DW Unholy – It Might Happen

July 2, 2010 13 Comments

I’m not sure if I’ll post over the weekend but, in case I don’t, have a happy 4th of July!
(The Americans, anyways!)

After having explored the very real possibility of 2H Frost, it’s only natural to next contemplate DW Unholy.

Although the two situations are quite similar, they’re far from identical, and thus before I begin it’s very important to note the differences between the two untraditional specs:
  • While Blizzard went out of their way to specifically state that they wanted to bolster 2H Frost in the expansion, they never explicitly declared any similar intentions for DW Unholy.
    • That’s obviously not to say that Blizzard is against DW Unholy and that they would intentionally try to bring it down a notch if it became a viable (or even the optimal) option. Likely they don’t mind DW Unholy as long as 2H Unholy remains equally competitive. Still, it’s possible they don’t want to handle the hassle of balancing both styles in two trees, and thus will do what they can to avoid the headache here, while 2H Frost gets a pass (and actually a helping hand).
  • Due to the fact that dual-wielding specs inherently scale better with stats, it’s much harder to give a 2H tree a DW option without having the DW option overshadow the 2H one  then it is to give a DW tree a 2H option without the opposite complication.
    • Just look at the only two samples of 2H trees getting the option of dual-wielding: Frost and Enhancement. In both cases, the 2H style died. Admittedly, yes, that’s a very small sample size (and, unfortunately, there’s no precedent for a DW tree getting a 2H option to compare), but it still doesn’t bode well.
  • Frost used to have a 2H option, while Unholy has never had a real DW option. Thus bringing back the first isn’t the same as creating the latter.
    • Yes, back in Naxx there was the whole 0/32/39 spec which was the build to be, and which happened to dual-wield. I’m not sure I would really call that an Unholy spec, however, due to it’s near-even split between the trees. In a world with mastery, that definitely wouldn’t qualify.
That said, DW Unholy is just as real (if not moreso) a possibility as 2H Frost.

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12319 – Nothing Much

July 1, 2010 16 Comments

Hemorhaggic Fever (the debuff from the talent) has no classification – disease or otherwise.

Corpse Explosion was flat out removed from the files. There’s no longer a player version, accessible or otherwise.

That’s about it, unfortunately. Notes updated.

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2H Frost – Is MotFW enough?

July 1, 2010 30 Comments

By far, one of the most interesting talents added in Cataclysm has to be MotFW:

[Tier 10] Might of the Frozen Wastes: “When wielding a two-handed weapon, your autoattacks have a 15/30/45% chance to generate 10 Runic Power.”

The purpose? Obvious; to make 2H Frost specs competitive with DW Frost. Blizzard undertands that some people dislike duel-wielding and that others disdain pets. By transforming Blood into a sole tanking tree, there’s no longer the option of good old fashioned 2H dps without any gimmicks. It’s easier to make 2H Frost a possibility than petless Unholy, and thus enters this talent.

The real question then: does it actually succeed at that goal? Does MotFW make 2H Frost within a percent or two of its DW counterpart?

It’s very early to try and answer the question, of course. We have no clue what sort of dps we’ll be doing at 85 (although judging by the itemization, it will be something ridiculous). We have no clue how some abilities will scale relative to others. We have no clue how ratings (especially mastery) will convert into actual percents.

We just don’t know much with which to objectively and thoroughly analyze the talent for 85.

But for level 80? It’s a piece of cake.

Running two sims, you get DW Frost pulling a solid ~2k DPS or so ahead. I won’t bother to list all of the sim results here to conserve space, but it’s very easy for anyone to run and see for themselves (and if someone really doubts that number, I can provide the screenshots on request).

