WoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.comWoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gifWoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.comen-usCopyright 2015 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/WoW Insider ShowEvery week, the WoW Insider Show brings you news and views from the World of Warcraft and the site that covers it all, WoW Insider. We introduce a panel of rotating guests, including bloggers from WoW Insider and other WoW blogs, and many popular personalities from around the WoW community. From the live listener chat and polls during the show, to the emails direct from listeners (reach us at theshow@wow.com), right on to the "meat" of the show -- in-depth discussion of the most popular news and posts on WoW Insider -- the WoW Insider Show is a terrific source of news and entertainment about what's going on with Blizzard and their World of Warcraft. Listen live every Saturday at 3:30 pm Eastern on our Ustream page (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/wow-insider-show) or subscribe to the feed and let us know what you think by reviewing the show right here in iTunes.Hybrid Theory: Yet another spell power discussionhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2008/08/24/hybrid-theory-yet-another-spell-power-discussion/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/08/24/hybrid-theory-yet-another-spell-power-discussion/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/08/24/hybrid-theory-yet-another-spell-power-discussion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Yeah, I used this picture again. What are you gonna do about it?
Welcome to Hybrid Theory, where we discuss all things hybrid in the World of Warcraft. Hybrid Theory is brought to you each week by columnist/blogger Alex Ziebart.

Last week we talked a bit about gear and spell power, and various related things. I mostly approached it as supplying my personal experiences, but a lot of people wanted numbers. Specifically, how your current gear will translate into the new spell power mechanic.

A kind fellow named Dan helped us out with a little bit of that in the comments section last week, so let's expand upon it somewhat. Again, this will focus mostly on the Healer and Caster aspects of the Hybrids. You Melee guys don't really need to worry about how spell power will change your gear.

Alright, so the question is this: If you have a choice between taking +Damage gear or +Healing gear in the current game right now, which would be a better choice for taking with you into Wrath of the Lich King leveling? Let's make liberal use of Wowhead, shall we?

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: Yet another spell power discussion

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: Yet another spell power discussion originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>balancecasterdamageeleelementalhealerhealingmalornemerciless-gladiatorrestorestorationspell-powerthunderhearttweet-thiswotlkwotlk-betawrathwrath-betaAlex ZiebartSun, 24 Aug 2008 18:00:00 ESTHybrid Theory: Healers, gear, and entering Northrendhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2008/08/16/hybrid-theory-healers-gear-and-entering-northrend/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/08/16/hybrid-theory-healers-gear-and-entering-northrend/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/08/16/hybrid-theory-healers-gear-and-entering-northrend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Welcome to Hybrid Theory, where we discuss all things hybrid in the World of Warcraft. Hybrid Theory is brought to you each week by columnist/blogger Alex Ziebart.

Remember a few weeks ago, I mentioned how if you want to be extra-cautious about preparing for Wrath of the Lich King, you should figure out a calm, easy way to farm gold that won't burn you out? After having hit the current level cap on the beta realms... I still recommend that, if you want to be extra prepared. If you're a very casual, don't worry about it too much, really. It's not that big of a deal. Leveling will get you enough for the bare necessities. If you're the type that wants to start leveling professions and gearing up immediately upon hitting the level cap though, think about going into Wrath with at least a couple thousand in your pocket, which really isn't that hard of a task.

Moving past that, though, a lot of people have asked about gear across all classes, but mostly Hybrids. Hybrids have asked because all of the Healing classes are amongst them, and if you're a Healer you may not necessarily have a set of DPS gear. My first comment on this: Don't worry. Really.

