Dragonflight DPS Rankings: Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope Raiding Tier List (Patch 10.2.5)
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.
About the Tier List
Patch 10.2.5 unlike any other minor patch, has limited amount of class changes so far. 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 10.2.5 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.
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.
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.
- Subtlety Rogue (S-Tier)
- Fire Mage (S-Tier)
- Unholy Death Knight (S-Tier)
- Augmentation Evoker (A+-Tier)
- Feral Druid (A+Tier)
- Arms Warrior (A+Tier)
- Retribution Paladin (A+Tier)
- Assassination Rogue (A-Tier)
- Balance Druid (A-Tier)
- Arcane Mage (A-Tier)
- Enhancement Shaman (A-Tier)
- Destruction Warlock (A-Tier)
- Shadow Priest (B+Tier)
- Fury Warrior (B+Tier)
- Outlaw Rogue (B+Tier)
- Frost Death Knight (B+Tier)
- Havoc Demon Hunter (B-Tier)
- Demonology Warlock (B-Tier)
- Elemental Shaman (B-Tier)
- Beast Mastery Hunter (B-Tier)
- Frost Mage (B-Tier)
- Devastation Evoker (B-Tier)
- Windwalker Monk (C-Tier)
- Survival Hunter (C-Tier)
- Affliction Warlock (C-Tier)
- Marksmanship Hunter (C-Tier)
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.
Full DPS Class and Specialization Rankings
S-Tier
Subtlety Rogue
Patch 10.2.5: Subtlety Rogue received a 6% nerf to Eviscerate in the most recent class hotfix post. The nerf is rather small hence why it would not place the spec down on our tierlist. Subtlety Rogues have excellent single-target damage, in fact one of the highest currently. On top of this 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.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Atrophic Poison | - |
Fire Mage
Patch 10.2.5 update: Fire Mage received no changes going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. 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 or damage in demand.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Arcane Intellect | 5% extra Intellect to the whole raid/party. |
Core | Time Warp | Alternative of Bloodlust. |
Optional | Mass Barrier / Mass Invisibility | Gives a shield that absorbs damage or mass invisibility to the entire party. |
Unholy Death Knight
Patch 10.2.5 update: Unholy Death Knight received a flat 4% buff to its damage profile (that also includes pet abilities), going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. 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 is not utilized, outside of Anti-Magic Zone they have nothing to offer to your raid.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Anti-Magic Zone | Provides extra durability against heavy magical damage. |
Core | Death Grip | Repositions an enemy of your choice. |
Core | Raise Ally | Combat-resurrection. |
Optional | Abomination Limb | Every 1 sec an enemy is pulled close to you. |
Optional | Insidious Chill | Reduces auto-attack speed of your target by 5% stacking up 4 times. |
A+Tier
Augmentation Evoker
Patch 10.2.5 update: Augmentation Evoker received no changes going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. 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 and 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.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Blessing of the Bronze | - |
Core | Ebon Might | - |
Core | Chrono Ward | Extra Shielding effect triggered after Breath of Eons cast. |
Core | Prescience | Can be further bolstered by the Fate Mirror talent. |
Optional | Blistering Scales | - |
Optional | Spatial Paradox | - |
Optional | Source of Magic | Can be further bolstered by Potent Mana |
Optional | Zephyr | - |
Optional | Cauterizing Flame | Bleed removal |
Optional | Rescue | You can further bolster it with Twin Guardian talent for extra durability. |
Feral Druid
Patch 10.2.5 update: Feral Druid received quite a few positive changes like Rip, Rake, Primal Wrath buffs and many more, going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. Feral Druid possesses all the typical utility of a Druid, including the ability to provide 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.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Mark of the Wild | Increasing the Versatility of your raid/party by 3%. |
Optional | Innervate | Allowing 1 friendly healer to cast spells without spending mana for 8 sec. |
Optional | Stampeding Roar | Increasing the movement speed to all raid members by 60% for 8 sec. |
Optional | Nature's Vigil | Extra off-healing. |
Arms Warrior
Patch 10.2.5 update: Arms Warrior received some damage adjustments on behalf of their tierset, as well as some of their core spells - Deep Wounds, Dreadnaught and Cleave, going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier, and Patch 10.2.5 patch.
