5 reasons why Tinkers will be the next class in WoW

[Teriz]

Unlike my previous effort that also included Rangers, I have come to the conclusion that there is little to no chance of Rangers becoming a class in WoW. Thus, I decided to create a thread just for Tinkers. Tinkers are the quintessential class concept. Not only would they fit perfectly in the modern system of the game, but they would be a breath of fresh air for a class roster that is slowly starting to look far too similar overall. Here are the 5 reasons for why I think the Tinker will be the next class in World of Warcraft.

1. The Tinker Hero.

Its pretty well know that Blizzard has pulled their expansion classes directly from WC3 heroes. First we had the Death Knight which was a combination of the Undead's hero units. Then we had Monks which were based from the Pandaren Brewmaster, and standard Monk archetypes. So its a pretty good bet that the next class will emerge from WoW's roster of hero units. However, several hero unit abilities currently reside within other WoW classes. Here is a list of the WC3 heroes, and the classes who have their abilities. Please note that all heroes have 4 abilities, so if the majority of those abilities are being used by other classes, it greatly diminishes the chance of a class based on that hero showing up in the game.

Also please note that I only included abilities that used the same name as the ability in question;

Orcs:
Blademaster: 2 Mages/Warriors
Shadow Hunter: 3 Shaman
Farseer: 4 Shaman
Tauren Chieftain: 3 Warriors/Tauren Racial/Shaman

Humans:
Archemage: 3 Mages
Blood Mage: 3 Mages/Warlocks (Drain Mana has been removed from the game)
Mountain King: 3 Warriors
Paladin: 3 Paladins

Night Elves:
Keeper of the Grove: 4 Druids (Thorns was removed from the game)
Priestess of the Moon: 2 Hunters/Druids
Warden: 2 Mages/Rogues
Demon Hunter: 4 Rogues/Warlocks/Priest (Mana Burn was removed from the game)

Undead:
Death Knight: 4 Death Knight
Lich: 3 Death Knight/Mages
Dreadlord: 4 Warlocks/Death Knights
Crypt Lord: 1 Death Knights


Neutral:
Naga Sea Witch: 1 Mages (Mana shield was removed from the game. Replaced with Incanter's Ward in MoP)
Dark Ranger: 3 Hunters/Priests/Warlocks (Drain Life was changed into Harvest Life in MoP)
Brewmaster: 4 Monks
Beastmaster: 1 Hunters
Pit Lord: 3 Warlocks
Goblin Tinker: 0
Firelord: 2 Warlocks
Goblin Alchemist:0


So as you can see, the only heroes left that have no ability represenation in WoW are the Tinker unit and the Alchemist unit.


2. The loot hole.

Currently nearly every armor set has 3 classes using it. The only armor set that is still only using 2 classes is the mail armor set. A Tinker class could fill that gap easily, since it wouldn't go against the Tinker's lore to wear mail armor. Another big loot gap is bow/gun weapons. This gap is somewhat justified since Hunters can really only use Ranged weapons now. However, it does bother some that only one class can use 3 families of weapons with no competition. The 4th ranged weapon, Wands can be used by 3 different classes. It seems kind of imbalanced for all parities involved. A Tinker class could also use ranged weapons such as guns and crossbows and not break its lore.

3. Thematics.

As we enter the winter of WoW's life cycle, its getting harder and harder to think of unique class concepts that have a connection to the original RTS and the game itself. Monks came dangerously close to being too much like Rogues. Thankfully the unique style of the Pandaren Brewmaster, alongside a highly imaginative healing spec and resource system allowed Monks to still be a unique and entertaining class with a strong connection to the source material. I've always felt that one of the great strengths of WoW is that Blizzard is very particular about what classes they bring into the game. Sure fans would have loved to see a Necromancer in the game, but Blizzard instead chose to bring in a Death Knight with Necromantic abilities. So instead of adding yet ANOTHER clothie caster to the game that clashed with an existing class just because it was popular, Blizzard introduced a slightly less popular class that fit the game's dynamic (and loot tables) better.