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: Healers, gear, and entering Northrend

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: Healers, gear, and entering Northrend originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>balanceelementalenhancementequipmentferalgearholyprotectionrestorestorationretributionshadowspell-powerwrath-betawrath-gearAlex ZiebartSat, 16 Aug 2008 20:00:00 ESTHybrid Theory: State of PvP in the Wrath betahttp://wow.joystiq.com/2008/08/09/hybrid-theory-state-of-pvp-in-the-wrath-beta/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/08/09/hybrid-theory-state-of-pvp-in-the-wrath-beta/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/08/09/hybrid-theory-state-of-pvp-in-the-wrath-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Welcome to Hybrid Theory, where we discuss all things hybrid in the World of Warcraft. Hybrid Theory is brought to you each week by columnist/blogger Alex Ziebart.

Before I start, while you read this remember that the Wrath beta does not currently allow you to hit the level cap. Everyone is level 77, and there's a lot that is unfinished. This is more anecdotal about the state of things, and not really analyzing how things will look in the end. You still with me? Good.

I decided to try out incredibly, insanely buggy Lake Wintergrasp when the beta realms went up yesterday, and later on I gave the new Battleground a whirl, too. Through all of this, there was one constant: Holy crap Ret Paladins are OP. No, really. I know, it blew my mind, too. Retribution Paladins. Overpowered. Hell has frozen over.

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: State of PvP in the Wrath beta

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: State of PvP in the Wrath beta originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>balancecrusader-strikedivine-stormelementalenhancementferalholylake-wintergraspliving-bombprotectionrestorestorationretributionshadowAlex ZiebartSat, 09 Aug 2008 20:40:00 ESTHybrid Theory: Spell Power hands onhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2008/08/03/hybrid-theory-spell-power-hands-on/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/08/03/hybrid-theory-spell-power-hands-on/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/08/03/hybrid-theory-spell-power-hands-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Welcome to Hybrid Theory, where we discuss all things hybrid in the World of Warcraft. Hybrid Theory is brought to you each week by columnist/blogger Alex Ziebart.

We've chit-chatted about the new Spell Power mechanic off and on, but we've never gone into serious detail about it yet. Why? Well, we didn't really know how it worked. We knew what it does but very few of us had a real hands-on experience with it. That has since changed.

Spell Power has done very very good things for the Hybrid classes, pretty much across the board. Obviously it will not drastically change Feral, Enhancement or Retribution, but it actually does add to those last two as well to some extent. Primarily it changes the Healing and Caster specs of the Hybrid classes, obviously. It brings back a lot hybridiness* to classes that... really haven't felt that way in quite awhile.

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: Spell Power hands on

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: Spell Power hands on originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sun, 03 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>dpselementalenhancementhealingholyhybridsprotectionrestorestorationretributionspell-powerwotlkwotlk-betawrathwrath-betaAlex ZiebartSun, 03 Aug 2008 13:00:00 ESTHybrid Theory: Gold and the road to Wrathhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/hybrid-theory-gold-and-the-road-to-wrath/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/hybrid-theory-gold-and-the-road-to-wrath/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/hybrid-theory-gold-and-the-road-to-wrath/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Welcome to Hybrid Theory, where we discuss all things hybrid in the World of Warcraft. Hybrid Theory is brought to you each week by columnist/blogger Alex Ziebart.

It's a little early to get nervous about not being prepared for the upcoming expansion, but it's never too early to start the preparations. If you start ahead of time, you'll never even need to worry about it coming down to crunchtime. Plus, if you finish getting ready ahead of time, you can take those last few weeks before Wrath nice and easy. Something I noticed a lot as we neared The Burning Crusade, everyone and their mother spent eight hours a day in battlegrounds that final month before the expansion, and by the time we could go through the Dark Portal most of them were burned out on playing WoW.

The absolute number one thing we can be sure you'll need in Wrath is gold. It doesn't matter what they do to your gear or your class, gold will be needed. Even if gold won't be worth as much as it is right now, you'll need it. You can be sure of that. Heck, even if you don't need gold for anything at all in Wrath by some miracle, it's cool, don't worry. 10,000g can buy you roughly 6,666,666 bottles of Moonglow when the Lunar Festival comes around. Think about that, man. Moonglow is awesome.

...Hm, I hope that math is right.

