Not the Tank’s Fault in Timewalking Dungeons: Understanding the Scaling Issue

In recent weeks, there has been an increasing number of threads and complaints about tanks in World of Warcraft Timewalking (TW) dungeons. A common frustration voiced by players is that tanks often "pull too much," resulting in chaos, wipes, toxicity, or even the tank being kicked from the group. However, let’s clear the air: it’s not always the tank’s fault.

The Rollercoaster of Scaling in Timewalking Dungeons

Timewalking dungeons are meant to give players a nostalgic experience while scaling their gear and levels to match the dungeon’s difficulty. In theory, this sounds great. However, in practice, the scaling system can create wildly inconsistent gameplay experiences for tanks, healers, and DPS alike.Just yesterday, I decided to level up my druid and switched to Guardian spec for faster queue times. What followed was a rollercoaster of experiences. At one level, my druid was virtually indestructible — taking almost no damage, dealing massive amounts of DPS, and effortlessly pulling entire packs of mobs straight to the boss. It felt amazing. But then, after leveling up just once, the situation flipped entirely. Suddenly, pulling just 3-4 mobs nearly killed me. I had to tread carefully, and the dungeon felt significantly more challenging.Another level later? Things leveled out again, and it felt like a “normal” dungeon run. This pattern of inconsistency persisted throughout my Timewalking dungeon runs. It was unpredictable and frustrating, not just for me but likely for my group as well.

Why the Scaling System Causes Issues

The scaling system in Timewalking dungeons is supposed to balance player power to match the dungeon’s level. However, it doesn’t account for several factors:

  • Gear Scaling: Some items scale better than others, causing power disparities between players.

  • Character Level: Different levels within the same bracket can feel drastically different due to how stats like stamina, armor, and damage scale.

  • Spec Performance: Some specs perform disproportionately better or worse in Timewalking content, creating further imbalance.

For tanks, this inconsistency is especially noticeable. One moment, they feel invincible, and the next, they’re on the verge of death from a minor pull. This makes it difficult for tanks to gauge how much they can handle, often resulting in accidental over-pulling or frustratingly slow runs.

What Can You Do as a Player?

If you find yourself frustrated with your tank in a Timewalking dungeon, take a moment to consider the underlying issue. The scaling system is likely working against them, and it’s not something they can control. Instead of jumping to conclusions or raising the "ban hammer," try the following:

  1. Communicate: Politely let the tank know if you’re struggling to keep up or if the pulls feel too intense. They may not realize how the scaling is affecting their group.

  2. Be Patient: Understand that Timewalking dungeons can feel drastically different depending on the tank’s level, gear, and spec. Give them some grace as they adjust.

  3. Avoid Toxicity: Kicking or berating the tank doesn’t solve the issue. It only creates a negative experience for everyone involved.

A Call for More Linear Scaling

Ultimately, the responsibility for fixing these issues falls on Blizzard. The scaling in Timewalking dungeons should feel more linear and predictable, ensuring a smoother experience for all players. Tanks, especially, shouldn’t have to deal with such drastic fluctuations in survivability and damage output from one level to the next. Until this is addressed, it’s important for the community to approach Timewalking dungeons with patience and understanding.So, the next time you’re in a Timewalking dungeon and things start to feel chaotic, remember: it’s not always the tank’s fault. A little communication and awareness can go a long way in making the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

30 Nov 2024