I think it's time to reevaluate Track being only visible in the status bar

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https://i.redd.it/03gh3gsvy8s21.png

I understand the original intent in making it a "sneaky" spell. Players would have to check their status bar regularly (which was less obvious in Warcraft III), etc.

But to say it bluntly, I think it doesn't do its job enough to excuse its negative effect on gameplay.

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Now that debuffs are red, above the HUD and always at the same place, any average player will instantly notice the debuff in its peripheral vision. Its "sneaky" purpose has practically no impact, except against very poor players.

But despite this, it remains very annoying when it comes to sharing information. Alt-clicking the Track debuff towards Abaddon/Oracle all game long gets old fast, and doesn't feel like it brings any interesting gameplay.

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The problem is that it's too "in-between":

• It's only sneaky enough to confuse new players, who don't need more suckerpunches
• But not sneaky enough to fool other players... while still being annoying

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The same logic also applies to Assassinate's buff indicator. If the game gives a warning for Assassinate, why only a "half-hidden" hero buff? It doesn't raise the skill bar, it only makes it cumbersome to inform allies.

I remember Barathrum's charge having a "buff warning only" mechanic too, and it was changed for the best. I think it's time for Track and Assassinate to follow suit and pick a side.

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Personally I'd suggest:

• No indicator at all for Assassinate. Players can react to the sound.
• Track's visual effect visible to enemies. Maybe only part of the effect, so as to keep it light visually.

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https://i.redd.it/n8z4vr2vy8s21.png

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Or the opposite. Make Track fully hidden if need be. That works too.

Or combine the two, e.g. Track fully hidden at first, then fully visible after a delay.

But half-hidden feels like the worst of both worlds.

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edit: (also Marksmanship could use a status buff)