Mythic+ DPS Rankings: A Tier List for Dragonflight (Patch 10.2. / Season 3)

Last updated Yesterday at 10:59 by Petko 177 comments

From the weakest to the strongest specialization, each provide unique character distinction and add value toward shaping the seasonal "meta" of Mythic+. The DPS specialization rankings provided for Dragonflight's third Season of Mythic+ are based on pure DPS strength and group-added-value such as utility, survivability, mobility, and self-sustain.

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

1.

About the Tier List

This tier list is NOT FINAL; it will change and will be updated as often as necessary prior and during Mythic+. There are often moments of tier set and class tuning, as well as talent changes and secondary stat scaling that will impact the placement of the specs.

I am Petko, a competitive Mythic+ player, known to be pushing the boundaries of High Mythic+ with several World first and Europe first rankings among past seasons on multiple classes. I have worked hard on preparing for Season 3 of Dragonflight, spending numerous hours per day examining each and every class and spec in a dungeon environment. This Tier list will continue to be updated as much as it requires over the course of Dragonflight and it will also focus on what the "meta" will look like as it stabilizes. Along the way, this Tier list will also be supported by various professional Mythic+ players with high credibility in the community, theorycrafters across all specializations, and my own empirical evidence.

To begin with, this Tier list will exclusively focus on the third Season of Mythic+ in Dragonflight. There will be no Warcraft Logs rankings added nor simulation data for the majority of the classes and specs. As a result, this Tier list will be solely based on empirical evidence of the current state of the classes' performance in Mythic+ from my own point of view and the point of view of the group of players testing those classes who are among the best representatives of the class in the community. Moreover, this Tier list will take into consideration every impactful class change and tier set tuning before and after the start of the season.

It is important to note that opinions might vary and that is completely okay, but remember to be respectful when providing feedback as the sole purpose of this tier-list is to help the WoW community with their choice of main or alt each season.

1.1.

Criteria of the Tier List

This tier list was created based on the strength of each DPS specialization during PTR testing for the upcoming Season 3 [10.2] of Mythic+. The rankings are determined by the toolkit and raw damage each class provides to Mythic+ groups. To fully understand the rankings, it's important to understand the difference between each damage profile and the significance/sync of each class's toolkit with other party members. Lastly, different dungeons require different sets of damage patterns; some require more single-target, while others require you to have much more focused AoE damage; all of this can bump some classes higher than others:

  • Damage is the most important major factor to rank the DPS classes; mass AoE, burst AoE, sustain AoE, single-target, 2-target, 3-target, and spread-cleave damage are among the types of damage profiles we examine.
  • Classes with unique party-wide buffs will always be rewarded. an example of such is Druid's Mark of the Wild Icon Mark of the Wild.
  • Classes with high survivability, self-sustain, or immunities will add an additional value to the rankings.
  • Another feature worth mentioning is the importance of priority-target damage and funnel damage, often undervalued in Mythic+, which speeds up the whole dungeon if executed correctly. Specs can earn extra "points" by having such a damage profile.
1.2.

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. Any class can timing a +20 key.
  • 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 Mythic+ group composition or disregard the meta, just that most of the time, player skill will be more important than the difference between classes
  • Remember that this tier list is based on a +20 key level as the average; some specializations gain significantly more value on the higher-end bracket compared to the lower-end bracket because of their damage profile.
  • This tier list, unlike many others, is not constant; some class's placements will go up or down depending on key level, group composition, affix combinations or dungeon differences. We will continue to update this tier list every time there is a change;
2.

DPS Tier List for Season 3 of Mythic+ in Dragonflight

Below, you can find the full rankings for DPS slots in Season 3 of Dragonflight+. We encourage you to read further and understand why some classes are placed lower or higher than expected, with several factors taken into consideration, such as having a 4-piece tier-set active at all times.

  1. Augmentation Evoker (S-Tier)
  2. Havoc Demon Hunter (S-Tier)
  3. Assassination Rogue (S-Tier)
  4. Outlaw Rogue (A+-Tier)
  5. Enhancement Shaman (A+-Tier)
  6. Balance Druid (A+-Tier)
  7. Demonology Warlock (A+-Tier)
  8. Beast Mastery Hunter (A+-Tier)
  9. Frost Mage (A+-Tier)
  10. Arcane Mage (A+-Tier)
  11. Fire Mage (A+-Tier)
  12. Subtlety Rogue (A-Tier)
  13. Retribution Paladin (A-Tier)
  14. Survival Hunter (A-Tier)
  15. Unholy Death Knight (A-Tier)
  16. Fury Warrior (B+-Tier)
  17. Arms Warrior (B+-Tier)
  18. Feral Druid (B+-Tier)
  19. Marksmanship Hunter (B+-Tier)
  20. Frost Death Knight (B-Tier)
  21. Windwalker Monk (B-Tier)
  22. Affliction Warlock (B-Tier)
  23. Devastation Evoker (B-Tier)
  24. Elemental Shaman (C-Tier)
  25. Shadow Priest (C-Tier)
  26. Destruction Warlock (D-Tier)
Data-Driven (Season 3) Mythic+ 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 Mythic+ in Dragonflight, Season 3please click the links below.

3.

Full DPS Class and Specialization Rankings

3.1.

S-tier

Below are displayed the DPS specs that have the highest potential to turn out to be a "meta" spec. Keep in mind, there are only 3 slots for a DPS in a group, so your choice will depend on your group needs, dungeon type, and Mythic+ level.

3.1.1.

Augmentation Evoker

Patch 10.2 update: Augmentation Evoker received some changes going forward to Season 3, 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.

Augmentation Evoker is expected to remain the most valuable DPS option in Mythic+ dungeons due to its incredibly powerful toolkit that cannot be replaced. It allows your team to deal more damage and enhances their survivability while making you one of the most formidable damage dealers in the game. In short, there isn't much more to say except that if the current state of affairs remains the same, this specialization will undoubtedly be among the top-tier choices in Season 3.

3.1.2.

Cons

The only drawback of the spec is that it requires your teammates to deal significant damage so you can benefit from it. Inexperienced players who cannot maximize their damage output can hold you back.

3.1.3.

