Solo players can get Heroic raid-level gear from Delves, The War Within's new mini-dungeons, but the feature struggles with balancing issues across multiple fronts.

Delves launched with 12 mini-dungeons plus the Zekvir boss encounter, offering a progression path for players who prefer solo content. While the concept shows promise, several key issues prevent Delves from fully delivering on their potential:

Companion Balance Issues:

• Brann Bronzebeard, the NPC companion, has undergone multiple nerfs and buffs
• His level was capped at 15 after players leveled him too quickly
• Current iteration struggles to properly support different player types

Solo vs Group Scaling:

• Originally designed for solo play but allows full groups
• Group content often proved easier than solo attempts
• Scaling adjustments created tension between solo and group players

Class Balance Challenges:

• Different classes face varying degrees of difficulty
• Some specs lack crucial abilities like interrupts
• Pet classes struggle with survivability
• Tank specs often have advantages

Reward Structure:

• Restored Coffer Keys increase weekly loot rewards
• Normal raid-level gear from highest difficulties
• Heroic raid-level gear possible through weekly vault
• Some items remain oddly powerful despite nerfs

Current State:

• Lacks clear target audience
• Attempts to serve multiple player types create compromise
• Balance changes often improve experience for one group while degrading it for others
• Feature needs stronger identity and purpose

While Blizzard continues to adjust Delves through patches and hotfixes, the feature requires a clearer vision to truly succeed as either solo content or an alternative progression path.

Previous Articles