The Next WoW class in 9.0

[Teriz]

It's that time of year again! In less than 7 months, the next WoW class will be announced for the new WoW expansion. The question is, what will it be? Traditionally, new classes are released in every other expansion, with the previous release being the Demon Hunter in WoW: Legion. Since the release of the Demon Hunter Class in 2016, speculation has run wild on what the next class will be in World of Warcraft.

This poll will list the top potential classes based on threads here and on other forums, evidence within the game of its existence, as well as the history of previous class releases. The previous expansion classes (Death Knight, Monk, and Demon Hunter) were largely based on hero units from WC3, but there is precedent for a class to exist that was never a hero unit, but was instead a traditional RPG class trope (Rogue, Priest).

I'm looking forward to seeing the results this time around. The poll expires about a week before BlizzCon 2019's supposed date, so it will be interesting to compare the results to what we actually get.

[DesoPL]

What about no new class, but balancing current ones? Ah right...

Fan boys want new class, and don't give a shit about balancing.

[Teriz]

What about no new class, but balancing current ones? Ah right...

Fan boys want new class, and don't give a shit about balancing.

People say this every time, but Blizzard releases new classes anyway.

It's a non-argument really.

[infinitemeridian]

What about no new class, but balancing current ones? Ah right...

Fan boys want new class, and don't give a shit about balancing.

The game will never be balanced.

[Bonkbonk100]

What about no new class, but balancing current ones? Ah right...

Fan boys want new class, and don't give a shit about balancing.

Balancing classes does not equal profit.

Saying you can play as a blind emo elf with horns, wings and green eyes equal massive profit.

You do the math, k.

[Hitei]

What about no new class, but balancing current ones? Ah right...

Fan boys want new class, and don't give a shit about balancing.

Balance = homogenization

[Dracullus]

Depends of theme of expansion, to be honest. Probably Necromancer for Scourge 2.0 or Tinker for more Titan theme expac. No idea what class would fit if 9.0 will be Black Empire.

For sure I wouldn't expect something like Dragonsworn or Spellbreaker. New class must be really grounded in lore and catch people's attention from the start. I think they rather want "hell yeah! finally" reaction than "huh? the hell is that?". Especially after Monk fiasco (don't get me wrong, class is great, but is least popular for a reason).

What about no new class, but balancing current ones? Ah right...

Fan boys want new class, and don't give a shit about balancing.

I have strange feeling that you would be one of first to bitch if they wouldn't announce new class on Blizzcon.

[Niwes]

ofc tinkers.

what else? they will not set up a giant mechagnome dungeon, design a new allied race, for later this xpac, design thousands of small pieces of dungeon and npc sprites and stuff, and bring story and stuff mid xpac to lead into next xpac, ... when thy in the end do not bring tinkers, a class fanboys are crying since ever for.

or in short: when tinkers, then OFC next xpac. and when you look at all the stuff and direction at the moment... yeah, ofc tinkers.

what else ?

- - - Updated - - -

Depends of theme of expansion, to be honest. Probably Necromancer for Scourge 2.0 or Tinker for more Titan theme expac. No idea what class would fit if 9.0 will be Black Empire.

For sure I wouldn't expect something like Dragonsworn or Spellbreaker. New class must be really grounded in lore and catch people's attention from the start. I think they rather want "hell yeah! finally" reaction than "huh? the hell is that?". Especially after Monk fiasco (don't get me wrong, class is great, but is least popular for a reason).



I have strange feeling that you would be one of first to bitch if they wouldn't announce new class on Blizzcon.

@ your last statement: lol. thought EXACTLY the same

[RangerDaz]

Tinker or Dark Ranger. The two most realistic choices

[Hitei]

ofc tinkers.

what else? they will not set up a giant mechagnome dungeon, design a new allied race, for later this xpac, design thousands of small pieces of dungeon and npc sprites and stuff, and bring story and stuff mid xpac to lead into next xpac, ... when thy in the end do not bring tinkers, a class fanboys are crying since ever for.

or in short: when tinkers, then OFC next xpac. and when you look at all the stuff and direction at the moment... yeah, ofc tinkers.

"setting up a dungeon, objects for the dungeon, npc sprites and story stuff" you are just describing how literally all dungeons are made. And there are 8 new allied races that are not adding a class.

If you want evidence for tinker look at the increased focus on mechanical creations and gnomes/goblins in the main story, island expedition teams, etc. Not at mid expansion dungeons, which have historically had absolutely nothing to do with the expansion that comes after. You might as well claim Seat of the Triumvirate and Void Elves means Dark Rangers are absolute.

[Khaza-R]

Probably Tinkers

But a new class really isn’t necessary imo

[Grumpy Old Man]

I'm on the camp "no new classes, the current ones are unbalaced enough already". But...

People say this every time, but Blizzard releases new classes anyway.

It's a non-argument really.

...well, you're right, I guess.

The class I think is most likely to be the next one is Tinker. However, if I could choose, I'd like to see Bards.

[Teriz]

Probably Tinkers

But a new class really isn’t necessary imo

Probably not necessary, but it will inject some new energy into the game, and potentially bring in new or old customers who will pay just to try out the new class. I remember when Monks were released, I saw a lot of people running through old content just to level them up. It's fun to replay the game with a new class, even though we've only had one non-hero class who could do it.

Hopefully the next class also starts at level 1 (and perform all three roles).

[Varx]

Enough with the balancing issue argument. Ion just admitted that they've been acting like little bitches when implementing new permanent content.

If they don't have the balls to continue adding new refreshing content at the possibility of "untidyness" as he said then this game will stagnate and die.

There is always room for balancing and as game developers for a 15 year old game that needs new content to survive then it's their obligation. So yes 9.0 will have a new class and will probably be the Tinker class based on all the hints we've received.

[NPI]

What about no new class, but balancing current ones? Ah right...

Fan boys want new class, and don't give a shit about balancing.

This. /10char

[Kralljin]

People say this every time, but Blizzard releases new classes anyway.

And the first two classes they added actually filled a niche in terms of fantasy and gameplay that previously wasn't really present.
Then DH happened.

The point isn't just balance, you have to give new classes and specs new stuff in order to be unique and stand out and be useful.
Again, DH with their 5% magic debuff are a good example how Blizzard pulls something out of nowhere to make a class useful.

Especially right now, Classes have a very homogenized playstyle, which is also something that should be addressed.

[XDurionX]

The only true answer is no new class.

[Shibito]

New class will be Ion
Will come with a new gear type: the gimp suit.
New stats added to the game: arrogance, indifference, apathy.

And beeing raged at by high elf fanboys

[Frolk]

I hope Blizzard will show some class in 9.0

[Rawrajishxc]

What about no new class, but balancing current ones? Ah right...

Fan boys want new class, and don't give a shit about balancing.

They could never add a new class again and balance would still be fucked up lol.