In WoW Season of Discovery, defense doesn’t have a hard cap similar to hit chance or expertise. However, there are diminishing returns associated with stacking defense, making it less effective after a certain point.
Here’s what you need to understand about defense in SoD:
Defense Mechanics:
Defense reduces your chance to be critically hit by enemies.
Each point of defense grants 0.1% chance to avoid critical hits.
Diminishing returns start kicking in around 300 defense, meaning each additional point becomes less valuable.
Relevance in SoD:
Phase 1: Defense was less important due to the low level cap and content difficulty.
Phase 2: Defense gains some relevance with the introduction of higher-level content like Blackrock Spire. However, it’s still not the primary focus for most classes.
Future Phases: As the level cap increases and content becomes more challenging, defense might become more important for tanking roles.
Key Points:
Prioritize stamina over defense for most classes: Stamina directly increases your health pool, which is crucial for survivability.
Defense is more valuable for tanks: Tanks benefit more from defense to mitigate damage, but they still shouldn’t neglect other stats like stamina and block rating.
Gear choices and talents influence your defense needs: Different classes and specs have unique ways to achieve proper defense levels. Consider your specific build and gear options.
Remember, the optimal defense level depends on your specific class, spec, and content you’re facing. Always consult reliable resources and adapt your gear choices based on your individual needs.