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Video Game Tips & Guides (FFXIV, FFXI, WoW)

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Getting Ready for WoW Patch 12.1? Don’t Miss These Season 2 Prep Tasks

Season 2 is coming soon, and now is the perfect time to finish important Season 1 goals before Patch 12.1 changes the game.

Here are some things every WoW player should consider doing before the update.

Finish Current Story Content

Complete the Patch 12.0.7 campaign quests before Season 2 begins.

Besides unlocking important lore, these quests will help you move into the next chapter without unnecessary delays.

Grab Seasonal Rewards Before They Disappear

Some rewards are only available during Season 1.

Make sure you check:

✨ Mythic+ achievements ✨ Raid achievements ✨ PvP rewards ✨ Exclusive mounts and cosmetics

If something is limited-time, don’t wait until the last minute.

Upgrade Your Characters

Season 2 will bring new gear progression, but preparing your characters now still helps.

Good preparation includes:

Leveling alts

Finishing important achievements

Unlocking permanent bonuses

Organizing professions

Having multiple prepared characters gives you more options when new content arrives.

Don’t Waste Old Currencies

Before Patch 12.1 launches, check your bags and spend currencies that may reset.

Use old upgrade materials, visit vendors, and turn unused resources into useful rewards.

Prepare Your Gold and Professions

Crafting will become an important part of Season 2 progression.

Having enough WoW Gold ready for:

Crafted gear

Consumables

Upgrades

Profession materials

can make your early Season 2 experience much smoother.

Clean Everything Before the Patch

A few simple tasks can save time later:

✔ Clear your inventory ✔ Update addons ✔ Organize quests ✔ Prepare your UI

Starting a new season with a clean setup always feels better.

Final Reminder

Patch launches are always exciting, but preparation makes the experience even better.

Finish your Season 1 goals, collect the rewards you want, and get ready to jump into Season 2.

Official WoW news and updates: https://worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com/

Full preparation guide: https://www.mmogah.com/news/wow/wow-patch-121-prep-guide-everything-you-must-do-before-season-2-begins

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WoW Patch 12.0.7: Unlock the Secret “Ice Lightsaber” (Sleetblade Guide)

Patch 12.0.7 brought something unexpectedly cool to World of Warcraft—a hidden glowing sword that looks straight out of sci-fi. The Ice Guardian’s Sleetblade isn’t just a cosmetic; it’s a mini challenge that rewards players who understand its mechanics.

Here’s how to get it.

❄️ Where to Start

Head to Val (Heroic difficulty only) and look for a cave called Sleet Rune Hollow in the southeast.

Inside, you’ll find a sword frozen in ice. Try to pull it out—and you’ll fail. But that’s intentional.

You’ll gain a buff called Testament, which kicks off the real challenge.

Want extra details or community insights? Check this: Wowhead Sleetblade guide

⚔️ The Challenge Explained

The game now asks you to prove your worth.

To do that, you need to:

Kill two rare enemies, OR

Kill one rare + the world boss

Each kill gives you a Vanquishing buff, and you need two stacks before returning.

Important:

Buff duration is limited (30 minutes)

Timing is everything

Rares don’t spawn constantly

⏱️ The Real Trick: Timing

This isn’t just about combat—it’s about planning.

Best approach:

Wait for a rare to spawn first

Activate the sword buff right before engaging

Quickly chain your second objective

Many players prefer doing rare + world boss since it’s more consistent and faster.

🧊 Claiming the Ice Guardian’s Sleetblade

Once you have 2 stacks of Vanquishing:

Go back to the cave immediately

Interact with the sword again

This time, you’ll pull it out successfully

Congrats—you now have one of the coolest-looking weapons in the patch.

💡 Quick Tips

Don’t waste time fighting random mobs

Use Group Finder for the world boss

Keep an eye on timers at all times

Avoid dying or getting delayed on the return trip

✨ Why It’s Worth It

The Sleetblade stands out with its glowing, energy-like blade effect—basically a WoW version of a lightsaber. It’s a must-have for collectors and transmog enthusiasts.

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WoW Patch 12.1 is About to Change Everything in Midnight

Something big is coming to World of Warcraft: Midnight.

