World of Warcraft: November 7 Hotfix Buffs Restoration Shamans, Nerfs Warlock Pet Skills

The popular MMORPG World of Warcraft had an interesting update on November 7. This hotfix included balancing adjustments that improved Restoration Shamans' offensive capabilities while reducing the effectiveness of some Warlock pet skills.

Restoration Shamans are good healers in World of Warcraft but their offensive prowess leaves much to be desired. Hence, Blizzard increased the damage of some base Shaman spells, including Chain Lightning, Lava Burst, Lightning Bolt, Flame Shock, and Acid Rain by 20%. The adjustments to the first four spells mentioned only apply to Restoration Shamans, so keep that in mind.

While Restoration Shamans enjoy some buffs to their offense, the Warlock pet builds have been nerfed in this update, in terms of defense.

For one, the shield granted by Soul Leech now only absorbs 6% of the damage dealt, rather than 8%. Furthermore, Soul Link increases 5% of the player’s Stamina instead of 10% if Grimoire of Sacrifice is active.

That’s not all! Profane Bargain's stamina boost is now reduced to 3/5%, from 5/10%. Finally, Demonic Fortitude, which formerly increased players' and pets' maximum health by 6%, has been reduced to only 5% in this update.

If there’s any consolation for Warlocks, the damage done by Inquisitor’s Gaze and Summon Soulkeeper is up 30%, with the former now casting Fel Blast more often.

Changelog

• Fixed an issue that caused Cascading Power to not grant the correct version of Clearcasting when Arcane Empowerment (PvP Talent) was selected.

• Protection
  • Fixed an issue where Sentinel was not benefiting from Righteous Protector's cooldown reduction.

• Holy
  • Empyreal Blaze now has a 60-sec cooldown (was 30 seconds).

• Fixed an issue where Greater Banish was increasing the duration of Banish in PvP.

• Prayer of Mending should now be properly affected by the 2-set bonus of the Regalia of Faith set.

• Elemental
  • Fixed an issue where Rank 1 of Elemental Oath could stack with other effects that grant a party or raid increased Spell Critical Hit Chance.

So, what can you say about the recent adjustments? Do you think that Warlock pet builds are still viable given that some of the class’ defensive skills are nerfed? How about Restoration Shamans? Are they more capable of handling mobs in raids now or are the recent changes just not enough?

World of Warcraft November 7 Hotfix is available on PC.