Adjustments to Class Balance in Patch 10.2.6 - Enhanced Beast Mastery, Decreased Survival Hunter Power

The online gaming community has recently stumbled upon some surprising class adjustments in Patch 10.2.6, which includes a significant enhancement for Beast Mastery and a slight reduction for Survival Hunter. However, it appears that the intention to buff Survival Hunter may have unintentionally boosted Beast Mastery with Patch 10.2.6!

Beast Mastery Class Tuning

The Beast Mastery specialization, known for its mastery over animal companions and ranged attacks, has received an unexpected power boost. The adjustments made in Patch 10.2.6 have significantly increased the damage and healing output of Beast Mastery-affected spells. Two key effects have been modified, resulting in a whopping 710% increase in damage and healing done, as well as a 710% augmentation in periodic damage and healing done. This change affects a total of 84 spells within the specialization.

Moreover, several talents have also been refined to amplify the prowess of Beast Mastery Hunters. Here are three notable talent upgrades:

1. Barbed Shot: This talent sends the player and their loyal pet into a state of rage, dealing instant physical damage to the target. Additionally, it enhances all damage caused by both the player and the pet by 25% for 15 seconds. This talent also frees the pet from any crowd control effects.
2. Serpent Sting: By commanding the pet, the Survival Hunter can inflict a bleeding wound on the target, causing continuous damage over 18 seconds. This talent also increases all damage taken by the target from the pet by 15% for the same duration.
3. Kill Command: The player unleashes a deadly command, compelling their pet to brutally attack the enemy, resulting in significant physical damage. This talent has a 10% chance of immediately resetting its cooldown upon use. Furthermore, it generates 15 points of Focus, the resource used by Hunters.

Survival Hunter Nerf

While Beast Mastery enjoyed an unexpected power surge, the Survival Hunter specialization faced a slight reduction in effectiveness. The Patch 10.2.6 adjustments led to a decrease in damage and healing output for Survival Hunter-related spells. The modified effects now only provide a 363% increase in damage and healing done, as well as a 363% augmentation in periodic damage and healing done. This adjustment impacts a total of 84 spells within the specialization.

Nevertheless, Survival Hunters still retain their formidable skills and unique playstyle. Some talents that remain pertinent to this specialization include:

1. Carve: This talent allows the player to execute a savage attack that deals a significant amount of physical damage. Additionally, it grants the player Mongoose Fury, which empowers the Mongoose Bite ability, increasing its damage by 15% for 14 seconds. Mongoose Fury can stack up to 5 times, and subsequent attacks do not increase its duration.
2. Raptor Strike: This vicious slash ability deals substantial physical damage to the target, showcasing the true prowess of the Survival Hunter.

Impact on Holy, Protection, and Retribution Specializations

Aside from the adjustments made to Beast Mastery and Survival Hunter, Patch 10.2.6 also made some minor modifications to other specializations. Specifically, the Holy, Protection, and Retribution specializations within the Paladin class received slight tuning:

• Holy Spec Adjustments

The Holy specialization, renowned for its restorative abilities, has seen a minor refinement in its talents. One talent, in particular, has been enhanced:

• Divine Storm: This talent allows the Paladin to hurl a Light-infused hammer to the ground, dealing holy damage to nearby enemies. Additionally, it provides healing to up to 6 nearby allies every 2 seconds for 14 seconds.

• Protection Spec Adjustments

The Protection specialization, known for its durability and tanking capabilities, did not undergo any significant changes in Patch 10.2.6. The talents within this specialization remain unchanged.

• Retribution Spec Adjustments

The Retribution specialization, focused on righteous damage dealing, also maintained its stability in Patch 10.2.6. No significant adjustments or enhancements were made to the talents within this specialization.

Final Thoughts

With the unexpected class tuning in Patch 10.2.6, the Beast Mastery specialization received a significant power boost, while the Survival Hunter specialization faced a slight reduction in effectiveness. It's fascinating to witness the unintentional shift in balance and how it impacts the gameplay dynamics. As always, Blizzard Entertainment, the developer of the game, continuously strives to fine-tune the classes and provide a fair and balanced gaming experience for all players.