Patch 12.1 isn’t just a small update—it feels like a full-scale reset of how the expansion plays.

The story continues with new focus on The Coiled Isle, a mysterious zone wrapped in fog and danger, where players will finally push deeper into the aftermath of the Amani troll storyline and the rising threat of Ula’tek. Expect new world events, hidden encounters, and layered exploration that makes the zone feel alive rather than static.

But the real shift happens in endgame.

Season 2 arrives with a brand-new raid, dungeon rotation, Mythic+ pool, PvP reset, and updated Delves. There’s also a new type of world boss system built around instanced “lair” encounters—meaning difficulty can scale depending on group size and challenge level. It’s a more flexible, customizable way to experience outdoor bosses than before.

And for players who love creativity over combat, Housing gets another massive step forward: blueprint saving, new customization options, pets inside your home, and more progression layers to experiment with.

Patch 12.1 feels like Blizzard is trying to expand every corner of the game at once—story, systems, endgame, and personalization all moving forward together.

👉 Read more context: https://www.icy-veins.com/wow/midnight-expansion-guide

👉 Full breakdown: https://www.mmogah.com/news/wow/wow-patch-121-a-massive-content-overhaul-for-the-midnight-expansion

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WoW Patch 12.0.7: The Smart Way to Start (No Wasted Time)

Patch 12.0.7 isn’t just another update—it’s one of the most alt-friendly and open-world-focused patches in a long time. But jumping in without a plan can easily slow your progress.

First Things First: Unlock Your Power System

Everything begins with the intro questline.

Completing it gives access to the Omnium Folio, a rune-based system that passively boosts your character over time. It doesn’t take a gear slot, which makes it even more valuable.

Think of it as your long-term power engine—so the earlier you unlock it, the better.

The New Zones Are Your Main Playground

Naigtal and Val aren’t just new areas—they’re the core of the patch.

This is where you’ll:

Farm gear

Complete events

Earn progression currency

Once you defeat the world boss and unlock Heroic difficulty, everything becomes more rewarding (and more dangerous).

Weekly Content Is Everything

This patch quietly shifts progression toward weekly systems.

If you’re skipping:

Weekly quests

Timewalking rewards

Zone events

You’re basically slowing your own progress.

Most of your power—gear, runes, currencies—comes from staying consistent week after week.

Gearing Is More Flexible Than Ever

There’s no single “correct” path anymore.

You can gear through:

Open-world content

Ritual Sites

Mythic+

The new Sporefall raid

Sporefall is especially interesting—it’s fast, focused, and drops high-level gear right away.

Alt Leveling Feels Ridiculously Fast

If you enjoy alts, this patch is a dream.

XP gains have been massively boosted, and with the right strategy—saving certain quest turn-ins and combining activities—you can hit max level surprisingly fast.

It’s one of the smoothest leveling experiences WoW has had in a while.

There’s More Than Just Progression

Not everything is about efficiency.

This patch also adds:

Lore-heavy questlines

Fun events

Cosmetic rewards

It’s a good time to slow down occasionally and enjoy the world.

The Bottom Line

Patch 12.0.7 rewards smart play, not just grind.

Unlock your systems early, stay consistent with weekly content, and mix different progression paths. Do that, and everything else falls into place.

For more details on patch systems and mechanics, see: 👉 Official Patch Notes Overview

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FFXI 2026 Job Selection Guide (Endgame Focus)

Picking a job in Final Fantasy XI isn’t just about preference—it can shape your entire endgame experience. With so many roles and playstyles available, understanding what each job offers at level 99 is essential.

If you want the full breakdown, check the original guide here: 👉 FFXI 2026 Job Selection Guide (Endgame Focus)

And for a visual explanation of job roles: 👉 FFXI Job Overview Video

Early Game vs Endgame

Early on, job choice doesn’t matter much. Trust NPCs allow players to progress smoothly regardless of their role. But once you reach endgame, party composition and job synergy become critical.

Damage Dealers: The Core of Combat

Damage dealers remain the backbone of most parties. Jobs like Warrior and Samurai are consistently strong due to their flexibility and ability to adapt to different combat situations. Monk is making a comeback thanks to its control over enemy TP, while Dragoon offers high damage potential for well-geared players.

