WoW Midnight: Which Addons Still Work After the PrePatch?

The World of Warcraft: Midnight PrePatch introduces major changes to how addons function. This is not just a compatibility update. Blizzard has fundamentally changed the addon API and the role addons play in gameplay, with a clear objective: reduce the competitive advantage created by certain tools and bring the addon experience closer to what the base interface already provides.

The main changes affect combat-related addons. A large portion of the data previously available to addons, internal timers, enemy actions, and advanced combat log information, is no longer accessible. In practice, addons can no longer use combat information to make decisions, predict mechanics, or automate gameplay logic. Blizzard’s stated goal is that addons should be able to present information differently, but not use that information to drive gameplay decisions for the player.

As a result, popular tools such as WeakAuras, DBM, or various PvP trackers still exist, but their functionality is significantly reduced. They now operate primarily as visual overlays rather than systems capable of anticipating encounters. Addons that relied heavily on combat parsing or predictive logic are the most affected by these changes, as access to detailed combat data has been restricted through API adjustments.

This shift reflects a broader design philosophy from Blizzard. The goal is to standardize the gameplay experience so that players using advanced addon setups no longer have access to information unavailable in the default UI. To support this transition, the game now integrates several features that were historically handled by addons, including improved boss timers, cooldown tracking, and a more complete UI framework introduced with the PrePatch.

In practice, addons are not disappearing, but their role is changing. Automation and prediction tools are gradually losing relevance, while addons focused on readability and customization remain useful. Boss mods like DBM or BigWigs still function, but they mainly enhance native alerts rather than calculating encounter mechanics themselves. DPS meters and similar tools now rely on official game data instead of independent log analysis.

The most viable alternatives depend on player needs. For combat awareness, the updated Blizzard interface is often sufficient for raids and Mythic+. For customization, UI-focused addons such as frame adjustments, nameplate improvements, or layout tools remain fully relevant because they modify presentation rather than accessing restricted data. Non-combat addons, including inventory management or planning tools like Mythic Dungeon Tools, remain largely unchanged.

Overall, Midnight moves World of Warcraft toward a model where addons improve clarity instead of providing additional information. The PrePatch represents a transition phase, and many addons are expected to evolve as developers adapt to the new API and Blizzard continues refining the system in future updates.