Mythic+ 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 Expunge Icon Expunge Removing all PoisonPoison effects from an ally.
Core Upheaval Icon Upheaval Extra knock-up effect.
Optional Timelessness Icon Timelessness Reduces the threat to 1 friendly target.
Optional Oppressing Roar Icon Oppressing Roar Increasing the duration of all crowd-control effects on the affected enemies by 50%. You can further talent into Overawe Icon Overawe, removing 1 Enrage effect from each enemy (AoE Enrage Removal).
Optional Terror of the Skies Icon Terror of the Skies After using Breath of Eons Icon Breath of Eons, you will stun all enemies by 3 sec affected by your breath.
Core Prescience Icon Prescience Can be further bolstered by the Fate Mirror Icon Fate Mirror talent.
Core Tail Swipe Icon Tail Swipe AoE disturb effect that knocks up enemies.
Core Wing Buffet Icon Wing Buffet AoE knockback effect.
Optional Sleep Walk Icon Sleep Walk Single-target crowd-control effect that forces the enemy to move towards you.
Optional Bestow Weyrnstone Icon Bestow Weyrnstone Enables one party/raid member to teleport to your location within 100 yards.
Optional Blistering Scales Icon Blistering Scales Increases the armor and gives damage to the selected member.
Optional Spatial Paradox Icon Spatial Paradox It enables your Healer of choice to freely move while casting and increasing the range of most spells by 100% for 11 sec.
Optional Source of Magic Icon Source of Magic Can be further bolstered by Potent Mana Icon Potent Mana
Optional Zephyr Icon Zephyr Area-of-effect damage reduction (party only).
Optional Cauterizing Flame Icon Cauterizing Flame BleedBleed removal
Optional Rescue Icon Rescue You can further bolster it with Twin Guardian Icon Twin Guardian talent for extra durability.
3.1.4.

Havoc Demon Hunter

Patch 10.2 update: Havoc Demon Hunter received a rework going forward to the next season, 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.

Havoc Demon Hunter is one of the most dominant specializations in Season 3 of Mythic+ so far. The spec underwent a complete rework, significantly improving its damage output and survivability. Although it received few rounds of minor nerfs, the spec still possesses all the qualities to be part of the "S-tier" and is currently the best melee choice for Mythic+.

3.1.5.

Cons

-

3.1.6.

Mythic+ utility

3.1.7.

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.
Core Fel Eruption Icon Fel Eruption Single-target stun.
Optional Chaos Nova Icon Chaos Nova AoE stun effect.
Optional Imprison Icon Imprison Single-target out of combat crowd-control.
Optional Consume Magic Icon Consume Magic Remove 1 beneficial Magic effect.
Optional Sigil of Misery Icon Sigil of Misery AoE disturb effect.
3.1.8.

Assassination Rogue

Patch 10.2: Assassination Rogue received massive changes going forward to Season 3, 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%.

Assassination Rogue is entering Season 3 as the best version of the spec seen since the beginning of the expansion. The class now has a much better damage profile, regardless of the number of enemies being fought. This has been a significant concern for a long time, as the spec already has an excellent overall toolkit, mobility, and survivability. With the improved damage profile, they are now looking significantly better than before, and are contender as one of the best DPS specs so far.

3.1.9.

Cons

Although Assassination Rogue was recently nerfed, the changes were insignificant to place the spec any lower than S-tier. We believe that Assassination Rogues will perform a lot better on the higher-end keys compared to the lower keys, simply because the higher health targets allow you to fully utilize your whole burst. Still, we expect this spec to be one of the most dominant melee options available throughout Season 3.

3.1.10.

Mythic+ utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Iron Wire Icon Iron Wire Enables Garrote Icon Garrote to silence for 6 sec when used from Stealth Icon Stealth and enemies that are silenced by Garrote Icon Garrote deal 15% reduced damage for 8 sec.
Core Weapon Poisons Numbing Poison Icon Numbing Poison, Atrophic Poison Icon Atrophic Poison, Crippling Poison Icon Crippling Poison, Wound Poison Icon Wound Poison, Instant Poison Icon Instant Poison, Amplifying Poison Icon Amplifying Poison and Deadly Poison Icon Deadly Poison
Core Gouge Icon Gouge / Airborne Irritant Icon Airborne Irritant You have the choice between AoE stop or powerful short cooldown single-target stop.
Core Blind Icon Blind Disturb effect, useful for crowd-control.
Core Kidney Shot Icon Kidney Shot Single-target stun effect.
Core Sap Icon Sap Non-combat crowd-control.
Core Cheap Shot Icon Cheap Shot Single-target stun effect.
Core Shiv Icon Shiv Enrage-effect dispel.
Core Shroud of Concealment Icon Shroud of Concealment Mass-invisibility effect.
Core Tricks of the Trade Icon Tricks of the Trade Redirects all threat you cause to a selected party member lasting 6 sec.
Core Distract Icon Distract When used, it stops any creatures from moving. Incredible useful when stopping patrol targets from repositioning.
3.2.

A+-Tier

Below are displayed the DPS specs that are considered strong but not "meta." unlike S-tier specs. In other words, you are perfectly fine bringing any of those specs, and all of them will perform almost equally well; each of them bring unique tools to cope with the dungeon timers, and some specs fit better than others, depending on your group setup.

3.2.1.

Outlaw Rogue

Patch 10.2: Outlaw Rogue received massive changes going forward to the next season, as well as a brand new tierset 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 Rogue performs exceptionally well in both single-target and AOE situations, making it a versatile and dominant spec in Mythic+. The class boasts high utility, several defensive abilities, magical immunity, and excellent mobility. Overall, it's difficult to find any other spec that matches the effectiveness and efficiency of Outlaw Rogue in the current state of the game.

3.2.2.

Cons

With the most recent aura nerf to Outlaw Rogue, we still believe they are one of the strongest melee options for Season 3. Overall, their strong damage profile paired with incredible group-wide will cement their current rankings. Lastly, don't forget that this spec will still struggle in heavy AoE scenarios (10+ mobs), which rarely happens in pug keys (but still to be mentioned).

3.2.3.

