Patch 5.3 interview with Ghostcrawler
Mystery of the Unborn Val'kyr
The latest patch 5.3 news
All of the latest Mists of Pandaria newsGC: Dual spec will not change design decisions
by Eliah Hecht 
Mar 2nd 2009 at 2:00PM
Maybe I should clarify: with respect to design decisions, they're pretending dual spec does not exist. Raids and talent trees will be balanced without reference to the fact that some players will be able to easily swap out. GC gives some specific examples of things the devs will not be doing, such as "Have a fight that requires 8 tanks, because you know, half the raid can change specs," or "Let Arms be the PvP tree and Fury be the PvE tree, because warriors can just switch out."
This is good news to many, including myself. Although if I had been asked to guess, I would probably have predicted they would take this direction, it's good to know that (for instance) raiders won't be effectively required to take spec X and spec Y in order to complete encounter Z. Dual specs are there to offer us more flexibility, not as another way the devs can make us jump through hoops. And I know I'll be taking it on at least a few of my characters.
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.
Reader Comments (Page 3 of 3)
Yoda Master Chung Mar 2nd 2009 3:31PM
While they may not be balancing PVE enncounter based on the ability of folks to dual spec, you better believe that this is squarely aimed at balancing PVP. They can't figure out how to do it. So instead of trying to balance classes against- they are going to let the players figure it out.
Max Mar 2nd 2009 3:40PM
...are you high?
dual specs will have absolutely no impact on pvp
Yoda Master Chung Mar 2nd 2009 3:48PM
/dual specs will have absolutely no impact on pvp/
No impact? I can't think of class this wouldn't effect for PVP. If you are a mainly a PVE player, do you respec now each time you go to the BG's or Arena's? Maybe, but unlikely. But now you can.
Xavierlives Mar 2nd 2009 3:56PM
TY Max (for the 50g comment).
With that said, I disagree with the PvP comment. Historically, I have picked my Holy Talent primarily based on PvP. Recently I picked something a little more PvE with the hopes of raiding a bit more. With the Dual-spec option, my only decision is "how many times will I respec if I dont otherwise go dual (straight cost-benefit analysis)? Considering the "life" of the toon the 1000g seems worth it. Especially if I want to keep my PvP settings and then repec Ret or Prot or Holy-PvE.
Now if you comment is more of "you can't switch while in a BG or arena," then ok, the impact is really only switch before entering.
Microtonal Mar 2nd 2009 5:25PM
In the last week, I've dropped around 2000g power-leveling enchanting, and that's after pulling a slightly under-priced Nessy 4000 off the auction house and constantly making sure that all of my gear is fully gemmed and enchanted for raiding. I'm not worried about shelling out another 1000g for dual-speccing. I can make that easily just from auctioning off my extra enchanting scrolls.
And that's assuming I even buy it at all. Dual-speccing doesn't really have much utility for a raiding hunter that doesn't PvP much.
Mike Mar 2nd 2009 6:00PM
No QQ - actually looking forward to dual specs on my healer - but I'd say there's at least one place that Bliz really are acknowledging dual spec does exist.
After the mana nerf in 3.1 I doubt soloing will be anything but highly tedious for holy priests and resto druids (remember the days before healing bonus contributed to spell bonus)...
I'd guess bliz really are assuming these classes won't solo in their heal spec, despite what GC professes.
subtotal Mar 2nd 2009 6:14PM
i've been looking at a number of comments saying how great this is going to be for pallies. honestly im going to have to disagree with that.
Just to clarify, yes it will be useful, but out of the four healing classes paladins are the only class without a viable raiding spell-damage spec (shockadins don't count). In other words, while Pallies, DKs and Warriors get the benefit of switching between roles, we DON'T have the advantage of being able to use some or all of the same gear for both specs.
Krak Mar 2nd 2009 6:38PM
We should all be aware that devs dont have balls and as sure as all the wow elite starts crying to them they will give up and cave in.
Mike Mar 2nd 2009 6:45PM
wow random QQ did you have a point to make?
subtotal Mar 2nd 2009 9:59PM
/sigh
im getting really tired of this, some people just can't understand that no matter what you do the "optional" features (like dual specs, epic flying, etc) are OPTIONAL, wow's been going now for what, 4 years? with no dual spec, somehow you've survived, so just get over it.
I am sick and tired of people complaining something costs too much, either you have the money/gold/whatever and you're willing to pay for it or you aren't.
If you're talking about high end content then yes there is an investment of time to aquire the gold for gems/enchants/proffessions/consumeables. If you aren't prepared to put the time in to earn the gold, get it some other way, if you dont want to do something else, play a game with no economy.
IT IS THAT SIMPLE!
yl Mar 2nd 2009 10:53PM
I agree with some of the comments posted here about loot, and am equally concerned about how it might influence dynamics. Main spec first is ok theoretically, but what if the healer says "tank main spec" for the red sword of courage? Would both need? Then what?
greane Mar 2nd 2009 10:30PM
How can you not have 1000g at level 80.
My ALT has almost 2k at level 74 and has sold absolutely nothing on the AH and has only vendored quest rewards...
If you can't manage to have 1000g at level 80 you are doing something wrong!
Barra Mar 3rd 2009 3:39AM
1k gold steep?
How much were riding skills on lvl40 and a horse back in vanilla? (right 800 gold or something)
1k gold is very cheap
Boocat Mar 3rd 2009 5:08AM
Why are people acting like they are being force to spent a 1k gold as if it's taxes or something. IF you want Dual Spec spent the gold if not don't.
GET over it
Jeremy Mar 14th 2009 9:33PM
My biggest concern is looting in raids. I'm in a small guild so i mostly PUG raids. I cant help but think of the problems people are going to face because people are going to be rolling on all specs. The "Off-spec" will be gone. Less people passing on gear, and more fighting for that rare drop. I'm looking forward to dual spec, but we are going to have to come up with a new set of common curtacy looting rules.