Dragonflight DPS Rankings: Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope Raiding Tier List (Patch 10.2.)

Last updated on Nov 25, 2023 at 10:35 by Petko 112 comments

World of Warcraft has never been perfectly balanced, and Dragonflight is no exception. Some classes are better than others at the high end for raiding, and inevitably, a meta will exist. This ranking is based on the viability and strength of the various DPS specializations for the second season of raiding in Dragonflight.

Disclaimer: This list will be updated as new tuning and class changes come out over the course of the season.

1.

About the Tier List

Patch 10.2. includes major changes and adjustments to the game's balance as well as introducing a brand new raid tier - Amirdrassil. Our analysis provides an estimate of how the current raid meta will be impacted, but it may require further tweaking in the coming weeks.

This tier list is entirely based on DPS viability for the new raid in Patch 10.2 of Dragonflight. The primary traits we are looking for have not changed and are what you would expect for raiding content. Mainly, we care about single-target damage; some burst cleave or AoE, and then defensive capabilities on a raid-wide or individual scale. Unique class utility buffs are also worth noticing and can be worth bringing a specific class for, but very few buffs are spec-specific.

While the traits that make a character valuable in a raid have not changed much, there are two incredibly important new factors to consider.

  • Because of the new talent trees, classes now have the freedom of choice to decide how to build in various situations. However, this also means that certain classes are forced into specializing in either AoE or single target for different bosses. While some classes have excellent pure single-target damage, they can lose a significant portion of that damage when forced to take even a few points of AoE talents.
1.1.

A Final Warning

It is incredibly important to emphasize that just because a DPS specialization is low in the tier list, it does not mean that you should ignore it completely. For the vast majority of cases, you should choose to bring the better player, not the better specialization. That does not mean you never need to think about your raid composition, just that most of the time, player skill will be more important than the difference between classes, assuming you already have the required raid buffs. All being lower tier means is that all else being equal, those specs will be less desirable for the raid based on current tuning.

2.

Dragonflight DPS Tier List for Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope

Below is a quick summary of the full rankings that we have detailed on this page. While this gives a good outline of the standings of specializations in comparison to one another, we recommend reading the full rankings to understand why certain specializations are ranked as they are.

  1. Augmentation Evoker (S+-Tier)
  2. Assassination Rogue (S-Tier)
  3. Enhancement Shaman (S-Tier)
  4. Havoc Demon Hunter (S-Tier)
  5. Beast Mastery Hunter (S-Tier)
  6. Demonology Warlock (S-Tier)
  7. Balance Druid (A-Tier)
  8. Arcane Mage (A-Tier)
  9. Subtlety Rogue (A-Tier)
  10. Frost Mage (A-Tier)
  11. Fury Warrior (B-Tier)
  12. Unholy Death Knight (B-Tier)
  13. Outlaw Rogue (B-Tier)
  14. Arms Warrior (B-Tier)
  15. Feral Druid (B-Tier)
  16. Survival Hunter (B-Tier)
  17. Frost Death Knight (B-Tier)
  18. Fire Mage (B-Tier)
  19. Devastation Evoker (B-Tier)
  20. Retribution Paladin (B-Tier)
  21. Elemental Shaman (B-Tier)
  22. Affliction Warlock (B-Tier)
  23. Shadow Priest (C-Tier)
  24. Marksmanship Hunter (C-Tier)
  25. Destruction Warlock (C-Tier)
  26. Windwalker Monk (D-Tier)
Data-Driven Raiding Tier List
Get the latest data driven tier list for Patch 10.2
View Rankings
2.1.

Healer and Tank Class Rankings

If you are interested in our other rankings for the Season 3 Raid in Dragonflight, please click the links below.

3.

Full DPS Class and Specialization Rankings

4.

S+-Tier

4.1.

Augmentation Evoker

Patch 10.2 update: Augmentation Evoker received some changes going forward to the next tier - Amirdrassil, as well as a brand-new tierset along with it. The 2-piece enables every 3rd Prescience Icon Prescience cast to last 100% longer. In addition, the 4p effect allows for Prescience Icon Prescience to enhance your next Eruption cast with smaller fissures for each Prescience Icon Prescience you have active, each dealing damage and extending Ebon Might Icon Ebon Might by 0.2 sec.

The Augmentation Evokers specialization is one of the most powerful specializations in the new Amirdrassil raid tier, thanks to its ability to enhance the damage and defensive capabilities of your raid members. While the players behind the Prescience Icon Prescience and Ebon Might Icon Ebon Might buffs are responsible for most of their damage, having at least one Augmentation Evoker in your raid composition can be very advantageous. This specialization also has a great defensive profile, and immunity, and is one of the most mobile specializations available.

4.1.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Blessing of the Bronze Icon Blessing of the Bronze -
Core Ebon Might Icon Ebon Might -
Core Chrono Ward Icon Chrono Ward Extra Shielding effect triggered after Breath of Eons Icon Breath of Eons cast.
Core Prescience Icon Prescience Can be further bolstered by the Fate Mirror Icon Fate Mirror talent.
Optional Blistering Scales Icon Blistering Scales -
Optional Spatial Paradox Icon Spatial Paradox -
Optional Source of Magic Icon Source of Magic Can be further bolstered by Potent Mana Icon Potent Mana
Optional Zephyr Icon Zephyr -
Optional Cauterizing Flame Icon Cauterizing Flame Bleed removal
Optional Rescue Icon Rescue You can further bolster it with Twin Guardian Icon Twin Guardian talent for extra durability.
5.