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: Gold and the road to Wrath

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: Gold and the road to Wrath originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>arm-the-wardsburning-crusadedailiesdaily-questsfurther-conversionsgoldgold-farmingholykeeping-the-enemy-at...protectionquestsrestorationthe-air-strikes-must...the-battle-must-go-onwotlkwrathAlex ZiebartSun, 13 Jul 2008 11:00:00 ESTHybrid Theory: PvP viabilityhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2008/07/06/hybrid-theory-pvp-viability/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/07/06/hybrid-theory-pvp-viability/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/07/06/hybrid-theory-pvp-viability/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Welcome to Hybrid Theory, where we discuss all things hybrid in the World of Warcraft. Hybrid Theory is brought to you each week by columnist/blogger Alex Ziebart.

A pretty substantial point of debate when it comes to Hybrids is their place in PvP. The thought that only one spec is viable per class is most problematic in the context of Hybrids for a couple of different reasons. Some argue against every spec being arena viable, some argue in favor of it.

The argument in favor of each spec being viable that I feel is the strongest is the fact that each Hybrid spec is vastly different from all of the others. In the arena, an Enhancement Shaman isn't doing the same thing as an Elemental Shaman. They are doing similar things like dropping totems and casting Shocks, but the role they play is different. Enhancement is in your face, Elemental throws lightning at your face, and Restoration is healing your face. This is not like Rogues in which all three specs are about hitting you until you fall down, just in different ways.

Why is it a problem that all three of them aren't viable? It essentially feels like a forced block on your chances at success. "Just spec Resto" isn't really a valid answer, because it means you are not able to play your preferred role. Someone who rolled a Shaman to Stormstrike people's faces off are told to go get some Elemental gear, and that isn't very fun. To be successful in the arena, they are more or less forced out of how they want to play the game.

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: PvP viability

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: PvP viability originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sun, 06 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>balanceclass-balanceelementalenhancementferalgolfholyprotectionpvprestorestorationretributionseason-4season-5tweet-thisAlex ZiebartSun, 06 Jul 2008 11:00:00 ESTHybrid Theory: Healers, hit, and homogenizationhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/hybrid-theory-healers-hit-and-homogenization/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/hybrid-theory-healers-hit-and-homogenization/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/hybrid-theory-healers-hit-and-homogenization/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Welcome to Hybrid Theory, where we discuss all things hybrid in the World of Warcraft. Hybrid Theory is brought to you each week by columnist/blogger Alex Ziebart.

Brace yourselves, ladies and gentlemen. Today's Hybrid Theory is purely guesswork and speculation. In no way will I pretend that these are facts, and you should not take them as such. It's a topic that grabbed my interest, and it's something I really enjoy trying to figure out despite the missing pieces of information we don't have yet. I welcome all of you to add your thoughts on it in the comments section below. Perhaps we can get a decent idea of what's to come.

Let's get started, shall we? In the previous weeks of Hybrid Theory, we've discussed all we knew about some of our favorite classes. During this discussion, matters of itemization often came up. Most notably, the new Spellpower mechanic. This would allow healers and DPS classes to use the same gear, but Healing spells would get twice the benefit.

First thought is that DPS and healers will share gear. Right? Well... maybe. Possibly. There are a lot of factors we don't really know yet. While it isn't always the case, for some classes there is a pretty large divide between gear that is good for a caster and gear that is good for a healer, and the deciding factor isn't how much damage or healing is on that item. In some cases you'll be able to switch seamlessly from DPS spec to Healing spec and not need to change your equipment, but trying to optimize your gear in both cases is not going to be so easy.