Support Jobs: Always in Demand

Support jobs are often the most sought-after roles in endgame content. Bard, Corsair, and Geomancer provide powerful buffs that can dramatically increase party performance, making them essential in many encounters.

Hybrid Jobs: Flexible but Situational

Jobs like Red Mage and Blue Mage bring versatility, offering both utility and damage. Others, such as Summoner or Puppetmaster, tend to shine in niche scenarios rather than mainstream group content.

So, What Should You Play?

There’s no single “best” job—but there are smart choices:

Want easy group access? → Pick a support job

Want consistent damage? → Go with Warrior or Samurai

Want flexibility? → Try Red Mage or Blue Mage

Ultimately, the best job is the one you enjoy playing long-term.

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Dancing Mad Ultimate: The Chaos That Defines FFXIV’s Hardest Challenge

There’s hard content in Final Fantasy XIV—and then there’s Ultimate.

With Patch 7.51, Dancing Mad (Ultimate) arrives as the latest—and possibly most brutal—raid in the game. Centered around Kefka, a villain known for chaos and deception, this encounter doesn’t just test skill. It tests patience, memory, and sanity.

A Fight Designed to Break Expectations

Ultimate raids aren’t just harder versions of existing fights. They completely reimagine them.

Dancing Mad Ultimate transforms Kefka’s original encounter into a multi-phase gauntlet filled with:

Fake visual cues

Punishing mechanics

Hidden progression conditions

Everything is designed to mislead you. If you hesitate—or trust the wrong visual—you wipe.

It’s Not About Damage—It’s About Perfection

In most raids, mistakes can be recovered.

Not here.

Ultimate fights demand:

Perfect execution

Total team coordination

Consistency across long encounters

One mistake can end a 15-minute pull instantly. That’s the real pressure.

The Grind Is Real

Clearing an Ultimate raid isn’t something that happens overnight.

Even the best teams spend weeks or months progressing, learning every mechanic, and refining execution.

And just when everything seems perfect—one small error sends you back to the start.

Why Everyone Is Watching

Ultimate raids aren’t just content—they’re events.

The world-first race turns each release into a global spectacle. And with Kefka’s chaotic design, Dancing Mad Ultimate has already become one of the most entertaining to watch, with players getting tricked by mechanics in real time.

Even if you never step into the fight, it’s hard to look away.

Is It Worth It?

For hardcore raiders, absolutely.

For everyone else, it’s still one of the best spectator experiences in FFXIV—full of tension, frustration, and unforgettable moments.

Learn More

Additional mechanics and phase insights: 👉 Dancing Mad Ultimate Guide & Overview

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PoE 2 Spirit Walker League Starter Feels Insane in Patch 0.5

So if you’re planning your league start in Path of Exile 2, the Spirit Walker build might honestly be one of the cleanest experiences you can have right now.

Here’s the full breakdown if you want the deep dive: 👉 Full Spirit Walker Guide

🌪️ Early Game – It Starts Rough… Then Explodes

The first few levels? Yeah, not amazing. That’s normal.

But once you start stacking flat damage on your spear and gear, things pick up fast. The real turning point comes at level 5 when you unlock Fangs of Frost.

Suddenly your combo looks like:

Parry → Freeze ground

Spin through with Whirling Slash

Drop Twister → everything dies

It feels way stronger than most early setups.

🌪️ Twister = Absolute Carry

Once Twister becomes your main skill, the build just takes off:

Huge clear speed

Solid boss damage

Smooth gameplay without relying on parry

After getting Frost Nexus, it basically plays itself.

🐺 Mid Game – The Build Changes Completely

Around Act 3, everything shifts.

You stop being a Twister-focused character and start leaning into:

Companion builds

Tamed beasts

Wolf packs and utility summons

It’s actually a really cool transition because you go from active combat → semi-autonomous gameplay.

🐻 Endgame – Let Your Army Do the Work

Late game Spirit Walker is all about:

Scaling minions

Applying debuffs

Converting damage into chaos

Defense-wise, it’s mostly:

Evasion

Avoidance

Not getting hit in the first place

Simple, but effective.