Arms Warriors are great on 2-target cleave due to Sweeping Strikes and then in execute phase due to their 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, making it a great pick-up for raiding. Currently, their raw single-target is lacking to be put anywhere higher on the tier list, but if that gets adjusted, they will.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Rallying Cry | Temporary increasing the health of your raid/party. |
Core | Battle Shout | Extra 5% attack power. |
Optional | Spell Reflection | Usable in a niche situations. |
Retribution Paladin
Patch 10.2.5 update: Retribution Paladin received massive buffs to Wake of Ashes, Truth's Wake, Seething Flames, Blade of Justice and Final Verdict, which will greately improve their damage profile and specifically the single-target department, going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. Retribution Paladin's competitive damage profile, combined with amazing Raid-wide utility, makes them a great all-around melee choice for the Amirdrassil raid tier. In addition, they have numerous tools to support your raid ( Blessing of Protection, Blessing of Freedom, Blessing of Sacrifice, Lay on Hands) immunity ( Divine Shield), great defensives, and a raid-wide buff ( Retribution Aura). Overall, a solid melee options for the remaining of the raid tier.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Devotion Aura | - |
Core | Retribution Aura | In case you already have Devotion Aura from another Paladin, you can choose the Retribution Aura to help your raid do more Damage and Healing. |
Core | Lay on Hands | - |
Optional | Blessing of Sacrifice | Helps a single member of your raid in a critical situation. Can be further improved by talenting Sacrifice of the Just. |
Optional | Blessing of Protection | Physical immunity, which can help you with some boss encounters. |
Optional | Blessing of Freedom | Immunity to movement impairing effects. |
A-Tier
Assassination Rogue
Patch 10.2.5: Assassination Rogue received no changes going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. 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 Raid utility. However, the main strength of Assassination Rogues lies in their ability to deal with exceptional single-target damage. Although recently they received a nerf, they will continue to be a powerhouse in a raid environment.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Atrophic Poison | - |
Balance Druid
Patch 10.2.5 update: Balance Druid received no changes going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. 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, 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 raid-wide buff is a must in every raid, making it more appealing to pick them up.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Mark of the Wild | Increasing the Versatility of your raid/party by 3%. |
Optional | Innervate | Allowing 1 friendly healer to cast spells without spending mana for 8 sec. |
Optional | Stampeding Roar | Increasing the movement speed to all raid members by 60% for 8 sec. |
Optional | Nature's Vigil | Extra off-healing. |
Arcane Mage
Patch 10.2.5 update: Arcane Mage received no changes going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch.
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 / 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.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Arcane Intellect | 5% extra Intellect to the whole raid/party. |
Core | Time Warp | Alternative of Bloodlust. |
Optional | Mass Barrier / Mass Invisibility | Gives a shield that absorbs damage or mass invisibility to the entire party. |
Enhancement Shaman
Patch 10.2.5 update: Enhancement Shaman received no changes going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. Enhancement Shaman is a powerful DPS class that excels in both single target and cleave damage. However, when the 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!
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Windfury Totem | Exceptionally strong for melee damage dealers. |
Core | Bloodlust | - |
Optional | Wind Rush Totem | - |
Optional | Ancestral Guidance | - |
Destruction Warlock
Patch 10.2.5 update: Destruction Warlock received no changes going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch.