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: Healers, hit, and homogenization

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: Healers, hit, and homogenization originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>alphabalanceelementalhealingholyhybriditemizationjoystiqfeaturesrestorationshadowspell-critspell-damagespell-hastespell-hitspellpowertweet-thiswrathwrath-alphaAlex ZiebartSun, 29 Jun 2008 05:00:00 ESTHybrid Theory: Shaman and the Wrath Alphahttp://wow.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/hybrid-theory-shaman-and-the-wrath-alpha/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/hybrid-theory-shaman-and-the-wrath-alpha/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/hybrid-theory-shaman-and-the-wrath-alpha/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Welcome to Hybrid Theory, where we discuss all things hybrid in the World of Warcraft. Hybrid Theory is brought to you each week by columnist/blogger Alex Ziebart.

The seedy underbelly of the internet continues to supply the goods. Just in time to follow up on our look at Druids and Shadow Priests, we're supplied with some potential Shaman information. Let's hope Paladin timing will be as convenient, though it seems unlikely.

As usual when discussing Alpha information, it's always wise to remember that much of it will likely change by launch. Stay optimistic, but cautiously so. That way you can get excited without your hopes being crushed later on. Now, with the disclaimer out of the way, let's dig right into the Shaman talents and abilities. A lot of the previous weaknesses of the class are being addressed (much like they were for Shadow Priests) with a few new interesting things tossed in, accompanied by a side of itemization band-aids.

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: Shaman and the Wrath Alpha

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: Shaman and the Wrath Alpha originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ancestral-awakeningancestral-fortitudeancestral-knowledgeattack-powerearth-shockearthlivingelementalenhancementflametonguefrost-shockhexlava-burstlightning-shieldrestorationshaman-in-wrathshaman-talentsspell-critstatic-shockstormstrikethrallthunderwotlkwrathwrath-alphawrath-of-the-lich-kingwrath-of-the-lich-king-alphaAlex ZiebartSat, 14 Jun 2008 19:00:00 ESTHybrid Theory: Shadow Priests and the Wrath Alphahttp://wow.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/hybrid-theory-shadow-priests-and-the-wrath-alpha/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/hybrid-theory-shadow-priests-and-the-wrath-alpha/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/hybrid-theory-shadow-priests-and-the-wrath-alpha/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Welcome to Hybrid Theory, where we discuss all things hybrid in the World of Warcraft. Hybrid Theory is brought to you each week by columnist/blogger Alex Ziebart.

I really thought my excitement over Wrath of the Lich King would fade after the initial onslaught of alpha information and just come back around launch time, but that hasn't really been the case. It's been a pretty consistent type of excitement, and I pretty much devour every piece of information I can find.

We've talked about Druids already, but while I love Hybrids in general, my Shadow Priest is my main and my first love. Yes yes, I'm sure some of you still disagree with Priests being Hybrids, but I'm of the opinion that they are so I shall continue. If you want to disagree, do so in the Comments section below.

I adore playing my Shadow Priest, but I think all Shadow Priest players agree with me when I say there are some definite issues with the class on some level or another. Why don't we take a seat and see what might be on the devs' minds, eh?

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: Shadow Priests and the Wrath Alpha

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: Shadow Priests and the Wrath Alpha originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>brutallusdispersionequipmentfeargearhorrorhybridhybridsmind-flaypsychic-screamshadow-priestshadow-priest-alphashadow-word-deathshadow-word-painspell-critspell-hastetweet-thiswotlkwotlk-alphawrathwrath-alphaAlex ZiebartSun, 08 Jun 2008 09:00:00 ESTHybrid Theory: Is it too much?http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/hybrid-theory-is-it-too-much/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/hybrid-theory-is-it-too-much/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/hybrid-theory-is-it-too-much/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Welcome to Hybrid Theory, where we discuss all things hybrid in the World of Warcraft. Hybrid Theory is brought to you each week by columnist/blogger Alex Ziebart.

Here on Hybrid Theory, we've done a lot of glorifying the group utility that Hybrids provide. It's one of their strongest points, and the factor that could make or break their raid spot in a setting of pure recruitment. Recently, I discussed the direction this concept of utility is going with a few raidmates of mine, and some interesting points were made.

