Review of Augmenting PTR Evoker Buff Priority - Enhancements to Pull Timers, Class Stacking, and QoL

Exploring the Changes to Augmentation Evokers in Patch 10.2 PTR

In this week's PTR build, Augmentation Evokers received changes to their buff priority that reduces the viability of Augmentation class stacking. These changes have brought about some interesting consequences and remaining issues that need to be discussed. Let's dive into the details and see how these changes will affect the gameplay.

Changes to Buff Targeting

The developers' goal with these changes is to reduce the power of stacking as many Augmentation buffs as possible on the same targets in raid scenarios. While having multiple Augmentation Evokers is still supported, the changes now spread out the buffs and make it viable to have multiple Evokers without being overpowered. Here are the specific changes:

• If 2 Ebon Mights are already active on an ally, Ebon Might will now seek a nearby ally with fewer than 2 Ebon Mights.
• Ebon Might's priority to apply to other Augmentation Evokers has been reduced and will apply to other damage dealing roles first.
• If 2 Presciences are already active on an ally, Prescience will no longer be able to be applied to that ally.
• When casting Prescience with an enemy selected, its priority to apply to other Augmentation Evokers has been reduced and will apply to other damage dealing roles first.
• Shifting Sands now prefers to apply to an ally who does not already have Shifting Sands.

These changes directly address the issue of stacking Augmentation Evokers for maximum damage. While some top guilds may still prefer to have four or more Evokers, most raid groups will find a sweet spot at two or fewer, which is more manageable. Additionally, the change to how Augmentation is prioritized by other Evokers' buffs greatly improves quality of life by reducing the need for complicated setup and positioning.

Set Bonus Quality of Life Improvements

Another notable change in the PTR is the improvement to the set bonus for Guardians of the Dream. Trembling Earth's buff stacks can now overlap, solving the issue of losing a stack of Trembling Earth when casting Prescience twice in a row. This change addresses the feedback from players and makes the set bonus more effective.

Buff Stacking and Long Pull Timers

Buff stacking before combat can provide a significant benefit for groups with two or more Augmentation Evokers. While recent changes have reduced the need to agonize over buff target selection, there are still players who want to optimize their opener. Here are some examples of pre-pull setups with approximate timings:

These setups provide players with control over their buff targets and can offer additional damage output. However, they require careful timing and talent swaps in some cases. While these setups aren't strictly necessary, they can be beneficial for those aiming to optimize their performance.

Clearing Ebon Might on Pull

Clearing Ebon Might on the pull is another strategy that affects the pre-pull setup. While it may invalidate some pre-pull cast sequences, it can be disadvantageous since setup will need to be done during combat when other players have already started their rotations. While there isn't a perfect solution, players who prioritize optimal value will need to consider the trade-offs and find the best approach.

Outstanding Issues and Closing Thoughts

While the recent changes to Augmentation Evokers address specific concerns, there are still outstanding issues that need attention. The range of certain abilities, like Prescience and Blistering Scales, is still limited to 25 yards, which can be frustrating. Mechanics like Breath of Eons and Upheaval continue to present challenges, and the dominance of Mastery as a secondary stat makes gearing a continuous challenge. Additionally, certain capstone talents have potential but are overshadowed by more practical alternatives.

Despite these issues, the continuous iteration and responsiveness of the development team during the PTR cycle are highly encouraging. The changes made so far are steps in the right direction and show the team's commitment to improving the Evoker experience. Looking ahead, I hope to see a redesign of the buff targeting mechanics and the addition of support-oriented specializations to diversify composition options in high-end content.

As we await the next PTR build and the upcoming Patch 11.0, feel free to share your thoughts on Augmentation and reach out if you have any questions or suggestions. See you in Amirdrassil!