Priory of the Sacred Flame changes in Season 2: War Within patch 11.1
Priory of the Sacred Flame seems to have some changes in Season 2 of War Within regarding its trash and bosses.

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Priory of the Sacred Flame is a challenging dungeon introduced in the War Within expansion known for its complex mechanics and punishing encounters, especially in greater difficulties. The updates aim to balance the dungeon’s difficulty, but the adjustments have sparked mixed reactions from players. While some changes are welcomed, others — like the lack of a nerf to Consecration — have drawn criticism, leaving the community divided.
If you wish to know more about patch 11.1 of War Within, be sure to check our overview article:
War Within Season 2 tuning to trash and bosses
The Priory of the Sacred Flame dungeon in War Within Season 2 is getting significant adjustments, focusing on damage nerfs to trash mobs and changes to key boss mechanics. Datamined from the 11.1 PTR, these updates aim to balance the dungeon’s difficulty while keeping its challenging spirit intact.
Key nerfs to trash
Trash mobs before the first boss see widespread changes, including buffs to Mortal Strike’s healing reduction and damage nerfs for abilities like Disrupting Shout and Caltrops. Meanwhile, minibosses leading up to the first boss are now more punishing, with Reflective Shield reflecting 70% of incoming damage. Players will need to tread carefully to avoid self-inflicted harm. Here are some of the most impactful changes:
- Before the first boss:
- Arathi Footman: Mortal Strike healing reduction increased to 10% per stack (was 5%).
- Fervent Sharpshooter: Caltrops damage reduced by 30%.
- Arathi Knight: Disrupting Shout damage reduced by 40%; Impale periodic damage nerfed by 6.25% and ticks less often.
- War Lynx: Grievous Rip ticks slower but initial damage increased by 66%.
- Fanatical Conjuror: Flamestrike periodic damage doubled; Fireball damage reduced by 30%.
- Before the second boss:
- Zealous Templar: Divine Storm periodic damage reduced by 37.5%.
- Ardent Paladin: Sacred Toll damage decreased by 7%; Seal of Light’s Fury damage halved.
- Devout Priest: Holy Smite damage reduced by 30%; Greater Heal cast time increased slightly.
- Before the third boss:
- Risen Mage: Fireball damage reduced by 30%.
- Sir Braunpyke: Radiant Flame damage reduced by 37.5%, but Blazing Strike damage increased by 50%.
Boss Changes
Boss fights also receive notable changes, such as Captain Dailcry’s lieutenants gaining a massive health boost when grouped together, pushing players to isolate them. Prioress Murrpray’s abilities, like Blinding Light and Embrace the Light, have seen sharp damage reductions, offering more breathing room in this difficult encounter.
Captain Dailcry:
- Health buff for lieutenants when grouped increased to 1000% (was 300%), encouraging players to separate them.
- Battle Cry: Damage increased by 20%.
- Savage Mauling: Damage increased by 50%.
- Lieutenant abilities, like Sergeant Shaynemail’s Brutal Smash, were adjusted to reduce stuns and overall damage.
Baron Braunpyke:
- Sacrificial Flame: Now lasts 15 seconds (was 5) and deals more damage to all players when triggered.
Prioress Murrpray:
- Blinding Light: Damage reduced by 30% when looking away and by 52% when facing the boss.
- Embrace the Light: Damage nerfed by 66%.
- Sanctified Ground: Damage reduced by 28%.
Players opinions
The recent changes to Priory of the Sacred Flame in War Within Season 2 have divided players. Many are upset that Consecration, a major pain point for melee players, was not nerfed. Tanks also face tougher challenges with increased damage from enemies, adding to the frustration. Some players criticized Blizzard for not addressing these issues sooner, calling it a pattern of late-season fixes.
Others see potential for improvement as the season progresses. They hope Blizzard will listen to feedback and adjust the tuning further. Past updates show that changes often make dungeons easier over time. Or at least Blizzard tries to mitigate bad experiences with M+ leavers. While frustrations are high now, some players believe the dungeon can improve with future patches.
Conclusion
The changes to the Priory of the Sacred Flame in War Within Season 2 are controversial. While the adjustments have sparked mixed reactions, they highlight the developers’ willingness to experiment and refine based on player feedback. Further tuning may address current concerns as the season unfolds, ensuring a more enjoyable experience for all players.
For now, if players want to learn more about M+, they can read the Mythic Plus guide. As an alternative, you can always purchase TWW Mythic Dungeon Boost.
What are your thoughts on the changes in the Priory of the Sacred Flame? Share your thoughts in the comment section!
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