I’ve never been a big fan of class-specific add-ons, even those meant for hunters. I’ve also never found a HUD that I was able to use for more than a few hours. What I do like is finding an add-on that replaces three others and eliminates a big chunk of set up time. That’s why I want to tell you all about Serenity.
Simply put, Serenity is a heads-up display (HUD) for hunters. If you are familiar with JS Hunter Bar, then you know Serenity. It is the complete rewrite of JS Hunter Bar for Cataclysm. I have no idea why the author changed the name of the add on, but I blame Nathan Fillion.
Ok, for those unfamiliar, Serenity shows you pretty much everything you need to see in combat. It gives you a nice big focus bar, a Hunter’s Mark reminder, an aspect reminder, timers for any active DoTs or CCs, and even an alert when your target has a buff you can hit with Tranq Shot. It will also allow you to set-up announcements connected to Misdirection and cast it by right-clicking on a friendly unit frame, as you can see in the image above.
I always want to use as few add-ons as possible. Serenity has allowed me to eliminate Power Auras, Need to Know, and whatever focus bar add I was using at the time. More importantly, it gives me all of the information I need “out of the box”. I don’t need to set-up strings, timers, or anything. This really saves time after an install or big patch. The display is sleek and minimal, but shows a lot of combat information. Right now, it’s the only add-on installed on my laptop . I wouldn’t raid that way, but if I want to do daily quests from the couch, Serenity is really all I need.
I do have a few minor gripes about the add-on. By default, it whispers my Misdirection target twice for each cast. I’ve never once had a tank put-up with that for more than 10 minutes. I’m glad those options are there, but they probably should be off by default. Along the same lines, I feel the “Right click on unit frames for Misdirection” option shouldn’t be on by default, or it should at least be more apparent that it is on. Personally, Misdirecting to the healer is only fun when it’s intentional.
Serenity won’t be for everyone. If you like total control over the look of your UI, or you don’t like add-ons that only work for one class, it probably won’t be your cup of tea. On the other hand, if you want an easy way to get all of your combat info in a clean, little package, try it out.
Download Serenity here.
Happy Hunting!
JC Sway
I do quite like JS Hunter Bar mainly for the MD and Tranq notifications. I didn’t realise that JS was now Serenity, so I’ll go update. Thanks.
JS is not Serenity, its a fan update, they both do pretty much the exact same just look differently
Serenity is the sequel to JS, written by the same person who made JS. He changed it because he plans to eventually adapt it to support other classes, so it needed a name that wasn’t hunter specific. I can’t wait till the rogue support is added!
It is not a fan update.
Wonderful first article. I myself used to use Sexycooldown, but this addon seems to be about five times better. Mmm, I need to give it a try…
I didn’t realize it either. That’s a big reason why I wrote it up.
Does the addon allow you to enter custom buffs like power aura’s does? If not I can not see this being a viable replacement for power aura’s. Power Aura’s allow’s me to see things like trinket,scope, and Profession procs so I can use my CD’s more effectively. Power aura’s can be set for almost anything this addon can do focus bar aside and any decent Unit frame addon(which you should already have) should allow you to customize your focus bar to your liking. I guess it is more for the casual hunter than the serious raider
Yes, if you open up the options, under “Timers” you can add custom timers with name or spell ID.
Serenity, when fully utilized, can completely replace Power Auras.
Is this configurable at all, like JS hunter bar is? i cant find anyway to change things or to turn things on or off, i’ve got both parts installed (serenity and options) but there are no options, really annoying, i hope it gets fixed or that JS gets updates as needed instead
It is fully configurable and customizable. Game Menu>Interface>Addons>Serenity. Click on the “Load Options” button.
Can I configurate a reminder for Serpent Sting just as the Hunter’s Mark reminder? Sometimes, when I’m struck in a massive combat and lose my rotation sequence, SS wears off and I take some precious dps time to see it.
It has a Serpent Sting timer/reminder ready to go. The little icon moves across your cast bar as it ticks down, then jumps back when you refresh.
I like this addon, but don’t use it, as I prefer a bit more customization. All of Serenity’s functions are covered by what I have, except the Tranq Shot notifier.
I am going to DL and test this out for myself. I like as JC admits – any addon that takes the place of multiples. Consolidation = WIN!
I downloaded this and set it up last night. Will be testing it in raids this week.
I am using it to replace Stay Focused! (focus bar addon), Kharthus Hunter Timers (cooldown bars), and FaceShooter (shot priority tracker & recommender)
This addon seems to be more versatile than Stay Focused! and I’m trying to eliminate Faceshooter as relying on an addon to display shots in order of priority is risky especially if the addon fails or isnt updated often (which it doesnt seem to be).
I am, however, keeping Power Auras in use. I find it helpful to broadcast shots that are up from cooldown and available to use, with flashing icons right on my screen.
Im pretty happy with being able to eliminate 3 addons, and gain some extra gimmicks for use with dispels, dispel alert, and misdirection.
The adding seems to work just as good and if not better then before I just can’t find the button to unlock and move it around and how to more the location of hunter make and tranq icon any help would be great
@Hammeltoe
/ser lock
I had to figure it out by myself, I didn’t see it anywhere in the addon description, website or forums.
Thank u very much
the only thing i dont like about it is that you can make the timer stay in a set location. it either has to be moving vertically or horizontally.. js huter bar was better with that
cant*