The only three numbers of importance is the dps difference between the two (approximately 2k, as stated), the average FS damage for the 2H build (10,645), and the number of auto-attacks for the 2H build (176,335 which, in a 100 hour sim, means an average attack speed of 2.04s – which is normal for a build with Icy Talons). The math is quite simple then:

176335 auto-attacks * 0.45 chance to proc * 10 RP per proc = 793507.5 additional RP generated
793507.5 additional RP generated / 32 RP cost  =  24797.1094 additional FS
24797.1094 additional FS * 10645.2 average damage = 263970189 additional damage.
263970189 additional damage / (100 x 60 x 60) seconds = 733.250525 additional dps (assuming GCDs aren’t an issue).

Suffice is to say, although it’s a fantastic talent (near 250 dps a point makes it about twice as good as something like Necrosis), it’s not near enough to carry 2H Frost to viability all on its own.

For Cataclysm, on the other hand? That’s another story, for a couple reasons:

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Inflation – A Glimpse Of 85

June 17, 2010 20 Comments

Update: If you’re solely looking for the specific stats on some level 85 items, jump down to this comment.

Up until now, I’ve pretty much overlooked specific numbers (aside from weapon damage, as it inherently scales) on abilities and items in regards to Alpha. There’s a couple reasons for this: many numbers are likely still placeholders, without knowing the stat/rating conversions numbers don’t mean a whole lot, numbers are generally the last thing to be balanced, and so on.

That said, it’s obviously a very important aspect of the expansion, at least in terms of spec balance and the like, and it doesn’t hurt to take a look at it. Although individual numbers may be tweaked, the overall trend of stat growth likely won’t drastically alter (i.e, if we have roughly twice as much stamina, it’s doubtful Blizzard would pull a 180 and just cut stamina in half globally. Individual items and buffs might have their values tweaked, but the big picture is what’s of more importance, and that’s unlikely to drastically shift one way or another).

The reason I’m approaching this topic now is largely due to the fact that although this build didn’t contain any DK-specific news, it did include one of the first glimpses at level 85 itemization which is obviously of incredible interest.

For reference, in terms of item budget: 10 str/agi/int/spi/crit/haste/dodge/parry/def/hit/exp/mastery = 11.5 spell power = 15 stam = 20 AP

Burning Crusade JC ring enchant: +12 spellpower
Wrath JC ring enchant: +23 spellpower
Cataclysm JC ring enchant: +50 int (equivalent of 57.5 spellpower)
BC – > Wrath = 92% increase, Wrath -> Cata = 150% increase

Burning Crusade flask: +70 spellpower
Wrath flask: +125 spellpower
Cataclysm flask: +300 int (equivalent of 345 spellpower)
BC -> Wrath = 79% increase, Wrath -> Cata = 140% increase

Burning Crusade 70 Strength of Earth: +86 str/agi
Wrath 80 Horn of Winter: +155 str/agi
Cataclysm 85 Horn of Winter: +419 str/agi
BC -> Wrath = 80% increase, Wrath -> Cata =170% increase

Burning Crusade 70 bandage: 3,400 healing
Wrath 80 bandage: 5,800 healing
Cataclysm 85 bandage: 34,800 healing
BC -> Wrath = 71% increase, Wrath -> Cata = 600% increase

Burning Crusade 70 spellthread: +35 spellpower, +20 stam
Wrath 80 spellthread: +50 spellpower, +30 stam
Cataclysm 85 spellthread: +60 int (equivalent of 69 spellpower), +45 stam
BC -> Wrath = 45% increase, Wrath -> Cata = 42% increase

Burning Crusade 70 craftable epic 2hander: 127 dps, 579 top end
Wrath 80 craftable epic 2hander: 186.5 dps, 761 top end
Cataclysm 85 craftable epic 2hander: 623.3 dps, 2836 top end
BC -> Wrath = 47% increase, Wrath -> Cata = 234% increase

I could go on and on with other comparisons, and if anyone is interested in a specific one just say so in comments, but I’m sure the picture is rather clear. It’s pretty crazy stuff, and in almost all cases it’s a drastic leap compared to the jump in stats we saw in the Burning Crusade to Wrath transition (and from the Vanilla to Burning Crusade one as well).

