Player reactions to dual specs
by Mike Schramm 
Feb 27th 2009 at 1:00PM
Just in case you haven't been following what people have been saying about the dual spec system lately, Slashhug has a terrific post up covering all of the concerns and thoughts about the new system and how it will affect groups and raids. It's long, but he covers all of the bases, from how hybrids with two specs will affect which players get chosen for groups, to loot and how that will work (the same -- main specs first, offspecs if needed), and even soloing and why dual specs will be a blessing for classes who are normally built more for group play.There's not a lot of new complaints or answers in here -- lots of it has already been discussed on the forums and in our own posts. But Slashhug does a great job of wrapping it all up into one big tasty dual spec sandwich, so you can catch up on all the thinking about dual specs so far. The bottom line, in terms of player reaction, is that dual specs will allow you to do more with your class than you can with just one spec. If you want to heal, you can still heal, or if you're built for tanking, you can still do that. But in groups where things don't quite fit (you've got a few tanks and your DPS is a little low, or your Priest could use a little extra help healing for this boss fight), dual specs will let you make the necessary tweaks right then and there, and excel that much more.
Patch 3.1 brings us Ulduar, dual specs, significant changes to all the classes, and more! We've got you covered from top to bottom with our Guide to Patch 3.1.Filed under: Patches, Analysis / Opinion, Classes, Talents, Wrath of the Lich King
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Thedarktower Feb 27th 2009 1:15PM
My first reaction: WHY THE FUCK IS IT ONLY FOR MAX LEVEL
Alt whores unite!
Siorra Feb 27th 2009 1:16PM
It isn't. Read more.
Kakistocracy Feb 27th 2009 1:25PM
Siorra, He did say that was his first reaction, isn't it possible that his first reaction was to the first announcement?
I don't know about you, but I tend to have my initial reaction at the start, then move on to subsequent reactions.
Further more, If his reaction regarding level was his only reaction, there would be no point to qualifying it as such (following the reasoning that you shouldn't introduce your current wife, saying, "This is my first wife").
Antistes Feb 27th 2009 1:32PM
Even though it's from l 40 now the 1k g requirement still kind of destroys my dream of leveling alts while actually running the appropriate level dungeons (*gasp* Was that ever possible!?!one).
Sure enough, On my 80's I can get hold of that kind of g within a week if put some effort into my playing (and if I don't have too much on my work schedule). But I still think it's unnecessary. But not everyone has high level mains, e.g if I roll on a new server or faction I'd be pretty screwed.
If they'd just unlocked the ability at level 40 w/o any gold requirement I believe it'd revitalize the old world.
Stone_Rhino Feb 27th 2009 2:34PM
"destroys my dream of leveling alts while actually running the appropriate level dungeons "
Yeah, you are one of those people that insinst on a holy specced paladin to heal wailing caverns, and then cry when your group never gets going.
Here's a surprise, you don't need to spec for healing OR tanking until level 50+, if even that early. Put on a shield, you're a tank, put on some spell damage gear, you're a healer. You don't need duel specs for that.
The 1k requirement at level 40 is because it is clearly designed for twinks. Or alternatively as a bonus for those who have already reached endgame and want to level an alt.
Ktok Feb 27th 2009 2:47PM
@Antistes:
Just get four guildies together and make a level appropriate team. That's what I did. We do a dungeon every Sunday, making sure to always be at the right level for it to provide a challenge, and it's been a blast.
Besides, why wants to pug? Ever... Not me. :P
Regarding wanting dual specs for free, you have to admit that it's pretty funny that Blizzard is making such a neat tool available, and the first thing so many people think is "I shouldn't have to earn it". It's a luxury, not a necessity. It is priced as such.
Eli Feb 27th 2009 3:01PM
Level 40 and up my man
Lowangel Feb 27th 2009 1:15PM
Just a good idea, teach people fast (in your parties, guild, raids, server) that main set (spec they are currently) rolls need first over off set. Tons of bickering on the subject, hammer that rule in everywhere. The old rules still apply, only way to be fair and effective. You want tank gear, by better be the tank, vice versa for any spec.
kinolyen Feb 27th 2009 1:32PM
Actually it is not gonna be that easy anymore.
Dual Specs will most likely lead to people being required to fulfill different roles based on the encounter, especially tanks and healers. Thus in a fight that requires only one tank and no offtank, the latter would switch to dps, or a in fight requiring one less healer that one would switch to dps as well.
The lines between main and off specs will blur, and how will you justify denying someone who had to heal or tank half the instance and dps the other half access to gear he would need to fulfill one of those roles?
JDM Feb 27th 2009 4:35PM
@Kinolyen:
You roll for the spec's gear you came to the raid as. If you change specs for 1 encounter, you are not that second spec. That is still your offspec.
Of course if no one wants it, you can roll for offspec regardless...
Issac Feb 27th 2009 1:29PM
easymode
Mo Ron Feb 27th 2009 1:24PM
Pfft. Easy mode... I play true hard mode with the monitor and sound off. Beat that all you hot shots.
Nick S Feb 27th 2009 1:46PM
I just think really hard about bosses dying.
THAT is the true hard mode.
So far, no success. It'll get there.
SeanOr101 Feb 27th 2009 1:21PM
Maybe it's just me, but it appears as though I can't connect to "http://www.slashhug.net/dual-specs-an-anti-rant/"
Lame.
Azzarrea Feb 27th 2009 1:30PM
Their server couldn't handle all the incoming requests to view that page because wowinsider increased their traffic so much. I read the blog the other day, good article. Best bet is to wait a few hours or try again tomorrow to view after the rush dies down.
scilk Feb 27th 2009 1:22PM
Yes, and us pure-bred dps can... ... ... do a slightly different type of dps. Just incase we need it, yaknow. Because with our loot being handed out more to dual speccing hybrids we really need that.
At least we save money by not buying it though... if that can be considered a plus from all this.
AyaJulia Feb 27th 2009 1:51PM
1- Yes, pure dps classes can benefit from this, too. For example, I want to spec my hunter BM when we do have replenishment and Surv when we don't.
2- If your guild is giving something you need for your main spec to someone who's taking it for their offspec, you need to be raiding with different people.
scilk Feb 27th 2009 1:57PM
True, but the benefit to pure dps is still incredibly less than it hybrids or group roles (healers and tanks). I want it for the healers and tanks so we can actually function when we're not in a group... but the hybrid classes are really going to tread on the pures toes.
And luckily my guild aint that sucky, but not everyone will be guild running, with 10 mans being PUGable these days, its very easy to be ninjas by offspec gear for others, and I only see this as happening more frequently when dual-specs goes live.
Drahliana Feb 27th 2009 6:02PM
I play a DPS spec class, a Hunter and I love this idea. I can choose to switch between PVE and PVP and I'm good to go... or just have two different specs on any class that I can toggle through without having to respec throw away glyphs etc.
1k is going to be a bit steep for my orphan mage on another server (ran out of Earthen Ring slots) but one can't have everything.
Clevins Feb 27th 2009 1:25PM
"But in groups where things don't quite fit (you've got a few tanks and your DPS is a little low, or your Priest could use a little extra help healing for this boss fight), dual specs will let you make the necessary tweaks ..."
I'm not so sure. If the skill was available for 100g or 200g, yes. But I'm just not spending 1000g to maybe, perhaps, respec occasionally. I think this will be very popular among people who Arena and raid or even among level 70+ people who want to level as dps but be able to spec tank or heals for leveling instances. But I was hoping it would be cheap enough that we could use it occasionally. Though I'd settle for trainers in Dalaran for those cases... :)