Destruction Warlocks are known for their great damage output against a single target, as well as their ability to incredible two target cleave thanks to the powerful spell Havoc. Additionally, their bursts are strengthened by the use of Summon Infernal, have a good defensive profile, and, as every Warlock spec, provide valuable Raid utility.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Create Healthstone | |
Core | Soulstone | |
Core | Demonic Gateway | |
Core | Curse of Tongues | Useful against caster targets. It can be further bolstered by Amplify Curse talent. |
Core | Curse of Weakness | Useful against physical damage dealers. It can be further bolstered by Amplify Curse talent. |
Core | Demon Summoning | Summon Imp can help you with Singe Magic dispel while Summon Felhunter can be useful with an extra interrupt - Spell Lock. |
Optional | Banish | Useful on some boss encounters for an extra crowd-control effect. |
B+Tier
Shadow Priest
Patch 10.2.5 update: Shadow Priest received huge buffs to their core damaging spells, as well as Psychic Link, going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. Shadow Priests have one of the strongest external damage cooldown - Power Infusion, which can benefit both them and the chosen target thanks to the 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 can off-heal with Vampiric Embrace, which can be a lifesaver in critical situations during raids. Lastly, the defensive cooldown, Dispersion, can be used instead of an "immunity" soak when necessary. Overall, after the most recent damage buffs, we believe the specialization is in a competitive shape to be considered as one of the better Ranged options for the remaining of the raiding tier.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Power Infusion | You must always have Twins of the Sun Priestess talented. |
Core | Power Word: Fortitude | A raid-wide 5% Stamina buff. |
Core | Mass Dispel | Incredible useful where Mass Dispelling is needed. |
Optional | Vampiric Embrace | Extra off-healing. |
Optional | Leap of Faith | Helps with repositioning. |
Fury Warrior
Patch 10.2.5 update: Fury Warrior received no changes going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. Fury Warriors are highly effective when it comes to sustained cleave on low targets and executing due to their powerful ability - Execute. They will also benefit from the newly introduced 2H Legendary Axe, which will increase their overall DPS profile. On top of this, they still possess one of the strongest non-healer raid cooldowns - Rallying Cry. It's worth noting that every raid requires you to have at least 1 Warrior due to Battle Shout being a mandatory raid buff, you always stand a chance to be picked up even if your overall performance is not there.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Rallying Cry | Temporary increasing the health of your raid/party. |
Core | Battle Shout | Extra 5% attack power. |
Optional | Spell Reflection | Usable in a niche situations. |
Outlaw Rogue
Patch 10.2.5: Outlaw Rogue received no changes going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. Outlaw Rogues are capable of dealing exceptional cleave and AoE damage thanks to 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 debuff. The great defensive profile paired with amazing single-target of Outlaw Rogue make them one of the better melee choices out there!
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Atrophic Poison | - |
Frost Death Knight
Patch 10.2.5 update: Frost Death Knight received a flat 4% buff to its damage profile going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. 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 ability can be utilized (not many of them). Overall, with great defensive capabilities, a Raid "utility" ( Anti-Magic Zone) and a good damage profile, Frost Death Knight, is going remain a solid pickup for a melee slot in the Amirdrassil raid tier.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Anti-Magic Zone | Provides extra durability against heavy magical damage. |
Core | Death Grip | Repositions an enemy of your choice. |
Core | Raise Ally | Combat-resurrection. |
Optional | Abomination Limb | Every 1 sec an enemy is pulled close to you. |
Optional | Insidious Chill | Reduces auto-attack speed of your target by 5% stacking up 4 times. |
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.
