Patch 3.3 PTR: Fine threads and feisty pets for warlocks
Felhunter's have also had a buff but this one seems slightly odd. On paper it looks exactly the same as the the one for the imp -- Pandemic has been extended to include Shadow Bite in dealing 100% extra damage on a critical strike. The confusion lies in that Shadow Bite seems to be doing that on the live servers already. When tested on the PTR with Pandemic, however, its criticals are looking like they are doing 150% extra damage. It seems this change is going to need some further work, even if it is just to clarify the language. With this confusion, I'm less certain what impact the change will have on affliction DPS but expect it to be something like half of that for destruction. However it shakes out, this is a further buff for warlock damage. It's certainly nice to see some continued attention being applied to lock mechanics as we progress with the patch testing.
As well as the pet changes the warlock tier ten models have been added. Datamined images have made their way onto the World of Raids and MMO-Champion websites. I would be lying if I said I was blown away by the models but they are nice. I will certainly be glad to get out of my mage-a-like tier 9 and put on something that feels more like a warlock's garb. The checks on the trim seem to evoke images of a court jester that I'm not overjoyed about and I wonder how a belt will fit with the robe that seems to have it's own belt built in. The stitching, while it does cry out "dilapidated", gives a nice touch I feel.
As for the set bonuses, I expect the mechanics of these bonuses to stay the same but the values may well come in for further changes before they go live.
- 2 Pieces: The critical strike chance of your Shadow Bolt, Incinerate, Soul Fire, and Corruption spells is increased by 5%.
- 4 Pieces: Each time your Immolate and Unstable Affliction spells deal periodic damage, you have a 15% chance to gain 10% damage done by you and your pet for 10 seconds.
The 4 piece bonus looks to give 10% to all your damage while the buff is up. In order for it to be as good as the 2 piece bonus the buff would need a 25% uptime. Initial indications suggest that it could well be more like 30-40% This is assuming that the buff doesn't have an internal cooldown (a period of time after it triggers in which it can't trigger again). So that's a 3-4% DPS gain, which sounds very nice indeed -- slightly better for affliction and destruction than demonology, due to their spell priorities. Bear in mind though, these figures are the kind of values that may well change before we see the patch go live.
Filed under: Warlock, Patches, Analysis / Opinion
Reader Comments (Page 3 of 3)
Xavs Oct 17th 2009 4:04PM
I have to say, I rather like the looks of the T10 Warlock.
T9 wasn't really good for Alliance, and I had to share with mages, so that sucked.
This looks like a Warlock set, but it's different then all of the "Void, Fire, Skulls, Demons" themed Tiers, which are most of them. It's just dark, and kinda lich themed.
I actually like the fact that it looks like an evil court jester that's on Meth.
Also reminds me of the Hobgoblin from the animated Spiderman series.
Kevin Oct 17th 2009 4:12PM
I'm surprised no one has compared the warlock set to Night Goblins from Warhammer Fantasy. The dark robes, the tall hood, and the checker patterns instantly reminded me of them.
macster Oct 17th 2009 4:28PM
T5 knocks T8 into a cocked hat.
tim Oct 17th 2009 4:42PM
Looks-wise, it's not quite T8, but it sure beats the *#U%*!$ out of T9.
PeeWee Oct 17th 2009 4:55PM
I can't help but think of http://insidan.ifokus.se/Sites/de043dda-6b53-42f0-af57-89c2db396751/bok-tomtar.jpg when I see this. Awful is what is is, as are all the T10 sets, save the warrior's, so far.
I'm so glad I'm never gonna get this for my lil' lock.
Pabohoney1 Oct 17th 2009 5:18PM
" I put on my robe and wizard hat."
Tom Oct 17th 2009 5:34PM
I get a "Death Jester" vibe from this set. I can't recall anything like that elsewhere in WoW, but it's not totally unheard-of elsewhere.
ScorchHellfire Oct 17th 2009 7:03PM
I think its supposed be themed after the Cult of the Damned members or maybe that female Lich boss that is apparently the leader of the Cult now...
Sargenus Oct 17th 2009 6:04PM
Am I the only one that likes the look? It looks better than T5 by far. Sure the helm is a lil' "Eeeh" but it's still better.
Tori Oct 17th 2009 6:27PM
Wow, I'm absolutely in love with this set. The purple looks so wicked, I really have to level my lock up to get this.
Maus Oct 18th 2009 7:04AM
When I see this set, I don't see the face of a Lich, the face of a KKK member (that's pretty distasteful btw) and neither do I see the face of a scourge minion.
I see the face of Gul'dan.
Grûnd Oct 20th 2009 5:17AM
I see an evil garden gnome...
Aruhgulah Oct 20th 2009 12:41PM
Just once...ONCE...I would love to see 'lock gear that doesn't look like rejects from a Goth Salvation Army clearance sale. Why is it that every single bit of fantasy art out there assumes that because someone is evil, they have horrible taste in clothes and an affinity for skulls? ICK ICK ICK.
Yes, my 'lock is evil and megalomaniacal. But dammit, evil babes want to be sexy, too!
BlackTiger™ Dec 8th 2009 5:17AM
Eah, I like T10!
"Set of bored and angry Merlin"! :D
So... warlock's set, rather than stupid aliance T9.
But T5 is still unbeatable, same as T6.
T8.5... never had a chance to get full set because nobody farming Ulduar, but I like it too.