S-Tier

5.1.

Assassination Rogue

Patch 10.2: Assassination Rogue received a complete rework going forward to the next tier - Amirdrassil, as well as a brand-new tierset along with it. The 2-piece bonus enables each 10 energy you spend to grant Natureblight, increase your attack speed and Nature Damage by 1% for 6 sec. Multiple instances of Natureblight may overlap up to 15 stacks. In addition, the 4-piece effect allows Envenom Icon Envenom with Envenom Icon Envenom active to explode, dealing Nature damage to all nearby enemies (deals reduced damage beyond 5 targets). If Envenomous Explosion deals damage to a single target, it is increased by 150%.

After the complete rework of the Assassination Rogues, their damage profile is in a much better shape while still having that great execute damage output. Rogues have great defensive profiles and a few sets of immunities, making it necessary to have at least one Rogue in your team, especially with the Atrophic Poison Icon Atrophic Poison Raid utility. However, the main strength of Assassination Rogues lies in their ability to deal exceptional single-target damage.

5.1.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Atrophic Poison Icon Atrophic Poison -
5.2.

Enhancement Shaman

Patch 10.2 update: Enhancement Shaman received minor changes changes going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tierset along with it. The 2-piece enables Primordial Wave Icon Primordial Wave to summon a Lightning Feral Spirit that increases your Nature damage dealt by 20% for 15 sec. In addition, once you summon any Feral Spirit, it will reduce the cooldown of Primordial Wave Icon Primordial Wave by 7 sec.

Enhancement Shaman is a powerful DPS class that excels in both single target and cleave damage. However, when the Windfury Totem Icon Windfury Totem is factored in, and their damage output becomes even more significant, making them one of the most valuable melee DPS specs in the game. Many other melee classes also benefit from the totem, with some specializations gaining a significant boost in damage. Even without the totem, Enhancement Shaman would still be considered a great pick-up spec due to their impressive damage output. At last, anytime there is a fight that can benefit from funnelling, look no further as Enhance is a specialist in it!

5.2.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Windfury Totem Icon Windfury Totem Exceptionally strong for melee damage dealers.
Core Bloodlust Icon Bloodlust -
Optional Wind Rush Totem Icon Wind Rush Totem -
Optional Ancestral Guidance Icon Ancestral Guidance -
5.3.

Havoc Demon Hunter

Patch 10.2 update: Havoc Demon Hunter received a complete rework going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tierset along with it. The 2-piece enables Blade Dance Icon Blade Dance to automatically triggers Throw Glaive Icon Throw Glaive on your primary target for 100% damage and each slash has a 50% chance to Throw Glaive Icon Throw Glaive an enemy for 35% damage. In addition, the 4-piece bonus allows Throw Glaive Icon Throw Glaive to reduce the remaining cooldown of The Hunt Icon The Hunt by 2 sec, and The Hunt Icon The Hunt's damage-over-time effect lasts 6 sec longer.

As a class, Demon Hunters possess a versatile and effective range of damage abilities that make them a valuable asset in any situation. With a single talent build, they are able to compete effectively in fights that require a mixture of combat styles. One of their greatest strengths lies in their ability to deal strong cleave damage to 2-5 targets, as well as burst area-of-effect damage. Nevertheless, Demon Hunters still have access to the powerful Darkness Icon Darkness ability, which can serve as a valuable raid cooldown.

5.3.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Chaos Brand Icon Chaos Brand 5% extra Magical damage
Core Darkness Icon Darkness % chance to avoid all damage from an attack.
5.4.

Beast Mastery Hunter

Patch 10.2 update: Beast Mastery Hunter received minor changes going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand-new tierset along with it. The 2-piece bonus enables Bestial Wrath Icon Bestial Wrath to summon a Dire Beast Icon Dire Beast for 15 sec. In addition, the 4-piece effect empowers Dire Beast Icon Dire Beast to now benefit from Kill Command Icon Kill Command and Beast Cleave Icon Beast Cleave.

As a ranged DPS spec in the game, Beast Mastery Hunter stands out as the only one capable of performing their entire rotation while moving. This makes them an invaluable asset for any mechanics or tasks required during a fight. In addition to that, every Hunter specialization is now going to have a raid-buff - Hunter's Mark Icon Hunter's Mark, making them slightly more appealing to be picked up in the mandatory 20-man Mythic raid composition. One of the main disadvantages of having Beast Mastery Hunter is that they suffer from lack of spread cleaving (when mobs are far away from each other) and is relatively squishy compared to most of the Ranged options; however, their current damage profile is among the highest in the raiding scene. Simply because of that, we are consider them as one of the "must" picks in every raid composition.

5.4.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Hunter's Mark Icon Hunter's Mark Increases all damage dealt to targets above 80% health by 5%.
5.5.

Demonology Warlock

Patch 10.2 update:. Demonology Warlock received minor changes going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tierset along with it. The 2-piece bonus enables Demonbolt Icon Demonbolt to apply Doom Brand that explodes after 20 sec dealing Shadow damage to nearby enemies (reduced damage beyond 8 targets). Hand of Gul'dan Icon Hand of Gul'dan reduces the duration of your Doom Brands by 1 sec per Soul Shard spent. In addition, the 4p effect gives Doom Brand a chance to summon Doomfiend when it explodes, that casts 5 Doom Bolt Volleys before departing. Each Doom Bolt Volley deals Shadow damage up to 4 enemies.

