World of Warcraft Patch 11.1 is Going to Be a Big Update for Hunters

World of Warcraft Patch 11.1: Hunter Class Overhaul

Patch 11.1 of World of Warcraft, titled "Undermined," introduces significant changes to the Hunter class, impacting pet management, specializations, and core abilities. These changes are currently on the PTR for testing and player feedback.

Pet System Revamp:

Hunters gain the ability to alter pet specializations (Cunning, Ferocity, Tenacity) at the stables. Beast Mastery Hunters can choose to utilize a single, more powerful pet, while Marksmanship Hunters will no longer use pets, instead relying on a Spotting Eagle for combat support.

Undermined Raid:

The patch also introduces the "Liberation of Undermine" raid, set in the Goblin capital, culminating in a showdown with Chrome King Gallywix.

Hunter Specialization Changes:

• Beast Mastery: The "Solitary Companion" talent allows for a single, enhanced pet, boosting damage and size. Several abilities like Stomp and Barrage receive damage and resource cost adjustments.
• Marksmanship: A complete rework focuses on a sharpshooter fantasy. The pet is removed, replaced by a Spotting Eagle that marks targets for increased damage. New abilities like "Harrier's Cry" and "Manhunter" are introduced. Numerous talents are redesigned or removed.
• Survival: The rotation is streamlined, with Flanking Strike and Butchery becoming mutually exclusive talent choices. Several talents are updated or removed to reduce cognitive load.

General Hunter Changes:

Many abilities receive adjustments, including Kindling Flare, Territorial Instincts, Wilderness Medicine, and No Hard Feelings. The Pack Leader talent is completely overhauled, summoning a Bear, Wyvern, and Boar for temporary aid. Several talents are removed across all specializations.

Player Feedback:

Blizzard is actively seeking player feedback on the PTR before the patch's official release, particularly concerning the Marksmanship rework and the Pack Leader talent changes. The changes are not final and may be adjusted based on community response.

Detailed Class Changes (Summary):

The following is a condensed summary of the detailed class changes within the patch notes:

• General Hunter Changes: Numerous ability adjustments and tooltip updates for clarity. Eyes of the Beast and Eagle Eye are specialization-restricted. Freezing Trap now breaks based on a damage threshold.

• Beast Mastery: Significant ability adjustments, including increased damage for Serpent Sting and Barrage, and changes to Dire Command and Dire Beast visuals. New talents focused on solo pet gameplay and AoE capabilities.

• Marksmanship: Complete rework removing the pet and introducing a Spotting Eagle. New abilities and talents focused on sharpshooting and damage over time. Many previous talents removed.

• Survival: Streamlined rotation, with Flanking Strike and Butchery becoming mutually exclusive talent choices. Talent adjustments to improve flow and reduce complexity.

• PvP Talents: Several new and removed PvP talents for each specialization, altering strategies and gameplay.

The complete and detailed patch notes should be consulted for a comprehensive understanding of all changes.