The Roller Coaster Ride that is Block Value

Posted by apozzo on 07 8th, 2009

Categories: Tanking & Cooldown Rotation Tips | no responses

Patch 3.2 features the following change:

Block Value: The amount of bonus block value on all items has been doubled. This does not affect the base block value on shields or block value derived from strength.

What does this mean for Block?

Not much really. Block requires a lot more than simply a bit more Block Value on items that we’re already avoiding to salvage it. This change really shouldn’t affect how you gear for bosses at all.

It does mean though that we can look forward to a lot bigger Shield Slams when we go out of our way to do so.

The BIG SMASH list

This list uses WoWhead’s PTR items so you’ll already see the new values. I’ve indicated the total Block Value provided by the item on the right taking into account the Strength that the item provides as well.

Back: Tattered Castle Drape (105)
Chest: Conqueror’s Siegebreaker Breastplate (209.5)
Feet: Inexorable Sabatons (190)
Finger 1: Signet of the Earthshaker (133.5)
Finger 2: Unsmashable Heavy Band (101.5) *
Hands: Handguards of the Enclave (177)
Head: Valorous Dreadnaught Greathelm (193)
Legs: Conqueror’s Siegebreaker Legguards (233.5)
Neck: Necklace of the Unerring Mettle (115.5)
Shield: The Skull of Ruin (311)
Shoulder: Spaulders of the Thalassian Defender (124) **
Trinket 1: Coren’s Lucky Coin (117)
Trinket 2: Gnomeregan Auto-Blocker 600 (117)
Waist: Dragonslayer’s Brace (177)
Wrist: Bindings of the Hapless Prey (106)

* Tooltip seems a little messed up currently on the Unsmashable Heavy Band. It should have 80 Block Value.
** Yup, that’s a level 70 item.

You’ll notice that I haven’t taken into account gems on this list. It’s something that you certainly can do by simply throwing Bold Scarlet Ruby in every socket. However, I would recommend against this for any piece you will be using for anything outside of this set. It’s for this reason I haven’t taken into account enchants either. I also haven’t listed a weapon because they all contribute about the same benefit since the only Block Value contribution you’ll get from them is from their Strength components.

Ultimate Guide Guarantee: "...within seconds of accepting a quest you will
know WHERE to go, HOW to complete it, and WHEN to do it." Click Here For Proof!

Recent Developments

Since I started compiling this post, the following has also happened:

Shield Block now also increases the threat generated by Shield Slam by 100%. Does not increase Shield Slam damage.

Which, of course, means that we won’t be Shield Slamming for quite the ridiculous numbers that we may have. (although there’s no saying currently whether this will go live or not) It’s clear that we’re catching the wrong end of a PvP nerf on this one which is unfortunately just how it goes sometimes. That said, this change doesn’t affect the defensive nature of Shield Block. We’ll still be able to absorb massive hits during the time Shield Block is active and while it’s not as cool as big numbers, we’ll actually generate more threat as a result of this change.

Do I agree with this change?

Nope, not at all. My own feelings echo that of Ciderhelm’s. Is this the end of the world though? No, it really isn’t. It’s just more an annoyance and it’s important that you understand one thing…

Patience

This is the PTR. Following along with all the new changes can be quite a roller coaster ride of emotions as we’re all very attached to our characters, but just remember that nothing is ever finalized until it’s live. The worst thing you can do is get into a fight with your guild members over this or drown their ears in QQ. Yes, this change might even go live, but even if it did, it’s really not going to be the end of the world. It is not a step in the right direction, but it’s also not about to break the class either. If you complain about changes too much though, you may very well convince your Raid Leader that it’s time to take another class which is only a disservice to yourselves.

Where does that leave us?

It leaves us waiting, hopefully patiently. We can still have some fun collecting Block Value pieces that we’ll utilize for some nice big Shield Slams and to help us solo mobs that we have no business destroying on our own. Remember that the changes of tomorrow shouldn’t ruin the fun you have today. They only can if you let them. Try your best to keep your discussion on this post as rational as possible. Disagreement is fine, but if you’re looking for an outlet to complain, don’t bother commenting here. We’re here to be constructive. That’s what Tanking Tips is about.

Read the rest here: The Roller Coaster Ride that is Block Value