Mythic+ utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Weapon Poisons Numbing Poison Icon Numbing Poison, Atrophic Poison Icon Atrophic Poison, Crippling Poison Icon Crippling Poison, Wound Poison Icon Wound Poison or Instant Poison Icon Instant Poison
Core Gouge Icon Gouge / Airborne Irritant Icon Airborne Irritant You have the choice between AoE stop or powerful short cooldown single-target stop.
Core Blind Icon Blind Disturb effect, useful for crowd-control.
Core Kidney Shot Icon Kidney Shot Single-target stun effect.
Core Sap Icon Sap Non-combat crowd-control.
Core Cheap Shot Icon Cheap Shot Single-target stun effect.
Core Shiv Icon Shiv Enrage-effect dispel.
Core Shroud of Concealment Icon Shroud of Concealment Mass-invisibility effect.
Core Tricks of the Trade Icon Tricks of the Trade Redirects all threat you cause to a selected party member lasting 6 sec.
Core Distract Icon Distract When used, it stops any creatures from moving. Incredible useful when stopping patrol targets from repositioning.
3.2.4.

Enhancement Shaman

Patch 10.2 update: Enhancement Shaman received some changes going forward to the next season, 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 currently one of the best-performing melee DPS specializations on PTR. The changes to the spec-exclusive talent tree have helped them, and the amazing tier set will further supplement their burst-oriented specialization while improving their sustained damage. Finally, we are confident that Enhancement Shaman has one of the best funnel damage in the game, a feature that can "buy" you tons of time and eliminate danger accordingly.

3.2.5.

Cons

One of the major concerns with playing as an Enhancement Shaman is how vulnerable they can be. Similarly to its counterpart, the Elemental Shaman, this class can feel incredibly fragile once their only defensive cooldown, Astral Shift Icon Astral Shift is unavailable. In addition, their mass AoE damage is still an issue going forward to Season 3 (8-10+ mobs).

3.2.6.

Mythic+ utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Bloodlust Icon Bloodlust -
Core Sundering Icon Sundering Additional AoE stop.
Core Earth Elemental Icon Earth Elemental A powerful elemental summon that helps you survive.
Optional Windfury Totem Icon Windfury Totem -
Optional Wind Rush Totem Icon Wind Rush Totem / Earthgrab Totem Icon Earthgrab Totem A choice between on-demand extra movement speed or AoE root effect similar to Mass Entanglement Icon Mass Entanglement.
Optional Ancestral Guidance Icon Ancestral Guidance Provides extra off-healing to your party.
Optional Capacitor Totem Icon Capacitor Totem 3 sec AoE stun.
Optional Hex Icon Hex Single-target crowd-control ability.
Optional Cleanse Spirit Icon Cleanse Spirit Removes all CurseCurse effects from a friendly target.
Optional Purge Icon Purge Removing 1 beneficial Magic effect from an enemy.
Optional Thunderstorm Icon Thunderstorm AoE disturb effect that can either knock away or knock up (Thundershock Icon Thundershock).
Optional Poison Cleansing Totem Icon Poison Cleansing Totem Removes all poison effects on a nearby party member each 1.5 sec for 6 sec.
Optional Stoneskin Totem Icon Stoneskin Totem 10% physical damage reduction
3.2.7.

Balance Druid

Patch 10.2 update: Balance Druid received some changes going forward to Season 3, 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%.

Underestimating the power of Balance Druid is a mistake. Although this spec may not appear impressive in lower-end keys, it becomes increasingly formidable as the key level increases. If you use your cooldowns effectively in Mythic+, you can achieve exceptionally high damage, both in AoE and single-target scenarios, as "burst" is your middle name. Moreover, we all know how valuable the Druid utility is. This leads me to believe this spec is a "hidden" gem for players interested in tackling high keys.

3.2.8.

Cons

It takes some time for the spec to ramp up before it can cause significant damage. This means that the performance of the Balance Druid will improve as the mobs live longer. In addition, the damage output of the spec without major cooldowns is at most average, making it essential to carefully manage and use your cooldowns to their fullest potential.

3.2.9.

Mythic+ utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Mark of the Wild Icon Mark of the Wild Increasing the Versatility of your raid/party by 3%.
Core Solar Beam Icon Solar Beam 8 sec AoE silence.
Core Entangling Roots Icon Entangling Roots Single-target root effect.
Optional Nature's Vigil Icon Nature's Vigil Extra off-healing.
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 Remove Corruption Icon Remove Corruption Removes all CurseCurse and PoisonPoison effects from a friendly target.
Optional Soothe Icon Soothe Dispelling all Enrage Effects from an enemy target.
Optional Hibernate Icon Hibernate Single-target crowd-control effects against beasts and dragonkins. It also works on Incorporeal Icon Incorporeal.
Optional Incapacitating Roar Icon Incapacitating Roar / Mighty Bash Icon Mighty Bash You have the choice between AoE disturb effect or a single-target stun.
Optional Typhoon Icon Typhoon Aoe knockback.
Optional Mass Entanglement Icon Mass Entanglement / Ursol's Vortex Icon Ursol's Vortex You have the choice between AoE root effect or AoE wind-of-vortex, pulling all the mobs to one location.
3.2.10.

Demonology Warlock

Patch 10.2 update:. Demonology Warlock received massive changes going forward to the next season, as well as a brand new tier set 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.

So far, in Season 3, the Demonology Warlock specialization is performing the best out of all Warlock specs, with their great consistent AoE damage, paired with a strong single-target. Apart from that, the Warlock class has a well-rounded Mythic+ package and a good damage balance. With adequate damage output, this class has the potential to stand out and be the best-ranged option in Season 3.

3.2.11.

Cons

-

3.2.12.

Mythic+ utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Create Healthstone Icon Create Healthstone Helps your team to survive deadly pulls.
Core Soulstone Icon Soulstone Combat Resurrection.
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.
Optional Shadowfury Icon Shadowfury AoE Stun.
Optional Mortal Coil Icon Mortal Coil Single-Target disturb effect.
3.2.13.

Beast Mastery Hunter

Patch 10.2 update: Beast Mastery Hunter received minor changes in the upcoming Season 3, 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.

Beast Mastery Hunter is performing exceptionally well, and it is likely the strongest it has been since the start of the expansion. Their single-target and consistent AoE damage are among the highest, and when combined with their unbeatable mobility, they become a hidden gem in the game. Moreover, their performance is expected to improve even more after receiving their brand-new raid/group-wide utility - Hunter's Mark Icon Hunter's Mark. We are optimistic about Beast Mastery Hunter and its performance in Season 3 of Mythic+.