💬 What Players Are Saying

A lot of players are already calling Twister one of the best leveling skills this patch. It clears fast and scales well, which is exactly what you want from a league starter.

🧠 Final Take

Spirit Walker just feels good:

Fast leveling

Smooth transition

Strong endgame

If you like builds that evolve over time instead of staying static, this is 100% worth trying in Patch 0.5.

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Want Higher DPS in FFXI Endgame? Start Here

If you’ve ever felt like your damage just isn’t keeping up in Ambuscade, Odyssey, or Omen, you’re not alone.

The truth? DPS in FFXI isn’t just about gear—it’s about how you play.

Let’s break it down 👇

⚔️ It Starts With Your Job

Every job plays differently.

SAM = constant weapon skills

WAR = burst windows

DRK = high risk, high reward

If you don’t fully understand your job’s flow, your DPS will always fall short.

🧠 Gear Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

If you’re using only ONE gear set… that’s your first problem.

You should be swapping between:

✨ TP sets

💥 Weapon Skill sets

🛡️ Hybrid/defense sets

🎯 Accuracy = Everything

Missed hits = no TP

No TP = no damage

Cap your accuracy FIRST—then stack damage stats.

🎺 Buffs = Massive Damage Boost

A well-buffed party >>> solo performance

Bard, Corsair, GEO—these jobs can skyrocket your DPS.

But only if you align your burst with buffs.

🔗 Skillchains Are OP

If you’re not using skillchains properly, you’re leaving HUGE damage on the table.

They enable:

💥 Bonus damage

✨ Magic bursts

🚀 Massive DPS spikes

Learn more here:

FFXI Endgame Guide (BG Wiki)

⚡ Stop Wasting TP

Common mistakes:

❌ WS at 1000 TP every time

❌ Overcapping TP

Better approach:

✔ Time WS with buffs

✔ Use higher TP for stronger bursts

🏃 Uptime = DPS

If you’re not hitting the boss… you’re doing zero DPS.

Stay in range.

Move less.

Predict mechanics.

🍖 Don’t Ignore Consumables

Food and temporary buffs = easy damage gains

Seriously—this adds up more than you think.

📊 Always Improve

Top players constantly ask:

Am I playing efficiently?

Am I synced with buffs?

Is my gear optimized?

That’s the real difference.

💬 Final Thought

FFXI DPS optimization is a mix of:

✔ Skill

✔ Strategy

✔ Team coordination

Not just gear.

Master these, and you’ll stand out in any endgame group.

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How to Clear The Unmaking Extreme (FFXIV Patch 7.5 Guide)

Patch 7.5 brought us The Unmaking (Extreme) — and honestly? It’s one of those fights where everything feels manageable… until it suddenly isn’t.

If your group is struggling with wipes during orb patterns or the adds phase, here’s a clean breakdown to help you stabilize your runs.

✦ What Makes This Fight Difficult?

This isn’t a pure DPS check. It’s about:

Clean positioning discipline

Fast mechanic recognition

Tight team coordination

One small mistake can snowball fast.

✦ Key Mechanics You NEED to Respect

🌀 Orb Patterns

These are the biggest run-killers.

Small orbs → safer center patterns

Large orbs → require quick repositioning

If your team hesitates, it’s already too late.

🔗 Tethers & Spreads

Think of this as a positioning test:

Know your assigned spot

Don’t overlap

Trust your teammates to do their role

👹 Adds Phase (The Real Filter)

This is where many parties fall apart:

Arena changes

Multiple threats spawn

Coordination > damage

Stay calm and follow your assigned responsibilities.

✦ Easy Tips That Actually Work

Use standard clock spots (don’t reinvent strats)

Call mechanics early, not late

Prioritize consistency over greed DPS

Practice movement patterns until they feel automatic

✦ Want to Study More?

This fight gets much easier when you see it in action: Watch Extreme Trial Guides Playlist

✦ Final Take

The Unmaking Extreme is one of those fights where everything clicks once your group gets consistent.

Until then… expect chaos 😄

Stick with it, clean up positioning, and you’ll get that clear.