The Tinker would also be a very unique class concept in a class roster filled with traditional casters and old fashioned knights in armor swinging swords around. If implemented, this class would never be confused for another class in the game. Also it is the only class that is highly different than Hunters, but could still logically share guns and crossbows with them. Tinker would be unlike any other class that has ever been introduced. It would also finally give non-melee players a chance to play something new. Again, since none of its core abilities are in the spell books of other classes, the class wouldn't step on any toes during the implementation process.

4. Hybrid Vigor

Tinkers could clearly fit any role in the game. They could be melee, they could be ranged, they could be casters, they could fire weapons, they could heal their allies, they could tank, etc. Whatever Blizzard needs, the Tinker could fill the role pretty easily. A Dark Ranger could never tank or heal a raid, but a Tinker could, and it would make perfect sense. This is especially important since there is no 4th tri-spec (healing/tank/DPS) class currently in the game, and Blizzard may want to introduce such a class to finish off the class roster.

5. Racial Harmony

Like Monks before them, a Tinker class could be played by any race in the game. Like Martial Arts, technical know-how can be taught to anyone. This adds to a class' chance of implementation, because clearly the developers want class concepts that can be applied to as many races as possible. Everyone doesn't like Elves or Goblins, so the option to potentially be able to play a new class on your race of choice is highly attractive to the game developers.

Also let's remember that Goblins and especially Gnomes need some love and some lore. These are two highly advanced races that have seemingly been looked over as the game has progressed. It would be cool to see Goblins and Gnomes finally have a class that properly reflects their unique cultures. Afterall, its pretty jarring to drive around in a car during the Goblin starting zone, and then hop out wearing a full suit of armor with a sword and shield.

Bonus: The nerfing of Engineering

In older expansions, Engineering would contribute a small DPS boost to a player. This is what set engineering apart from other professions, and made engineering a worthwhile profession to learn, because its potential money making ability was weaker compared to other professions. However, over time, balance issues began to emerge as people realized that engineering's DPS increase would give them advantages in raids and elsewhere, so many people began speccing into engineering to gain those benefits. Blizzard noticed this, and began to slowly scale back on giving engineering users certain weapons and upgrades that would give them an unfair advantage over other classes.

In MoP, engineers has evolved into a profession that builds mounts, battle pets, and gear. There's nothing wrong with that, since engineering crafts are some of the most interesting and fun in the game. However, there are many engineering users who long for the ability to use their missiles, bombs, and Goblin guns, and be able to actually contribute decent DPS to a group. There's been many complaints on the official forums about how Blizzard has "nerfed" the engineering profession.

This is where a Tinker class comes in. A Tinker class could have abilities that are similar to engineering gadgets and items, and allow players who enjoyed those abilities to actually contribute DPS, Healing, or Tanking using engineering style abilities. This would also free up engineering to just be the crafting profession it was meant to be, and those seeking to fight monsters with more modern weapons can have a home within the Tinker class.

Maybe that was Blizzard's plan all along?


Thanks for reading. I look forward to your responses.

[docterfreeze]

I could imagine now... tank tinkers create a big robot that they can hop into... would be cool

[ReleaseDay]

*sigh*

No, just no.

[Deleted]

As an Irish person I had a good laugh at the title.

[Sukhoi]

As much as it would make sense, making sense isn't exactly blizzard's strong point. Making a thread like this is a pretty bold statement. But well see how it plans out. I want another pure dps class in the game.

[Myrandron]

They are good reasons on that it could possibly the next class, then again it's only could. Assuming that it will be tinker, an in fact assuming most stuff with blizzard, is a pretty far stretch.

[Deleted]

I think it's one of the most 'down to earth' ideas I've read about new class speculation.

It might happen

[Ceece]

We know we'll get a class that can wear mail sometime soon. Having a Tinker class might be fun, but is it enough to be a hero class?

[Drilnos]

No disagreement here. This game has a Tinker-shaped hole in it, and that hole needs filling if you ask me.

[stuck4cash]

I'm confused, are these not already in game as part of the Engineering profession? The same way Goblin alchemists are already in the game.

Way to kill an already weak profession. I'd say the chances are about 0% for this class.