Of course, what’s of most interest is the weapon, to which I’m sure many people’s first reaction would be “wtf” – if they weren’t left utterly speechless by the absurdity of it.

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Expected – New Alpha Build

June 16, 2010 16 Comments

Update: Nothing specific to Death Knights, quite unfortunately. Still, there are some interesting nuggets of information to be analyzed regardless.

Unsurprisingly, Blizzard just pushed a new build (12232) of the Alpha client. Nothing DK related as of yet, but obviously if there’s anything of notice, it will be thrown up asap.

I will say though that this is an absolutely incredibly looking mount, especially considering the lightening spark effect it has (which, unfortunately, you can’t see from that shot).

Who knows what the story behind this could be!

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SS – One Rune, or Two?

June 16, 2010 32 Comments

With the World of Raids write up, it’s been “officially” confirmed that Blizzard is currently experimenting with Scourge Strike costing only one rune – just an Unholy – in Cataclysm. Of course, we’ve known this for weeks, but considering that it’s a relatively radical change to the philosophy of the DK trees and the playstyle of Unholy, it’s nice to have any shred of uncertainty removed.

My question is; what to make of this change? Which is better game design, Scourge Strike costing one or two?

For the sake of simplicity, assume that the (direct) damage of a single rune Scourge Strike plus an Icy Touch is equal to that of a double rune Scourge Strike. From what numbers we’ve seen, that’s essentially the case anyways, but just something to keep in mind when reading below.

A single rune iteration of Scourge Strike would lead to:

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Frost Wishlisting – More Contemplation

June 7, 2010 12 Comments

Consider this the part two to my post on the “problem talents” of Unholy. Overall, I would say that the Frost tree is much better put together than Unholy and what issues it does have are much less debilitating to the tree as a whole relative to Unholy. Still, there’s always room for improvement, and thus always something for me to talk about!

Icy Reach

Compare to Nature’s Reach, Elemental Reach, Destructive Reach, and really any other range-increasing talent, and you quickly see the problem (aside from the lack of originality in name!): Every similar talent affects essentially all of that spec’s abilities, in addition to usually having some sort of side benefit. Icy Reach does nothing except increase the range of three spells – and, as a melee class, increased range is of greatly decreased benefit to us relative to actual casters.

There’s no need to remove the talent or change its focus, necessarily. Instead, what I propose, would be to add all our Frost/Unholy (not Blood, due to taunt) spells (not strikes or physical abilities, of course) to the talent, and to also allow it to decrease threat by 10/20%. Would stuff like Death Coil, Strangulate, or Mind Freeze having slightly longer ranges be overpowered? I somehow doubt it. The threat reduction would be a very nice touch, especially when one remembers that Subversion is apparently being done away with.

Would that be enough for people to willingly take the talent in PvE? Not if there are other damage increasing ones they can grab, no, but if they have a couple points leftoever? That would make it a near perfect “fun”/”versatility” talent, the sort Blizzard would like people to be able to pick instead of having to be all about damage.

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Unholy Wishlisting – Were I Bliz

June 5, 2010 27 Comments

Consider this post a response to Baadshah’s comment regarding the current bloat of the Alpha trees. Although I’m not even close to vain enough to agree with him when he bets that an actual developer is likely watching this site (and, in fact, I find it rather unlikely one is even aware that this place exists), I do know that he is undoubtedly right when he says that Blizzard is quite anxious for some feedback regarding the proposed changes. They are. Blizzard really does care about its game and the happiness of its community, and although you may argue their reasons for caring simply come down to money or what have you, does that even make a difference? Think about it; it generally doesn’t.

Anyways, the below are some of my thoughts on what talents really need to be looked at (or simply deleted), and why I believe such is the case. If it gets read by someone with influence, and they find some value in it – excellent. If not, hopefully it still made for an enjoyable and thought-provoking read! Either which way, although I don’t usually like publicly “wishlisting” in such a manner, I do thoroughly enjoy doing so in my own head, so why not share on occasion?

