WoW Forever launch patch brings controller support and major class changes

The launch patch for World of Warcraft Forever is here, per IGN, detailing a huge wave of updates as the game goes live tomorrow. A massive portion of the changes focus on class tuning, with the goal of carving out a distinct combat identity for this new version of the MMO. One example given in the developer notes was a rollback of some Shaman abilities, like Lava Burst, to better focus the Elemental spec on lightning magic.

Blizzard stated these changes will likely be the last major balance pass before raids open next month, aiming to gather real player data first. According to IGN, the developer notes said, "With the exception of bugs and serious outliers, we don’t plan on making big tuning changes between now and the opening of the raids next month."

However, not all players are happy. GameSpot reports that Shaman players are protesting the changes, feeling they were "completely ignored" in the update that boosted power across other classes.

In a major accessibility shift, full controller support is now live. IGN notes that support has moved from an alpha state in the beta to a "complete functional state," with gamepads now functional in all parts of the game. The outlet also points out the UI bears a striking resemblance to Final Fantasy XIV's controller interface.

The patch also nerfs several racial abilities. Dwarves and Orcs had a passive ability removed entirely, while others were toned down. For example, the Human racial Ruthless now grants a 1% critical strike chance increase, down from 2%. Trolls, however, got a buff with a longer duration on their Berserking ability.

World of Warcraft Forever launches on November 4.