A new scaling system for Timewalking content in WoW: The War Within will soon make old Timewalking gear ineffective. This change will be introduced in patch 11.0.5.
For World of Warcraft’s 20th anniversary, you will be able to explore a Timewalking version of Blackrock Depths and experience the original version of the Deadmines in WoW: The War Within. As usual with Timewalking content, your level 80 hero’s level will be adjusted to match the older classic content.
However, with the anniversary patch 11.0.5, Timewalking content will scale differently moving forward. In simple terms, the new scaling system means that old items with powerful set bonuses, enchantments, and other effects will no longer be as effective as they were before.
WoW: Patch 11.0.5 Ends Timewalking Sets
From the patch notes for patch 11.0.5:
- Timewalking dungeons will now scale enemies to your current level, instead of adjusting your character to the level of the dungeon.
- Developer’s note: Timewalking now uses the same scaling system as Chromie Time, allowing us to better manage Timewalking dungeons and control their intended difficulty.
Moving forward, enemies in Timewalking dungeons and raids will be scaled to match your current level, rather than lowering your hero’s level to match the dungeon. This change will help developers better balance future Timewalking content.
For example, level 30 players will face level 30 enemies, while level 80 players will encounter level 80 enemies, and so on. If you’ve played Remix: MoP, you’ll already be familiar with this dynamic scaling system.
What Does This Mean for Old Set Bonuses and Similar Items?
The previous system adjusted bonuses from old set items, legendary items, Azerite bonuses, and enchantments from past expansions for Timewalking content. Players who had the right equipment with strong set bonuses or unbalanced enchantments became significantly more powerful in Timewalking dungeons and raids. Additional gems also gave them an extra advantage.
With the upcoming changes to Timewalking scaling, old sets, gems, enchantments, and similar items will become mostly ineffective.
When the Mage Tower returned, players began focusing more on their Timewalking gear, trying to optimize their equipment to perform better in Timewalking content.
However, with patch 11.0.5, players can store their special Timewalking gear in the bank, as Timewalking content will now scale similarly to Chromie Time. It is still unclear how this change will impact the Mage Tower challenges.