5.5.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Create Healthstone Icon Create Healthstone
Core Soulstone Icon Soulstone
Core Demonic Gateway Icon Demonic Gateway
Core Curse of Tongues Icon Curse of Tongues Useful against caster targets. It can be further bolstered by Amplify Curse Icon Amplify Curse talent.
Core Curse of Weakness Icon Curse of Weakness Useful against physical damage dealers. It can be further bolstered by Amplify Curse Icon Amplify Curse talent.
Optional Banish Icon Banish Useful on some boss encounters for an extra crowd-control effect.
6.

A-Tier

6.1.

Balance Druid

Patch 10.2 update: Balance Druid received some changes going forward to the next tier - Amirdrassil, as well as a brand-new tierset along with it. The 2-piece triggers once Eclipse Icon Eclipse ends or when you enter combat, enter a Dreamstate, reducing the cast time of your next 2 Starfire Icon Starfires or Wrath Icon Wraths by 40% and increase their damage by 100%. In addition, the 4-piece enables Starsurge Icon Starsurge or Starfall Icon Starfall to increase your current Eclipse Icon Eclipse's Arcane or Nature damage bonus by an additional 2% up to 10%.

As a Balance Druid, you may not have the highest single-target output, but your damage toolkit is well-rounded and all-inclusive, making you a valuable asset in the game. Starfall Icon Starfall, in particular, is a unique ability that sets you apart from other classes as it allows you to constantly cleave spread groups of enemies. While this may not matter in most fights, Boomkins are irreplaceable when facing multi-target fights. Also, don't forget the mandatory Mark of the Wild Icon Mark of the Wild raid-wide buff is a must in every raid, making it more appealing to pick them up.

6.1.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Mark of the Wild Icon Mark of the Wild Increasing the Versatility of your raid/party by 3%.
Optional Innervate Icon Innervate Allowing 1 friendly healer to cast spells without spending mana for 8 sec.
Optional Stampeding Roar Icon Stampeding Roar Increasing the movement speed to all raid members by 60% for 8 sec.
Optional Nature's Vigil Icon Nature's Vigil Extra off-healing.
6.2.

Arcane Mage

Patch 10.2 update: Arcane Mage received minor changes since going forward to the next tier - Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece triggers when consuming Clearcasting Icon Clearcasting, which then grants you increased spell damage by 2% for 20 sec, stacking up to 10%. In addition, the 4p effect triggers after consuming Clearcasting Icon Clearcasting 3 times, your next Arcane Missiles Icon Arcane Missiles consumes Arcane Battery, dealing 150% increased damage to your primary target and fires at up to 4 nearby enemies dealing 100% increased damage.

Arcane Mage has competitive single target, but more importantly, has some of the best single target burst damage in the game right now for small burst windows. Arcane is a top-heavy spec in terms of the skill required to truly make use of its phenomenal toolkit; in the hands of the right player, it is incredibly powerful in terms of the raw damage and burst potential. Mages are also still quite strong defensively, and immunities like Ice Block Icon Ice Block / Ice Cold Icon Ice Cold will always have value in a raid. Anytime there is a damage increase phase or a requirement for a burst-damage orientated scenario, Arcane Mage will be great.

6.2.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Arcane Intellect Icon Arcane Intellect 5% extra Intellect to the whole raid/party.
Core Time Warp Icon Time Warp Alternative of Bloodlust Icon Bloodlust.
Optional Mass Barrier Icon Mass Barrier / Mass Invisibility Icon Mass Invisibility Gives a shield that absorbs damage or mass invisibility to the entire party.
6.3.

Subtlety Rogue

Patch 10.2: Subtlety Rogue received a rework going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece bonus enables Eviscerate Icon Eviscerate, Rupture Icon Rupture or Black Powder Icon Black Powder to have a chance to summon a shadow clone to echo your finishing move for 70% additional Shadow damage. In addition, the 4-piece effect grants your shadow clones to deal 20% increased damage with all attacks and grants you 2 combo points per clone when summoned.

Subtlety Rogues have great damage output when targeting a single enemy and, in some situations, can be picked up instead siblings Outlaw Rogue / Assassination Rogue, depending on the boss encounter. Despite this, Rogue as a class is one of the best melee options, so you will not be mistaken if your choice is going to be Subtlety Rogue. Their ability to deal solid damage in cleave situations and burst attacks makes them stand out among other Rogue specializations.

6.3.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Atrophic Poison Icon Atrophic Poison -
6.4.

Frost Mage

Patch 10.2 update: Frost Mage minor changes going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece increases the damage of Glacial Spike Icon Glacial Spike by 16% and it explodes when it Shatters a frozen target, dealing 15% of its damage dealt to nearby enemies. Deals reduced damage beyond 8 targets. In addition, the 4-p bonus effect triggers when casting Glacial Spike Icon Glacial Spike, giving Brain Freeze Icon Brain Freeze a 40% chance to trigger.