3.2.14.

Cons

There are several concerns regarding the spec, but the biggest one is the newly introduced group/raid-wide utility called Hunter's Mark Icon Hunter's Mark. Although it can upgrade the entire party, it is insignificant compared to what most classes can offer. In addition, it is well-known that Hunter's survivability has been a red flag for some time now. While several attempts have been made to improve it, and it is better than in previous expansions, it remains a concern. Lastly, pet interaction can still be problematic. Given the fact that almost all of your damage comes from pet attacks, it is something that should be permanently fixed. For instance, pets randomly dying from frontals or glitching up and being unable to reach specific places like Atal'Dazar's snap pylons.

3.2.15.

Mythic+ utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Primal Rage Icon Primal Rage Although not unique, it can help in some rare cases.
Core Hunter's Mark Icon Hunter's Mark Increases all damage dealt to targets above 80% health by 5%.
Core Tar Trap Icon Tar Trap AoE Slow.
Core Tranquilizing Shot Icon Tranquilizing Shot Removes 1 Enrage and Magic effect from an enemy target.
Core Intimidation Icon Intimidation A powerful 5 sec single-target stun.
Core Scatter Shot Icon Scatter Shot / Binding Shot Icon Binding Shot You have the option between single-target disturb effect and a wonky "AoE Stun".
Core Freezing Trap Icon Freezing Trap A powerful single-target crowd-control effect.
3.2.16.

Frost Mage

Patch 10.2 update: Frost Mage received minor changes going forward to the next season, as well as a brand new tierset 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.

There haven't been a whole lot of changes for Frost Mage except for the new tier set, which is disappointing. The new gameplay revolves around Glacial Spike Icon Glacial Spike, and the tier-set favors AoE over single-target damage. Regardless, the raw damage of Frost Mage is absolutely amazing, and they are currently among the highest across any other DPS spec. It's important to note that Frost Mages, like any other Mage spec, have excellent group-wide utility, one of the best defensives in the game, high mobility, and Frost-exclusive permanent slow attached to most of their spells. Overall, one of the best, if not the best Ranged spec for any range of keys.

3.2.17.

Cons

Frost Mage has the package to be part of the best-performing DPS specializations, but it requires it to have further damage adjustments to climb the rankings.

3.2.18.

Mythic+ 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.
Core Polymorph Icon Polymorph Single-target crowd-control effect.
Core Permanent slow effects. -
Optional Mass Barrier Icon Mass Barrier / Mass Invisibility Icon Mass Invisibility Gives a shield that absorbs damage or mass invisibility to the entire party.
Optional Spellsteal Icon Spellsteal Steals a beneficial magic effect from the target.
Optional Remove Curse Icon Remove Curse Removes all CurseCurses from a friendly target.
Optional Ring of Frost Icon Ring of Frost AoE disturb effect.
Optional Ice Nova Icon Ice Nova AoE Immobilize effect. This can be cast separate from Frost Nova Icon Frost Nova.
Optional Blast Wave Icon Blast Wave AoE knockback.
Optional Dragon's Breath Icon Dragon's Breath AoE disturb effect.
3.2.19.

Arcane Mage

Patch 10.2 update: Arcane Mage received minor changes since going forward to the Season 3, as well as a brand new tierset 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 is known for having one of the best burst-damage playstyles in Mythic+ dungeons, making it a valuable option for taking down high-danger non-boss packs and important bosses, especially on Tyrannical Icon Tyrannical weeks. With incredible utility and survivability, it is a solid Ranged option for the upcoming Season 3. However, it's important to note that Arcane Mage performs best on mid-high level keys where mobs can withstand the full burst. Additionally, this spec is considered one of the most difficult to play, so inexperienced players with limited dungeon knowledge may not benefit from its potential.

3.2.20.

Cons

To fully utilize this specialization, a high level of skill is required, which can make it difficult for new players to get the most out of it. Additionally, this specialization is considered a "niche". It is more valuable in higher-level gameplay, while its effectiveness may be reduced in lower-level gameplay.

3.2.21.

Mythic+ 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.
Core Polymorph Icon Polymorph Single-target crowd-control effect.
Optional Mass Barrier Icon Mass Barrier / Mass Invisibility Icon Mass Invisibility Gives a shield that absorbs damage or mass invisibility to the entire party.
Optional Spellsteal Icon Spellsteal Steals a beneficial magic effect from the target.
Optional Remove Curse Icon Remove Curse Removes all CurseCurses from a friendly target.
Optional Ring of Frost Icon Ring of Frost AoE disturb effect.
Optional Ice Nova Icon Ice Nova AoE Immobilize effect. This can be cast separate from Frost Nova Icon Frost Nova.
Optional Blast Wave Icon Blast Wave AoE knockback.
Optional Dragon's Breath Icon Dragon's Breath AoE disturb effect.
3.2.22.

Fire Mage

Patch 10.2 update: Fire Mage received some changes going forward to the next season, as well as a brand new tierset 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.

Fire Mage is a specialization that excels in higher-end keys where mobs live longer, and there are longer gaps between pulls. Once we reach full gear, their tier set will likely be among the best available. This class offers consistent damage, high on-demand burst and is one of the toughest classes in the game. It also provides high group-wide utility, with nothing missing except for more damage to be on top.

3.2.23.

Cons

There are no negatives of Fire Mage, except needing more damage to reach even higher rankings. Remember that this specialization plays better on the higher-end keys where mobs live longer and there are bigger pulls.

3.2.24.

Mythic+ 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.
Core Polymorph Icon Polymorph Single-target crowd-control effect.
Optional Mass Barrier Icon Mass Barrier / Mass Invisibility Icon Mass Invisibility Gives a shield that absorbs damage or mass invisibility to the entire party.
Optional Spellsteal Icon Spellsteal Steals a beneficial magic effect from the target.
Optional Remove Curse Icon Remove Curse Removes all CurseCurses from a friendly target.
Optional Ring of Frost Icon Ring of Frost AoE disturb effect.
Optional Ice Nova Icon Ice Nova AoE Immobilize effect. This can be casted separate from Frost Nova Icon Frost Nova.
Optional Blast Wave Icon Blast Wave AoE knockback.
Optional Dragon's Breath Icon Dragon's Breath AoE disturb effect.
3.3.