[Djaye]

I could imagine now... tank tinkers create a big robot that they can hop into... would be cool

gw2 asura say hi

interesting idea. though i think it would be too similar to engineering/alchemy. would be nice to have another dps/healer class. no more tanks plz! maybe work similar to engineers in gw2 with flamethrowers, turrets, traps and mines. would be fun

could have a boost to engineering as passive, or maybe 2x building speeds on crafting profs like BS.

also, next expan we are more then likely going off azeroth again. finding new tech in said new land is great way to introduce a class based on said to tech.

[Teriz]

I'm confused, are these not already in game as part of the Engineering profession? The same way Goblin alchemists are already in the game.

No. None of the Tinker or Alchemist abilities exist in WoW.

Way to kill an already weak profession. I'd say the chances are about 0% for this class.

Engineering is a crafting profession. You make guns, robot pets, and mounts. Tinker/Technician/Artificer/Inventor/etc. class wouldn't harm it in any way.

[Duito]

This is your second thread about this and I love you for it

[stuck4cash]

No. None of the Tinker or Alchemist abilities exist in WoW.

Engineering is a crafting profession. You make guns, robot pets, and mounts. Tinker/Technician/Artificer/Inventor/etc. class wouldn't harm it in any way.

Their abilities don't need to exist, the similarities are way too close. The QQ would be huge if they did it.

[Mini]

I'd love it if they implemented this because it would be nice to have another non-pet-based ranged class to play but it will probably not be implemented because it's too much like engineering IMO.

[Shaqur]

*sigh*

No, just no.

I bet that you didn't even read the thread.

Anyways, it would make sense if they do indeed make tinker class.

[Verain]

The next class will probably be Demon Hunter. Dark Ranger could also happen.

But you are correct about Tinker's being possible. The armor hole is the big deal- the next class almost assuredly has to wear mail, and Tinkers could be argued to do that. The second thing is that, as you point out, none of the Tinker's kit has been auctioned off to any other class. Yes, some of it has gone to the engineering profession, but it can barely even throw a bomb anymore. Engineering is all about cool stuff- it's not about "guns, robot pets, and mounts", it's about rocket boots, detachable frag bombs, and goblin gliders. But a tinker wouldn't get those things for free, nor would he necessarily step on an engineer. Mages don't step on enchanters, after all, and hunters don't step on skinners or leatherworkers- if anything else, you would WANT your tinker to be an engineer.

The reason I don't think it will happen is- unlike monks, who were really a desired class, Tinkers... mostly aren't. The Tinker was moderately popular and reasonably unique, but he's not a quintessential WoW concept or anything, nor does he have a legion of rabid fans.


The moment we have a Burning Legion based expansion again, which is BOUND to be sorta soon, we'll also get Demon Hunters. Simple as that.

[stuck4cash]

Yes, some of it has gone to the engineering profession, but it can barely even throw a bomb anymore. Engineering is all about cool stuff- it's not about "guns, robot pets, and mounts", it's about rocket boots, detachable frag bombs, and goblin gliders. But a tinker wouldn't get those things for free, nor would he necessarily step on an engineer. Mages don't step on enchanters, after all, and hunters don't step on skinners or leatherworkers- if anything else, you would WANT your tinker to be an engineer.

Unlike other professions though, engineers can actually use the stuff they make regardless of class. If an enchanter could make *and use* a wand then it would be starting to step on the toes of those classes. The same way that if blacksmiths could use swords and armor automatically, thus making mages into warriors.

They could remove the ability for engineers so that they can make bombs and not throw them etc, but the nerd tears would drown the population faster than global warming.

[RicardoZ]

I don't think we'll be seeing this. If you want to get your fill of tinkering I think you should just level engineering. I'd rather see them make that a viable profession again than add in an entirely new class doing essentially the same thing.

[Deleted]

The moment we have a Burning Legion based expansion again, which is BOUND to be sorta soon, we'll also get Demon Hunters. Simple as that.

All they need to do is even hint at old Titan energy in the next expansion, whatever the theme, as the base for Tinker class and there you go new class.