6.4.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Arcane Intellect Icon Arcane Intellect 5% extra Intellect to the whole raid/party.
Core Time Warp Icon Time Warp Alternative of Bloodlust Icon Bloodlust.
Optional Mass Barrier Icon Mass Barrier Gives a shield that absorbs damage to the entire party.
7.

B-Tier

While not as strong as the A-tier specializations, these specs are still viable and will not be uncommon in raid groups. Some of these might be rarer to see, but more so because the other specs of that class are just so much stronger.

7.1.

Fury Warrior

Patch 10.2 update: Fury Warrior received minor changes going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece buffs Odyn's Fury Icon Odyn's Fury to deal 50% increased damage and causes your next 3 Bloodthirst Icon Bloodthirsts to deal 150% additional damage and have 100% increased critical strike chance against its primary target. In addition, the 4-piece effect allows Bloodthirst Icon Bloodthirst critical strikes to reduce the cooldown of Odyn's Fury Icon Odyn's Fury by 2.5 sec.

Fury Warriors are highly effective when it comes to sustained cleave on low targets and executing due to their powerful ability - Execute Icon Execute. They will also benefit from the newly introduced 2H Legendary Axe, so depending on the tuning, their rankings can go significantly up. On top of this, they still possess one of the strongest non-healer raid cooldowns - Rallying Cry Icon Rallying Cry. It's worth noting that every raid requires you to have at least 1 Warrior due to Battle Shout Icon Battle Shout being a mandatory raid buff, you always stand a chance to be picked up even if your overall performance is not there.

7.1.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Rallying Cry Icon Rallying Cry Temporary increasing the health of your raid/party.
Core Battle Shout Icon Battle Shout Extra 5% attack power.
Optional Spell Reflection Icon Spell Reflection Usable in a niche situations.
7.2.

Unholy Death Knight

Patch 10.2 update: Unholy Death Knight received major changes going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece enables Apocalypse Icon Apocalypse to summon an additional Magus of the Dead Icon Magus of the Dead. Your Magus of the Dead Icon Magus of the Dead's Shadow Bolt now fires a volley of Shadow Bolts at up to 4 nearby enemies. In addition, each Rune you spend increases the duration of your active Magi by 0.5 sec. Your Magi will now also cast Amplify Damage, increasing the damage you deal by 5% for 10 sec.

Following the most recent "mini-rework" to how Unholy Death Knight deal damage, they have significantly nerfed their damage during their cooldowns while giving the specialization a lot more sustained damage. The change itself has been rather negative on behalf of their raid performance, leaving them far behind their previous exceptional single-target from the last tier. Although they are quite a durable melee DPS options and have useful raid-wide utility tools, the damage is the single; most important detail which determines the rankings of each specialization. On top of this, on fights where Death Grip Icon Death Grip is not utilized, outside of Anti-Magic Zone Icon Anti-Magic Zone they have nothing to offer to your raid.

7.2.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Anti-Magic Zone Icon Anti-Magic Zone Provides extra durability against heavy magical damage.
Core Death Grip Icon Death Grip Repositions an enemy of your choice.
Core Raise Ally Icon Raise Ally Combat-resurrection.
Optional Abomination Limb Icon Abomination Limb Every 1 sec an enemy is pulled close to you.
Optional Insidious Chill Icon Insidious Chill Reduces auto-attack speed of your target by 5% stacking up 4 times.
7.3.

Outlaw Rogue

Patch 10.2: Outlaw Rogue received a rework going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece bonus enables Sinister Strike Icon Sinister Strike to have an additional 15% chance of striking additional time. To include, the 4-piece effect enables Roll the Bones Icon Roll the Bones to additionally refresh a random Roll the Bones Icon Roll the Bones combat enhancement buff you currently possess.

Outlaw Rogues are capable of dealing exceptional cleave and AoE damage thanks to Blade Flurry Icon Blade Flurry. Even in situations where only a single target is present, Outlaw remains a formidable damage dealer with a solid set of defensive abilities shared by all rogue specializations, as well as the ability to apply Atrophic Poison Icon Atrophic Poison debuff. The great defensive profile paired with amazing single-target of Outlaw Rogue make them one of the better melee choices out there!

7.3.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Atrophic Poison Icon Atrophic Poison -
7.4.

Arms Warrior

Patch 10.2 update: Arms Warrior received minor changes going forward to the next tier - Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece increases Rend Icon Rend damage by 30% and Sudden Death Icon Sudden Death can be triggered by Rend Icon Rend's BleedBleed damage. In addition, the 4p effect enables Sudden Death Icon Sudden Death to also make your next Execute Icon Execute powerfully slam the ground, causing a Thunder Clap Icon Thunder Clap that deals 100% increased damage. In addition, the Execute Icon Execute target bleeds for 50% of Execute Icon Execute's damage over 5 sec. If this bleed is reapplied, the remaining damage is added to the new BleedBleed.

Arms Warriors are incredibly strong on 2-target cleave due to Sweeping Strikes Icon Sweeping Strikes and then in execute due to their Execute Icon Execute. Arms Warrior is known to have one of the best execute damage profiles in the game, while also benefiting quite well from Windfury Totem Icon Windfury Totem, making it a great pick-up for raiding. At last, don't forget that Warrior class brings one of the strongest non-healer raid cooldown in the game, Rallying Cry Icon Rallying Cry.