If people like, I can always do a Frost and/or Blood version of this post as well.

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New Build – New Changes

June 3, 2010 26 Comments

More or less finished settling down in my new place, and thus back to regular posting. But before I could get to that, a new Alpha patch dropped, with the following:

  • Rune Strike – Damage reduced, reading as the following: Strike the target for 200% weapon damage plus [200.0 * AP * 10.0 / 10000.0]. Only usable after the Death Knight dodges or parries. Can’t be dodged, blocked, or parried. This attack causes a high amount of threat.
    • For reference: Was 300% weapon damage plus [300.0 * AP * 10.0 / 10000.0] in the previous Alpha build. Currently 150% plus [150.0 * AP * 10.0 / 10000.0] on live.
  • Brittle Bones – Now grants 2/4% increased strength, in addition to its previous effect.
  • Endless Winter – No longer grants increased strength, although it still reduces the cost of Mind Freeze.

The Rune Strike adjustment is a given. Although overall avoidance rates may be down in the expansion, one has to remember that parry is being reworked to affect the next two strikes (albeit by 50%, and thus even though we might only have 15% dodge and 15% parry, RS will be activated by far more than a mere 30% of the enemy’s attacks.

The Brittle Bones change is equally obvious. It had to have some personal incentive given to it, otherwise no one would take it. It’s as simple as that. If anyone didn’t see that coming, then they apparently did not read my Frost analysis!

Endless Winter is the most interesting of this trio. On the one hand, I’m an advocate of the top of Frost being nerfed (at least insofar as its value to Unholy is concerned), and Endless Winter is a key aspect to managing that. On the other hand, Endless Winter isn’t the primary culprit (on Alpha, that is) – Pillar of Frost (and, to a lesser extent, Icy Talons) is. PoF is 20% strength with a 33% uptime – 8.33% strength over time, in other words, for a single talent point! That’s very over-budget for a talent, especially for one which is so high up in the tree. It either needs to be nerfed (longer cooldown or less potent effect) or moved down in the tree, such that Unholy can’t get it (meaning down at least two tiers, which would require the sacrifice of the mastery and of Gargoyle). Still, it’s a step in the right direction. So long as it’s not the only one but, instead, a sign of things to come, consider me thrilled with Blizzard.

At any rate, Notes updated, and expect a ‘full’ post on whatever topic I decide to dwell on sometime late tonight/early tomorrow!

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Bloat – Unholy… Right?

June 1, 2010 29 Comments

Now, before I begin, to be clear – I’m no expert of other classes. Obviously not. That said, it doesn’t take an expert to be able to look at a talent and tell you whether or not it increases dps. It might take one to tell you by how much it increases your dps or how it compares to other talents but, as you’ll see, that knowledge doesn’t even matter.

Out of boredom, I decided to go through each tree of the following classes, taking every available damage talent and core utility talent (such as raid auras, decreased threat, increased range for casters, etctera). Occasionally I would have to take a talent which didn’t adhere to one of those two categories in order to move down the tree, but when such was the case, I took what I would consider the most attractive option available (such as increased movement speed, in the case of the Enhancement spec).

Example Shadow Priest Build
All raw dps + raid utility talents taken. Points left? 12.

Example Balance Druid Build
All raw dps + raid utility talents taken. Points left? 6.

Example Elemental Shaman Build
All raw dps + raid utility talents taken. Points left? 4.

Example Enhancement Shaman Build
All raw dps + raid utility talents taken. Points left? 1.

The fact that these are all hybrids isn’t intentional on my part – the pure dps classes (and Paladins/Warriors) simply haven’t had much work done on their trees yet, and thus it would be rather pointless to include them in this comparison.

Where am I going with all of this? Try to build an Unholy dps build for Cataclysm, and you’ll see instantly.

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