👉 Full detailed guide here: FFXIV Patch 7.5 The Unmaking Extreme Trial Guide

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FFXIV Patch 7.5 Job Balance Changes – What It Means for Ultimate Players

With Patch 7.5, Final Fantasy XIV takes a careful approach to job balance—focusing on refinement rather than reinvention. Most jobs receive modest potency increases of around 1%, reinforcing Square Enix’s goal of keeping the current meta stable ahead of the highly anticipated Dancing Mad Ultimate raid.

Among the highlights, Warrior gains small burst damage buffs, slightly improving its performance in raid burst windows. Meanwhile, Samurai receives minor potency increases, though not enough to significantly shift its position in the DPS hierarchy. Across all roles, balance remains exceptionally tight—meaning players can confidently bring their preferred jobs without worrying about viability.

Interestingly, these restrained changes hint at something bigger on the horizon. Patch 7.5 serves as a “stabilization patch,” laying the groundwork for Patch 8.0, which is expected to introduce the new “Evolved Jobs” system—a major combat overhaul not seen in years.

For Ultimate raiders, the takeaway is simple: skill and execution will matter far more than job choice.

🔗 Official Lodestone: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/

✨ Are you sticking with your main job, or switching for Ultimate?

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Get Ready for WoW Midnight Patch 12.0.5 ✨

The latest World of Warcraft: Midnight patch (12.0.5) is here—and it’s packed with new ways to gear up, earn rewards, and optimize your character faster than ever.

From updated progression systems to efficient gearing routes, this patch is all about helping players make meaningful progress without unnecessary grind. Whether you're chasing high-end content or just want smoother upgrades, there’s something here for everyone.

💡 Want a full breakdown of what to do first and how to maximize your gains? Check out this complete guide.

And if you’re curious about the official announcement and deeper system changes, take a look here.

Stay ahead, gear smarter, and make the most of Patch 12.0.5 🚀

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✨ FFXIV Live Letter 92 Recap – Patch 7.5 Is Shaping Up Big ✨

The latest Live Letter gave us a closer look at what’s coming in Patch 7.5—and it really feels like the beginning of the end for this expansion cycle (in the best way possible 👀).

From new content updates to system tweaks and future teases, there’s a lot to unpack. Below is Meoni's video, summarizing the Live Letter 92 for us.

Some things that stood out:

Patch 7.5 content pacing and structure

Adjustments that could impact how we play day-to-day

Subtle hints about what’s coming after this arc

Honestly, it feels like we’re getting closer to something big.

💭 What are you hoping to see before the next expansion drops?

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FFXIV 8.0 Speculation: New Jobs, Big Changes, and Hopes for the Future

The hype for FFXIV 8.0 is already building—and with it comes tons of speculation 👀

So what could we actually see in the next expansion?

✨ New Jobs?

Every expansion brings something fresh, and 8.0 is no exception. Players are hoping for a new caster or even a unique support role that shakes up the current meta.

⚔️ Role Changes & Balance

Let’s be real—job identity has been a hot topic. Tanks, healers, and DPS have all seen adjustments, but 8.0 might be the expansion where roles feel truly distinct again.

🔧 Job Reworks

Some jobs could get major redesigns. Whether it’s simplifying rotations or adding depth, there’s a lot Square Enix could revisit.

💰 This source is also helpful. If you want the full breakdown of all the speculation, check it out here.

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Top Mistakes New FFXI Players Make & How to Avoid Them

Starting your journey in Final Fantasy XI can feel overwhelming. Unlike modern MMOs, FFXI doesn’t hold your hand—and that’s part of its charm. However, many new players fall into common traps that can slow progress or make the game frustrating. Here are some of the biggest mistakes—and how you can avoid them.

1. Ignoring Trust NPCs

Trusts are essential for solo play. Many beginners delay unlocking them, which makes leveling far more difficult than it needs to be. Make unlocking Trust magic a priority early on.

2. Not Using Records of Eminence

The Records of Eminence system provides easy EXP, gil, and objectives. Skipping it means missing out on one of the most efficient progression systems in the game.

3. Poor Gil Management

New players often struggle with gil early on. Overspending on unnecessary gear or failing to farm efficiently can slow your progress significantly.

