Review of the Restoration Druid Changes in Patch 11.0.5 - Guide Writer Feedback

After a rough start in the War Within that saw multiple buffs since launch, Restoration Druids are looking to get more than just aura tuning with talent changes coming in the 11.0.5 Patch. Our Restoration Druid Writer, Voulk, discusses the changes in Patch 11.0.5 including talent changes, the post-launch buffs, and remaining issues for the spec.

Restoration Druid Guide

Our Class Writers share their expert opinions based on rigorous testing and theorycrafting in hopes of contextualizing the changes coming in future patches of the War Within. Check out all of our released editorials in our new Editorial Section.

Wowhead Editorials

Resto Druid has had a rough start to the expansion. Rather odd nerfs as the expansion went live turned out to be a big miss and the spec required multiple buffs (totaling 17%) to regain a sense of viability. 11.0.5 is their first opportunity to do more than just aura buff the spec and they've taken some (somewhat small) swings.

New Talents

Renewing Surge
Those who have been playing a while might recognize this as an old Legion tier set. Cooldown reduction on Swiftmend is actually very powerful right now because we have a ton of effects attached to Swiftmend: Cenarius' Might, Soul of the Forest, Grove Tending, Implant, Reforestation, Verdant Infusion, and our current tier set. At Renewing Surges peak of +40% Swiftmends this talent would be absurdly powerful. Unfortunately, it has the same issue that the original tier set version does: it's a linear reduction and the target has to be on deaths door to get full value but the healer ecosystem doesn't work that way. Allies are often either full health, or dead. In most scenarios you'll be Swiftmending someone at 70-80% health and getting a couple of seconds off Swiftmend.

That doesn't mean it can't be a powerful talent, but I wish they'd make it more consistent by giving a flat reduction at all times and then a bonus if the target is low health if they'd like to keep that flavor. I'm Read more on wowhead.com