M+ Overview Before Patch 11.0.5 - notable shifts and trends

As we venture further into the Mythic+ season, the fourth week has unveiled a series of intriguing developments that have significantly impacted the gameplay landscape. With the season now advancing into its fifth week, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the notable shifts and trends that have emerged, particularly in the realm of +12 keys.

The Shift in Difficulty and Player Progression

A pivotal change that has shaped the current Mythic+ environment is the recent adjustment to the difficulty levels. The key requirement for Gilded Crests has been lowered from 9 to 8, enabling a broader player base to access higher-tier upgrades. This change, combined with the nerf to affixes, has resulted in a noticeable uptick in player item levels, encouraging more players to push higher keys.

The nerf specifically targets the +12 affixes, reducing the damage and health of mobs by 10%. This has made Mythic+ more accessible, drawing more players into the fray and altering the completion dynamics of the dungeons.

Meta Dynamics: Class and Specialization Performance

Examining the meta, the fourth week has shown consistency at the top with familiar faces leading the charge. Frost Death Knights (DK), Enhancement and Elemental Shamans, and Retribution Paladins continue to dominate the damage charts. Assassination Rogues have seen a slight rise, indicating subtle shifts within the DPS hierarchy.

Despite these constants, the meta has not remained entirely static. The recent balance tuning on October 9th introduced buffs to underplayed specs, notably impacting Demonology Warlocks, who have shown improved performance post-buff.

The Evolving Landscape of High-End Keys

The adjustments have led to a surge in the completion of high-end keys. Previously, players were hitting a wall at certain levels, but the recent changes have revitalized their progression. The average scores have climbed, with some players nearing the 3000 rating mark in high keys.

However, this influx of players into higher keys has also resulted in a phenomenon dubbed the "sea of trash," particularly evident in the 10 to 12 key range. The ease of acquiring higher item levels has propelled players into these levels, often before they have fully acclimated to the challenges, resulting in a dip in success rates.

Class Representation and Popularity Trends

The meta is still grappling with class imbalances, particularly among healers. Restoration Shamans remain the popular choice, overshadowing other healing specs. This trend is mirrored in DPS and tank roles, where certain classes, like Protection Warriors and Frost DKs, are favored in high-end compositions.

The dynamics of class representation are further complicated by the integration of similar class specs within the same group. For instance, Enhancement Shamans often pair with Discipline Priests, showcasing the strategic considerations in forming effective Mythic+ teams.

As we move forward, the anticipated patch 11.0.3 promises additional changes that could further influence the meta. Potential buffs to Protection Paladins, Restoration and Balance Druids, and DPS Shaman specs could prompt shifts in play rates and group compositions.