7.4.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Rallying Cry Icon Rallying Cry Temporary increasing the health of your raid/party.
Core Battle Shout Icon Battle Shout Extra 5% attack power.
Optional Spell Reflection Icon Spell Reflection Usable in a niche situations.
7.5.

Feral Druid

Patch 10.2 update: Feral Druid received minor changes changes going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece enables Feral Frenzy Icon Feral Frenzy to grant Smoldering Frenzy, increasing all damage you deal by 20% for 8 sec. In addition, the 4-piece reduces Feral Frenzy Icon Feral Frenzy's cooldown by 15 sec. During Smoldering Frenzy, enemies burn for 10% of damage you deal as Fire over 10 sec.

Feral Druid possesses all the typical utility of a Druid, including the ability to provide Innervate Icon Innervate. However, in a tier where numerous excellent ranged options already exist, it is much more challenging to find a slot for a Feral Druid compared to a Balance Druid. Although Feral Druids have amazing single-target damage and exceptional AOE damage, there are better melee options out there as the slots for them are usually limited within a standard Raid composition. Regardless, we still believe they will do fantastic, and they will be in good shape at the start of the Amirdrassil raid tier.

7.5.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Mark of the Wild Icon Mark of the Wild Increasing the Versatility of your raid/party by 3%.
Optional Innervate Icon Innervate Allowing 1 friendly healer to cast spells without spending mana for 8 sec.
Optional Stampeding Roar Icon Stampeding Roar Increasing the movement speed to all raid members by 60% for 8 sec.
Optional Nature's Vigil Icon Nature's Vigil Extra off-healing.
7.6.

Survival Hunter

Patch 10.2 update: Survival Hunter receivedminor changes going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil. The 2-piece bonus increases your and your pet's critical strike chance and damage by 15% for 12 sec when using Fury of the Eagle Icon Fury of the Eagle. In addition, the 4-piece effect enables Fury of the Eagle Icon Fury of the Eagle to throw a free Wildfire Bomb Icon Wildfire Bomb at your current target at 100% effectiveness, causes your next Wildfire Bomb Icon Wildfire Bomb to not incur a cooldown, and increases the damage Wildfire Bomb Icon Wildfire Bomb deals to your primary target by 40% for 12 sec.

The performance of Survival Hunters has been steadily improving since the start of the expansion, as they are entering the next tier with amazing single-target and AoE damage profiles. To top it off, Hunter recently received a raid-wide buff - Hunter's Mark Icon Hunter's Mark which makes a difference when choosing your ideal raid composition. One of the biggest disadvantages of Survival Hunter hunter, however, is, due to the limited melee slots in each raid tier, there might be other options that fit better the current raid profile, and therefore, you might be pushed outside of the ideal raid composition.

7.6.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Hunter's Mark Icon Hunter's Mark Increases all damage dealt to targets above 80% health by 5%.
7.7.

Frost Death Knight

Patch 10.2 update: Frost Death Knight received minor changes going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece increases Chill Streak Icon Chill Streak's range by 4 yds and can bounce off of you. Each time Chill Streak Icon Chill Streak bounces your damage is increased by 4% for 12 sec stacking up to 5 times. In addition, the 4-p effect enables Chill Streak Icon Chill Streak to bounce 2 additional times, and each time it bounces, you have a 30% chance to gain a Rune, reduce Chill Streak Icon Chill Streak cooldown by 5 sec, or reduce the cooldown of Empower Rune Weapon Icon Empower Rune Weapon by 6 sec.

Frost Death Knight's biggest strength comes from their ability to deal with great single-target while simultaneously cleave multiple targets at once. While their damage is overall competitive, they really excel in situations where multiple targets are present. There are a few specific fights where the Frost Death Knight really shines, especially the ones where Death Grip Icon Death Grip ability can be utilized (not many of them). In addition, Frost Death Knight are one of the few specializations that will benefit from the newly introduced Legendary Weapon, so depending on the tunning, their rankings might change. Overall, with great defensive capabilities, a Raid "utility" (Anti-Magic Zone Icon Anti-Magic Zone) and a good damage profile, Frost Death Knight is going to be a good pickup for a melee slot in the upcoming Amirdrassil raid tier.

7.7.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Anti-Magic Zone Icon Anti-Magic Zone Provides extra durability against heavy magical damage.
Core Death Grip Icon Death Grip Repositions an enemy of your choice.
Core Raise Ally Icon Raise Ally Combat-resurrection.
Optional Abomination Limb Icon Abomination Limb Every 1 sec an enemy is pulled close to you.
Optional Insidious Chill Icon Insidious Chill Reduces auto-attack speed of your target by 5% stacking up 4 times.
7.8.

Fire Mage

Patch 10.2 update: Fire Mage received minor changes going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece effect activates when Pyroblast Icon Pyroblast and Flamestrike Icon Flamestrike critically strike you gain Searing Rage, increasing your critical strike damage by 4% for 12 sec, stacking up to 20%. In addition, the 4p bonus triggers when activating Combustion Icon Combustion, increasing the critical strike damage bonus of Searing Rage by 150% for 12 sec.

The Fire Mage class is performing decent in this tier due to good single-target and quite strong mobility. On top of this, they are one of the most durable raid specializations, combined with exceptional cleave abilities. Fire Mages are known for their incredible toolkit and are traditionally useful for progression.