A-Tier

Specializations placed under B-Tier are a viable choice for any group looking to excel with any of the specializations here. The main reason why these specializations are placed on B-Tier is not that they are bad, but rather other specs having higher damage profiles or better "package."

3.3.1.

Subtlety Rogue

Patch 10.2: Subtlety Rogue received massive changes going forward to the next season, as well as a brand-new tierset 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.

Apart from the impressive Rogue's utility package, Subtlety Rogue also delivers consistent damage with great on-demand burst. The spec has no shortcomings apart from the fact that it doesn't compete with the best-performing classes regarding raw damage output. However, it's only a matter of time before adjustments are made following the release of Season 3. Watch out for Subtlety Rogue, as any rogue spec can become an S-tier candidate if properly fine-tuned!

3.3.2.

Cons

-

3.3.3.

Mythic+ utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Weapon Poisons Numbing Poison Icon Numbing Poison, Atrophic Poison Icon Atrophic Poison, Crippling Poison Icon Crippling Poison, Wound Poison Icon Wound Poison or Instant Poison Icon Instant Poison
Core Gouge Icon Gouge / Airborne Irritant Icon Airborne Irritant You have the choice between AoE stop or powerful short cooldown single-target stop.
Core Blind Icon Blind Disturb effect, useful for crowd-control.
Core Kidney Shot Icon Kidney Shot Single-target stun effect.
Core Sap Icon Sap Non-combat crowd-control.
Core Cheap Shot Icon Cheap Shot Single-target stun effect.
Core Shiv Icon Shiv Enrage-effect dispel.
Core Shroud of Concealment Icon Shroud of Concealment Mass-invisibility effect.
Core Tricks of the Trade Icon Tricks of the Trade Redirects all threat you cause to a selected party member lasting 6 sec.
Core Distract Icon Distract When used, it stops any creatures from moving. Incredible useful when stopping patrol targets from repositioning.
3.3.4.

Retribution Paladin

Patch 10.2 update: Retribution Paladin received some changes going forward to Season 3, as well as a brand new tierset 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.

The overall feeling from Retribution Paladin will remain a reliable choice, regardless of your party composition, in Season 3. With one of the best group-wide DPS utilities, it is an invaluable asset for anyone who wants to play this spec. Additionally, it offers excellent defensive options in case of danger and a great damage output. Speaking of damage, you don't have to worry, as it still has impressive burst windows that can help you take down low-health targets and decent sustain damage. Overall, Retribution Paladin performs above average, and the only way to improve further is to add more raw damage.

3.3.5.

Cons

It is still a significant concern that the spec lack diversification, which leads to severe limitations in capabilities. If you choose to specialize in single-target, you won't be able to perform as well in AoE, and vice versa. Unfortunately, no relevant hybrid options are available, which adversely affects their Mythic+ performance. The fact that you must choose and sacrifice without any middle ground is a heartbreaking moment for any DPS class.

3.3.6.

Mythic+ utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Devotion Aura Icon Devotion Aura Permanent 3% group/raid-wide damage reduction 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 party/raid do more Damage and Healing.
Core Hammer of Justice Icon Hammer of Justice A powerful single-target 6 sec stun effect.
Core Lay on Hands Icon Lay on Hands Heals a member of your party/raid to full health.
Core Intercession Icon Intercession Combat-resurrection
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.
Optional Repentance Icon Repentance / Blinding Light Icon Blinding Light You have the option between single-target crowd-control effect or a powerful mass AoE stop.
Optional Cleanse Toxins Icon Cleanse Toxins Removes all PoisonPoison and DiseaseDisease effects from the target.
Optional Turn Evil Icon Turn Evil Be able to fear any Undead, Aberration or Demon, which is an additional form of crowd-control.
3.3.7.

Survival Hunter

Patch 10.2 update: Survival Hunter received minor changes leading up to Season 3. 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.

Survival Hunter spec appears to be doing fantastic with front-loaded bursty damage output and improved single-target performance, which was an area they needed to work on. Like any Hunter spec, they will benefit from the newly introduced raid/group-wide utility Hunter's Mark Icon Hunter's Mark. However, despite the improved damage profile compared to the last season, they still face the same issue of being relatively squishy for a melee class.

3.3.8.

Cons

The specialization has improved massively since last season and is likely the best version of Survival Hunter we have seen since the start of the expansion. Although not quite "meta," they perform great, especially in the low-mid level keys.

3.3.9.

Mythic+ utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Primal Rage Icon Primal Rage Although not unique, it can help in some rare cases.
Core Hunter's Mark Icon Hunter's Mark Increases all damage dealt to targets above 80% health by 5%.
Core Tar Trap Icon Tar Trap AoE Slow.
Core Tranquilizing Shot Icon Tranquilizing Shot Removes 1 Enrage and Magic effect from an enemy target.
Core Intimidation Icon Intimidation A powerful 5 sec single-target stun.
Core Scatter Shot Icon Scatter Shot / Binding Shot Icon Binding Shot You have the option between single-target disturb effect and a wonky "AoE Stun".
Core Freezing Trap Icon Freezing Trap A powerful single-target crowd-control effect.
Optional Misdirection Icon Misdirection Helpful in cases where there are spread non-boss-enemies and your tanks needs help with collecting the aggro.
3.3.10.

Unholy Death Knight

Patch 10.2 update: Unholy Death Knight received major changes going forward to Season 3, as well as a brand new tierset 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.

Unholy Death Knight will perform much better in Season 3 compared to Season 2. The specialization will receive a well-designed tier-set for Mythic+ and a legendary 2H weapon, which will enhance their sustained damage output. Despite some power being removed from their burst, the changes have resulted in a better trade-off for the specialization, increasing their sustained damage. Overall, we are happy with the performance of this spec, and with the most recent class buffs, there is definitely an argument to be made that solidifies their A-tier placement.

3.3.11.

Cons

The biggest drawback of this specification is that you can only fully unleash its maximum potential by perfectly managing your big cooldowns, which unfortunately, is only possible when playing with a pre-made group. However, the most recent changes and new tier sets significantly improve your consistent damage output, so even if you mess up your cooldowns during a dungeon run, you can still maintain a relatively good damage output.

3.3.12.

