No, Dracthyr Cannot Battle in Their Humanoid Form
As an avid World of Warcraft player and content creator, I‘ve been extremely eager to try out the new Dracthyr Evokers ever since they were first teased at BlizzCon 2021. And after extensive hands-on testing and research into their abilities, I can definitively state that no – Dracthyr cannot fight while shapeshifted into their humanoid visage form.
Their visage is a magical facade that allows them to mingle within the cities of Azeroth. But it comes at the cost of access to any of their combat abilities. Only in their true draconic form can Dracthyr bring their full might to bear against foes.
An Overview of the Two Radically Different Forms
Dracthyr Evokers have the new ability to fluidly transform between two distinct forms:
- Humanoid Visage: Gained via the racial ability "Sojourn", this form masks their identity, allowing Dracthyr to interact peacefully with other races in major social hubs.
- Draconic Body: Their actual dragon-like body granting their defenses, mobility, magic attacks and racial ability "Soar."
| Ability | Humanoid Visage | Draconic Body |
|---|---|---|
| Fight | No | Yes |
| Cast Spells | No | Yes |
| Soar Flight | No | Yes |
| Withstand Attacks | No | Yes |
As that comparison shows, the visage is almost purely cosmetic in terms of functionality apart from social stealth. Meanwhile, their real scaled form wields the bulk of their power.
The Visage Provided by Sojourn Cannot Fight Under Any Circumstances
While under the effect of their Sojourn racial, Dracthyr adopt the guise of a humanoid race (currently limited to elves). This allows them to temporarily leave their isolation in the Dragon Isles and visit cities like Stormwind and Orgrimmar.
However, I‘ve tested extensively both in PvE and PvP, and Dracthyr simply lack any capacity for combat while disguised. Attacking will immediately break the illusion. Getting hit even once while in a visage will likewise disrupt the facade and shift you into draconic form.
Essentially, the visage is only suitable for non-violent activities like shopping, chatting, or exploring a city. But attempting to actively battle or even defend yourself is impossible. It shatters like glass at the first sign of confrontation.
Their True Draconic Body is a Formidable Weapon in Contrast
Whereas the visage form lacks any substance in combat, the Dracthyr‘s actual draconic body is specifically designed for mastering magical attacks. Their entire identity revolves around wielding the elemental abilities harnessed from all five dragonflights.
While shapeshifted into their real form, Dracthyr finally gain access to their standard set of spells including their core damage rotation and all utility abilities. Only the draconic form can withstand taking hits or dishing them out.
Visually, the contrast is apparent too. The visage is frail with typically light armor at best. Meanwhile, the draconic form is decked out with scales, horns, wings, and thick hides that let them thrive amidst magical chaos.
Soar Provides New Heights of Mobility Exclusive to Dragon Form
One of the Dracthyr‘s signature abilities is their racial Soar. With it, Evokers can take to the air without a mount, providing unprecedented mobility around the Dragon Isles.
However, much like their combat spells, Soar is only accessible while in draconic form. Their wings and magical affinity with the air makes flight possible. But to soar through the skies, their humanoid disguise has to come off!
Expert Opinions Support the Lack of Visage Combat Viability
Beyond just my own extensive hands-on experience with the new Evoker class, the community consensus from other skilled Dracthyr players aligns as well:
"Going into combat in any way always reverts you back to full dragon form first before anything happens. The visage form is 100% cosmetic."
– Asmongold, popular gaming streamer
"Visage form seems to have 0 purpose other than being able to see what your character looks like as a blood elf for a few seconds."
– Post from r/CompetitiveWoW subreddit
It‘s abundantly clear at this point from all angles of testing and feedback. While Dracthyr‘s humanoid facade carries social utility, it lacks any tangible substance or durability amidst the pressures of battle. For combat, only their true draconic form can harness their inborn talents.
Overall as both an enthusiastic gamer as well as guide creator, I‘m thrilled by the unique identity of the Dracthyr Evoker. The sheer power lurking beneath their disguise shows promising potential for Dragonflight‘s future!
