4.0.1 talent build discussions... :shock:

[Slickrock]

Ok, assuming that BM will be using Arcane enough to use Cobra Strikes, I'm looking at http://wowtal.com/#k=vKf0TxO.a5o.hunter. for a build when the patch hits Tuesday. Thoughts?

[Anyia]

I haven't done any math on it, but I would have thought taking Efficiency over Pathing would play much better with Cobra Strikes. 3 points in Efficiency is a 12% reduction in the cost of Arcane Shot, and maybe even more when under TBW. Depending on whether Efficiency or TBW is evaluated first (assuming they do stack), the cost of Arcane would drop from 25 to either (25-3)/2 = 11 or (25/2)-3 = 9.5.

While it is true that Pathing benefits GffT, once we have enough points (at 81) to reach Sic 'Em, a cheaper (and hence more frequent) Arcane shot should definitely be more valuable as this would synergize with the new Wild Hunt.

I think. Like I said, I haven't tried doing the maths - I'll go read EJ in a week or so

[Scruff]

BM: http://wowtal.com/#k=vcsZW731.a5o.hunter.s_opy
Kill shot glyph maybe changed to steady shot, unsure on number yet.

MM: http://wowtal.com/#k=ewK88f2.a5o.hunter.-wdWLY
Unsure where the last couple of talents should go; 2% haste Vs. 100 ap
Also unsure as to what 3rd Major glyph; not too many useful ones for MM. Maybe Disengage for more mobility.

SV: http://wowtal.com/#k=-wARkx1X.a5o.hunter.-pmAbW
Steady shot glyph maybe changed to serpent sting (might be worth it with SV mastery)
Again - 3rd major glyph choice

[Slickrock]

Hmm.. I'm not sure that for BM, reducing the focus cost of Arcane really buys that much, unless there are enough gaps in the rotation that it is worthwhile fitting in another shot. If you delay a KC trying to squeeze in another Arcane, that's likely a dps loss.

Finding that balance is going to be the key to working at an optimal level.

[Rikaku]

I'm probably gonna run with something like this:
http://wowtal.com/#k=v273w56.a5o.hunter.-ddt_P

I may still switch up the Mend Pet/Pathing talents over to the MM tree so I can reach Sic 'Em. Pathing is a good option, but if Arcane stays as efficient as it does (compared to KC [KC is just not that good in beta right now in my experience]) in beta, then Arcane Shot efficiency and thus use is warranted. If KC ends up being buffed again in the beta, then I will switch to Pathing down the line.

[Tilo]

i'll probably use this one
http://cata.wowhead.com/talent#cfhffkGz ... :msVzcVcz0

minus the extra pts somewhere

[Turgus]

Once my character hits level 81 I will use the following specs.

For PvE raiding or whatever, I will be using:
http://cata.wowhead.com/talent#cfhfckGz ... :msoRc0mz0

For PvP I will use:
http://cata.wowhead.com/talent#cbhfskGd ... :msoRc0mz0

My level 80 builds will be a tad different, but considering that my character will only be level 80 for another 6-7 weeks, I won't even go into what those will be.

[punctuation]

I think the first to builds I try will be these:

For soloing instances like ZG to get the raptor mount that doesn't actually exist:

http://wowtal.com/#k=vW6yITF.a5o.hunter.-OCEkd

For raiding

http://wowtal.com/#k=vKf1O7t.a5o.hunter.-9M4RX (BM)
http://wowtal.com/#k=pwpttkC.a5o.hunter.-IR5qc (MM)

Still not sure if I'm gonna try BM or MM raiding at first. MM will probably do more dps since Cobra Shot isn't available yet, but I plan on being strictly BM in Cata, so I may start now to get the hang of the rotation and all that.

I'm also not sure about that Immolation Trap prime glyph. If Explosive Trap still does more DPS even with the Immo glyph, I'll put something else in there instead.

[RimeCat]

For solo work, landscape quests and probably leveling when Cataclysm drops:

http://wowtal.com/#k=xc_GmN91.a5o.hunter.ssijt

Next two points in Sic 'Em, then another point in Pathfinding. The remaining two likely in One with Nature or Pathing depending on how valuable haste is at 84-85.


Instancing and tougher landscape quests:

http://wowtal.com/#k=-wARkx1X.a5o.hunter.-dH4Mw

Remaining five in Sic 'Em and One with Nature, though I may steal one point to finish Serpent Spread if it remains useful once we hit Cataclysm instances.


The major question I have is how 'mandatory' the Exotic pet buffs will be in PuG runs. I think everyone expects to be asked to go BM for the boss fights if there isn't a Mage or Shaman in the group. If the buffs are too essential, or BM proves to be more fun, I'll likely rebuild the SV spec into an instance-focused BM build.

[Miyon]

I've been playing with the new trees for half an hour now, and this is what I've got so far..
http://cata.wowhead.com/talent#crRfRkGk ... :sVmcomM0z

Should I make any changes? There are annoyingly few options, but there may be a few points which could be spent elsewhere.