Mythic+ 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.
Core Gnaw Icon Gnaw Having an extra stun effect for 1 sec from your Ghoul pet.
Optional Blinding Sleet Icon Blinding Sleet AoE disturb effect.
Optional Blinding Sleet Icon Blinding Sleet AoE disturb effect.
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.
Optional Asphyxiate Icon Asphyxiate 5 sec single-target stun.
3.4.

B+-Tier

3.4.1.

Fury Warrior

Patch 10.2 update: Fury Warrior received minor changes leading up to the next season, as well as a brand new tierset 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.

Fortunately for Fury Warrior, the new tier set will introduce a fresh playstyle for the specialization, offering a breath of fresh air. While their burst damage will remain powerful, particularly for lower-level keys, the overall utility of the class still remains one of the weakest. Further buffs are required to justify a higher ranking, but they have a trick up their sleeve. Here's why: Firstly, they will receive a new strength-only Legendary 2h Weapon. And since many other melee specializations are looking great in Season 3, Battle Shout Icon Battle Shout can be integrated into the mix, making it more desirable to have either of the Warrior specs present!

3.4.2.

Cons

Currently, the main challenge for Fury is their lack of meaningful party-wide utility. This puts Fury in a difficult position. However, if melee classes become the preferred choice, Fury can still be placed higher on our tier list due to the powerful Battle Shout Icon Battle Shout utility.

3.4.3.

Mythic+ 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 niche situations.
Optional Intimidating Shout Icon Intimidating Shout AoE disturb effect capped at 5 targets.
Optional Storm Bolt Icon Storm Bolt 4 sec single-target stun.
Optional Shockwave Icon Shockwave AoE Stun
3.4.4.

Arms Warrior

Patch 10.2 update: Arms Warrior received minor changes going forward to Season 3, as well as a brand new tierset 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.

Although the newly introduced Arms Warrior's tier set is impressive, there are some fundamental rotational spec issues that make the otherwise straightforward Arms playstyle very awkward. The biggest problem with this class is the inability to manage Rage efficiently, resulting in the majority of globals being filled with Mortal Strike Icon Mortal Strike, Overpower Icon Overpower, and now Sudden Death Icon Sudden Death. This leaves little room for regular spenders such as Slam Icon Slam, focusing more on Storm of Swords Icon Storm of Swords and Thunder Clap Icon Thunder Clap, to spend larger amounts of Rage in less time. The current rotation has resulted in a surplus of Rage with no viable way to spend it. However, with the introduction of the Legendary 2h weapon, the class has tremendous potential to climb the rankings. Additionally, there is a serious need for Battle Shout Icon Battle Shout, given the strength of some of the melee specializations in the current state of the Mythic+ season.

3.4.5.

Cons

Rotation intervention must occur before communicating any further problems with Arms Warrior. That is a #1 priority as of now.

3.4.6.

Mythic+ 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 niche situations.
Optional Intimidating Shout Icon Intimidating Shout AoE disturb effect capped at 5 targets.
Optional Storm Bolt Icon Storm Bolt 4 sec single-target stun.
Optional Shockwave Icon Shockwave AoE Stun
3.4.7.

Feral Druid

Patch 10.2 update: Feral Druid received some changes going forward to Season 3 of Mythic+, as well as a brand new tierset 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 is currently a great DPS choice, regardless of your group setup. Not only do you get the complete and overpowered utility package of Druid, but you also get amazing short-cooldown burst windows, great sustained AoE damage, and much better single-target damage. On top of this, we all know how "tanky" and mobile this spec is. In short, Feral is a solid choice for the upcoming Season 3.

3.4.8.

Cons

-

3.4.9.

Mythic+ utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Mark of the Wild Icon Mark of the Wild Increasing the Versatility of your raid/party by 3%.
Core Entangling Roots Icon Entangling Roots Single-target root effect.
Optional Innervate Icon Innervate Allowing 1 friendly healer to cast spells without spending mana for 8 sec.
Optional Nature's Vigil Icon Nature's Vigil Extra off-healing.
Optional Stampeding Roar Icon Stampeding Roar Increasing the movement speed to all raid members by 60% for 8 sec.
Optional Remove Corruption Icon Remove Corruption Removes all CurseCurse and PoisonPoison effects from a friendly target.
Optional Soothe Icon Soothe Dispelling all Enrage Effects from an enemy target.
Optional Hibernate Icon Hibernate Single-target crowd-control effects against beasts and dragonkins. It also works on Incorporeal Icon Incorporeal.
Optional Incapacitating Roar Icon Incapacitating Roar / Mighty Bash Icon Mighty Bash You have the choice between AoE disturb effect or a single-target stun.
Optional Typhoon Icon Typhoon Aoe knockback.
Optional Mass Entanglement Icon Mass Entanglement / Ursol's Vortex Icon Ursol's Vortex You have the choice between AoE root effect or AoE wind-of-vortex, pulling all the mobs to one location.
3.4.10.

Marksmanship Hunter

Patch 10.2 update: Marksmanship Hunter received some changes going forward to the next season, as well as a brand new tierset 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.

After the recent rework of the tier-set, the Marksmanship Hunter has made a significant improvement in their performance. They now have one of the strongest bursts in Mythic+, both in AoE and in single-target, while still maintaining good damage outside of their major cooldowns. The specialization has come a long way as it was previously one of the lowest-performing DPS options on our tier list. Further tuning will determine if they can retain their position, but we have high hopes for it!

3.4.11.

Cons

One of the major cons of the spec is the weak defensives and lack of strong single-target outside of their cooldowns.

3.4.12.

Mythic+ utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Primal Rage Icon Primal Rage Although not unique, it can help in some rare cases.
Core Hunter's Mark Icon Hunter's Mark Increases all damage dealt to targets above 80% health by 5%.
Core Tar Trap Icon Tar Trap AoE Slow.
Core Tranquilizing Shot Icon Tranquilizing Shot Removes 1 Enrage and Magic effect from an enemy target.
Core Scatter Shot Icon Scatter Shot / Binding Shot Icon Binding Shot You have the option between single-target disturb effect and a wonky "AoE Stun".
Core Freezing Trap Icon Freezing Trap A powerful single-target crowd-control effect.
Optional Misdirection Icon Misdirection Helpful in cases where there are spread non-boss-enemies and your tanks needs help with collecting the aggro.
3.5.

B-Tier

3.5.1.

