Class Abilities to Counter the Mythic+ Modifier Deal with Xalatath: Devour

Counter Strategies for Mythic+ Modifier "Deal with Xal'atath: Devour"

Abilities to Counter the Mythic+ WoW: The War Within

This week, the Mythic+ dungeons at levels 2-12 feature the modifier “Deal with Xal’atath: Devour,” which requires strong healing or dispelling abilities from group members. Different classes have unique tools to counter this mechanic. Below is a list of these abilities to consider when forming your group.

Visual table by Taliesin & Evitel

 

Deal with Xal’atath: Devouring

With the modifier “Deal with Xal’atath: Devouring,” all five group members periodically receive the “Abyssal Rift” effect during combat, which needs to be removed. The effect will disappear if the player receives enough healing or is dispelled using the appropriate ability.

If a player removes the effect before it expires, they grant the entire group a stacking bonus called “Residual Abyss,” increasing maximum health by 2% and critical strike chance by 4% (up to 10% and 20% respectively for successfully removing all five). If the effect expires on its own, it heals all nearby enemies for 2% of their maximum health every 2 seconds for 10 seconds (totaling 10% over its duration), also stacking.

Class Capabilities

The easiest way to handle the “Abyssal Rift” effect is through dispelling, as almost every class has an appropriate ability regardless of role. Classes without such skills will need to rely on teammates or powerful healing. Here’s a list of all dispelling abilities:

  • Death Knight: Can use “Anti-Magic Shell” before the “Abyssal Rift” effect is applied, but in this case, the positive bonus “Residual Abyss” won’t trigger. With the “Unyielding Will” talent, they can use “Anti-Magic Shell” after the effect is applied to dispel it and gain the bonus.
  • Demon Hunter: This class lacks dispelling abilities but can attempt to remove the effect using healing bonuses and skills like “Shattered Healing,” “Charred Warblades,” and others.
  • Druid: Any specialization can use “Cleansing Touch,” while “Restoration” has access to “Nature’s Healer.”
  • Evoker: Two skills are available for this class – “Scorching Flames” and “Neutralization.” “Neutralization” is recommended since “Scorching Flames” has a longer cooldown but offers more extensive functionality.
  • Hunter: With the “Swift Balsam” talent, using “Feign Death” or “Spirit of the Tortoise” dispels the “Abyssal Rift.”
  • Mage: This class can use “Remove Curse.”
  • Monk: All specializations have access to “Difusse Magic” and “Detoxification,” while “Renewing Mist” from “Mistweavers” can dispel effects from all five players, but it can only be used once every 3 minutes.
  • Paladin: This class can use “Cleansing Toxins” and “Divine Shield,” and “Holy” has access to “Cleansing.” “Divine Shield” should be saved for emergencies, as it has a 5-minute cooldown and other uses.
  • Priest: All specializations have access to “Cleansing” and “Mass Dispel,” which affects the entire group with a lengthy 2-minute cooldown. “Shadow” can also use “Cleansing Disease.”
  • Rogue: “Cloak of Shadows” can be used if it’s not expected to be needed elsewhere soon. “Thick Skin” can also aid healing.
  • Shaman: All specializations have access to “Poison Totem,” which activates for the entire group but has a 45-second cooldown. “Restoration” also has “Spirit Revival,” which should be used first, followed by the totem if needed.
  • Warlock: This class has “Burning Magic,” which requires the summoned rarely-used demon. Otherwise, they can use a Healthstone and apply “Writhe of Decay.”
  • Warrior: In dire situations, the “Sorrowful Immunity” ability can be used, which may not always be selected in talents, has a 3-minute cooldown, and other potentially more useful applications.

Additionally, dwarves of any class can use the racial ability “Stone Form.”