The synergy between classes in The Burning Crusade is powerful, but moving in a direction in which the classes and specs become too reliant on one another, or you have to decide which hybrid is more important to you than another hybrid in the same role. Some class/spec combinations simply can't perform in a raid setting without a specific hybrid class alongside them. Some hybrid classes can't perform without other hybrids in their group. This poses a problem for the pure classes, and even though we don't know the exact details of the Death Knight, adding another class may only make things harder.

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: Is it too much?

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: Is it too much? originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 31 May 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>aurasbattle-shoutdebuffhybridleader-of-the-packlotpraid-buffsseal-of-the-crusadersynergytotemsutilitywindfurywrathAlex ZiebartSat, 31 May 2008 23:00:00 ESTHybrid Theory: Druids and the Wrath Alphahttp://wow.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/hybrid-theory-druids-and-the-wrath-alpha/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/hybrid-theory-druids-and-the-wrath-alpha/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/hybrid-theory-druids-and-the-wrath-alpha/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Welcome to Hybrid Theory, where we discuss all things hybrid in the World of Warcraft. Hybrid Theory is brought to you each week by columnist/blogger Alex Ziebart.

Last week we discussed Death Knights a little bit, and my personal stance is that their impending introduction to the game won't harm existing tank classes too much. Most likely, they'll have their own niche (magic tanking) but with some work be capable of tanking other things. Warriors, Druids and Paladins will still retain their own niches, even with the addition of a new tanking class.

I discussed that primarily because a lot of tanks, Druids especially, have voiced concern to me about losing their viability. How appropriate that Druids are the first pure hybrid class to have their new spells and talents implemented into the Wrath alpha. Before I start my analysis and slather my thoughts all over you, you can take a look at them on this Wrath wiki. To avoid spoiling those that want all of the expansion to be fresh come release, I've tucked all analysis behind the cut.

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: Druids and the Wrath Alpha

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: Druids and the Wrath Alpha originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 24 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>alphabalancedruid-spellsdruid-talentsferalrestorationtweet-thiswotlkwotlk-alphawrathwrath-alphawrath-druid-changesAlex ZiebartSat, 24 May 2008 11:00:00 ESTHybrid Theory: Death Knight distresshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/hybrid-theory-death-knight-distress/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/hybrid-theory-death-knight-distress/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/hybrid-theory-death-knight-distress/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Hybrid Theory returns after a month long hiatus. We could tell you a long and boring story about how Alex's computer suffered a horrible death during his relocation from Wisconsin to Michigan, but we won't. Just picture the battle scene from Braveheart, except replace the English with a PC. It was basically the same thing.

Last week, we were graced with a boatload of Wrath news. With the Wrath news came Death Knight news. With the Death Knight news came laments of, "my class is dead, noo!" from the WoW community. Yes, it is probably quite intimidating to add another class to the tanking niche for the tank classes, especially considering we've seen the incredible Death Knight abilities and not those of anybody else, but I think all of our classes will be quite safe come Wrath.

There are a few things that should be taken into consideration before we run in circles screaming of the apocalypse and mourn our forgotten not-Death-Knight-tanks. Head on past the jump to find out just what the heck I mean!

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: Death Knight distress

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: Death Knight distress originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 17 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>anti-magic-shellanti-magic-tankingdeath-knightfel-armorfrost-presencemagic-tankraid-tankingrune-shieldsearing-paintankingwrathAlex ZiebartSat, 17 May 2008 11:00:00 ESTHybrid Theory: Performance Assessmenthttp://wow.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/hybrid-theory-performance-assessment/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/hybrid-theory-performance-assessment/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/hybrid-theory-performance-assessment/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Last week we discussed the fact that raw DPS is not a good indicator of the strength of a hybrid. The quality of a hybrid, or a person that plays a hybrid, will not easily be seen by looking at traditional damage and/or healing meters the same way you would for 'pure' classes.

