Enhancing the Most Promising Classes in Phase 2 - Season of Discovery

Welcome to the Phase 2 of Season of Discovery! Exciting changes are in store as the level cap increases to 40. This will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the meta, with certain classes and spells becoming even more powerful. In this blog post, we will explore the most impactful new spells and talents gained between levels 26 and 40, and predict which classes will see the biggest improvements in Phase 2 of Season of Discovery.

Warlocks: Masters of Destruction

Warlocks are poised to shine in Phase 2. Destruction Warlocks gain access to the powerful spell Ruin, which provides a substantial boost to Critical Damage. Unlike other specs that may have similar bonuses, Ruin offers a significant increase for just one talent point. Demonology Warlocks also stand out with the addition of Soul Link, a powerful ability that can turn a Warlock into a formidable force even before they unlock Metamorphosis.

One concern for Warlocks is the availability of the newest rank of Shadow Bolt at level 36, which could have negatively impacted the effectiveness of Ruin. However, this was mitigated by the inclusion of Incinerate, a spell that scales with your level and deals Fire damage. Incinerate offers a damage boost that Shadow Bolt cannot match. Additionally, Warlocks gain access to Curse of the Elements, which provides a significant damage increase. Deep Destruction spec Warlocks can also benefit from Emberstorm, a talent that boosts Fire damage by 10% (or 8% if Conflagrate is preferred). Fire Mages can also take advantage of Improved Scorch, increasing Fire damage by 15% at full stacks.

To further enhance the potency of Fire damage, Warlocks acquire the newest rank of Immolate at level 40, making it a strong spell for Phase 2. However, the newest rank of Life Tap is available at 36, meaning it must be pressed at least once per Shadow Bolt or Incinerate. Corruption and Searing Pain also receive slight setbacks, as their newest ranks are only available at 34.

Warriors: The Indomitable Brown Class

No list would be complete without mentioning Warriors, the quintessential brown class. Warriors receive three powerful capstone talents: Mortal Strike, Bloodthirst, and Shield Slam. Mortal Strike and Bloodthirst are instant-cast, full damage weapon attacks that consume 30 Rage. Shield Slam, on the other hand, dispels high damage in a single target for just 20 Rage.

In addition to these impressive abilities, Arms Warriors gain access to Sweeping Strikes and a weapon specialization of their choice, while Fury Warriors can utilize Death Wish and Flurry. Improved Slam is also available, offering an alternative playstyle if it becomes the meta.

One of the most significant upgrades for Warriors is the introduction of Berserker Stance and Whirlwind, both of which drastically increase Warrior DPS. Berserker Rage provides a more reliable way to trigger Flagellation and Raging Blow. If there are no changes for Season of Discovery, Warriors can look forward to obtaining Whirlwind Axe, a highly reliable pre-raid weapon. Ravager, while notorious for its unreliable proc, adds a fun element to combat. X'caliboar and Sword Specialization also present top-notch options for Human and/or Sword Specialization Warriors.

Tank Druids: Unbearably Strong

Bear Druids unexpectedly find themselves on this list, largely due to their access to Dire Bear Form at level 40. This form provides a significant boost to their durability, comparable to Plate armor for Warrior tanks. Furthermore, Bear Druids gain the ability to use Challenging Roar, which helps alleviate some of the strain they face.

While some of the advantages enjoyed by Bear Druids are also available to Cat DPS, the opportunity cost for Cat Druids is often much higher. To maximize their potential, Bear Druids can utilize Wild Strikes as long as Survival of the Fittest isn't necessary for the content they're facing. Additionally, the availability of Windfury Totem to Shamans allows for increased synergy with Wild Strikes, which provides a percentage bonus to Attack Power. Level 40 also brings Leader of the Pack, a talent that grants a 3% Critical Chance boost to the party, making it a valuable asset when combined with Windfury. Lastly, Faerie Fire (Feral) becomes available, offering Bears a way to reduce Armor in their form and serve as a ranged pull without consuming a Rune. While Cats can utilize Leader of the Pack and Faerie Fire (Feral), they lose out on Furor and Omen of Clarity, respectively.

Rogues: Masters of Subterfuge

Rogues may not learn many new spells from their trainers in Phase 2, but they do gain access to several vital talents. Combat Rogues can choose a weapon specialization, as well as unlock Blade Flurry and Adrenaline Rush. Blade Flurry adds much-needed AoE damage to the Rogue's toolkit, while Adrenaline Rush enables potent burst periods.

Assassination Rogues also benefit from classic talents such as Seal Fate and Cold Blood. However, the highlight for them lies in the increased strength of Poisons. With Vile Poisons and Improved Poisons, Deadly Brew becomes even more powerful. Unfortunately, Vigor fails to impress, but its underwhelming nature allows for talent points to be allocated elsewhere. Lastly, Subtlety Rogues gain access to powerful cooldowns like Premeditation and Preparation. The addition of Hemorrhage, with its strong Physical damage increase at level 40, further enhances their capabilities.

Fire Mages: Embracing the Flames

Fire Mages enter the Age of Fire with the introduction of the potent spell Combustion in the Fire tree. Improved Scorch is also available, providing a 15% increase in Fire damage at maximum stacks. This talent instantly makes Fire Mages appealing to Warlocks, as they now possess Curse of the Elements, a spell that boosts Fire and Frost damage for casters. Mages receive a fresh rank of Scorch at level 40, but unfortunately, the newest rank of Fireball is only available at 36. However, this creates a less punishing scenario for stacking Improved Scorch. Mage Armor and two Mana gems, Conjure Mana Agate and Conjure Mana Jade, give Mages greater control over their mana reserves.

Shadow Priests: Rising from the Shadows

After a lackluster Phase 1, Shadow Priests receive a significant power boost between levels 25 and 40. The combination of Shadowform, Darkness, and Shadow Weaving provides an almost 50% increase in Shadow damage. Additionally, Shadow Priests gain a fresh rank of Mind Blast at level 40, further bolstering their damage output.

However, there are a couple of downsides for Shadow Priests in Phase 2. Curse of Shadow is not available by level 40, weakening the value of Shadow Weaving in most raid scenarios. Furthermore, the newest rank of Mind Flay is only available at level 36, making it somewhat outdated at the maximum level. As Warlocks lean toward the Fire specialization instead of Shadow, Shadow Priests may find it challenging to maximize their potential in raids.

Elemental Shamans: Harnessing the Elements

Elemental Shaman, like Shadow Priests, experience a significant power boost in Phase 2. By investing 31 points in the Elemental talent tree, Shamans unlock Elemental Mastery, which guarantees a Critical Strike every 3 minutes. This ability can be further enhanced by casting a spell with a cast-time and queuing an instant spell, allowing both to benefit from the 100% Critical Chance. Combining Elemental Mastery with Chain Lightning and Earth Shock enables powerful bursts. Depending on the interaction with Overload, a second guaranteed Critical Strike with Chain Lightning may be possible.

Elemental Shamans can also enjoy the benefits of Lava Burst and Elemental Fury, granting a 100% increase in Critical Damage. This boost applies to Fire, Frost, and Nature spells, including Lava Burst. Additionally, Elemental Shamans benefit from reduced cast times for Lightning Bolt and Chain Lightning, thanks to the talent Lightning Mastery. At level 40, Shamans gain access to a fresh rank of Chain Lightning and a slightly older rank of Lightning Bolt.

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