Smart Healing Fails to Fix Persistent Issues with Afflicted Mythic+ Affix

After the recent hotfix for the game, players have noticed that the Afflicted NPCs are still causing some issues. Despite Blizzard's claims that they no longer act as players, the Afflicted are still able to be targeted by boss mechanics and friendly player buffs. This has resulted in Smart Healing, a feature that automatically heals players in need, inadvertently healing the Afflicted as well. This issue has been a cause of concern for players, as it affects gameplay and strategy.

Issues with Afflicted Mythic+ Affix

The release of Patch 10.2.5 brought about changes to the game, including the behavior of the Afflicted. While the Augmentation Evoker buffs and boss mechanics were seemingly fixed, it appears that Smart Healing still treats the Afflicted Souls as players, resulting in them receiving healing even when the party members are not in need of healing. This can be observed in a specific log, where Smart Healing is seen to have healed Afflicted Souls with spells such as Ancient Teachings and Jadefire Stomp.

Players have also reported instances of other spells, like Convoke the Spirits and Call Eagle Spirit, targeting the Afflicted. However, these reports have not been officially confirmed at this time. The presence of this issue can be seen as both positive and negative, depending on the perspective.

The Impact on Different Player Groups

The impact of this issue varies depending on the goals and strategies of different player groups. For high-level key pushers or groups that prioritize dispelling the Afflicted, this bug is a significant disadvantage. It results in extra healing being directed towards the Afflicted NPCs, instead of being directed towards the group members who are in need of healing. This means that precious healing resources are wasted on a target that will eventually be dispelled anyway.

On the other hand, for groups that do not have dispels readily available for the Afflicted, this bug can be seen as a quality-of-life improvement for healers. Healing the Afflicted becomes easier, allowing healers to focus their attention on the group members who truly need healing. Given the importance of the Afflicted affix in gameplay, making it easier to heal the Afflicted can be seen as a positive change.

It is still unclear whether this issue is a bug or an intentional change in functionality implemented with Patch 10.2.5. However, the fact that uncontrollable NPC spawns are now receiving Smart Healing instead of the intended party members can be frustrating for players.

Final Thoughts

The issue with the Afflicted NPCs causing Smart Healing to be directed towards them instead of the party members raises concerns about gameplay balance and resource management. It is crucial for developers to address this issue promptly, as it affects the overall experience of players who engage in content where the Afflicted feature plays a significant role. Whether it's fixing the bug or providing alternate solutions, the community eagerly awaits a resolution to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.