Before I go on, I'd like to reiterate my disclaimer on this topic: Just because your class or spec is not expected to top damage meters, that does not mean you should become complacent about your DPS or Healing effectivenessity(use it, love it) in a raid. You should always strive to be a better player and find ways to improve yourself. If you think you've hit the ceiling of what you can accomplish, work harder to break through it.

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: Performance Assessment

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: Performance Assessment originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 12 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>damage-meterselitist-jerksfaerie-firehealing-touchhybridhybridslifebloomraid-assessmentraiding-hybridsteron-gorefiendvampiric-touchwindfury-totemwwswws-reportAlex ZiebartSat, 12 Apr 2008 20:30:00 ESTHybrid Theory: Brutallus and Youhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/hybrid-theory-brutallus-and-you/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/hybrid-theory-brutallus-and-you/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/hybrid-theory-brutallus-and-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Every week, Alex Ziebart comes to you with Hybrid Theory. A column with... theories about hybrids, I guess. I mean, that's what it says at least. I guess it could be something else, but probably not. Honestly, you should probably just read it and find out for yourself.

In the past here on Hybrid Theory, we've discussed what Hybrids are capable of doing in a raid, as far as beneficial talents and utilities. We talked about the fact that a few well-placed hybrids in your raid can take your DPS from 'good' to 'horrifyingly good.' All of this comes to the front again in a boss that many high-end raid groups are clashing against right now: Brutallus.

If you haven't read anything on this boss yet, it's the single largest gear check in WoW yet. It's Burning Crusade's Patchwerk, mostly. To beat Brutallus, you need roughly 29,000 sustained DPS across your entire raid. If you don't pull that off, you hit his enrage timer and he destroys all of you. Simple as that! If you're lucky you can burn off a final two or three percent of his health after the enrage, but that's about as far as you go. That three percent is about 300,000 health, so don't get too confident.

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: Brutallus and You

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: Brutallus and You originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>armsbalancebrutalluselementalelitist-jerksenhancementferalfuryhybridhybrid-raidinghybrid-utilityhybridsretributionshadowsunwell-25sunwell-islesunwell-plateauswputilityAlex ZiebartSun, 06 Apr 2008 20:00:00 ESTHybrid Theory: Magisters' Terrace, stomping all over your comfort zonehttp://wow.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/hybrid-theory-magisters-terrace-stomping-all-over-your-comfor/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/hybrid-theory-magisters-terrace-stomping-all-over-your-comfor/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/hybrid-theory-magisters-terrace-stomping-all-over-your-comfor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We've been talking about Magisters' Terrace a lot. I have been talking about Magisters' Terrace a lot. Lucky you, we're going to talk about it some more!

Magisters' Terrace is the brand new 5-man that came with Patch 2.4, so it comes across as much harder than it actually is. It is hard, sure, but not the soul-rending pain we're all feeling right now. All new dungeons require a period of adjustment. I remember when Dire Maul first came out, way back in the day. Everyone thought it was utterly horrifying.

During this period of adjustment, you're going to run into groups being far more strict about group composition. Once the community has become accustomed to the difficulty level of Magisters' Terrace, things will ease up. Currently, a lot of damage specced hybrids are having a rough time finding a group consistently due to one pretty large factor: A lack of crowd control. There are a lot of things you can(and should) do to make up for that, and knowing those things will do a lot to contribute to speeding up the adjustment period.

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: Magisters' Terrace, stomping all over your comfort zone

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: Magisters' Terrace, stomping all over your comfort zone originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>2.4balanceelementalenhancementferalgravity-lapsegrounding-totemhybridhybridsisle-of-queldanaskaelthasmagsters-terracepatch-2.4priestess-delrissaprotectionqueldanasretributionsunwellsunwell-plateauthreatwindfury-totemAlex ZiebartSat, 29 Mar 2008 18:00:00 ESTHybrid Theory: Itemization, Patch 2.4 and beyond!http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/hybrid-theory-itemization-patch-2-4-and-beyond/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/hybrid-theory-itemization-patch-2-4-and-beyond/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/hybrid-theory-itemization-patch-2-4-and-beyond/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

My original intent for this week's Hybrid Theory was to take a close look at the Badge Gear for Hybrids in patch 2.4, but that turned into a monstrous project that left my head spinning. I remained vigilant, until I saw the specific class columns were working on this themselves, starting with Shifting Perspectives. Upon hearing that, I jumped for joy and it was as if the Heavens opened up and thousands of beautiful angels embraced me against their supple forms.