Frost Death Knight

Patch 10.2 update: Frost Death Knight received some changes going forward to the next season, as well as a brand new tierset 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 will remain a powerful burst machine in Season 3, but it still has the same issue of lower sustain damage without cooldowns. Another problem that needs addressing is its limited utility in Mythic+. To justify a higher placement, the Death Knight class needs to be improved. Like Warriors and Ret Paladins, this class can use the newly introduced legendary 2H weapon, which may marginally increase the class's damage profile, depending on the tuning.

3.5.2.

Cons

-

3.5.3.

Mythic+ 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 Blinding Sleet Icon Blinding Sleet AoE disturb effect.
Optional Insidious Chill Icon Insidious Chill Reduces auto-attack speed of your target by 5% stacking up 4 times.
Optional Control Undead Icon Control Undead Mind-control an undead enemy to fight on your side. This ability can also Mind-control Incorporeal Icon Incorporeal (similar to Priest's Dominate Mind Icon Dominate Mind) to gain the full benefit of the affix.
Optional Asphyxiate Icon Asphyxiate 5 sec single-target stun.
3.5.4.

Windwalker Monk

Patch 10.2 update: Windwalker Monk received massive changes leading up to Season 3, as well as a brand new tierset 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 Monk still has a power burst that fits perfectly for the level of keys on which this tier list is based and has recently received buffs on behalf of their core abilities and their tier set. It's important to note that the utility package of this specialization is among the best in Mythic+, and it has one of the highest survivability rates. However, there are still concerns about their playstyle/base rotation that we hope to be resolved soon. Overall, the spec is versatile enough with high-burst capabilities, which is always a nice bonus on top of a decent damage profile.

3.5.5.

Cons

The gameplay performance of this specialization, while not the worst, requires rapid changes to encourage planning of cooldown usage instead of heavily relying on a proc-based build. Additionally, the tier set emphasizes an underlying issue with Windwalker that needs to be addressed in the future.

3.5.6.

Mythic+ 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.
Core Leg Sweep Icon Leg Sweep 3 sec stun effect.
Optional Tiger's Lust Icon Tiger's Lust Removes all roots and snares.
Optional Ring of Peace Icon Ring of Peace It can be used to help your tank kite and as a AoE disturb effect.
Optional Detox Icon Detox Removes all PoisonPoison and DiseaseDisease effects from the target.
Optional Paralysis Icon Paralysis Single-target disturb effect.
3.5.7.

Affliction Warlock

Patch 10.2 update: Affliction Warlock went through some changes going forward to the Season 3, as well as a brand new tierset 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.

Overall, Affliction Warlock will experience much quicker burst windows, with better ST + 2 and 3 target damage going forward to the next season.

3.5.8.

Cons

To improve their ranking, Affliction Warlock needs to increase their damage output. When a DPS class has multiple specializations, there is a risk of one spec being much better and receiving more representation. So, if your goal is to play as an Affliction Warlock without switching specs, you should be mindful of this. At last, with the most recent Affliction Warlock flat buffs of 6%, they are now doing much better but still have a lot more to tackle before it becomes a competitive specialization.

3.5.9.

Mythic+ utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Create Healthstone Icon Create Healthstone Helps your team to survive deadly pulls.
Core Soulstone Icon Soulstone Combat Resurrection.
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.
Optional Shadowfury Icon Shadowfury AoE Stun.
Optional Mortal Coil Icon Mortal Coil Single-Target disturb effect.
3.5.10.

Devastation Evoker

Patch 10.2 update: Devastation Evoker received some changes going forward to the next season, as well as a brand new tierset 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 current version of Devastation Evoker is similar to what we are used to in Season 2, but there are some differences. More powers are now tied to their major cooldown - Dragonrage Icon Dragonrage, which means proper cooldown management is crucial to reaching maximum performance in Mythic+. However, this creates a major concern for players because there will be a significant increase in damage for a couple of seconds after the major cooldown is done. This gap between major cooldowns and consistent damage for the spec would make it much weaker in Mythic+ compared to raid environments. This will ultimately make this specialization incredibly "bursty," both suitable for low and high keys, but with a downside of having lower sustain damage.

3.5.11.

Cons

There is a heavy reliance on the Dragonrage Icon Dragonrage cooldown, meaning that players often need to plan ahead to utilize its full potential even after it has expired. This requires skill and may create difficulties for new players who choose to be a Devastation Evoker as their go-to spec in Mythic+.

3.5.12.

Mythic+ utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Blessing of the Bronze Icon Blessing of the Bronze -
Core Tail Swipe Icon Tail Swipe AoE disturb effect that knocks up enemies.
Core Wing Buffet Icon Wing Buffet AoE knockback effect.
Core Expunge Icon Expunge Removing all PoisonPoison effects from an ally.
Optional Sleep Walk Icon Sleep Walk Single-target crowd-control effect that forces the enemy to move towards you.
Optional Source of Magic Icon Source of Magic Can be further bolstered by Potent Mana Icon Potent Mana
Optional Oppressing Roar Icon Oppressing Roar Increasing the duration of all crowd-control effects on the affected enemies by 50%. You can further talent into Overawe Icon Overawe, removing 1 Enrage effect from each enemy (AoE Enrage Removal).
Optional Terror of the Skies Icon Terror of the Skies After using Breath of Eons Icon Breath of Eons, you will stun all enemies by 3 sec affected by your breath.
Optional Zephyr Icon Zephyr Area-of-effect damage reduction (party only).
Optional Cauterizing Flame Icon Cauterizing Flame BleedBleed removal
Optional Rescue Icon Rescue You can further bolster it with Twin Guardian Icon Twin Guardian talent for extra durability.
3.6.

C-Tier

3.6.1.

Elemental Shaman

Patch 10.2 update: Elemental Shaman received massive changes going forward to the next season, as well as a brand new tierset 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.

The Elemental Shaman is set to enter the next season with a much different damage profile. Additionally, a tier set has been introduced that enables a much more flexible build, which was not possible previously. This will also increase the shaman's mobility while executing their rotation and will not punish them as harshly if excessive movement is required during the encounter. It is an overall improved version of the Elemental Shaman, but there is still a long way to go until the spec enters close to the "meta' composition.

3.6.2.

