Class Balance
Ongoing coverage on Class Balance.
Latest coverage
Pantheon’s latest test server patch fixes bugs and expands mastery options for several classes
Pantheon's latest test server patch focuses on bug fixes and expanding mastery options for several classes including Warrior, Dire Lord, Shaman, Cleric, Wizard, Enchanter, Druid, and Paladin. The update also introduces Healing Spell Power as an item stat and allows searching for Mastery nodes by partial name.
SWTOR’s GU 8.0 has hit the PTS as Broadsword talks overworld difficulty toggles and the new operation
Broadsword has released Game Update 8.0 for Star Wars: The Old Republic to the Public Test Server, featuring the new Children of Nul operation, class balance passes, and quality-of-life improvements. A significant addition is the overworld difficulty toggle, allowing players to adjust combat challenge in non-multiplayer areas across Story, Veteran, and Master difficulties. The update also includes persistent stronghold decorations and new ventures.
Casually Classic: What were vanilla World of Warcraft’s weaknesses?
This analysis examines the weaknesses of the original World of Warcraft, focusing on enduring issues beyond temporary server problems. Key criticisms include broken and unbalanced classes, unrewarding quest rewards, an aimless endgame lacking variety beyond raiding, and poor in-game grouping tools that hindered player interaction.
Guild Wars 2 outlines the balance updates planned for July 14
Guild Wars 2 has previewed upcoming balance updates scheduled for July 14th. The patch aims to make more Elementalist weapons and Weaver spec abilities viable, improve lesser-used Engineer skills, continue to nerf the Deadeye Thief's stealth, and implement several updates for Druids, among other granular adjustments.
Pantheon brings back Essence for Dire Lords and includes new branches for Shaman players on the PTR
Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen is updating its Public Test Realm with significant changes to Dire Lords and Shaman classes. The Dire Lord's Blood Debt ability will be reduced from 50% to 10% damage soak, and Essence will be reintroduced as a core resource. Shaman players will see two new mastery branches: Oracle for healing and Fateweaver for support.
Alongside its new expansion, Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader got a massive patch buffing its weakest classes and companion
Owlcat Games has released a significant patch for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader alongside its new expansion, The Infinite Museion. The update focuses on rebalancing weaker classes like Operatives and Assassins, as well as buffing the companion Uralon the Cruel. The developer also mentioned ongoing work on other titles like The Expanse: Osiris Reborn and Warhammer 40K: Dark Heresy.
MMOs are better if classes are imbalanced—you just need to do it on purpose
This article argues that intentional class imbalance can improve the player experience in MMOs, fostering unique contributions and community interaction. While perfect balance aims for efficiency, it can lead to homogenization, making individual roles feel less special. The author suggests that embracing intentional imbalances, as seen in older MMOs, can create more engaging and memorable gameplay experiences.
Terraria is getting new early game magic, as Re-Logic puts class balance under the microscope
Re-Logic is examining class balance in Terraria, with the March 2026 State of the Game update hinting at new early-game magic options, including a fresh attack for Gem Staves. This focus aims to enhance the early player experience.
Elder Scrolls Online recaps Dragonknight refresh as Update 49 generates some positive buzz
The Elder Scrolls Online's Update 49 has been met with positive reception, particularly the Dragonknight class refresh. ZeniMax Online Studios addressed player feedback regarding ability changes and class balance, confirming the champion system will not be adjusted. While some players expressed minor complaints, the overall sentiment is pleased, with a notable increase in concurrent players on Steam.