So instead of filling your browser with loot links and badge prices, I'm going to talk about the future of itemization, from patch 2.4 and onward.

"We do plan to have more specs share some loot. I know it's great when the Retribution-Paladin piece drops, but that's a piece that isn't good for 26 other classes/specs, so hopefully we can make it so the item will apply to more classes/specs so even the randomness of loot won't be so much of a big deal."

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: Itemization, Patch 2.4 and beyond!

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: Itemization, Patch 2.4 and beyond! originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bornakkboss-lootdropsequipmentgearhybriditemizationnpcspatch-2.4random-lootsunwellAlex ZiebartSat, 22 Mar 2008 11:00:00 ESTHybrid Theory: Dear engineers, please build me a walking bankhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/hybrid-theory-dear-engineers-please-build-me-a-walking-bank/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/hybrid-theory-dear-engineers-please-build-me-a-walking-bank/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/hybrid-theory-dear-engineers-please-build-me-a-walking-bank/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Welcome to another installment of Hybrid Theory, wherein columnist Alex Ziebart assures the world that he does not, in fact, hate Retribution Protection Paladins. In fact, he raids with a Retribution Protection Paladin. Really. He does. Pinky swear.

Nearly every hybrid has felt the sorrows of lacking itemization at one time or another. Every hybrid has seen its ups and its down, has watched class balance fall into and out of order, and embraced their spec through the good and the bad. Throughout all of this, though, there has always been one ever-present issue. Completely unchanging. Viability and acceptance? Oh, no no no.

Bag space. The Blue Crew of Blizzard has made it very clear over the last few years that limited bag space is fully intended. It's viewed as an important aspect of game play. A mini-game, if you will. I must say, being forced into choosing whether you want to keep an item you enjoy or vendor it in favor of that new piece of resist gear that is mandatory for your raid's upcoming boss fight is the worst game ever. Sometimes little vanity items mean quite a bit, like your first epic. A lot of them are just plain neat, like the furbolg outfit maker.

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: Dear engineers, please build me a walking bank

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: Dear engineers, please build me a walking bank originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 15 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bag-spacebagsdpsgearhealinghybridsinventoryonyxia-hide-backpackpit-lord's-satchelsun-touched-satcheltankingtattered-hexcloth-sackAlex ZiebartSat, 15 Mar 2008 19:00:00 ESTHybrid Theory: What can I do? part 2http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/03/08/hybrid-theory-what-can-i-do-part-2/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/03/08/hybrid-theory-what-can-i-do-part-2/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/03/08/hybrid-theory-what-can-i-do-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Hybrid Theory comes to you yet again from blogger and columnist Alex Ziebart. You're in for thrills, chills, and quite possibly some useful information, but I doubt it.

Last week on Hybrid Theory, I got into some of the basic details of what would make you and your spec desirable in a raid. I covered the DPS specs, and this week I'll be covering tanks and healers. Warriors, priests, I'll be leaving you out of this one. I love you, really, I do! But it's that conditional love, where I only love you if you're specced how I like. I hear Rossi, Knox and Harper still love you! Man, they sound way cooler when you refer to them by their last names, don't they? Like detectives, or super heroes.

...Right. Anyway! I'll be detailing the strong points of the tanking and healing specs of our beloved hybrids, and the utility you provide. Should you be looking for a new raid group anytime soon, these will be the things you'll want to keep in mind when asked what you can offer a raid. Having good gear and knowing how to play is also a plus, but this is a start.

