Classesweakened

Classesweakened is a term used in game design and player discourse to describe a deliberate reduction in the effectiveness of one or more character classes within a class-based game. The term can refer to official balance patches issued by developers as well as community analyses that categorize certain changes as weakening a class. It is typically employed to discuss balance goals, such as reducing the dominance of a single class or preserving challenge and variety in the game’s meta.

Mechanisms associated with a classesweakened change include reductions to base attributes, attenuation of scaling, nerfs to key abilities (damage, utility, or survivability), longer cooldowns, increased resource costs, or adjustments to talents, spells, or item interactions that diminish a class’s overall power. Some changes also reduce access to powerful synergies or shift the class’s role within team compositions.

Context and impact: In live service and competitive titles, classesweakened changes appear in patch notes and design blogs as part of ongoing balance passes. They are used to curb overpowered builds, promote class diversity, and slow the pace of progression, but they can also provoke backlash from players who feel a class has been unfairly weakened or left behind.

Etymology and usage: The term is informal and descriptive, not an official label. It is widely used in forums, social media, and analysis articles to describe changes perceived as reducing class power.

See also: nerf, balance patch, patch notes, power curve.