The War Within DPS Rankings: Manaforge Omega Raiding Tier List (Patch 11.2 / Season 3)

Demonology Warlock is entering Season 3 as arguably the highest simming single-target DPS so far, which is their primary factor for the S-tier placement. You will always need at least 1 warlock in your raid comp by default (because of their utility), but in Ghosts of K'areshi, we won't be surprised if we see multiple of them give their raw power. In addition, Warlocks are one of the most durable Ranged specs, which is always an asset for progression boss kills.

Frost Death Knight's biggest strength comes from their ability to deal one of the best burst single target damage while simultaneously cleaving multiple targets at once, thus excelling best in situations where more targets are present. There are a few specific fights where the Frost Death Knight 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 one of the best consistent damage profile, Frost Death Knight is a arguably the best melee DPS choice for Ghost of K'aresh raid tier.

Elemental Shaman received a handful of positive changes leading up to the new raiding tier in Season 3. Their raw single-target is one of the best, and for the very first time in a long time the go-to DPS Shaman spec in raid. Fights with extreme movement might disrupt your rotation for your output, but overall, including all of the raid-utilities they provide and the damage they deal, we consider them one of the best Ranged options so far in the raiding tier.

Frost Mage enjoyed several rounds of spec changes, which will result in an improvement in their single-target damage output. Priority-target damage while doing AoE (cleaving on top of the boss, or in other words, stacked cleave) will be a massive asset for boss fights that require such. Their pure single-target target is among the best, hence why their rankings. Mage durability is also one of their strongest assets, which adds value to any raid looking to bolster their rankings with an extra Ranged option.

Fury Warrior received some healthy buffs leading up to the Patch 11.2 and the new raiding tier. They will retain their burst-orientated gameplay, which holds immense value for any fights looking to add extra cleave on top of the already heavy single-target checks. They are quite durable and a bearer of Battle Shout, which is a valuable raid buff. We believe that Fury Warrior will still remain a great choice with a strong 5-target cleave in case add damage is present in the fight.

Destruction Warlock will retain their strong 2-minute burst windows, which is great for pockets of time wherea  high amount of damage is in need. Their ability to deal an incredible two-target cleave damage thanks to Havoc will also remain valid. Warlock utility is always a must in a raid composition, hence why we firmly believe your value is far too strong to be discounted even if they are not among the best current DPS options. In addition to all of that, their pure single-target is also ne of the highest, making it incredible choice for any raid composition.

Unholy Death Knight did receive their fair share of changes leading to the next raiding tier. Their sustained single target is great, but their true strength lies within their burst capabilities (AoE and ST). In addition, they are durable melee DPS option and have useful raid-wide utility tools ( Anti-Magic Zone / Death Grip). Overall we believe the spec powers are immense and likely to be amazing melee options at the start of the raiding tier.

Arcane Mage received their fair share of changes leading to the Ghosts of K'aresh raiding tier. They will retain their burst-orientated damage profile, which can be extremely valuable if there is a burn phase present or damage-on-demand is needed. 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 the go-to spec.

Shadow Priest received yet another rework leading up to the new Ghost of K'aresh raid. By itself, Shadow Priest single-target damage output is great, but the ability to focus on their primary target and effortlessly cleave multiple targets, even if they are not close to each other is why we believe they are among the top-ranged DPS specs so far. The output of Shadow Priest is the driving factor of their placement on the rankings. Additionally, they 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.

Devastation Evoker are going to continue to have a great single-target damage, both burst-orientated and sustained throughout the new raiding season. They excel in handling movement effortlessly, which enables them to execute their rotation without any issues while on the move. 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. Overall, we believe they will be a great ranged option at the start of Season 3 in Ghosts of K'aresh.

Affliction Warlock did receive a handful of positive changes leading up to the Ghost of K'aresh raiding tier. Their single-target has improved in comparison to the last tier, as well as their priority-target & funnel damage, which can be incredibly useful in some of the spread-cleave fights. They will have even better on-demand burst damage, which always holds immense value in progression-oriented boss kills. With this in mind, we believe there are going to be specific boss fights where Affliction Warlock can shine!

Augmentation Evoker has barely seen the any changes apart from a minor flat % damage inrease leading to the Liberation of Undermine(d) raiding tier. They will retain their 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 some of their damage. Having at least one Augmentation Evoker in your raid composition can be very advantageous in some of the fights where "hyper-carry" DPS is in need.

Survival Hunter received a notable amount of changes leading into Patch 11.2, which will improve their single-target damage output. Their sustain single-target and will remain good, on top of having an option to actively cleave targets surrounding the main one thanks ot Wildfire Bomb. They are versatile enough to be capable of doing well in any encounter, regardless of the target count.

