings have been redesigned or updated.
  • Roar of Sacrifice is updated for Marksmanship, utilizing the Spotting Eagle.
  • Intimidation receives a line-of-sight-independent variant for Marksmanship.
  • Explosive Shot projectile speed increased.
  • Eyes of the Beast and Eagle Eye are now specialization-specific.
  • Freezing Trap triggering mechanism altered.
  • Tooltip updates for Roar of Sacrifice, Wilderness Medicine, and No Hard Feelings for Marksmanship.

• Hunter Hero Talents (Pack Leader):

  • The Pack Leader talent is completely overhauled, introducing "Howl of the Pack Leader" and several new associated talents, replacing numerous older talents. The new talent summons a bear, boar, and wyvern.

• Beast Mastery Changes:

  • New talents: Dire Cleave, Poisoned Barbs, and Solitary Companion (solo-pet option).
  • Updates to Stomp, Serpent Sting, Barrage, Alpha Predator, and Dire Command.
  • Visual updates for Dire Beasts.
  • Removal of Basilisk Collar and Venom’s Bite talents.

• Marksmanship Changes:

  • New abilities: Harrier’s Cry and Manhunter (passive).
  • New passive: Eyes in the Sky (Spotting Eagle mechanic).
  • Numerous new talents focusing on the Spotting Eagle and sharpshooter gameplay, replacing many previous talents.
  • Updates to Streamline, Precise Shots (formerly Precise Shot), Focused Aim, Trueshot, Razor Fragments, Calling the Shots, Unerring Vision, Bulletstorm, In the Rhythm, Ammo Conservation (formerly Fan the Hammer), Multi-Shot, Aimed Shot, Rapid Fire, Volley, Steady Shot, Small Game Hunter, Salvo, and many others.
  • Removal of numerous talents including Lone Wolf.

• Survival Changes:

  • New talents: Cull the Herd and Born to Kill.
  • Updates to Frenzy Strikes, Merciless Blow, Alpha Predator, and Tactical Advantage.
  • Removal of Exposed Flank talent. Flanking Strike and Butchery are now mutually exclusive.

• Player versus Player (PvP) Changes:

  • New PvP talent: Explosive Powder (Beast Mastery).
  • New PvP talents: Sniper’s Advantage and Aspect of the Fox (Marksmanship).
  • Removal of several PvP talents.

This comprehensive overview details the substantial changes coming to Hunters in World of Warcraft's Patch 11.1. Active participation in the PTR testing is encouraged to shape the final implementation of these features.