4. Choosing the Wrong Subjob

Your subjob plays a huge role in your effectiveness. Many new players either ignore it or pick inefficient combinations. Always research the best subjob for your main role.

For deeper community insights and guides, resources like bg wiki can be incredibly helpful.

5. Skipping Missions and Story Progression

Missions unlock key features, zones, and benefits. Rushing levels without progressing the story can leave you stuck later.

Final Thoughts

FFXI rewards patience and knowledge. Avoiding these common mistakes will make your journey smoother and far more enjoyable. Take your time, learn the systems, and don’t hesitate to use available resources.

If you want the full breakdown, check out the original article.

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Fastest Way to Gear in WoW Midnight Season 1 ⚔️

Just hit max level in WoW Midnight and feeling undergeared? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Season 1 gearing is actually pretty straightforward if you follow the right path.

Start with world content and Raid Finder to grab easy upgrades. It’s not the best gear, but it’s fast and gets your item level moving. After that, jump into Mythic 0 dungeons—this is where things start to feel rewarding.

Once you’re comfortable, Mythic+ becomes your main progression route. Better loot, better challenges, and way more fun with a solid group.

The key? Don’t waste time grinding inefficient content—move on as soon as upgrades slow down.

Also, if you’re looking to optimize your builds, rotations, and gearing choices, this site is super helpful.

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FFXIV Live Letter 91 Recap – Patch 7.5 Is Packed

Patch 7.5 for Final Fantasy XIV is shaping up to be one of the most exciting updates yet, bringing the next chapter of the main scenario along with a wide range of new content and systems. Scheduled to begin rolling out on April 28, 2026, the patch will continue through several updates later in the year.

Players can look forward to a brand-new Ultimate raid, a new exploration zone, Phantom (relic) weapons, PvP updates, and expanded side content like Hildibrand quests and Custom Deliveries. The highlight reveal is the long-awaited Beastmaster job, arriving as a limited job with unique gameplay focused on capturing and using monsters.

If you want the full breakdown, check out the original article.

For another detailed recap and additional insights, refer to this article.

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WoW Midnight Season 1: Mythic+ Healer Tier List

With World of Warcraft: Midnight Season 1 launching soon, many players are wondering which healer spec will perform best in Mythic+ dungeons. Based on current beta performance and class balance, the healer meta looks surprisingly healthy.

🟢 S Tier – Restoration Druid

Restoration Druids are currently the strongest Mythic+ healers heading into Midnight Season 1.

Their strength mainly comes from Mastery: Harmony, which increases healing when multiple HoTs are active on allies. This allows Druids to deliver consistent healing without relying too heavily on cooldowns.

They also bring excellent utility, including Curse and Poison dispels, strong crowd control abilities, and the valuable Mark of the Wild buff for the group.

🔵 A Tier – Holy Paladin

Holy Paladin remains a powerful Mythic+ healer despite recent balance adjustments.

The spec excels at single-target healing and provides extremely useful utility tools like Blessing of Protection and Blessing of Freedom. These abilities can counter several dungeon mechanics and help stabilize difficult encounters.

🔵 A Tier – Mistweaver Monk

Mistweaver Monk has gained new talent interactions that improve its healing flexibility.

The Spiritfont talent can trigger group-wide healing during burst damage phases, making Mistweavers very effective in high-pressure situations.

Players can choose between two builds:

Way of the Crane (melee-focused healing)

Way of the Serpent (caster-focused healing)

Both builds offer different strengths depending on dungeon needs.

🟡 B Tier – Restoration Shaman

Restoration Shaman saw several abilities removed or simplified in Midnight.

While the spec still has strong cooldowns like Ascendance, it can struggle when dealing with heavy group damage outside of cooldown windows.

🟡 B Tier – Preservation Evoker

Preservation Evoker remains one of the most complex healers to play effectively.

Its healing style requires careful preparation before incoming damage, which can be difficult to execute consistently in Mythic+ runs.

Final Thoughts

One important takeaway: every healer is capable of clearing high Mythic+ keys. Even specs ranked lower on tier lists can perform well with the right player and group composition.

Still, based on current testing and dungeon performance, Restoration Druid looks like the most reliable healer for pushing high keys in Midnight Season 1.

You can also refer to this article here.