I am watching RunningFromCake try out the beta 2.5.0 (see https://youtu.be/NCTfD8LTG3U and others). He is playing as duelist/monk. So he is able to try out all the duelist/monk buffs that are coming in version 2.5.0.
It looks to me that Duelist is now simply a better warrior. The duelist has weapon abilities, most of which are guaranteed to hit. That is much better than some pitiful shielding from the warrior's seal, particularly in early-game, when the extra accuracy can be quite useful (and the warrior's seal is at its weakest). That in itself makes duelist seemingly better than warrior. But the subclasses also seem better for the duelist. The berserker's abilities seem to be quite difficult to make use of, since rage does not build fast enough. The gladiator is a more viable class. But the monk's abilities seem to be better than the gladiator's abilities, considering that RunningFromCake can hit a 70 with a dragon kick. And the champion is obviously better than the berserker. So why would warrior ever be preferred over duelist?
RunningFromCake also criticizes the buff to the stone of intution at 2:04 at https://youtu.be/NCTfD8LTG3U. It gives more of an endorphin rush when guessing wrong the first time loses the stone. I agree with his reasoning here. Stone of intuition is very weak, but it does help with the addictive quality of the game.
Also, the transition from v2.4.2 to 2.5.0 resulted in his trinket showing as unidentified in his menu. You can see this at, for example, 20:43 in the video. Idk if this bug has been reported to the developer or not.
Anyways, do you agree with these observations? Why is duelist getting such a buff if it is just an OP warrior?
Contrary to what everyone so far has said, I think the duelist has always been better than the warrior. The weapon abilities are strong and varied, and have only gotten stronger in recent patches. The abilities can get you out of so many jams, especially the shield one or the dirk one. And the abilities that daze your enemy (hammers, axe) or increase your attack speed and accuracy (scimitar) make combat so one-sided.
You don't need armor if you kill everything in a couple turns with a high level weapon and guaranteed hits. I have ascended so many times with just +4 scale armor.
I usually play Champion, but sometimes Monk if I get a good wand early. I've definitely abused the hell out of using Round Shield for invulnerability coupled with Meditate. You're immune to all attacks while meditating and then you heal and get wand recharging. I guess that got nerfed though, by not giving back as much energy now.