7.8.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Arcane Intellect Icon Arcane Intellect 5% extra Intellect to the whole raid/party.
Core Time Warp Icon Time Warp Alternative of Bloodlust Icon Bloodlust.
Optional Mass Barrier Icon Mass Barrier / Mass Invisibility Icon Mass Invisibility Gives a shield that absorbs damage or mass invisibility to the entire party.
7.9.

Devastation Evoker

Patch 10.2 update: Devastation Evoker received minor changes changes going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece activates when Dragonrage Icon Dragonrage is active; you will gain Emerald Trance every 6 sec, increasing your damage done by 5% stacking up to 5 times. In addition, the 4-piece enables when Dragonrage Icon Dragonrage ends, Emerald Trance will persist for 5 sec per stack, granting you Essence Burst Icon Essence Burst every 5 sec.

The Devastation Evokers are highly skilled in delivering powerful and single-target damage, during a long period of time (likely the longest single-target burst in the game). They excel in handling movement and are considered one of the best ranged DPS specializations in the Amirdrassil raid. However, it's important to keep in mind that they have a limited range of 25 yards, which could be a disadvantage in certain situations depending on your group's positioning. Despite this drawback, we still believe they will do decent as a ranged DPS spec due to their damage output and impressive burst potential, with the only possibility to climb higher is further buffs targeting their damage profile.

  • Raid utility
Functionality Spells Notes
Core Blessing of the Bronze Icon Blessing of the Bronze -
Optional Source of Magic Icon Source of Magic Can be further bolstered by Potent Mana Icon Potent Mana
Optional Zephyr Icon Zephyr -
Optional Cauterizing Flame Icon Cauterizing Flame Bleed removal
Optional Rescue Icon Rescue You can further bolster it with Twin Guardian Icon Twin Guardian talent for extra durability.
7.10.

Retribution Paladin

Patch 10.2 update: Retribution Paladin received minor changes going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece enables Expurgation Icon Expurgation to last an additional 3 sec and deals 30% increased damage. Casting Judgment Icon Judgment or Divine Toll Icon Divine Toll on a target with Expurgation Icon Expurgation causes Wrathful Sanction, damaging the main target and 4 additional nearby enemies with Holy damage. In addition, the 4-piece effect will cause Wrathful Sanction to buff you with Echoes of Wrath, causing your next Templar's Verdict Icon Templar's Verdict or Divine Storm Icon Divine Storm to deal damage a second time at 25% effectiveness. This effect does not consume Judgment Icon Judgment.

Retribution Paladin's competitive damage profile, combined with amazing Raid-wide utility, makes them a great all-around melee choice for the upcoming Amirdrassil raid tier. In addition, they have numerous tools to support your raid (Blessing of Protection Icon Blessing of Protection, Blessing of Freedom Icon Blessing of Freedom, Blessing of Sacrifice Icon Blessing of Sacrifice, Lay on Hands Icon Lay on Hands) immunity (Divine Shield Icon Divine Shield), great defensives, and a raid-wide buff (Retribution Aura Icon Retribution Aura). With a slightly higher damage profile, they will be a serious contender on our rankings.

7.10.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Devotion Aura Icon Devotion Aura -
Core Retribution Aura Icon Retribution Aura In case you already have Devotion Aura Icon Devotion Aura from another Paladin, you can choose the Retribution Aura Icon Retribution Aura to help your raid do more Damage and Healing.
Core Lay on Hands Icon Lay on Hands -
Optional Blessing of Sacrifice Icon Blessing of Sacrifice Helps a single member of your raid in a critical situation. Can be further improved by talenting Sacrifice of the Just Icon Sacrifice of the Just.
Optional Blessing of Protection Icon Blessing of Protection Physical immunity, which can help you with some boss encounters.
Optional Blessing of Freedom Icon Blessing of Freedom Immunity to movement impairing effects.
7.11.

Elemental Shaman

Patch 10.2 update: Elemental Shaman received minor changes changes going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece enables the Primordial Wave Icon Primordial Wave to also cast Elemental Blast Icon Elemental Blast at the target at 70% effectiveness, and grants you all three Elemental Blast Icon Elemental Blast bonus effects for 10 sec. In addition, the 4p bonus allows your Lava Burst Icon Lava Burst to burn your target for 10% additional damage over 4 sec, and after consuming Primordial Wave Icon Primordial Wave, your next 2 casts of Lava Burst Icon Lava Burst to also hit up to 3 additional targets affected by your Flame Shock Icon Flame Shock for 65% of normal damage.

Elemental Shaman is known for its great single-target damage while still being able to handle cleave and AoE attacks. This makes it a great choice for encounters with varying damage profiles. However, compared to other classes, such as Mage and Warlock, Elemental Shaman lacks the raid utility and durability to compete. One area where they excel is in their ability to deal damage while moving (depending on your build), making them great against heavy movement boss encounters. Overall, while Elemental Shamans may not have the highest DPS ranking, their strength lies in their versatility and mobility.

7.11.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Optional Wind Rush Totem Icon Wind Rush Totem -
Optional Ancestral Guidance Icon Ancestral Guidance -
7.12.