Cons

Elemental Shaman is still one of the squishiest DPS specs in the game, which needs to be addressed. Also, it is disappointing that this specialization is the only one that doesn't bring any unique buffs to the party/raid. In addition to the most recent nerfs to their tier set, the change was significant enough for them to vacate their placement and drop down to the C-tier rankings. The only way the specialization climbs higher than its current placement is further damage buffs, with a high priority over their spender options (both AoE and ST).

3.6.3.

Mythic+ utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Bloodlust Icon Bloodlust -
Core Earth Elemental Icon Earth Elemental A powerful elemental summon that helps you survive.
Core Earthquake Icon Earthquake Has a chance for a knockdown effect.
Optional Wind Rush Totem Icon Wind Rush Totem / Earthgrab Totem Icon Earthgrab Totem A choice between on-demand extra movement speed or AoE root effect similar to Mass Entanglement Icon Mass Entanglement.
Optional Ancestral Guidance Icon Ancestral Guidance Provides extra off-healing to your party.
Optional Capacitor Totem Icon Capacitor Totem 3 sec AoE stun.
Optional Hex Icon Hex Single-target crowd-control ability.
Optional Cleanse Spirit Icon Cleanse Spirit Removes all CurseCurse effects from a friendly target.
Optional Purge Icon Purge Removing 1 beneficial Magic effect from an enemy.
Optional Thunderstorm Icon Thunderstorm AoE disturb effect that can either knock away or knock up (Thundershock Icon Thundershock).
Optional Poison Cleansing Totem Icon Poison Cleansing Totem Removes all poison effects on a nearby party member each 1.5 sec for 6 sec.
Optional Stoneskin Totem Icon Stoneskin Totem 10% physical damage reduction
3.6.4.

Shadow Priest

Patch 10.2 update: Shadow Priest received a complete rework (once again) leading up to the Season 3, as well as a brand new tierset 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.

Shadow Priest has received several rounds of changes (mostly nerfs with some late compensational buffs), affecting not only their damage output but also their utility spells, such as Power Infusion Icon Power Infusion and Mass Dispel Icon Mass Dispel. However, despite the nerfs, one thing is certain - the execute damage of the spec remains great, and it still offers a great utility package. The main drawback comes from the average damage profile, which puts it among the average-performing classes. Nevertheless, with proper damage tuning, this spec can still shine and has demonstrated its potential in the past 2 seasons. Therefore, it is too early to dismiss it, and we should wait for further changes before making any conclusions.

3.6.5.

Cons

Mediocre overall damage contribution is the biggest concern so far, as the announced nerfs to the Shadow Priest's utility will not be a significant hit on their overall package.

3.6.6.

Mythic+ 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 Psychic Scream Icon Psychic Scream AoE disturb effect.
Core Mind Soothe Icon Mind Soothe It reduces the range at which the target/s will attack you. Incredible useful for trash mob skips. It can be used on multiple enemies.
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.
Optional Dominate Mind Icon Dominate Mind Mindcontrols an enemy allowing you to simultaneously execute your rotation while having full control over them and their abilities.
Optional Shackle Undead Icon Shackle Undead Crowd-controls a undead target for 50 sec.
Optional Purify Disease Icon Purify Disease On top of Dispel Magic Icon Dispel Magic you will be able to further bolster it by allowing the spell to remove 1 DiseaseDisease on a friendly target.
Optional Psychic Horror Icon Psychic Horror A single-target 4 sec stun effect.
3.7.

D-Tier

3.7.1.

Destruction Warlock

Patch 10.2 update: Destruction Warlock received some changes going forward to the next season, as well as a brand new tierset 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.

As with the other Warlock specializations, Destruction Warlock offers an impressive set of abilities that make it a valuable addition to any Mythic+ group. However, players using this specialization may struggle to consistently contribute to AoE damage without the help of Summon Infernal Icon Summon Infernal. Furthermore, their tier set is better suited for single-target and light-cleave encounters rather than the AoE-focused encounters that are common in Mythic+. We will continue to monitor the performance of this specialization during the season and make changes as needed.

3.7.2.

Cons

With the latest buff to Summon Infernal Icon Summon Infernal, the burst AoE damage of Destruction Warlock has improved, but it still lags behind most other specs. The lack of initial bursts without cooldowns or engaging combat with low-health mobs is a major concern, especially on lower-mid-level keys and needs to be addressed. Additionally, both Demonology Warlock and Affliction Warlock are in much better shape, making them a more viable and attractive option. To elevate the spec, all of the above must be addressed and solved!

3.7.3.

Mythic+ utility

Functionality Spells Notes
Core Create Healthstone Icon Create Healthstone Helps your team to survive deadly pulls.
Core Soulstone Icon Soulstone Combat Resurrection.
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.
Optional Shadowfury Icon Shadowfury AoE Stun.
Optional Mortal Coil Icon Mortal Coil Sinel-Target disturb effect.
4.

Changelog

  • 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 Adjustments based on the most recent class hotfix.
  • 25 Jul. 2023: Further Adjustments based on the most recent class hotfix.
  • 17 Jul. 2023: Further Adjustments based on the 10.1.5 Patch.
  • 13 Jul. 2023: Further Adjustments based on the 10.1.5 Patch.
  • 10 Jul. 2023: Further Adjustments based on the 10.1.5 Patch.
  • 27 Jun. 2023: Further Adjustments based on the most recent hotfixes.
  • 06 Jun. 2023: Further Adjustments based on the most recent hotfixes.
  • 23 May 2023: Further Adjustments based on the most recent hotfixes.
  • 07 May 2023: Further Adjustments based on the most recent hotfixes.
  • 01 May 2023: Fully Updated for Season 2 of Dragonflight.
  • 21 Mar. 2023: Further Adjustments based on the upcoming 10.0.7 Patch.
  • 04 Mar. 2023: Further Adjustments based on the most recent round of changes.
  • 14 Feb. 2023: Further Adjustments based on the most recent Patch.
  • 25 Jan. 2023: Further Adjustments based on the upcoming 10.0.5 Patch.
  • 04 Jan. 2022: Minor update based on the further testing.
  • 21 Dec. 2022: Further Adjustments based on the latest class changes.
  • 30 Nov. 2022: Adjusted Frost Mage's position.
  • 18 Nov. 2022: Updated with the initial iteration for Season 1 of Dragonflight.
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