Feral Druid possesses all the typical utility of a Druid, including the ability to provide Innervate and Mark of the Wild. In addition, their single-target appears to be in a much better shape compared to the previous season. On top of this, they have a good cleave potential while focusing on priority-target damage, which will be a key factor in the upcoming new tier. Keep in mind that due to the limited melee slots in the raid, if you already have Mark of the Wild, your value will significantly drop.

The main reason for bringing a Windwalker Monk is entering Season 2 in a much better state compared to how they performed throughout the last raiding tier. Their single target is now exceptional, which will ultimately make them a lot more attractive melee option for the raid. They will retain their strong burst (both ST and AoE) and the Mystic Touch unique Monk buff. At last, they have multiple defensive options, which has proven times again that is great against progress boss fights.

Beast Mastery Hunter stands out as it is one of the few Ranged DPS options capable of performing their entire rotation while moving and not losing DPS. This makes them a valuable asset for any mechanics or tasks required during a fight. In addition, their single target, especially sustained, is great, which is the driving factor for choosing its rankings. However, one of the main disadvantages of having Beast Mastery Hunter is that they suffer from a lack of spread cleaving (when mobs are far away from each other), which can diminish their performance for some of the raid bosses.

Marksmanship Hunter has gotten a "semi-rework" leading to the next raiding tier. Their burst single-target is a niche they specialize in , which can be utilized in a several of the raid fights. Their 2-target has improved compared to the last tier (thanks to Aspect of the Hydra talent), which was previously their biggest weakness. However, the overall output is not enough to get them to the highest ranked tiers and only future buffs will do so.

Fire Mage has received significant changes that will ultimately make their performance worse than it was in the last season. The spec still posses on-demand burst damage profile, which can significant value for vital DPS checks and being relatively mobile compared to the rest of the Ranged DPS choices out there (although Arcane Mage is better on those situations). They are one of the most durable raid specializations. At last, Fire Mages are known for their incredible toolkit and are traditionally useful for progression or damage in demand.

Assassination Rogue receive mostly positive changes going forward to the next raiding tier. Although their AoE and funnel damage are among the best in a 5-man party, things are quite different when it comes down to raiding. Yes, their single target will remain problematic, although they still can have immense value when execute damage phases are needed (progression fights).

Havoc Demon Hunter 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, especially when funnel-damage is enabled. One of their greatest strengths lies in their ability to deal priority-target damage, which can be utilized in a few niche fights this tier.

Subtlety Rogue received their fair share of changes going to the Ghost of K'aresh tier. Their sustained single target is considered "mid", but still has a strong upfront burst potential, which can be useful in some of the boss fights. In addition, Subtlety Rogue is known to have good priority-target damage, so anytime an opportunity arises they can be useful too to any raid composition. Their durability has never been an issue, as well as their utility (just like every Rogue spec so far).

Outlaw Rogue are capable of dealing great cleave and AoE damage, while doing good single-target, thanks to Blade Flurry. Their single-target is currently ranked as "mid" hence their placement. Outlaw rogues are also one of the specs with the most consistent damage profiles, for a price of a lack of burst damage, which can be a double-edged sword. Don't forget that Rogue has a solid set of defensive abilities, as well as the ability to apply Atrophic Poison debuff, which is a great raid utility for any purpose of the raid (reclear or progress).

Retribution Paladin is one of the few specs that received minor changes leading into Patch 11.2. Unfortunately, their single-target performance is considered "mid", which is the main factor for their rankings. On top of this, in fights where cleaving is important, they don't have the consistent priority-target damage, nor the funnel to compete against other melee specs for a raid spot.

Arms Warrior received healthy buffs leading to the next raiding tier in Season 3. Unfortunately, despite all of that, their raw damage output is at most mediocre and is mostly overshadowed by its sibling spec - Fury Warrior. They will retain their execute damage (which has always been their niche), making them a good candidate to progress dangerous bosses that require more output in later phases.

Enhancement Shaman's performance is unfortunately quite dreadful as the spec is entering the new raiding tier as one of the lowest rated DPS specs purely from a DPS point of view. They have been getting several nerfs in a row, which has led them to their rankings. Further tuning must be implemented, or Enhancement Shamans might be in trouble this raiding tier.

Balance Druid received a massive amount of changes leading up to the next raiding tier. Balance Druid, has one of the lowest single-target output, but their AoE is still great, making you a valuable asset in the raid when spread cleave AoE is needed (thanks to Starfall). 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. If they remain in the current iteration, I am afraid Balance might have a hard time competing in the raid.