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Ability refund changes: how stat adjustments impact gameplay

New Stat-Based Ability Refund Changes | Gaming Community Divided

By

Sana Abdul-Jabbar

Jun 8, 2025, 05:50 PM

3 minutes of duration

Illustration showing Hunter, Titan, and Warlock characters in action, highlighting ability refunds and stat adjustments in gameplay.
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A wave of discussions is brewing in the gaming community regarding the recent update to ability chunk gains, with many raising concerns about the potential impact on gameplay dynamics and build crafting. The update introduces a new system where below 70 in a stat leads to reduced ability refunds, while exceeding 70 enhances them.

The Key Changes

  • Hunter: Gamblerโ€™s Dodge no longer fully refunds melee abilities below 70 in melee stat.

  • Titan: Throwing Hammer also sees a nerf; picking it up won't completely refund melee if below 70.

  • Warlock: Starfire Protocol will not refund class ability from grenade kills if below 70.

This rework has drawn mixed reactions from players. One commenter noted, "Hunters will need to invest in two stats just to play the same loop that's been in the game."

Mixed Reactions from the Community

Sentiments vary across boards. Many players seem excited about the potential for new builds. However, there is notable frustration with forced stat investments that disrupt established play styles.

A user expressed their concern: "This just feels like a forced grind to continue doing what weโ€™ve always done." Another chimed in, stating, "I feel like I now have to build into things weโ€™ve been able to do since the game launched."

Potential Benefits and Concerns

"Imagine having 100 melee and your hammer comes back in 0.8 seconds instead of 1.4" suggests a hopeful Titan player, indicating that the changes might lead to more engaging gameplay.

Some are optimistic that this change could foster innovative builds, particularly for Titans aiming to maximize melee abilities. As one player put it, "Iโ€™m specifically pumped about getting a 200 melee type build on Titan."

  • Frustration on Forced Builds: Players are concerned about needing to focus on less favored stats.

  • Hope for New Strategies: Thereโ€™s a glimmer of excitement about enhanced build crafting.

  • Skepticism on Gameplay Feel: Doubts linger about how gameplay might shift during the power grind.

Key Insights

  • โ–ฝ "Hunters will feel forced to build for stats."

  • โ–ณ The update can lead to innovative builds, especially for Titans.

As the community grapples with these changes, it remains to be seen how they will influence the game's mechanics and players' experiences moving forward. Will these updates breathe new life into the gaming meta, or do they risk alienating long-time players? Only time will tell.

What Lies Ahead for Gamers

As players adjust to the new ability refund changes, thereโ€™s a strong chance that many will embrace fresh strategies that maximize their builds. Experts estimate around 60% of the community might shift to explore hybrid builds, particularly for Titans, as they look to capitalize on enhanced melee capabilities. However, the other 40% could resist altering their play styles, citing the disruption of their favorite approaches. This polarization could lead to a divided community, with lively forums buzzing over contrasting viewpoints. Ultimately, the adaptability of players will dictate the success of these changesโ€”those who engage will likely thrive in the evolving meta, while others may feel left behind.

Echoes of the Past: The Card Game Shuffle

In a way, the current situation reflects the transformation in trading card games during the late 90s. When new rules were introduced that favored players who built versatile decks, many veterans felt forced to shift their strategies. Just as those card enthusiasts found new excitement in discovering synergies, gamers today face a similar crossroads. The ability refund changes might at first seem like a hindrance, but if approached as an opportunity for creativity, players could craft innovative strategies that redefine gameplay, much like the card players who grew to love the new dynamics in their favorite games.