Havoc Demon Hunter
Patch 10.2.5 update: Havoc Demon Hunter received no changes going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. 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 ability, which can serve as a valuable raid cooldown.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Chaos Brand | 5% extra Magical damage |
Core | Darkness | % chance to avoid all damage from an attack. |
Demonology Warlock
Patch 10.2.5 update:. received no changes going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. Demonology Warlock will continue to be one of the best raid options in the second half of the Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier. Their competitive single-target damage paired with the irreplaceable raid-wide utility makes them a must-pick within every raid composition.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Create Healthstone | |
Core | Soulstone | |
Core | Demonic Gateway | |
Core | Curse of Tongues | Useful against caster targets. It can be further bolstered by Amplify Curse talent. |
Core | Curse of Weakness | Useful against physical damage dealers. It can be further bolstered by Amplify Curse talent. |
Optional | Banish | Useful on some boss encounters for an extra crowd-control effect. |
Elemental Shaman
Patch 10.2.5 update: Elemental Shaman received a flat 3% damage buff with the most recent class hotfixes. 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.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Optional | Wind Rush Totem | - |
Optional | Ancestral Guidance | - |
Beast Mastery Hunter
Patch 10.2.5 update: Beast Mastery Hunter received no changes going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. 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, 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.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Hunter's Mark | Increases all damage dealt to targets above 80% health by 5%. |
Frost Mage
Patch 10.2.5 update: Frost Mage received some single-target buffs to some of their core spells ( Flurry, Frostbolt, Ice Lance) with the most recent class hotfixes. Although this is a step in the right direction, their single-target is still behind compared to the most of the ranged options in this raid.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Arcane Intellect | 5% extra Intellect to the whole raid/party. |
Core | Time Warp | Alternative of Bloodlust. |
Optional | Mass Barrier | Gives a shield that absorbs damage to the entire party. |
Devastation Evoker
Patch 10.2 update: Devastation Evoker received no changes going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. 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 | - |
Optional | Source of Magic | Can be further bolstered by Potent Mana |
Optional | Zephyr | - |
Optional | Cauterizing Flame | Bleed removal |
Optional | Rescue | You can further bolster it with Twin Guardian talent for extra durability. |
C-Tier
Windwalker Monk
Patch 10.2.5 update: Windwalker Monk received no changes going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. Although the Windwalker Monks did not receive anything new with the upcoming patch, it was previously buffed on several occasional, significantly improving their single-target and AoE damage capabilities. The main reason for bringing a Windwalker would be for Mystic Touch, in which you are not the favourite 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 and 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 they are in better shape than before, but it requires a lot more effort from them to reach towards the top of the ladder.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Mystic Touch | 5% extra Physical damage for your raid. |
Core | Generous Pour | Extra damage reduction against area-of-effect damage. |
Core | Close to Heart | Increased healing from all sources for all allies within 10 yards. |
Optional | Tiger's Lust | Removes all roots and snares. |
Survival Hunter
Patch 10.2.5 update: Survival Hunter received yet another flat buff to all damage dealt by them and their pets, this time by 3%. The performance of Survival Hunters has been steadily improving since the start of the raid tier, but it yet remain far weaker than its sibling specializations, hence why the lack of popularity. To top it off, Hunter recently received a raid-wide buff - 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.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Hunter's Mark | Increases all damage dealt to targets above 80% health by 5%. |
Affliction Warlock
Patch 10.2.5 update: Affliction Warlock received no changes going forward to the second half Amirdrassil, the Dream's Hope tier and Patch 10.2.5 patch. The spec is performing well on some of the encounters with single-target and cleave needs. Their recent rework (pre-season) 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!
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Create Healthstone | |
Core | Soulstone | |
Core | Demonic Gateway | |
Core | Curse of Tongues | Useful against caster targets. It can be further bolstered by Amplify Curse talent. |
Core | Curse of Weakness | Useful against physical damage dealers. It can be further bolstered by Amplify Curse talent. |
Core | Demon Summoning | Summon Imp can help you with Singe Magic dispel while Summon Felhunter can be useful with an extra interrupt - Spell Lock. |
Optional | Banish | Useful on some boss encounters for an extra crowd-control effect. |
Marksmanship Hunter
Patch 10.2.5 update: Marksmanship Hunter received a flat 3% buff to all of your damage abilities, with the most recent class hotfix changes.. 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, 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 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 second half of the 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.
Raid Utility
Functionality | Spells | Notes |
---|---|---|
Core | Hunter's Mark | Increases all damage dealt to targets above 80% health by 5%. |
Changelog
- 12 Mar. 2024: Further Adjustments based on the most recent class hotfixes.
- 28 Jan. 2024: Further Adjustments based on the most recent class hotfix.
- 15 Jan. 2024: Reviewed and updated for 10.2.5 Patch.
- 18 Dec. 2023: Further Adjustments based on the most recent class hotfix.
- 04 Dec. 2023: Further Adjustments based on the most recent class hotfix.
- 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.
This guide has been written by Petko, one of the top M+ players of all time. He has accomplished several Europe and World #1 Team and Solo Seasonal rankings with multiple specialization and classes throughout the seasons. Moreover, he competes in MDI and streams his runs live on Twitch and and share his personal opinion on YouTube and Twitter.
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