Next Skill Balance

Hi everyone. I just posted this to my wiki to let you know what we're currently working on with the next skill balance:

The Test Krewe has been discussing many proposed skill balance changes in preparation for the next balance update. The next skill balance update will not be released this month, but we would still like to give you a few more details of what our developers are working on, with feedback from the Test Krewe. Please keep in mind that not all of these changes may make it into the next skill balance and there is the possibility of different changes making it in, however we just wanted to give you an idea of some of the projects we’re undertaking at this time. The upcoming skill balance falls into two categories: addressing pressing issues, and tackling other issues.

Pressing Issues

• Shadow Form – Shadow Form is a formidable build, providing blanket protection against both attacks and spells. The developers and Test Krewe are taking a look at a couple of options, including reworking the skill from a fundamental level.
• Possible Changes to 600 Smite – The effects of this build on the game are less pronounced than other extreme farming builds, however it operates on the same basic premise of making a character invulnerable all of the time. The developers are looking at changes to some of the skills in this build.
• Balancing Midline Spike – Several skills have been identified as overpowered. Several of these skills have brought more damage and defense to GvG midlines than we'd like. This de-emphasizes distinctions in roles between frontline and midline characters and removes some of the versatility we've seen in midline characters in the past.
• Addressing Fast Cast Blood Spike – The Test Krewe is currently taking a look at a couple of proposals targeted to address the cornerstone of this team build.
• 4v4 Issues – We’re looking at both Illusion of Pain and Ebon Dust Aura in terms of addressing issues in the 4v4 format.

Addressing Other Issues

Again, please keep in mind that not all of these changes may make it into the next skill balance, and the changes may be different.

• Hammer Mastery – Hammer suffers from a number of issues that make it difficult to take over other Warrior weapons in PvE. For example, the combination of high adrenaline costs, slow attack rate, and battles ending relatively quickly in PvE mean that it can be hard to use skills before a battle is over and mean that being blocked feels much harsher. We’re looking at a number of approaches to address these and other issues.
• Tactics – Tactics is the least exciting Warrior attribute and primarily sees use as a secondary attribute on other classes. We’re considering several options to address the weaknesses of Tactics.

Leave 600/smite alone.


Other than that, tx for the heads up.

Thanks for the update again Regina. Much more detailed than your previous posts, but saying the same things youve already said this month. Dont know why some havent gotten this thru their heads yet. Now go enjoy the Holidays and deal with the QQers, after a good vacation, next year.

So in short, "there will be an update sometime in the future but we won't disclose when because we cannot keep to date we proposed."


That's good to hear, but what about the areas that these builds have been rampaging in, is there nothing going to be done to change them so that degenerate builds don't replace 600/permaform?

At least you informed us about what's going on which I appreciate, though I can't say I'm not dissapointed.

Yay to the nerfing of farming builds that have been around way too long.

But, no changes to Wilderness Survival... D:

Also, I've heard rumors of Spirit Spamming being nerfed. Any comments on that?

About time they finally addressed IoP.

Keep in mind that this may not be all the changes involved. Those are just the changes that the developers were comfortable letting me reveal in public.

My guess is that would fall under the "Midline" part. I also expect that, if it doesn't, she's talking about killing Discordway.

Alright, I guess I'll have to wait n' see what happens then.

Meh, they're only 2 months late according to the "new way we're doing things" and that's not bad by Anet's standards.

I'm looking forward to removing the countdown timer on my GWW of how long it's been since a real skill "update" (6 months, btw).

There were actually quite a bit of changes discussed. Those, combined with wintersday, probably resulted in not making it to the deadline D:


I cannot say specifically as to what was discussed, but there's just so many great ideas, yet so many ideas being thrown at once, it'll be a pain in the ass for the programmers and not all may make it.
I just thought I'd let you guys know that we're making progress

SF QQ'ers just got pwnd for at least another month. Can we please close/delete all those threads, since we know that there won't be a nerf for a looong time to come?

I'm not going to believe any form of skill balance, change, nerf, buff and/or any term used revolving around skills will happen until it happens. In the end, a fair amount of people will not even give a GO RED ENGINE by then and you can bet on that.

In fact, because of this thread right here; this information Regina has provided: If anyone needs to QQ or GO RED ENGINE about skill balances and/or skill whatever, wait until the update ACTUALLY HAPPENS, then you can shoot your mouth off (or type with your fingers).

Till then, have a fun and exciting Wintersday!

Oh yeah, thanks for sharing the 5% you're allowed to reveal, Regina.

dont bs me... let them change EVERYTHING. Id like a new face to farming, so let them nerf a bit 600/smite. In most ways its like SF at the top 2 of the god mod list.

Im interested... like to see something done to dervs in mysticism. Agree on the Hammer and Tatics possible change.

Farmers Response: TACTICAL NUKE INCOMING, IT'S ALL OVER!

Guys, just try to have a good Wintersday. The Test Krewe is really taking these skills and proposals seriously. I can assure you, no random darts are being thrown.

Remember that having another group to discuss things (krewe) and the time to get feedback/discuss involved, is going to take time - certainly more at the start as things "bed in" too, so Im not shocked that the update wont be this month..

The only problem I see now is that SF, 600/smite etc farm builds have been around for so long that the damage has already been done.
Im not sure how it will effect the game afterwards.. Id like to think it will mean more real groups doing dungeons etc, but I somehow doubt it at this stage of the game.

Thank you for the update Regina and Merry Xmas to you and the staff.

PS. please reintroduce HB, (codex HB would be fine) - just dont put it in the ZQ rotation ^.^

would love to be able to use tactics shields on a warrior again!

I just hope to god some of you guys are PvP'ers and know what you're doing. From what I've seen only 1 major GvG'er was selected for the krewe......and that worries me a lot.

All the nerfs are killing the game imo....... after the nerfs have been finished we will have no skills left to use :P