Affliction Warlock

Patch 10.2 update: Affliction Warlock went through some changes going forward to the next tier - Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece bonus will increase the damage of Soul Rot Icon Soul Rot by 15% and its duration by 4 sec. In addition, the 4p effect will enable Soul Rot Icon Soul Rot to grant 3 Umbrafire Kindling, which increases the damage of your next Malefic Rapture Icon Malefic Rapture by 50% or your next Seed of Corruption Icon Seed of Corruption by 60%. Umbrafire Kindling causes Malefic Rapture Icon Malefic Rapture to extend the duration of your next damage-over-time-effects and Haunt Icon Haunt by 2 sec. The spec is performing well on some of the encounters with single-target and cleave needs. Their recent rework on the damage pattern will allow faster ramp-up and higher damage, closing the gap between the spec and the rest of the damage specializations. At last, the tier-set makes your single-target a lot better compared to last season, which is also great when approaching raid environment.

It is common for every raid to require at least one Warlock due to their beneficial class utility. Affliction offers a play style that's based on damage over time and is pretty good at handling movement, as well as offering great single-target with right talents. Cleaving and doing damage to spread targets is also a valuable asset, so keep that in mind!

7.12.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Create Healthstone Icon Create Healthstone
Core Soulstone Icon Soulstone
Core Demonic Gateway Icon Demonic Gateway
Core Curse of Tongues Icon Curse of Tongues Useful against caster targets. It can be further bolstered by Amplify Curse Icon Amplify Curse talent.
Core Curse of Weakness Icon Curse of Weakness Useful against physical damage dealers. It can be further bolstered by Amplify Curse Icon Amplify Curse talent.
Core Demon Summoning Summon Imp Icon Summon Imp can help you with Singe Magic Icon Singe Magic dispel while Summon Felhunter Icon Summon Felhunter can be useful with an extra interrupt - Spell Lock Icon Spell Lock.
Optional Banish Icon Banish Useful on some boss encounters for an extra crowd-control effect.
8.

C-Tier

8.1.

Shadow Priest

Patch 10.2 update: Shadow Priest received a complete rework (once again) going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand-new tier set along with it. The 2-piece enables Shadow Word: Death Icon Shadow Word: Death to trigger 2 additional times at 15% effectiveness. Triggers again 1 additional time at 20% effectiveness if Deathspeaker Icon Deathspeaker is active or your target is below 20% health. In addition, the 4-piece bonus will trigger each time you take damage from Shadow Word: Death Icon Shadow Word: Death, gain a stack of Death's Torment, increasing the initial damage of your next cast of Shadow Word: Pain Icon Shadow Word: Pain by 225% or increasing the damage of your next Shadow Crash Icon Shadow Crash by 50%, stacking up to 12 times.

After the several rounds of nerfs, Shadow Priests damage profile took a massive hit, although they still have good execute damage, their overall damage profile diminished. They still have one of the strongest external damage cooldown - Power Infusion Icon Power Infusion, which can benefit both them and the chosen target thanks to the Twins of the Sun Priestess Icon Twins of the Sun Priestess talent. This significantly increases the damage dealt to the target and makes Shadow Priests a more attractive option. Additionally, Shadow Priests have the ability to off-heal with Vampiric Embrace Icon Vampiric Embrace, which can be a lifesaver in critical situations during raids. Lastly, the defensive cooldown, Dispersion Icon Dispersion, can be used instead of an "immunity" soak when necessary. Overall , we were quite happy with the initial rework of the specialization, but after several rounds of nerfs, they are now back to a "poor" performance rather than the "overpowered" label they have had for a while during the PTR testing.

8.1.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Power Infusion Icon Power Infusion You must always have Twins of the Sun Priestess Icon Twins of the Sun Priestess talented.
Core Power Word: Fortitude Icon Power Word: Fortitude A raid-wide 5% Stamina buff.
Core Mass Dispel Icon Mass Dispel Incredible useful where Mass Dispelling is needed.
Optional Vampiric Embrace Icon Vampiric Embrace Extra off-healing.
Optional Leap of Faith Icon Leap of Faith Helps with repositioning.
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8.2.

Marksmanship Hunter

Patch 10.2 update: Marksmanship Hunter received minor changes going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece bonus enables Rapid Fire Icon Rapid Fire to deal 20% additional damage. Trick Shots Icon Trick Shots causes Rapid Fire Icon Rapid Fire to launch a Volley Icon Volley for 6 sec, dealing 100% of normal damage. In addition, the 4-p grants for every 10 focus you spend to have a 3% chance to reset the cooldown of Rapid Fire Icon Rapid Fire and cause your next Rapid Fire Icon Rapid Fire to shoot 100% additional shots during its channel.

Marksmanship Hunters excel in cleaving 3-5 targets and have great burst AoE / single-target capabilities. In addition to their 2-minutes strong burst coming from Trueshot Icon Trueshot, their new tier-set will help them with the 2-target damage profile (previously a major issue). The newly introduced Raid utility - Hunter's Mark Icon Hunter's Mark might also look appealing to your guild to consider bringing a Hunter in their raid further to bolster the damage profile of the whole squad. Overall, Marksmanship Hunter will be a decent pickup for the upcoming Amirdrassil raid, with one of the main reasons not seeing them as often is due to how dominant Beast Mastery Hunter currently is, leaving you with no other choice than that. In addition, the spec still struggles with their defensives, but could be used in niche situations where burst is needed to push phases.

8.2.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Hunter's Mark Icon Hunter's Mark Increases all damage dealt to targets above 80% health by 5%.
8.3.

