How Strong is Evoker in World of Warcraft? A Deep Dive
Evokers, the newest hero class in World of Warcraft, have made a significant impact on the game since their introduction with the Dragonflight expansion. The answer to the question, “How strong is an Evoker?” is multifaceted, depending heavily on the chosen specialization and the game content being tackled. In short, Evokers are remarkably strong in various aspects of the game, showcasing strengths in burst damage, area-of-effect (AoE) damage, priority target focus, and unique utility. However, they also come with certain weaknesses that players must learn to navigate. Let’s delve deeper into their capabilities.
Evoker Strengths and Specializations
Devastation Evoker: The Ranged Damage Dealer
The Devastation Evoker is a mid-range caster specializing in dealing significant damage. They excel in scenarios requiring a mix of AoE and cleave damage, making them highly effective against groups of enemies and when focusing down specific targets within those groups. Their playstyle is unique, emphasizing movement and positioning to maximize their damage output. Specifically, they shine when dealing with high-priority adds that need to be quickly eliminated, a trait that makes them invaluable in many raid and dungeon encounters. One of their key strengths is their exceptional burst damage at the start of combat, making them formidable right out of the gate. This burst, combined with their ability to cleave, positions them as a powerful DPS class. They are also known for their uncapped burst AoE damage, making them very strong in mythic+ dungeons.
Preservation Evoker: The Healing Specialist
The Preservation Evoker functions as a very strong healer, especially in Mythic+ content, where their high damage output alongside their healing can make a noticeable difference. They are capable of keeping the party alive with powerful and timely heals, but it is crucial to note that healing as a Preservation Evoker requires more skill and practice compared to some other healing classes. They possess a unique toolkit that includes abilities to remove various harmful effects such as poison, curse, and disease, making them versatile support healers. Mastery as a stat on Preservation is a good stat by itself, however it’s important to remember that it provides no direct damage increase.
Augmentation Evoker: The Unique Support Role
The Augmentation Evoker stands out as a unique support specialization. Instead of focusing primarily on healing or damage, they enhance the effectiveness of their allies. They achieve this through various buffs, most notably, Blessing of the Bronze, that drastically boosts the power of other players. Their ability to infinitely stack buffs on allies within a raid environment had at one point, effectively broken some boss fights in the game by making them too trivial to complete. They are particularly indispensable in Mythic Keystone groups, where their buffs can significantly boost the damage output of the group. Casting an Empower spell as an Augmentation Evoker will give an ally Shifting Sands granting a large amount of Versatility.
Evoker Weaknesses and Considerations
Despite their impressive strengths, Evokers also have a few weaknesses. The most notable is their relative squishiness. Compared to other ranged DPS classes, they have limited defensive capabilities. Their main defensive spell, Obsidian Scales, is crucial, but the other defensive they have access to, Renewing Blaze is not nearly as strong as similar abilities. This means proper positioning and strategic movement are vital to avoid taking excessive damage. This weakness is particularly noticeable when compared with classes that have more defensive options, like a Mage with Ice Block or a Warlock with Soul Link.
Furthermore, Preservation Evokers, while strong healers, require a significant amount of practice to master. Their healing style can feel more challenging than other healers, requiring precise timing and knowledge of the class’ mechanics. Additionally, Evokers cannot dual-wield, limiting their options when it comes to weapon choices.
Unique Aspects of the Evoker
Evokers are a unique class for a reason. As Dracthyr, they wield the combined powers of the five dragonflights, giving them a unique flavor in lore. Evokers are a mail-wearing class and use weapons like Daggers, Staves, Fist Weapons, One-Handed Swords, One-Handed Axes, and One-Handed Maces. While in Dracthyr form, armor transmogs are not visible due to their draconic nature. Their spellcasting animation, where they raise their arms, is one of the many distinct features that set them apart. Moreover, as a class built around the idea of movement, the talents like Hover duration make for smooth gameplay.
Are Evokers Worth Playing?
Despite a few shortcomings, Evokers are definitely worth playing. Their unique gameplay, strong damage potential, powerful healing capabilities, and unique support role make them a very good choice for players who want a class that feels both potent and fun. The class provides a fresh experience compared to more traditional classes, with an emphasis on dynamic combat, movement, and high priority damage. However, it should be noted that Dracthyr Evokers are not eligible for level 60 boosts or paid race changes. Players who want to play this class will need to level them from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Evokers dual-wield?
No, Evokers cannot dual-wield. They can equip various weapons, including daggers, staves, fist weapons, one-handed swords, one-handed axes, and one-handed maces, as well as off-hand items, but cannot use two one-handed weapons at once.
2. Can Evokers be any race?
No, Evokers can only be played by the Dracthyr race. This is because Evokers draw upon the unique powers of the five dragonflights, something only Dracthyr can use.
3. Is the Evoker class strong for leveling?
Yes, the Evoker class is generally considered strong for leveling. The Devastation spec is particularly effective due to its high damage output and AoE capabilities, which speeds up the leveling process. Specifically, a talent like Eternity Surge, which deals high damage in a radius is one reason why the Devastation spec excels at leveling.
4. How good is Preservation Evoker in Mythic+?
Preservation Evokers are very strong healers in Mythic+. They have a high damage output, powerful healing capabilities, and various utility options that make them a valuable asset. However, it should be remembered that playing a Preservation Evoker well requires a lot of practice.
5. Do Evokers have a tank specialization?
No, Evokers do not have a tank specialization. They are designed as either a ranged damage dealer (Devastation), a healer (Preservation), or a support role (Augmentation). The reason given by Blizzard for not giving Evokers a tank spec is that Dracthyr are less well-suited for tanking and prefer to be in the air to attack.
6. What kind of armor do Evokers wear?
Evokers wear mail armor. This is a mid-weight armor class, offering a balance between protection and mobility.
7. Can Evokers use staves?
Yes, Evokers can use staves. This is one of their available weapon types, along with daggers, fist weapons, one-handed swords, one-handed axes, and one-handed maces.
8. Can Evokers dispel poisons?
Yes, Preservation Evokers can dispel poisons. They have abilities like Naturalize and Cauterizing Flame that can remove harmful effects such as magic, poison, bleed, curses, and diseases.
9. What is the best Evoker spec for beginners?
The Devastation spec is often recommended for beginners because of its relatively straightforward rotation and strong damage capabilities. While they are squishy, once you understand how to avoid damage, they excel.
10. What weapon should an Evoker use?
The best weapon for an Evoker will depend on their chosen specialization and the specific stats they are looking to optimize. However, you can use Daggers, Staves, Fist Weapons, 1H and 2H Swords, 1H and 2H Axes, and 1H and 2H Maces.
11. What makes the Augmentation Evoker unique?
The Augmentation Evoker’s unique ability to buff their allies rather than directly dealing damage or healing sets them apart. Their ability to give a large amount of versatility to their allies make them sought after for higher level content.
12. Can Evokers get legendary items?
Yes, Evokers can get legendary items. They are available at a lower chance on normal difficulty compared to heroic difficulty.
13. Can Evokers fly?
Yes, Evokers have the ability to fly in the game. They can also fly around in dungeons and pull entire rooms of trash that isn’t required to complete.
14. Is mastery good for Evokers?
For Preservation Evokers, mastery is a valuable stat but does not directly increase damage, which can hurt its value in content where you need more damage, whereas every other secondary stat increases your damage even slightly.
15. Can I play Evoker without purchasing the Dragonflight expansion?
No, you need the Dragonflight expansion to continue playing your Dracthyr Evoker after the initial trial period.