The Warrior Class Downfall

What Changed:
- At release, the Warrior could hold the shield up continuously to block incoming damage.
- There was no stamina drain or forced knockdown mechanic, allowing players to rely on shield defense as a core identity of the class.
- In the recent update, shield bracing now consumes stamina, and if incoming damage exceeds that stamina threshold, the Warrior is knocked down and falls to the ground.
- On top of this mechanical change, the new animation sometimes clips into the floor, making the character appear to sink rather than fall naturally.
Why It Feels Like a Downgrade:
- The Warrior’s fantasy as a stalwart defender is undermined. Instead of feeling like a reliable tank, the character collapses under pressure.
- Shield play used to reward positioning and timing; now it feels punishing, as the knockdown interrupts flow and leaves the player vulnerable.
- The stamina drain system limits defensive options, forcing players to disengage rather than stand their ground.
- The visual bug (falling into the floor) makes the mechanic look broken and immersion-breaking.
Impact on Gameplay:
- Warrior builds that relied on shield defense now feel weaker and less fun.
- Knockdowns disrupt combat rhythm, making defensive play clunky compared to other classes.
- Players lose confidence in shield mechanics, reducing the appeal of the Warrior archetype.
- The animation bug adds frustration, as it visually communicates collapse even when the mechanic is working as intended.

Summary:
The shield rework has shifted the Warrior from a dependable defender into a vulnerable, stamina-gated fighter. While balance is important, the current implementation feels like a downgrade in both mechanics and presentation.

Restoring the Warrior’s identity is crucial for players like me who only want to play him. In his current state, I’d rather not play at all. He was strong, reliable, and perfectly designed before—now he feels reduced to a shadow of that, more like a sore loser than the steadfast defender he was meant to be.

Is there a link from steam or something that brings people to the PoE 1 forums instead of the PoE 2 forums?