Patch 1.31 is LIVE!

[Seksi]

Patch 1.31 has gone live!

“This is our last major patch before Reforged.” 

https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/warcraft3/t/1-31-0-patch-notes/5721z

Let me start with saying that I love to hear that Reforged is on the horizon.  Patches always come with a lot of negative reaction, but I am pleased with these balance changes, especially pertaining to FFA.

Here are the most significant changes for FFA, as I see them:

Alchemist slightly nerfed across the board.  Healing Spray now has a short cooldown, the first two levels of Acid Bomb reduced damage, and most importantly the gold conversion on Transmute has been reduced to 100% (down from 125%).  While I would’ve preferred an increase in cooldown, the reduction in gold conversion is good too.  Alchemist will still be a great hero, but not quite as OP.

Keeper of the Grove’s Tranquility has been nerfed to make the Keeper invulnerable for 1 second (down from 3 seconds).  This is a great change for FFA as he can now be disabled or targeted much sooner and he still cannot use an AMS pot beforehand.

Pandarian Brewmaster’s Breath of Fire damage increased. Rejoice! Panda has been a staple in FFA since the beginning until the recent nerfs.  I’m really happy that Breath of Fire damage has been increased and he should be seen more often again.

Blademaster’s Critical Strike has been reverted to factor in all damage again, while Windwalk has been reworked. I am also in favor of this change.  BM crits in FFA were insane and will be again, but he will be more vulnerable now.

Undead’s new rod of healing was nerfed from the original PTR version. It’s now more like the Scroll of Regeneration of Human (it’s effect is over time and can be canceled with damage).  It only heals 100 HP though (Human’s heals 225 HP).  This item shouldn’t be very good now and hardly at all in FFA since it’s not a scroll of healing instant effect anymore.

Unholy Frenzy re-work and nerf.  It now costs 175 mana and increases attack speed by 50% (down from 75%), still as AOE (similar to Roar), requiring a unit sacrifice.  This is still going to be a great spell in FFA, but it’s been toned down and in combination with the nerf to healing rod, this is a fair change that should temper the worries of over buffing UD.

Gargs reduced gold cost by 10 and increased movement speed.  I love this change, one I've called for a long time.  Gargs were the most cost inefficient unit (almost 100g per 1 food) outside of Flying Machines, now their cost is more in line with their power.  They toned down the original buff to movement speed from the PTR, so Hippogryphs still have a higher base movement speed. (400 vs 375)

Tauren and Knights were slightly buffed which is good for FFA.  Most armies are air dominant; any buffs to heavy melee will make them more attractive and more so of a consideration to include in army compositions. 

Orb of Fire has been reworked and slightly nerfed from the PTR; I believe it will still be effective in FFA but not overpowered.

Pretty much everything else looks good imo, I’m happy with the item changes as well.  I would like to see a couple changes to the map pool (The Crucible w/ Taverns...?), but no complaints here.  We have a lot to be excited for with Reforged and balance in FFA will improve with this patch.  Long Live FFA!