Destruction Warlock

Patch 10.2 update: Destruction Warlock received minor changes going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece bonus will increase the damage of Bolts coming from Dimensional Rift Icon Dimensional Rifts by 25% of damage dealt to nearby enemies. Immolate Icon Immolate periodic damage has a chance to grant a charge of Dimensional Rift Icon Dimensional Rift. In addition, the 4-piece effect will enable Dimensional Rift Icon Dimensional Rift to summon a powerful Flame Rift which blasts 20 Searing Bolts that deal instant and damage-over-time Fire damage.

Destruction Warlocks are known for their decent damage output against a single target, as well as their ability to cleave two targets at once thanks to the powerful spell Havoc Icon Havoc. Additionally, their bursts are strengthened by the use of Summon Infernal Icon Summon Infernal, have a good defensive profile, and, as every Warlock spec, provide valuable Raid utility. However, this time around, the specialization is suffering from lack of output and is currently one of the lowest-performing DPS specs in Amirdrassil.

8.3.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Create Healthstone Icon Create Healthstone
Core Soulstone Icon Soulstone
Core Demonic Gateway Icon Demonic Gateway
Core Curse of Tongues Icon Curse of Tongues Useful against caster targets. It can be further bolstered by Amplify Curse Icon Amplify Curse talent.
Core Curse of Weakness Icon Curse of Weakness Useful against physical damage dealers. It can be further bolstered by Amplify Curse Icon Amplify Curse talent.
Core Demon Summoning Summon Imp Icon Summon Imp can help you with Singe Magic Icon Singe Magic dispel while Summon Felhunter Icon Summon Felhunter can be useful with an extra interrupt - Spell Lock Icon Spell Lock.
Optional Banish Icon Banish Useful on some boss encounters for an extra crowd-control effect.
9.

D-Tier

9.1.

Windwalker Monk

Patch 10.2 update: Windwalker Monk received minor changes going forward to the next Raid tier in Amirdrassil, as well as a brand new tier set along with it. The 2-piece enables free Spinning Crane Kick Icon Spinning Crane Kicks to grant Blackout Reinforcement, increasing the damage of your next Blackout Kick Icon Blackout Kick by 150%. Melee abilities can grant Blackout Reinforcement. In addition, the 4-p effect allows for Blackout Reinforcement to empower Blackout Kick Icon Blackout Kick reducing the cooldown of Fists of Fury Icon Fists of Fury, Rising Sun Kick Icon Rising Sun Kick, Strike of the Windlord Icon Strike of the Windlord and Whirling Dragon Punch Icon Whirling Dragon Punch by 3 sec. Damage of Fists of Fury Icon Fists of Fury, Rising Sun Kick Icon Rising Sun Kick, Strike of the Windlord Icon Strike of the Windlord, and Whirling Dragon Punch Icon Whirling Dragon Punch increased by 4%.

Windwalker Monks have exceptional burst AoE but really poor single-target damage. The main reason to bring a Windwalker would be for Mystic Touch Icon Mystic Touch, in which you are not the favorite as Mistweaver Monk Brewmaster Monk are much more likely to be picked up based on the latest tuning. Additionally, Monks can talent into two incredibly useful buffs with Generous Pour Icon Generous Pour and Close to Heart Icon Close to Heart, which could be critically important on high-damage Mythic encounters where you are stacked with the raid group, and be an additional reason to consider having one within your raid composition. Overall, the spec will have trouble staying competitive in the upcoming Amirdrassil raid tier and are in dire need of further buffs.

9.1.1.

Raid utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Mystic Touch Icon Mystic Touch 5% extra Physical damage for your raid.
Core Generous Pour Icon Generous Pour Extra damage reduction against area-of-effect damage.
Core Close to Heart Icon Close to Heart Increased healing from all sources for all allies within 10 yards.
Optional Tiger's Lust Icon Tiger's Lust Removes all roots and snares.
10.

Changelog

  • 25 Nov. 2023: Further class adjustments.
  • 12 Nov. 2023: Further Adjustments based on the most recent class hotfix.
  • 05 Nov. 2023: Reviewed and Updated for 10.2. Patch.
  • 04 Sep. 2023: Reviewed and Updated for 10.1.7 Patch.
  • 22 Aug. 2023: Further Adjustments based on the most recent class hotfix.
  • 09 Aug. 2023: Further changes based on the most recent class hotfixes.
  • 25 Jul. 2023: Interface overhaul and update with the most recent class changes.
  • 11 Jul. 2023: Added Augmentation Evoker.
  • 05 Jul. 2023: Updated for patch 10.1.5.
  • 07 May 2023: Updated for Season 2 of Dragonflight.
  • 06 Feb. 2023: Updated for patch 10.0.5.
  • 22 Nov. 2022: Updated for Season 1 of Dragonflight.
  • 18 Aug. 2022: Updated for Season 4.
  • 23 Jun. 2022: Check-in since last update.
  • 25 Apr. 2022: Updated after first few weeks of Mythic.
  • 18 Feb. 2022: Updated for patch 9.2.
  • 06 Nov. 2021: Updated for patch 9.1.5.
  • 04 Aug. 2021: Updated for first couple of Mythic weeks.
  • 13 Jul. 2021: Updated after Heroic week.
  • 24 Jun. 2021: Page added.
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