Never fear you QQasuals(just kidding!) out there, next week I'll take a step back from the raiding scene and cover some of the new toys in Patch 2.4 and what they mean to you. However, it isn't next week yet, so read on!

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: What can I do? part 2

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: What can I do? part 2 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 08 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>25-man-raiding25-man-raidsblack-templedivine-shieldferalholyhybridslifebloomprotectionraiding-as-a-hybridrestorationAlex ZiebartSat, 08 Mar 2008 10:30:00 ESTHybrid Theory: What can I do?http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/03/01/hybrid-theory-what-can-i-do/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/03/01/hybrid-theory-what-can-i-do/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/03/01/hybrid-theory-what-can-i-do/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Welcome to another installment of Hybrid Theory, wherein columnist Alex Ziebart assures the world that he does not, in fact, hate Retribution Paladins. In fact, he raids with a Retribution Paladin. Really. He does. Pinky swear.

Let's face it, folks. A lot of raid leaders have very little idea what they're doing when they're brand new to the raiding thing. I was there once, too. Until you have some experience in the 25-man raids, you have very little idea how group synergy works or anything of that sort. As a hybrid, especially one specced in a tree other than your healing tree, this could cause you some issues when looking to break into raiding from the ground level, rather than filling a gap in an existing raid that generally knows what's what.

You will most likely find that you'll need to sell yourself to raid leaders. What can you bring to the table? What can you do that a mage can't? What can you do that a rogue can't? The answer: Quite a bit! First thing to keep in mind, though, is that as a hybrid, you will probably not do as much damage as the other DPS classes in the raid. Healing specced, you will keep up just fine. Damage specced? Well, you won't keep up on every encounter. That's okay though. You don't need to. Why? Because you specifically allow those other classes to meet their maximum potential.

I'll go through each of the damage specs one by one. Tanks, healers, sorry. You come next week. I'm writing a column, not a novel!

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: What can I do?

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: What can I do? originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 01 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>balanceelementalenhancementferalhybridhybridsmoonkinraiding-as-a-hybridretretributionshadowAlex ZiebartSat, 01 Mar 2008 16:00:00 ESTHybrid Theory: What's a hybrid? v2.0http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/hybrid-theory-whats-a-hybrid-v2-0/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/hybrid-theory-whats-a-hybrid-v2-0/http://wow.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/hybrid-theory-whats-a-hybrid-v2-0/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Hybrid Theory returns under the banner of column-newb Alex Ziebart. Incredibly biased opinions await you. If you are reading this, you have already been made a victim of his inability to create interesting graphics. No World of Warcraft players were harmed in the creation of the previous image, though that does not mean it won't hurt you.

When I decided on my topic for today, I was mighty excited. A fire raged within me, and my fingers flew over the keyboard as soon as I sat down at the computer. My first column! Awesome! Yes! About three paragraphs in, I realized I should probably make sure my predecessor, Jason Lotito, hadn't done the topic yet. Unfortunately, he did. Fortunately, I completely disagree with what he said in every possible way.

Perfect.

What is a hybrid class? The basic answer is pretty simple: A class with multiple viable roles. Paladins, Druids and Shaman are obvious examples of a hybrid class. If you disagree with the fact that they're hybrids, you must be playing the wrong game. Holy, Retribution, Protection. Feral, Balance, Restoration. Elemental, Enhancement, Restoration. All of them are viable specs, especially in raiding. As fun as it is to mock Retribution Paladins, even they have a place in the end-game.

Basically, Shamadruidins are hybrids. Don't try to argue that they aren't because you will lose.

Continue reading Hybrid Theory: What's a hybrid? v2.0

WoW InsiderHybrid Theory: What's a hybrid? v2.0 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>elementalenhancementholyhybridhybridsprotprotectionrestorestorationretretributionshadowthe-burning-crusadeAlex ZiebartSat, 23 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST